PULMONARY AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SMOKER AND NON-SMOKER MODERN DANCERS

Introduction: Although the harmful effects of smoking on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems have been established for a long time, the effect on physiological and physical parameters in modern female dancers is not well documented. Objective: To determine differences in selected pulmonary functions, biochemical parameters, and body composition in female smoker and non-smoker modern dancers who are university or graduate students. Methods: A total of twenty-two female modern dancers (mean age of 24.6 +/- 4.3 years), who were non-smokers (n = 11) and smokers (n = 11), voluntarily participated in the study. The smokers had been smoking 1 to 20 cigarettes per day for an average period of seven years. The pulmonary function test Mir Spirobank Spirometer, (Italy) was applied; selected biochemical parameters were tested, and various anthropometric measurements (height, weight and seven skinfold thickness) were performed. The results of body composition were evaluated using Jackson-Pollock equations. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Result: No significant differences were found between smoker and non-smoker dancers in terms of body composition (body fat, % body fat, lean body fat) and selected biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). However, non-smokers had prediction values of forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) significantly better (p < 0.05). The effect of smoking on the performance of female modern dancers should be examined in a longitudinal study, with a higher number of participants. Conclusion: It was observed that smoking reduces lung pulmonary capacity at a certain rate, although the biochemical parameters and body composition of the female smoker and non-smoker dancers were similar

Mediators of glucagon-like peptide 2-induced blood flow: Responses in different vascular sites

The aims of the present study were: to characterize the mechanisms of hemodynamic alterations induced by GLP-2, and, to compare the responses elicited in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to other vascular beds. Anesthetized rats were infused at the doses of 0.9, 2.3, 4.6 and 9.3 nmol/kg into the jugular vein for 60 min. Blood flow in the various arteries was measured by the ultrasonic transit time technique. Some animals were pretreated with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, ip), L-NAME (9, 18, 36 and 72 mu mol/kg, iv), atropine sulfate (1-2 mg/kg, iv), CCK-1 and CCK-2 receptor antagonists (L-364,718 and L-365,260, 1 mg/kg, iv), exendin (9-39) amide (35 nmol/kg, iv) and lidocaine (74 mu mol/kg, iv) prior to the infusion of GLP-2 (4.6 nmol/kg). In another group, capsaicin was applied either systematically (125 mg/kg, sc) or vagally (1 mg/rat). GLP-2 administration at all doses significantly increased the SMA blood flow throughout the experiments. GLP-2 (4.6 nmol/kg) infusion significantly increased blood flow of inferior mesenteric artery and carotid artery but not in any other vessel measured. Only the pretreatments With L-NAME and lidocaine were ineffective in preventing the GLP-2-induced responses. These results implicate that GLP-2-induced blood flow alterations are most significant in the SMA and are not mediated by prostaglandins, muscarinic, GLP-1 or CCK receptors. Our results also suggest that the stimulatory effect of GLP-2 on SMA blood flow is NO-dependent and mediated via intrinsic, non-cholinergic enteric neurons. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.

Effects of different aerobic exercise frequencies on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rats: Continuous versus short bouts and weekend warrior exercises

Background: Exercise training is known to have multiple beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to explore the effects of aerobic exercise frequency on diabetic parameters, the histopathological structure of skeletal muscle, diabetic myopathy, and mitochondrial enzyme activity in an experimental model of T2DM. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 35) were rendered diabetic by injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Rats with blood glucose concentrations between 7 and 17 mmol/L were used. Diabetic rats were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: (i) control sedentary; (ii) diabetic sedentary; (iii) diabetic with continuous exercise (30 min/day, 5 days/week); (iv) diabetic with short bouts of exercise (3 x 10 min/day, 5 days/week); and (v) diabetic rats as weekend warriors (35 + 40 min/day, 2 days/week). After 6 weeks swimming exercise (total duration 150 min/week), biochemical tests were performed to measure insulin, glucose, cytokines, serum and muscle myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histologic analysis (histomorphometric and mitochondrial enzyme analysis) was also performed. Results: Compared with diabetic sedentary rats, significant improvements were observed in all exercise groups in terms of glucose levels, weight loss, tissue MPO and MDA levels, muscular connective tissue, muscle atrophy, mitochondrial enzyme, and all histomorphometric analyses. Conclusions: The results of the study emphasize the effects of training on inflammation, increased oxidative stress, myopathy, and mitochondrial damage in a rat model of T2DM, and demonstrate that there is no major difference between exercise modalities provided that the total duration of exercise remains the same

Impaired vasomotor function induced by the combination of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia

Although it is well known that endothelial function is compromised in the presence of either hypertension (HTN) or hypercholesterolemia (HCh), less is known about whether and how the combination of these risk factors (HTN+HCh) results in impaired endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD). The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of HTN+HCh on vasomotor function and to identify the mechanisms that underlie the altered vascular reactivity elicited by HTN+HCh. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasomotor responses of aortic vessels were studied in mice with diet-induced HCh and/or HTN induced by chronic administration of either angiotensin II (AngII) or deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt. HTN+HCh elicited an impairment of EDD that appeared between each risk factor alone. Incubation with catalase resulted in more severe EDD impairment. Each risk factor enhanced vascular H2O2 production, but a larger response was noted with HTN+HCh. An attenuated EDD was not observed in AngII type la receptor deficient (AT1r(-/-)) mice, but AT1r(-/-) bone marrow chimeras exhibited more profound impairment compared with wild-type. HTN+HCh does not exert an additive effect of vasomotor dysfunction compared with either risk factor alone, and both H2O2 and blood cell-associated AT1r contribute to the impaired EDD responses in mice with HTN+HCh. J Am Soc Hypertens 2013;7(1):14-23. (C) 2013 American Society of Hypertension. All rights reserved

Rating of perceived exertion in cycle ergometer: effect of maximal capacity difference

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses of individuals with different fitness levels according to predetermined rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores and to investigate the correspondence between the heart rate reserve percentage (HRR%) and the RPE scale by using fit and unfit subjects. Materials and methods: RPE scores of sedentary volunteers were recorded at different HRR% levels during graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer. Following the tests, subjects were divided into 2 groups, high metabolic equivalent [(MET) MET >=. 10; n = 9] and low MET (MET < 10; n = 11), according to maximal O-2 uptakes (VO2max). Participants performed the steady-state exercise test at the 13th-14th level of their perceived exertion 48 h after the first test. Variance and regression analyses were performed. Results: For all HRR% values, RPE levels were not different between groups. During the graded exercise test, perceived exertion was significantly higher in the low MET group than in the high MET group. Predetermined RPE score results were significantly greater in the low MET group with relative O-2 consumption as compared to the high MET group (P < 0.05-0.001). Conclusion: In individuals with different VO2max levels, exercise intensity can be prescribed using HRR% or RPE scale methods while adjusting for individual differences in oxygen consumption

Treatment with milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum), ursodeoxycholic acid, or their combination attenuates cholestatic liver injury in rats: Role of the hepatic stem cells

Background/Aims: Cholestasis, which results in hepatic cell death, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure, is associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of milk thistle (MT, Silybum marianum) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or their combination on the activation of hepatic stem cells and on the severity of cholestasis liver injury in rats. Materials and Methods: Under anesthesia, bile ducts of female Sprague Dawley rats were ligated (BDL) or had sham operation. BDL rats were administered saline, UDCA (15 mg/kg/d), MT (600 mg/kg/d), or UDCA+MT by gavage for 10 days. On the 11th day, rats were sacrificed and blood and liver samples were obtained. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured. Hepatic injury, a-smooth muscle actin expression, and stem cell markers c-kit, c-Myc, Oct3/4, and SSEA-1 were histologically determined. Results: Histological scores, serum ALT, and hepatic MDA levels were higher in BDL group than in the sham rats, while all treatments significantly reduced these levels. The reduction in ALT was significantly greater in UCDA+MT-treated group than in other treatment groups. c-Kit, c-Myc, Oct3/4, and SSEA-1 were increased in saline-treated BDL group with respect to sham-operated control group, and these markers were significantly reduced in all treatment groups. Conclusion: In addition to a modulatory effect on the stem cell-induced regenerative response of the liver, UDCA, MT, and their combination demonstrated similar anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects on cholestasis-induced hepatic injury

Effects of MC4R, FTO, and NMB Gene Variants to Obesity, Physical Activity, and Eating Behavior Phenotypes

Obesity is a major contributory factor of morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that biological systems may be involved in the tendency to be and to remain physically inactive also behaviors such as food and beverage preferences and nutrient intake may at least partially genetically determined. Consequently, besides environment, genetic factors may also contribute to the level of physical activity and eating behaviors thus effect obesity. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of various gene mutations on obesity, physical activity levels and eating behavior phenotypes. One hundred patients and 100 controls were enrolled to the study. Physical activity levels were measured with an actical acceloremeter device. Eating behaviors were evaluated using Three-Factor Eating questionnaire (TFEQ). Associations between eating behavior scores and physical characteristics were also evaluated. The information about other obesity risk factors were also collected. Mutations were investigated with PCR, direct sequencing and Real-Time PCR. rs1051168, rs8050146-2778C>T mutations were found statistically significant in patients, rs1121980 was found statistically significant in controls. 21 mutations were found in MC4R and near MC4R of which 18 of them are novel and 8 of them cause amino acid change. In addition, it was found that, some obesity related factors and questions of TFEQ are associated with various investigated gene mutations. Any relation between gene mutations and physical activity levels were not detected. It is thought that, due to the genotype data and eating behaviors, it may be possible to recommend patients for proper eating patterns to prevent obesity. (C) 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(10):806-816, 201

Captopril prevents the oxidative damage to proteins after renal ischemia reperfusion injury: role of endothelin-1

Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the leading cause of the transplanted organ loss. In this experimental study, we investigated the effect of captopril on endothelin and eicosanoid release in I/R injury of the kidney. Rats were subjected to 60 min ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion of the left kidney in control and captopril groups. Tissue protein oxidation products, PGE2 and LTB4 levels and plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) like activity were determined in sham operated, control and captopril groups. There were no differences in the LTB4 levels among the groups. ET-1 and PGE2 levels and protein oxidation products increased in the control group when compared with the sham. Captopril further increased both PGE2 and ET-1 concentrations and prevented protein oxidation. The increased ET-1 concentrations in the captopril treated group may imply the protective role of endothelin as the significant increase in protein oxidation products was reversed by captopril infusion. This has led us to believe that captopril might be useful in preventing I/R injury of the kidney. Also the release of endothelin from the vascular endothelium is increased by captopril and may be mediated by PGE2

Analysis of Postural Stability and Daily Energy Expenditure to Manage Tumor Patients' Functional Expectation

Background: Advances in surgical techniques, implant technology, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have increased the recovery chances of patients with bone sarcomas. Accordingly, patients' expectations on life quality have also increased, highlighting the importance of objective evaluation of the functional results of reconstruction. Methods: Thirteen patients with distal femoral endoprosthesis, who had been followed for an average of 2.9 years were evaluated. Postural stability, daily energy expenditure, muscle power, and range of motion were the four parameters analyzed in this study. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) were used to assess postoperative function and examine correlations with other parameters. Results: Patients had sedentary activities in 84% of their daily lives. They exhibited a slower speed in the walk across test and a higher sway velocity in the sit-to-stand test (p = 0.005). MSTS scores were significantly correlated with the daily energy expenditure and walking speed. Conclusions: Objective functional results acquired from various clinics will provide significant data to compare reconstruction techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and surgical techniques. In this way, it will be possible to satisfy the expectations of patients that increase in relation to enhanced recovery

Diet-supported aerobic exercise reduces blood endothelin-1 and nitric oxide levels in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance

BACKGROUND: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) forms an intermediate stage in the natural history of diabetes mellitus. Insulin-resistant states might be associated with dysfunction of the vascular endothelium. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of chronic exercise and a low-calorie diet on plasma nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in patients with JOT and to elucidate the relationship between the oxidant stress markers and NO/ET-1 levels of blood before and after exercise. METHODS: Patients with IGT (n = 14) participated in a regular exercise program and exercised for 40 minutes each day, 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Physiological, anthropometric, and biochemical measurements were performed before, during the 6th week, and at the end of the program. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in body mass index, body fat content, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as NO and ET-1 concentrations after 12 weeks of exercise and diet program. Exercise training significantly elevated subjects' maximum oxygen consumption, whereas the resting metabolic rates of the patients did not change. The formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly reduced, whereas sulfhydryl groups were significantly increased on the 6th week (P < .05) and at the end of program (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that exercise, along with low-calorie diet, induced reductions in the plasma of both ET-1 and NO. Beneficial effects were observed on anthropometric measurements and plasma oxidant stress markers, indicating weight loss associated with exercise training and calorie restriction may effectively improve endothelial dysfunction in patients with IGT. (C) 2010 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved