Effects of short-term intermittent fasting on neuromuscular performance, aerobic and anaerobic capacity

This dissertation aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on physical parameters, namely on performance, and body composition of young, physically active healthy males. Specifically, it comprises a set of 5 studies that were designed to i) determine the effects of IF on specific exercise performance outcomes; ii) determine the effects of different types of IF on body composition and nutritional status, exercise and control of energy intake as moderators of the impact of IF on body composition; iii) examine the effects of time-restricted feeding (TRE) on exercise performance, namely on neuromuscular strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity as well as on body composition. Studies I and II reflect the state of the art on the effects of different types of IF (Ramadan vs. non- Ramadan) on exercise performance and body composition, showing that TRE may be effective for improving aerobic power. These studies also show that, overall, fat mass (FM) loss is more pronounced with non-Ramadan IF. In addition, we found that non-Ramadan IF leads to greater reductions in body mass index when combined with exercise training. Finally, we observed that this type of IF may be well-suited for eliciting small, but significant increases in fat-free mass (FFM), under circumstances involving control of energy intake. Study III aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of the effects of both short- and long-term TRE vs. regular diet on Wingate performance and body composition in well-trained young men. The results of this study showed that TRE, when used in combination with regular training, leads to improved supramaximal exercise performance. Subsequently, study IV unravelled that four-weeks of TRE, when used in combination with endurance running, elicits body mass reductions in trained males. Yet, when compared to that seen after following a regular dietary pattern, TRE does not offer any benefit for improving submaximal or peak exercise capacity in well-trained males. Finally, study V confirmed that TRE, when used in combination with resistance training, is effective for reducing FM and for improving high-speed strength in response to upper-body dynamic tasks (in trained males). However, once again, we determined that, when compared to that seen following a regular dietary pattern, TRE does not offer any benefit for improving lower-body strength.Esta dissertação teve o objetivo estudar os efeitos do jejum intermitente ao nível de parâmetros físicos, nomeadamente de desempenho e composição corporal em participantes jovens do sexo masculino, fisicamente ativos e saudáveis. Especificamente, este documento compreende um conjunto de 5 estudos que foram estruturados para i) determinar os efeitos do jejum intermitente sobre o desempenho de exercícios específicos; ii) determinar os efeitos de diferentes tipos de jejum intermitente sobre a composição corporal e estado nutricional, exercício e controlo de aporte energético como moderadores do impacto do jejum intermitente sobre a composição corporal; iii) examinar os efeitos da dieta com restrição de aporte energético no domínio do tempo sobre o desempenho físico, nomeadamente na força neuromuscular, capacidade aeróbia e anaeróbia e na composição corporal. Os estudos I e II refletem o estado da arte a respeito dos efeitos dos diferentes tipos de jejum intermitente (Ramadão vs. não Ramadão) no desempenho físico e na composição corporal. Em conjunto, demonstram que a dieta com restrição temporal (TRE) pode ser eficaz para melhorar a potência aeróbia. Não obstante, verificou-se que a perda de massa gorda é mais pronunciada com jejum intermitente não Ramadão. Segundo os nossos resultados, este exacerba a redução do índice de massa corporal quando combinado com treino físico. Finalmente, verificou-se que esta tipologia de jejum intermitente pode ser adequada para a indução de ligeiros aumentos (mas significativos) na massa isenta de gordura em circunstâncias que impliquem o controlo paralelo do aporte energético. O Estudo III objetivou uma compreensão mais aprofundada sobre os efeitos da TRE de curto e longo prazo vs. dieta regular ao nível do desempenho supramaximal (teste de Wingate) e da composição corporal em homens jovens bem treinados. Segundo os dados deste estudo, pode concluir-se que a o efeito combinado da TRE com o treino físico regular exacerba o desempenho físico na resposta ao exercício supramáximo. Subsequentemente, o estudo IV permitiu verificar que quatro semanas de TRE combinada com treino regular de corrida é eficaz para a redução da massa corporal em indivíduos treinados do sexo masculino. Não obstante, face aos resultados obtidos no decurso da intervenção centrada na dieta regular, a TRE não resultou em benefícios adicionais ao nível da capacidade submáxima ou de pico na corrida. Finalmente, o estudo V permitiu demonstrar que a TRE pode ser usada conjuntamente com o treino de resistência muscular para induzir uma redução de massa gorda e para melhorar o desempenho na resposta a tarefas dinâmicas realizadas com explosividade no trem superior, em homens treinados. Contudo, comparativamente aos resultados obtidos na resposta a uma dieta regular, a TRE demonstrou não oferecer qualquer benefício adicional face à melhoria da força muscular dinâmica do trem inferior

Effects of dynamic muscle strength on arterial stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease

A rigidez arterial tem efeitos negativos no sistema cardiovascular aumentando o risco de desenvolver doenças cardíacas, sendo considerada um preditor independente de morbilidade e mortalidade associada à doença. Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a resposta aguda da rigidez arterial ao exercício de força muscular dinâmica em pessoas com doença das artérias coronárias (DAC). participantes do programa de reabilitação cardíaca da Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH) com DAC foram avaliados em condições experimentais. O protocolo de recolha dos dados do modelo agudo teve a seguinte ordem: (i) uma avaliação da carótida e da componente central 15 min antes do exercício, (ii) seguindo-se a sessão de força muscular (6 exercícios a 70% de 1 repetição máxima) e (iii) reavaliações efetuadas inicialmente aos 5, 15 e 30 min subsequentes ao exercício. Resultados: Não fooram observadas diferenças significativas nas variáveis de rigidez central/aórtica, comparativamente com o baseline, para qualquer um dos pontos medidos após a sessão de exercício de força muscular dinâmica. Conclusão: Aparentemente, o exercício agudo de força muscular dinâmica não afeta as variáveis centrais de rigidez arterial em indivíduos com DACArterial stiffness has negative effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of developing heart disease and being considered an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of acute resistance training on arterial stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Ten participants with CAD included in the cardiac rehabilitation program of the Faculty of Human Kinetics were tested under experimental conditions. The protocol of data collection of the acute model had the following order: (i) an assessment of the carotid and central component 15 min before exercise, (ii) followed by the resistance training session (6 exercises at 70% of 1 maximal repetition) and (iii) revaluations initially were carried out again at 5, 15 and 30 min after the exercise. Results: There were no significant differences in central/aortic stiffness variables compared to the baseline for anytime point measured post- exercise. Conclusion: Apparently, acute resistance training does not affect the central variable of arterial stiffness negatively in individuals with CA

Modulation of iron metabolism in aging and in Alzheimer's disease: relevance of the choroid plexus

Iron is essential for mammalian cellular homeostasis. However, in excess, it promotes free radical formation and is associated with aging-related progressive deterioration and with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are no mechanisms to excrete iron, which makes iron homeostasis a very tightly regulated process at the level of the intestinal absorption. Iron is believed to reach the brain through receptor-mediated endocytosis of iron-bound transferrin by the brain barriers, the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier, formed by the choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cells and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) formed by the endothelial cells of the brain capillaries. Importantly, the CP epithelial cells are responsible for producing most of the CSF, the fluid that fills the brain ventricles and the subarachnoid space. Recently, the finding that the CP epithelial cells display all the machinery to locally control iron delivery into the CSF may suggest that the general and progressive senescence of the CP may be at the basis of the impairment of regional iron metabolism, iron-mediated toxicity, and the increase in inflammation and oxidative stress that occurs with aging and, particularly, in AD.Sandro D. Mesquita and Ana C. Ferreira are recipients of fellowships from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal). Fernanda Marques and Nadine C. Santos are recipients of postdoctoral fellowships by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) and the Switchbox project (European Commission FP7 initiative grant HEALTH-F2-2010-259772), respectively

