Adrenoceptor-stimulated inflammatory response in stress-induced serum amyloid A synthesis

Rationale Stressful life events are suggested to contribute to the development of various pathologies, such as cardiovascular disorders, whose etiopathogenesis is highly associated with elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins. SAA synthesis inthe liver isregulated bya complex network ofcytokines actingindependently orinconcert withvarious hormones/stimulants including the stress-activated sympathetic nervous system. Objective This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms that regulate the stress-induced hepatic synthesis of SAA, with particular focus on adrenoceptors (AR), major components of the sympathoadrenal response to stress. Methods and results We demonstrated that repeated stress elevates IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα serum levels in mice, accompanied by increased synthesis and secretion of hepatic SAA1/2 and SAA3, an effect that was blocked by AR antagonists. Moreover, stimulation ofα1- andβ1/2-ARsmimics thestress effectonSAA1/2 regulation, whereas α2-AR stimulation exhibitsa relatively weakimpactonSAA.InsupportoftheessentialcytokinecontributionintheAR-agonistinducedSAAproductionisthefactthat theanti-inflammatorydrug,sodiumsalicylate,preventedtheAR-stimulatedhepaticSAA1/2synthesisbyreducingIL-1βlevels, whereasIL-1βinhibitionwithAnakinramimicsthissodiumsalicylatepreventiveeffect,thusindicatingacrucial rolefor IL-1β. Interestingly, the AR-driven SAA3 synthesis was elevated by sodium salicylate in a TNFα-dependent way, supporting diverse and complex regulatory roles of cytokines in SAA production. In contrast to α1/α2-AR, the β1/2-AR-mediated SAA1/2 and SAA3 upregulation cannot be reversed by fenofibrate, a hypolipidemic drug with anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion Taken together, these findings strongly support a critical role of the AR-stimulated inflammatory response in the hepatic SAA production under stressful conditions, highlighting distinct AR type-specific mechanisms that regulate the hepatic synthesis of SAA1/2 and SAA3.This research was supported by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund-ERDF) and the Greek national funds through the Operational Program "THESSALY-MAINLAND GREECE AND EPIRUS-2007-2013" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF 2007-2013, Grant 346985/80753) and the National Cancer Institute Intramural Research Program.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match

© 2015 The Authors. Published by PLOS. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0128072We examined the temporal changes of isokinetic strength performance of knee flexor (KF) and extensor (KE) strength after a football match. Players were randomly assigned to a control (N = 14, participated only in measurements and practices) or an experimental group (N = 20, participated also in a football match). Participants trained daily during the two days after the match. Match and training overload was monitored with GPS devices. Venous blood was sampled and muscle damage was assessed pre-match, post-match and at 12h, 36h and 60h post-match. Isometric strength as well as eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (dominant and non-dominant) were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at baseline and at 12h, 36h and 60h after the match. Functional (KFecc/KEcon) and conventional (KFcon/KEcon) ratios were then calculated. Only eccentric peak torque of knee flexors declined at 60h after the match in the control group. In the experimental group: a) isometric strength of knee extensors and knee flexors declined (P<0.05) at 12h (both limbs) and 36h (dominant limb only), b) eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee extensors and flexors declined (P<0.05) in both limbs for 36h at 60°/s and for 60h at 180°/s with eccentric peak torque of knee flexors demonstrating a greater (P<0.05) reduction than concentric peak torque, c) strength deterioration was greater (P<0.05) at 180°/s and in dominant limb, d) the functional ratio was more sensitive to match-induced fatigue demonstrating a more prolonged decline. Discriminant and regression analysis revealed that strength deterioration and recovery may be related to the amount of eccentric actions performed during the match and athletes' football-specific conditioning. Our data suggest that recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match demonstrate strength, limb and velocity specificity and may depend on match physical overload and players' physical conditioning level.Published versio

Nasolabial cyst: a case report

Nasolabial cysts are rare non-odontogenic cysts of soft tissue that usually present as asymptomatic swellings beneath the ala of the nose. Their pathogenesis is uncertain. The presence of the lesion is perceived clinically and by the aid of radiological imaging. The usual treatment is surgical excision. Nasolabial cysts, when infected, are painful and mistreated occasionally as odontogenic defects. This article reports a case of a nasolabial cyst that was initially diagnosed and treated as a periapical abscess, which lead to the loss of a tooth. Complete enucleation of the cyst was performed under local anaesthesia and its identity was confirmed by histopathology. Follow-up over a year revealed no evidence of recurrence. © 2018 The British Association of Oral Surgeons and John Wiley &amp; Sons Lt

Factors related to the incidence of injuries&apos; appearance to volleyball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the external risk factors that contribute to sports injuries experienced by Volleyball players. 114 Greek Volleyball players (61 male and 53 female) who participate in the Volleyball Championship including the A1 and A2 national division and the local championships, age 22.77 (SD = 4.85) participated in this study. A questionnaire survey was used for data collection purposes and the interviews were conducted on a personal level. Of the 114 volley ball players (94.5 response rate), reported 363 injuries, during a total exposure time of 34200 h/year for 5 years, representing an overall incidence of 0.63 injuries per player. The majority of the injuries were located in the ankle region (51.3%), followed by the knee (18.2%) and the back (12.4%). Most injuries (58.1%) were classified as being of moderate severity. Most injuries occurred during training (52.3%), and the 69.1% of them during the competitive season. The present study indicates that the risk of suffering an injury in volleyball is relatevly high therefore more researches are needed to accomplish in order practitioners and clinics prevent injuries in training period and competitions. © 2006 IOS Press. All rights reserved

Reproducibility of concentric isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors in individuals with mild and moderate osteoarthritis of the knee

The purpose of this study was to determine the reproducibility of measures for maximum knee extensor and flexor concentric strength on an isokinetic dynamometer in individuals with mild and moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Twenty eight female patients with 1st (n=14) and 3rd (n=14) grade unilateral knee OA volunteered for the study. Peak muscle torque of the knee extensors and flexors was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 90, 120 and 150°/s. Test-retest reproducibility of maximal isokinetic torque was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Absolute reproducibility was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, the standard error of measurement (SEM and SEM%) and the smallest real differences (SRD &amp; SRD%). Inter-session relative reproducibility was found to be high in extensor and flexor muscles of individuals with mild OA, with the ICCs values ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 for the concentric knee extension and from 0.90 to 0.93 for the concentric knee flexion, while in the group of individuals with moderate knee OA the same values varied from 0.79 to 0.91 and from 0.75 to 0.93 for the concentric knee extension and flexion, respectively. The Bland-Altman analyses support the findings of high relative reproducibility for the two groups of patients in almost all measurements, except for the extension at 120 and 90°/s and the flexion at 150°/s conducted by the individuals with moderate OA. SEM and relative SEM values ranged from 6.7 to 9.4 Nm and from 14.4% to 21.5%Nm for the group with mild OA and from 4.4 to 7.7 Nm and from 14.6% to 21.8%Nm for the group with moderate OA, respectively. SRD and SRD% values across all movement speeds for both knee flexors and extensors ranged from 18.6 to 26.1 Nm and from 39.9% to 59.6%Nm for the mild OA group, respectively, while the same values for the moderate OA group ranged from 12.2 to 21.3 Nm and from 40.5% to 56.8%Nm, respectively. These results indicate that measurements of isokinetic performance at velocities of 90, 120 and 150°/s provide acceptable reproducibility for evaluation of knee strength in individuals with mild OA of the knee. On the other hand, with regard to knee muscles isokinetic performance, testing of individuals with moderate OA should be conducted during periods of time when the symptoms of the disease subside. © 2007 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved

Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Chronic Low Back Pain

Background: The study examined the effects of a 4-week intensive isometric and isotonic stabilization exercise program on dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: A total of 39 women (27-72 years old) provided data in an experimental study with a 9-month follow-up. Random allocation was undertaken for the two treatment groups out of the 3 groups: isometric stabilization (n = 13), isotonic stabilization (n = 13), and a control group (n = 13) that did not participate in any form of exercise. Health-related quality of life measures using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey were assessed before program initiation, immediately after program termination, and 4 times postintervention for a period of 9 months. Results: The isometric stabilization group displayed large improvements in bodily pain and vitality for women with CLBP attending a 4-week intensive isometric stabilization exercise program. The effects were retained for a period of 9 months after program termination. Conclusions: Isometric stabilization exercises reduce pain and enhance vitality as dimensions of HRQL among women with chronic low back pain with such effects lasting for at least 9 months