Acute exercise performed close to the anaerobic threshold improves cognitive performance in elderly females

The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of acute exercise performed at different intensities in relation to the anaerobic threshold (AT) on abilities requiring control of executive functions or alertness in physically active elderly females. Forty-eight physically active elderly females (63.8 ± 4.6 years old) were assigned to one of four groups by drawing lots: control group without exercise or trial groups with exercise performed at 60, 90, or 110% of AT (watts) and submitted to 5 cognitive tests before and after exercise. Following cognitive pretesting, an incremental cycle ergometer test was conducted to determine AT using a fixed blood lactate concentration of 3.5 mmol/L as cutoff. Acute exercise executed at 90% of AT resulted in significant (P < 0.05, ANOVA) improvement in the performance of executive functions when compared to control in 3 of 5 tests (verbal fluency, Tower of Hanoi test (number of movements), and Trail Making test B). Exercising at 60% of AT did not improve results of any tests for executive functions, whereas exercise executed at 110% of AT only improved the performance in one of these tests (verbal fluency) compared to control. Women from all trial groups exhibited a remarkable reduction in the Simple Response Time (alertness) test (P = 0.001). Thus, physical exercise performed close to AT is more effective to improve cognitive processing of older women even if conducted acutely, and using a customized exercise prescription based on the anaerobic threshold should optimize the beneficial effects

Exercise below the anaerobic threshold increases phagocytic and microbicide activities of neutrophils in wistar rats

OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito de uma sessão de exercício abaixo do limiar anaeróbio sobre as funções de neutrófilos e monócitos circulantes em ratos Wistar. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Trata-se de um delineamento experimental com um pós-teste em que os sujeitos do grupo experimental exercitaram-se na água por 30 minutos enquanto controles não foram submetidos a qualquer intervenção. A atividade funcional dos fagócitos circulantes foi avaliada por ensaio de fagocitose de Saccharomyces cerevisiae e pelo teste de redução de nitroazul de tetrazólio (NBT). Para comparação entre as médias dos grupos, utilizaram-se testes t para amostras independentes com p < 0,05. RESULTADO: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no número total e diferencial de leucócitos entre os grupos. Entretanto, neutrófilos do grupo experimental não apenas fagocitaram mais S. cerevisiae (p = 0,005) como também foram mais eficientes em reduzir NBT (p = 0,018) em relação aos controles. Não existiram diferenças significativas na atividade funcional dos monócitos entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O exercício realizado com intensidade abaixo do limiar anaeróbio foi suficiente para incrementar a atividade fagocítica e microbicida de neutrófilos em modelo animal, o mesmo não sendo observado para monócitos circulantes. _________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a single session of exercise conducted below the anaerobic threshold on the functions of neutrophils and circulating monocytes in Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study had an experimental design with a single post-test in which subjects of the experimental group exercised in water for 30 minutes, whereas the control group was not submitted to any intervention. Functional capacity of circulating phagocytes was assessed by means of a phagocytosis assay of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test. To compare means between groups, t tests for independent samples were used with p set at < 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences as to the total and differential number of leucocytes between groups. Nonetheless, not only did the neutrophils of the experimental group phagocyte more S. cerevisiae (p = 0.005), but they also reduced NBT more efficiently (p = 0.018) in comparison with control subjects. No significant differences in these functional activities were observed in circulating monocytes. CONCLUSION: The exercise performed below the anaerobic threshold was sufficient to increase both phagocytic and microbicide activities of neutrophils in animal model, but the same protocol did not yield similar results for circulating monocytes

Respuesta cardiovascular al Stroop : comparación entre test computarizado y verbal

FUNDAMENTO: O teste de Stroop requer que o indivíduo responda a elementos específicos de um estímulo enquanto inibe processos mais automatizados. OBJETIVO: Comparar a reatividade cardiovascular induzida pela versão computadorizada do teste palavra-cor de Stroop - TESTINPACS® com versão tradicional baseada na leitura de palavras impressas. MÉTODOS: A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 20 mulheres (22,4 ± 4,1 anos). Análises de variância com medidas repetidas foram utilizadas para comparar efeitos principais entre testes (computadorizado, verbal), assim como entre etapas do teste (linha de base, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) das variáveis fisiológicas (pressão arterial, arritmia sinusal respiratória, frequência cardíaca e frequência respiratória). Testes t para amostras pareadas foram utilizados para comparar as médias pressóricas entre o Stroop 3 e a linha de base. Ademais, a magnitude dos efeitos (d') foi estimada a fim avaliar o impacto das diferenças entre as medidas fisiológicas relativas ao Stroop 3 e a linha de base. RESULTADOS: As duas versões do instrumento produziram elevação significativa em frequência cardíaca (p<0,01) e pressão arterial sistólica (p<0,05) quando medidas resultantes do Stroop 3 foram comparadas às de base. Não se verificaram, contudo, diferenças significativas produzidas pelas diferentes versões do teste sobre as demais variáveis investigadas. Estatísticas d' confirmaram a grande magnitude dos efeitos (-1,04 a +1,49) entre as medidas do Stroop 3 e da linha de base. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a presente versão computadorizada TESTINPACS® do teste de Stroop constitui instrumento útil para induzir reatividade cardiovascular em mulheres.BACKGROUND: The Stroop test requires the individual to respond to specific elements of a stimulus, whereas inhibiting more automated processes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular reactivity induced by the computerized version of the Stroop word-color test TESTINPACSTM with the traditional version based on the reading of printed words. METHODS: The sample of convenience consisted of 20 women (22.4 ± 4.1 years). Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to compare the main effects between the tests (computerized vs verbal), as well as between phases of the test (baseline, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) on the physiological variables (arterial pressure, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, heart failure and respiratory rate). The t tests for paired samples were used to compare the pressure means between Stroop 3 and baseline. Additionally, the magnitude of the effects (d') was estimated in order to assess the impact of the changes in the physiological measurements between Stroop 3 and the baseline. RESULTS: The two versions of the assessment tool caused significant increase in heart rate (p<0.01) and systolic arterial pressure (p<0.05) when the measurements obtained at the Stroop 3 were compared to that of baseline. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the different versions of the test on the other investigated variables. The d' statistics confirmed the high magnitude of the effects (-1.04 to +1.49) between the measurements from the Stroop 3 and the baseline ones. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the current computerized version (TESTINPACSTM) of the Stroop test constitutes a useful instrument to induce cardiovascular reactivity in women

Association between the -174 G/C promoter polymorphism of the interleukin-6 gene and cardiovascular disease risk factors in Brazilian older women

In worldwide studies, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in age-related disturbances. The aim of the present report was to determine the possible association of IL-6 -174 C/G promoter polymorphism with the cytokine profile as well as with the presence of selected cardiovascular risk features. This was a cross-sectional study on Brazilian women aged 60 years or older. A sample of 193 subjects was investigated for impaired glucose regulation, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Genotyping was done by direct sequencing of PCR products. IL-6 and C-reactive protein were quantified by high-sensitivity assays. General linear regression models or the Student t-test were used to compare continuous variables among genotypes, followed by adjustments for confounding variables. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. The genotypes were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium proportions. In a recessive model, mean waist-to-hip ratio, serum glycated hemoglobin and serum glucose were markedly lower in C homozygotes (P = 0.001, 0.028, and 0.047, respectively). In a dominant hypothesis, G homozygotes displayed a trend towards higher levels of circulating IL-6 (P = 0.092). Non-parametric analysis revealed that impaired fasting glucose and hypertension were findings approximately 2-fold more frequent among G homozygous subjects (P = 0.042 and 0.043, respectively). Taken together, our results show that the IL-6 -174 G-allele is implicated in a greater cardiovascular risk. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of IL-6 promoter variants and age-related disturbances in the Brazilian elderly population

The influence of intense intermitent versus moderate continuous exercise on postprandial lipemia

INTRODUCTION: Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exercise is known to reduce postprandial lipemia and its negative clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise using the same energy expenditure in postprandial lipemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy men (aged 21.5 + 3.5 years) performed a random sequence of either rest or 500 Kcal tests separated by a minimum 48 h interval as follows: (a) no exercise (control), (b) intense intermittent exercise, or (c) moderate continuous exercise. Each test series was completed 30 min before ingestion of a high-fat meal (1 g fat/kg). Venous blood was collected before and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after the high-fat meal. Postprandial lipemia was assessed using the area under the curve approach as well as a kinetic profile of mean lipid variables. Statistical significance was tested at the p<0.05 level. RESULTS: With both statistical approaches, intense intermittent and moderate continuous exercises were both effective in reducing postprandial triglycerides; however, only intense intermittent exercise reduced the levels of postprandial very low density lipoprotein. Intense intermittent and continuous exercise produced lower levels of insulinemia using the area under the curve analysis only. CONCLUSION: Intense intermittent or continuous exercise with an energy expenditure of 500 kcal completed 30 min before ingestion of high-fat meal reduced postprandial lipid levels to different levels in physically active men. Understanding these relevant differences will enable clinicians to provide the best exercise prescription for patients

Intake analysis of hematopoietic micronutrients and anemia : prevalence in Brazilian female older-adults

Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ingestão de micronutrientes relacionados à hematopoiese e determinar a prevalência de anemia em pacientes do sexo feminino com idade superior a 60 anos residentes na periferia do Distrito Federal. Material e Métodos: Para cada paciente, foi determinada a média da ingestão diária de ferro, vitamina B12 e ácido fólico por meio da análise dietética dos registros alimentares estimados de três dias alternados, seguida pela determinação das dosagens séricas de cobalamina livre e homocisteína. O diagnóstico de anemia foi estabelecido pela dosagem de hemoglobina total. Resultados: Encontrou-se uma prevalência de anemia em 9,8% das idosas estudadas. Não foi observada diferença significativa no consumo de ferro e ácido fólico entre pacientes anêmicas e não-anêmicas. No entanto, o consumo médio de vitamina B12 entre as pacientes não-anêmicas mostrou-se 2,6 vezes superior à ingestão média observada no grupo anêmico (p < 0,05). Dosagens séricas de cobalamina e homocisteína mostraram-se aumentadas entre portadoras de anemia. Conclusões: Nossos dados sugerem que a deficiência na ingestão de vitamina B12 constitui fator predisponente ao desenvolvimento de anemia em pacientes idosos. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTAim: This study aimed to estimate the average intake of hematopoiesis related micro-nutrients and to assess the prevalence of anemia in elder female subjects aged 60 years or older residing in the outskirts of the Brazilian Federal District. Material and Methods: Mean daily consumption of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 were determined for each patient by means of dietary analysis of food registries, followed by evaluation of free serum cobalamin and homocysteine. Anemia diagnosis was established by quantification of total hemoglobin. Results: Prevalence was found to assault 9.8% of elderly studied. No significant difference has been observed in folic acid and iron intakes between anemic and non-anemic subjects. On the other hand, mean consumption of vitamin B12 was 2.6 times higher among anemic patients (p < 0.05). Accordingly, serum cobalamin and homocysteine dosages have shown marked increase in the anemic group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that deficiency in vitamin B12 intake constitutes a predisposing factor to the onset of anemia in the elderly

Physical exercise as a preventive procedures inflammation of aging

Ao longo do processo de envelhecimento observa-se complexa remodelagem do sistema imunitário. Estas alterações estão associadas ao desenvolvimento de patologias responsáveis por grande parte da mortalidade em população idosa. Recentemente, a prática regular de atividades físicas tem sido proposta como intervenção não-medicamentosa com amplos benefícios sobre a regulação de processos decorrentes da imunossenescênia. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho revisou e discutiu estudos que abordam a ação de mediadores pró-inflamatórios crônicos e possíveis ações do exercício físico como agente antiinflamatório. Baseado nos resultados de estudos na literatura sugere-se que, em conjunto, a interleucina-6 (IL-6) e o fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF- α) são as principais citocinas associadas à aterosclerose, sarcopenia e déficits cognitivos. Embora os mecanismos não sejam totalmente elucidados, o exercício reduz a atividade de citocinas pró-inflamatórias e aumenta a liberação de substancias anti-inflamatórias.During the aging is observed complex remodeling of immune system. These changes are associated with the development of diseases responsible for much of the mortality in the elderly. Recently, the regular practice of exercise has been proposed as an intervention non-medication with broad benefits on regulation processes arising from Immunosenescence. In sense, this paper reviewed and discussed studies addressing the action of pro-inflammatory mediator's chronic and possible actions of physical exercise as anti-inflammatory agent. Based on the results of studies in the literature suggest that, together, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are the main cytokines associated with atherosclerosis, sarcopenia and cognitive deficits. Though mechanisms are not fully elucidated, the Exercise reduces the activity of pro-inflammatory and increases the release of anti-inflammatory substances

Esteatose hepática não-alcóolica e síndrome metabólica em brasileiros idosos e de meia-idade

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex clinicopathological entity characterized by diffuse or focal fat accumulation in the hepatic parenchyma of patients who deny abusive alcohol consumption. This study aimed to assess idiopathic NAFLD in community-dwelling, middle-aged and older adults living in the Brazilian Federal District. Associations between NAFLD and components of metabolic syndrome and the whole syndrome were investigated. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This was a cross-sectional study on 139 subjects aged 55 years or older. METHODS: NAFLD was diagnosed by means of clinical procedures, to exclude subjects with signs of liver disorders, abusive alcohol consumption and influence from hepatotoxic drugs. Phenotypes were graded based on ultrasound examination. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the NCEP ATP III criteria. Laboratory tests were performed to assist clinical examinations and define the syndrome. RESULTS NAFLD was present in 35.2% of the subjects. Taken together, the two most intense phenotypes correlated with increased serum fasting glucose, triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 25.9% of the sample. In addition to associating NAFLD with specific traits of metabolic syndrome, non-parametric analysis confirmed the existence of a relationship (p < 0.05) between the steatotic manifestation and the syndromic condition. CONCLUSION: Compared with the literature, this study reveals greater frequency of idiopathic NAFLD among Brazilian middle-aged and older adults than is described elsewhere. The findings also suggest that impaired glycemic metabolism coupled with increased fat delivery and/or sustained endogenous biosynthesis is the most likely physiopathogenic mechanisms underlying the onset of NAFLD in this population. _________________________________________________________________________________ RESUMOCONTEXTO E OBJETIVOS: Esteatose hepática não-alcoólica (EHNA) constitui entidade clínico-patológica caracterizada por acúmulo focal ou difuso de gordura no parênquima hepático de pacientes que negam consumo abusivo de álcool. Este estudo avaliou a freqüência de EHNA entre indivíduos idosos e de meia-idade residentes em comunidade no Distrito Federal. Foi investigada a associação de EHNA com síndrome metabólica (SM) e seus componentes individuais. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo seccional realizado com 139 indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 55 anos. MÉTODOS: EHNA foi diagnosticada por protocolo clínico para exclusão de indivíduos com sinais de desordens hepáticas, consumo abusivo de álcool e influência hepatotóxica de medicamentos. Fenótipos de EHNA foram classificados com base na ecogenecidade sonográfica. Síndrome metabólica foi definida com base no critério do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Exames laboratoriais foram realizados para complementar a avaliação clínica bem como diagnosticar SM. RESULTADOS: EHNA encontrava-se presente em 35,2% dos indivíduos. Em conjunto, os dois fenótipos mais intensos correlacionaram-se com níveis aumentados de glicemia, triglicérides e VLDL lipoproteína (muito baixa densidade) colesterol em jejum. Síndrome metabólica foi diagnosticada em 25,6% dos casos. Além da associação entre EHNA e variáveis discretas representativas da síndrome metabólica, análise não paramétrica confirmou a relação (p < 0,05) entre a manifestação esteatótica e a entidade sindrômica. CONCLUSÕES: Comparado com a literatura, este estudo revelou freqüência de EHNA idiopática em brasileiros idosos e de meia-idade maior que a descrita em outros estudos. Nossos achados sugerem que metabolismo glicêmico anormal conjugado a um maior aporte lipídico e/ou biossíntese exacerbada no fígado são prováveis mecanismos fisiopatogênicos da EHNA na população estudada