The choroid plexus response to a repeated peripheral inflammatory stimulus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chronic systemic inflammation triggers alterations in the central nervous system that may relate to the underlying inflammatory component reported in neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. However, it is far from being understood whether and how peripheral inflammation contributes to induce brain inflammatory response in such illnesses. As part of the barriers that separate the blood from the brain, the choroid plexus conveys inflammatory immune signals into the brain, largely through alterations in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the present study we investigated the mouse choroid plexus gene expression profile, using microarray analyses, in response to a repeated inflammatory stimulus induced by the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide every two weeks for a period of three months; mice were sacrificed 3 and 15 days after the last lipopolysaccharide injection. The data show that the choroid plexus displays a sustained response to the repeated inflammatory stimuli by altering the expression profile of several genes. From a total of 24,000 probes, 369 are up-regulated and 167 are down-regulated 3 days after the last lipopolysaccharide injection, while at 15 days the number decreases to 98 and 128, respectively. The pathways displaying the most significant changes include those facilitating entry of cells into the cerebrospinal fluid, and those participating in the innate immune response to infection.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These observations contribute to a better understanding of the brain response to peripheral inflammation and pave the way to study their impact on the progression of several disorders of the central nervous system in which inflammation is known to be implicated.</p

The choroid plexus in health and in disease: dialogues into and out of the brain

This article brings the choroid plexus into the context of health and disease. It is remarkable that the choroid plexus, composed by a monolayer of epithelial cells that lie in a highly vascularized stroma, floating within the brain ventricles, gets so little attention in major physiology and medicine text books and in the scientific literature in general. Consider that it is responsible for producing most of the about 150 mL of cerebrospinal fluid that fills the brain ventricles and the subarachnoid space and surrounds the spinal cord in the adult human central nervous system, which is renewed approximately 2-3 times daily. As such, its activity influences brain metabolism and function, which will be addressed. Reflect that it contains an impressive number of receptors and transporters, both in the apical and basolateral sides of the epithelial cells, and as such is a key structure for the communication between the brain and the periphery. This will be highlighted in the context of neonatal jaundice, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Realize that the capillaries that irrigate the choroid plexus stroma do not possess tight junctions and that the blood flow to the choroid plexus is five times higher than that in the brain parenchyma, allowing for a rapid sensing system and delivery of molecules such as nutrients and metals as will be revised. Recognize that certain drugs reach the brain parenchyma solely through the choroid plexus epithelia, which has potential to be manipulated in diseases such as neonatal jaundice and Alzheimer's disease as will be discussed. Without further notice, it must be now clear that understanding the choroid plexus is necessary for comprehending the brain and how the brain is modulated and modulates all other systems, in health and in disease. This review article intends to address current knowledge on the choroid plexus, and to motivate the scientific community to consider it when studying normal brain physiology and diseases of the central nervous system. It will guide the reader through several aspects of the choroid plexus in normal physiology, in diseases characteristic of various periods of life (newborns-kernicterus, young adults-multiple sclerosis and the elder Alzheimer's disease), and how sex-differences may relate to disease susceptibility.The work at ICVS/3B's has the support of Portuguese North Regional Operational Program (ON.2 – O Novo Norte) under the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). JCS, FM and JAP have the support of a fellowship from Bial Foundation through Grant 217/12. Fernanda Marques is a recipient of a FCT Investigator award (IF/ 00231/2013) of the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal). The work by JP has been financed by the following grants: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG PA930/9, DFG PA930/12; VIAA Latvia NFI/ R/2014/023; Leibniz Society SAW-2015-IPB-2; HelseSØ No: 2016062; Norsk forskningsrådet: NFR251290, NFR246392, NFR248772, JPND NeuroGEM NFR247179, JPND PROP-AD NFR260786. The work by CS has been supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal – hrrp://www.fct.pt) project grants (PTDC/SAU-NEU/114800/2009); and by FEDER funds through the POCI - COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme Competitiveness and Internationalisation in Axis I - Strengthening research, technological development and innovation (Project No. 007491) and National Funds by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology (Project UID/ Multi/00709). The work by AB at Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, was funded, in part, by iMed.ULisboa (UID/DTP/04138/2013) from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Altered iron metabolism is part of the choroid plexus response to peripheral inflammation.

Iron is essential for normal cellular homeostasis but in excess promotes free radical formation and is detrimental. Therefore, iron metabolism is tightly regulated. Here, we show that mechanisms regulating systemic iron metabolism may also control iron release into the brain at the blood-choroid plexus-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. Intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice triggers a transient transcription of the gene encoding for hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis, in the choroid plexus, which correlated with increased detection of pro-hepcidin in the CSF. Similarly, the expression of several other iron-related genes is influenced in the choroid plexus by the inflammatory stimulus. Using primary cultures of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells, we show that this response is triggered not only directly by LPS but also by molecules whose expression increases in the blood in response to inflammation, such as IL-6. Intracellular conveyors of these signaling molecules include signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which becomes phosphorylated, and SMAD family member 4, whose mRNA levels increase soon after LPS administration. This novel role for the choroid plexus-CSF barrier in regulating iron metabolism may be particularly relevant to restrict iron availability for microorganism growth, and in neurodegenerative diseases in which an inflammatory underlying component has been reported.This work was supported by Grant POCTI/SAU-NEU/56618/2004 from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (Portugal) and a grant from The Dana Foundation (USA). F. M. is the recipient of postdoctoral fellowship, and A. M. F. is the recipient of a Ph. D., fellowship from Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (Portugal)

Transcriptome signature of the adult mouse choroid plexus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although the gene expression profile of several tissues in humans and in rodent animal models has been explored, analysis of the complete choroid plexus (CP) transcriptome is still lacking. A better characterization of the CP transcriptome can provide key insights into its functions as one of the barriers that separate the brain from the periphery and in the production of cerebrospinal fluid.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This work extends further what is known about the mouse CP transcriptome through a microarray analysis of CP tissue from normal mice under physiological conditions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that the genes most highly expressed are those implicated in energy metabolism (oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis) and in ribosomal function, which is in agreement with the secretory nature of the CP. On the other hand, genes encoding for immune mediators are among those with lower expression in basal conditions. In addition, we found genes known to be relevant during brain development, and not previously identified to be expressed in the CP, including those encoding for various axonal guidance and angiogenesis molecules and for growth factors. Some of these are known to influence the neural stem cell niche in the subventricular zone, highlighting the involvement of the CP as a likely modulator of neurogenesis. Interestingly, our observations confirm that the CP transcriptome is unique, displaying low homology with that of other tissues. Of note, we describe here that the closest similarity is with the transcriptome of the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on the data presented here, it will now be possible to further explore the function of particular proteins of the CP secretome in health and in disease.</p

The choroid plexus transcriptome reveals changes in type I and II interferon responses in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a marked decline in cognition and memory function. Increasing evidence highlights the essential role of neuroinflammatory and immune-related molecules, including those produced at the brain barriers, on brain immune surveillance, cellular dysfunction and amyloid beta (Aß) pathology in AD. Therefore, understanding the response at the brain barriers may unravel novel pathways of relevance for the pathophysiology of AD. Herein, we focused on the study of the choroid plexus (CP), which constitutes the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, in aging and in AD. Specifically, we used the PDGFB-APPSwInd (J20) transgenic mouse model of AD, which presents early memory decline and progressive Aß accumulation, and littermate age-matched wild-type (WT) mice, to characterize the CP transcriptome at 3, 5-6 and 11-12months of age. The most striking observation was that the CP of J20 mice displayed an overall overexpression of type I interferon (IFN) response genes at all ages. Moreover, J20 mice presented a high expression of type II IFN genes in the CP at 3months, which became lower than WT at 5-6 and 11-12months. Importantly, along with a marked memory impairment and increased glial activation, J20 mice also presented a similar overexpression of type I IFN genes in the dorsal hippocampus at 3months. Altogether, these findings provide new insights on a possible interplay between type I and II IFN responses in AD and point to IFNs as targets for modulation in cognitive decline.The authors would like to acknowledge Pedro Moreira, Madalena Esteves and Dr. Patricio Costa (all from the ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory) for comments and scientific input regarding the statistical analysis of this study. Sandro Da Mesquita and Ana C. Ferreira are recipients of PhD fellowships by the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal)/FEDER and Programa Operacional Potencial Humano (POPH/FSE), references SFRH/BD/69706/2010 and SFRH/BD/51989/2012, respectively. Fernanda Marques is an assistant researcher and recipient of a FCT Investigator Grant with the reference IF/00231/2013. This work was supported by FCT and COMPETE through the project EXPL/NEU-OSD/2196/2013 and the Bial Foundation through the Grant 217/12

Dental Informatics: an emerging discipline

Este trabalho de revisão de literatura pretende demonstrar não só a importância da introdução da disciplina de Informática Odontológica no currículo das Faculdades de Odontologia mas também no cotidiano do médico-dentista ou cirurgião-dentista. Nos últimos anos houve um rápido desenvolvimento da Informática aplicada à Odontologia, sobretudo em áreas dedicadas ao exame do paciente, ao diagnóstico e ao plano de tratamento. Os sistemas CAD-CAM, as sondas periodontais computadorizadas, os aparelhos de radiologia digital, as câmaras intra-orais são exemplos da aplicação da Informática em Odontologia. É neste sentido que surge a disciplina de Informática Odontológica, uma área em constante desenvolvimento, que tem por base a aplicação de computadores e ciências de informação para melhorar a prática clínica, a pesquisa, a educação e a gestão. É importante que simultaneamente com a formação em Odontologia haja também adequada formação em Informática Odontológica. Atualmente os avanços tecnológicos e as pesquisas científicas requerem interdisciplinaridade e integração de uma grande quantidade de informação, muitas vezes proveniente de fontes díspares, havendo necessidade de compilar a informação em bases de dados. Os meios informáticos podem aumentar significativamente a velocidade de integração e correlação dessa informação, tornando o diagnóstico médico-odontológico mais rápido e a implementação da terapêutica mais eficaz. Palavras-chave: Informática Odontológica; bioinformática; base de dados; formação odontológica; diagnósticoThis literature review aimed to present the importance of the discipline of Dental Informatics for the curriculum of dental schools and daily dental practice. In the last years there was a fast development of Informatics applied to Dentistry, especially in areas related to patient exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. CAD-CAM systems, computerized periodontal probes, digital radiography, and intraoral cameras are examples of the application of Informatics in Dentistry. Dental Informatics is a discipline showing constant development and is based on the application of computers and information science to improve clinical practice, research, education, and management. Therefore, it is important that Dental Informatics is included in the dental curriculum. At present the technological advances and scientific research require interdisciplinary approach and integration of large amount of information. This information usually comes from several sources, which requires its compilation in databases. Informatics media can significantly increase the velocity of integration and correlation of necessary information to speed up the medical-dental diagnosis and improve treatment efficacy. Key words: Dental informatics; bioinformatics, databases; dental education; diagnosisinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Measuring adherence to inhaled control medication in patients with asthma: Comparison among an asthma app, patient self‐report and physician assessment

Background Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of using an asthma app to support medication management and adherence but failed to compare with other measures currently used in clinical practice. However, in a clinical setting, any additional adherence measurement must be evaluated in the context of both the patient and physician perspectives so that it can also help improve the process of shared decision making. Thus, we aimed to compare different measures of adherence to asthma control inhalers in clinical practice, namely through an app, patient self-report and physician assessment. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of three prospective multicentre observational studies with patients (≥13 years old) with persistent asthma recruited from 61 primary and secondary care centres in Portugal. Patients were invited to use the InspirerMundi app and register their inhaled medication. Adherence was measured by the app as the number of doses taken divided by the number of doses scheduled each day and two time points were considered for analysis: 1-week and 1-month. At baseline, patients and physicians independently assessed adherence to asthma control inhalers during the previous week using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0–100). Results A total of 193 patients (72% female; median [P25–P75] age 28 [19–41] years old) were included in the analysis. Adherence measured by the app was lower (1 week: 31 [0–71]%; 1 month: 18 [0–48]%) than patient self-report (80 [60–95]) and physician assessment (82 [51–94]) (p 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between patient self-report and physician assessment (ρ = 0.596, p < 0.001). Conclusions Adherence measured by the app was lower than that reported by the patient or the physician. This was expected as objective measurements are commonly lower than subjective evaluations, which tend to overestimate adherence. Nevertheless, the low adherence measured by the app may also be influenced by the use of the app itself and this needs to be considered in future studies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio