Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with plant origin superoxide dismutase (SOD), GliSODin, on parameters of muscle damage, metabolic, and work performance at international level rowers. Twenty-eight rowers were included in a randomized, double-blind study. The study was conducted during a 6-week preparation period. At the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of the supplementation period, all rowers were tested on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and after every ergometer testing. Muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), inflammation parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed by lactate level in capillary blood and power output on the rowing ergometer. After supplementation, experimental group had significantly lower CK (p = 0.049) and IL-6 (p = 0.035) before and IL-6 (p = 0.050) after exhausting exercise on ergometer. Relative change of power output at 4 mmol/L concentration of lactate in blood, considering the initial and final test, was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the supplemented group. It was concluded that GliSODin could be considered a good supplement in preventing some deleterious effects of intensive physical activity, including inflammation and muscle damage, and consequently, to enable a better rowing performance of elite rowers

How Supplementation with SOD-Rich Plant Extract, Combined with Gliadin, Can Affect Oxidative Stress Markers and Zonulin Levels in Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the influence of supplementation with a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich plant extract on markers of oxidative stress, zonulin levels and the performance of elite athletes. Participants were 30 international-level rowers, divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The rowers performed a maximal effort incremental test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the study. Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, bilirubin, uric acid, albumin and zonulin) were determined in serum. A lower TOS (p = 0.010) and OSI (p = 0.004), a lower MDA (p = 0.001) and a higher level of SH groups (p = 0.031) were observed in the experimental group after supplementation. Physical performance was evaluated through metabolic efficiency, taking lactate levels and power output on the ergometer into account. After 6 weeks of supplementation, the relative increase in metabolic efficiency at a 4 mmol/L lactate concentration and maximal effort was significantly higher in the experimental group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.015, respectively). These results suggest that supplementation with a SOD-rich extract promotes lower oxidative stress, better antioxidant protection and, consequently, the better work performance of athletes

Promene biokemijskih parametara u menopauzi

Physiological changes in menopause are the reflection of changes of circulating steroid hormone concentrations. The changes of menstrual cycles occurring just before menopause may be recorded best by higher FHS, normal LH concentrations and slightly increased estradiol level. Cessation of menstruation usually occurs when FSH concentration exceeds 40 IU/L in two separate measurements. In menopause, an altered hormonal status results in metabolic changes of various tissues and organs. Menopause in women carries higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, thromboembolic disorders, impairments of cognitive functions and autoimmune diseases, etc. Termination of ovarian synthesis of estrogen, on one hand, and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6), on the other, provide conditions for inflammatory response which underlies many pathological processes. During and after menopause, lipid status is changed in women, as follows: higher concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, apo-B and LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol. Bone density becomes lower with aging and depends upon duration of estrogen deficit in women after menopause, what increases the risk of osteoporosis. Menopause is also characterized by prothrombotic effects manifested by higher activity of FVII, FVIII and fibrinogen. The changes of hormone production of hypothalamus-hypophysis-ovarium axis in menopause, and responses of different non-productive somatic and nervous tissue to these respective have been the issue of many investigations.Fiziološke promene u menopauzi odraz su promena u cirkulišućim koncentracijama steroidnih hormona. Promene u menstrualnom ciklusu koje nastaju neposredno pre menopauze najbolje se mogu registrovati kroz povišene koncentracije FSH, normalne vrednosti LH i blago povišeni estradiol. Potpuni gubitak menstrualnog ciklusa obično se dešava kada koncentracija FSH premaši 40 IU/L u dva pojedinačna određivanja. U menopauzi se kao posledica izmenjenog hormonskog statusa dešavaju metaboličke promene u različitim tkivima i organima. Menopauza donosi ženi veći rizik za nastanak kardiovaskularne bolesti, osteoporoze, tromboembolijskih poremećaja, poremećaja kognitivnih funkcija, autoimunih bolesti i dr. Prestanak ovarijalne sinteze estrogena s jedne, a povećana produkcija proinflamatornih citokina (TNF, IL-1, IL-6) sa druge strane stvaraju uslove za razvoj inflamatornog odgovora koji se nalazi u osnovi mnogih patoloških procesa. U menopauzi i posle menopauze žene imaju izmenjen lipidni status: povećane koncentracije holesterola, triglicerida, apo-B i LDL holesterola i smanjen HDL-holesterol. Koštana gustina se smanjuje sa starošću i zavisi od trajanja estrogenskog deficita kod žena posle menopauze što povećava rizik od nastanka osteoporoze. Menopauzu takođe karakterišu protrombotički efekti koji se manifestuju porastom aktivnosti FVII, FVIII i fibrinogena. Promene u produkciji hormona duž hipotalamus-hipofiza-ovarijum ose u menopauzi, i odgovori različitih nereproduktivnih somatskih tkiva i nervnog tkiva na te promene predmet su velikog broja istraživanja

Oxidative stress in athletes: From the scientific basis to practical aspects

Oxidative stress, which occurs as a result of physical exercise, has been intensively investigated in the last two decades. A large number of studies have been done on humans and in animal models, which resulted in clarification of the mechanism of free radical generation during exercise. Free radicals, unstable and reactive molecules that can be involved in cellular damage, are mainly generated by the mitochondria, xanthine oxidase, and neutrophils and other phagocytes. Increased production of free radicals during exercise is followed by the enhanced activity of the endogenous antioxidant defense system, which consists of enzymes and non-enzymatic substances. Very important results of previous studies have been related to adaptation mechanisms activated in response to increased oxidative stress during exercise. In addition to mitochondrial biogenesis and synthesis of new components of the respiratory chain to match higher energy demands, adaptation to regular physical exercise involves an increased expression of genes responsible for antioxidant enzyme synthesis. Also, great attention has been paid to the use of antioxidant supplements. The importance and effect of supplementation with dietary antioxidants depend on several factors such as intensity, frequency and mode of exercise as well as on the type and dose of the antioxidants used. Applying the results of previous research and monitoring the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidative defense could help health professionals in understanding the medical condition of the athlete

Physical Activity and Natural Anti-VIP Antibodies: Potential Role in Breast and Prostate Cancer Therapy

BACKGROUND: There is convincing evidence from numerous clinical and epidemiological studies that physical activity can reduce the risk for breast and prostate cancer. The biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Herein we suggest a role for naturally produced antibodies reactive with the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the suppression of breast and prostate cancer, which we believe could offer a possible molecular mechanism underlying control of these cancers by physical exercise. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: We found that sera from individuals having breast and prostate cancers have decreased titers of VIP natural antibodies as demonstrated by a lower reactivity against peptide NTM1, having similar informational and structural properties as VIP. In contrast, sera collected from elite athletes, exhibited titers of natural NTM1-reactive antibodies that are significantly increased, suggesting that physical activity boosts production of these antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE: Presented results suggest that physical exercise stimulates production of natural anti-VIP antibodies and likely results in suppression of VIP. This, in turn, may play a protective role against breast and prostate cancers. Physical exercise should be further investigated as a potential tool in the treatment of these diseases

Long-term Effects of Oxidative Stress in Volleyball Players

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of long-term training on elite female volleyball players and to determine parameters that could discriminate them according to the level of oxidative stress-associated adaptation. Fifty-four elite female volleyball players were divided into 3 groups (1: below-average training experience lt 8.0 years, 2: average training experience between 8.0 and 10.5 years and 3: above-average training experience > 10.5 years). The measured parameters were reactive oxygen metabolites, biological anti-oxidative potential, superoxide anion, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, lipid hydroperoxides, paraoxonase activity, superoxide-dismutase activity and sulphydryl groups. Multiple discriminant analysis of the oxidative stress status parameters between the three groups of athletes indicated a statistically significant difference (Wilks' lambda=0.458, X-2=35.898, p=0.031). The most important discriminant variables, superoxide-dismutase and superoxide anion, were the best indicators of differences between groups with different training experience. The significantly higher values were found in Group 3 compared with Group 1 in superoxide-dismutase activity (141 +/- 32 vs. 86 +/- 46; p=0.002), sulphydryl groups (p=0.031), and reactive oxygen metabolites (p = 0.042). The significantly lower superoxide anion was found between Group 3 and Group 1 (377 +/- 187 vs. 1183 +/- 905; p=0.001). Oxidative stress status parameters adequately discriminated 68.5% of athletes with different training experience

Handgrip muscle force characteristics with general reference values at Chelyabinsk and Belgrade students

The Aim. The aim of this paper is to define the contractile characteristics of maximal isometric handgrip force and to establish possible differences between the students of the Universities of Chelyabinsk and Belgrade. The secondary aim is to create a practically applicable initial model in order to explore the mentioned characteristics in the future. Material and methods. For the purposes of this research, the overall sample of 225 subjects was tested. 91 subjects were from Russia and 134 were from Serbia. The results were gathered using a strain gage and a standardized isometric handgrip test protocol. The contractile properties of HG muscle force were measured in relation to three different contractile dimensions: the maximal muscle force (Fmax), the maximal explosive muscle force (RFDmax), the time need for achieving maximal (tFmax) and maximal explosive (tRFDmax) muscle force. Results. This study has shown that there are no generally statistically significant differences for all observed variables of HG contractile characteristics between tested Russian and Serbian students. Based on the results of the present study, six different models of the equation for evaluation of HG contractile characteristics of female and male students, i.e. young adults, were made. All defined models are highly statistically significant, accurate and sensitive in the prediction of the general distributive position of an individual or particular group of subjects in relation to the measured contractile characteristics. Conclusions. The obtained results can generally indicate the stability of potential to exert the given contractile characteristic in relation to the population of similar evolutionary (Slavs) at different geographical background

Are oxidative stress and antioxidant defense status associated with energy expenditure in athletes of various sports?

The main purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of different training regimes and the type of metabolism that predominates as the source of energy on the oxidative stress / anti-oxidative defense status in elite-level trained athletes. One hundred twenty-four athletes were divided into three groups: 'aerobic' (karate, rowing, triathlon), 'anaerobic' (wrestling and swimming) and 'mixed' (volleyball, water polo, kick boxing). The following parameters were measured: oxidative stress status parameters: [(reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), superoxide anion (O2 -), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH)] and anti-oxidative defense parameters [biological anti-oxidative potential (BAP), superoxide-dismutase (SOD), sulphydryl groups (-SH) and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB)]. In general, significant differences were found in oxidative stress parameters between three experimental groups (Wilks' Lambda = 0.366, F value = 8.185, p lt 0.001). Comparing the athletes from the anaerobic and mixed groups, we found that the anaerobic group had significantly lower ROMs (p = 0.019), AOPP (p lt 0.001), O2 - (p = 0.003) and LOOH (p lt 0.001). The aerobic group of athletes differed from the group with mixed training regime by lower AOPP, MDA, O2 - and LOOH values (p lt 0.001). Discriminant analysis of the three experimental groups indicated protein oxidation marker (AOPP) and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance as the most important discriminant variables. Oxidative stress status parameters adequately discriminated 74.2 % of the athletes with different energy expenditure during their training programs. The results obtained provide evidence that there are differences in the oxidative stress / anti-oxidant defense status between athletes that have different energy expenditure during exercise and identify athletes who participate in team sports as most susceptible to oxidative stress.

Economic evaluation of different screening alternatives for patients with clinically suspected acute deep vein thrombosis

Introduction: We examined the cost-effectiveness of the three different D-dimer measurements in the screening of DVT in models with and without calculation of pre-test probability (PTP) score. Moreover, we calculated the minimal cost in DVT detection. Material and methods: In the group of 192 patients with clinically suspected acute DVT, we examined the three different D-dimer measurements (Innovance D-dimer, Hemosil D-dimer HS and Vidas D-dimer Exclusion II) in combination with and without PTP assessment. Results: The diagnostic alternative employing Vidas D-dimer Exclusion II assay without and with PTP calculation gave lower incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) than the alternative employing Hemosil D-dimer HS assay (0.187 Euros vs. 0.998 Euros per one additional DVT positive patient selected for CUS in model without PTP assessment and 0.450 vs. 0.753 Euros per one DVT positive patient selected for CUS in model with PTP assessment). According to sensitivity analysis, the Hemosil D-dimer HS assay was the most cost effective alternative when one patient was admitted to the vascular ambulance per day. Vidas D-dimer Exclusion II assay was the most cost effective alternative when more than one patient were admitted to the vascular ambulance per day. Cost minimisation analysis indicated that selection of patients according to PTP score followed by D-dimer analysis decreases the cost of DVT diagnosis. Conclusions: ICER analysis enables laboratories to choose optimal laboratory tests according to number of patients admitted to laboratory. Results support the feasibility of using PTP scoring and D-dimer measurement before CUS examination in DVT screening