Tocotrienols and whey protein isolates substantially increase exercise endurance capacity in diet-induced obese male sprague-dawley rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity and impairments in metabolic health are associated with reductions in exercise capacity. Both whey protein isolates (WPIs) and vitamin E tocotrienols (TCTs) exert favorable effects on obesity-related metabolic parameters. This research sought to determine whether these supplements improved exercise capacity and increased glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese rats. METHODS: Six week old male rats (n = 35) weighing 187 ± 32g were allocated to either: Control (n = 9), TCT (n = 9), WPI (n = 8) or TCT + WPI (n = 9) and placed on a high-fat diet (40% of energy from fat) for 10 weeks. Animals received 50mg/kg body weight and 8% of total energy intake per day of TCTs and/or WPIs respectively. Food intake, body composition, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, skeletal muscle glycogen content and oxidative enzyme activity were determined. RESULTS: Both TCT and WPI groups ran >50% longer (2271 ± 185m and 2195 ± 265m respectively) than the Control group (1428 ± 139m) during the run to exhaustion test (P<0.05), TCT + WPI did not further improve exercise endurance (2068 ± 104m). WPIs increased the maximum in vitro activity of beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA in the soleus muscle (P<0.05 vs. Control) but not in the plantaris. Citrate synthase activity was not different between groups. Neither supplement had any effect on weight gain, adiposity, glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Ten weeks of both TCTs and WPIs increased exercise endurance by 50% in sedentary, diet-induced obese rats. These positive effects of TCTs and WPIs were independent of body weight, adiposity or glucose tolerance

What doesn’t kill you makes you fitter: A systematic review of high-intensity interval exercise for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has gained popularity in recent years for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Despite potential benefits, concerns remain about the safety of the acute response (during and/or within 24 hours postexercise) to a single session of HIIE for these cohorts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to evaluate the safety of acute HIIE for people with cardiometabolic diseases. Electronic databases were searched for studies published prior to January 2015, which reported the acute responses of patients with cardiometabolic diseases to HIIE (≥80% peak power output or ≥85% peak aerobic power, VO2peak). Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 156; clinically stable, aged 27–66 years), with 13 adverse responses reported (~8% of individuals). The rate of adverse responses is somewhat higher compared to the previously reported risk during moderate-intensity exercise. Caution must be taken when prescribing HIIE to patients with cardiometabolic disease. Patients who wish to perform HIIE should be clinically stable, have had recent exposure to at least regular moderate-intensity exercise, and have appropriate supervision and monitoring during and after the exercise session

OR-007 Identification of Early Predictive Biomarkers for Exercise-induced Immunodepression by Urinary iTRAQ-proteomic Analysis

Objective Exercise-induced immunodepression is a common medical problem in competitive sports, leading to upper respiratory tract infection, affecting sports training and sports performance, and increasing athletes' sports disease and injury risk. Finding non-invasive early predictive biomarkers of exercise-induced immunodepression and giving corresponding preventive measures is therefore an important issue in sports training. iTRAQ is an important method that currently looking for and discovering disease-specific protein biomarkers of disease prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and efficacy monitoring. In this study, early predictive biomarkers of exercise-induced immunodepression will be identified through the iTRAQ proteomics technique, which helps to prevent the occurrence of exercise-induced immunodepression. Methods Fifteen healthy males were recruited from the student cohort of Guangzhou Sport University. Subjects performed four-week incremental load running exercise. The weekly running load intensity was 60% VO2max, 70% VO2max, 80% VO2max, 90% VO2max respectively, 5d/w, and 1h/d. The fasting venous blood and urine of the subjects was collected in the morning before the start of the training intervention and at the end of each training week. The white blood cells of the whole blood and the levels of the lymphocyte subtypes CD4+ and CD8+ were tested to monitor the immune function status of the subjects. iTRAQ proteomics technology was used to test and identify differential proteins and their characteristics in urine. Results During the four weeks of increasing running load, the subject’s immune function was progressively reduced. Whole blood white blood cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte fell by more than 10% at the end of the fourth week, showing exercise-induced Immunodepression. Using iTRAQ to test urine proteomes, there were as many as 1854 proteins in the urine during the incremental loading process. The relative molecular weights of most of the proteins were between 10-80 kDa, and the isoelectric point was between 4.5 and 7. During the four weeks of incremental loading running, there were 89, 52, 77, and 148 differential proteins up-regulated, and 66, 27, 68, and 114 differential proteins downregulated respectively in the urine of each week. The differential proteins were mostly found in extracellular and plasma membranes. It is mainly involved in the in vivo biological process, the immune system process, the material transport, and is related to the positive regulatory pathways and immune regulatory pathways for stress response. The up-regulation multiples of four up-regulated proteins such as Semenogelin-1, Prolactin-inducible protein, Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like protein, and Nucleoside diphosphate kinase increased with increasing exercise intensity. The up-regulated multiples of Glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatase, Secretogranin-1, Prosaposin, and Nephronectin (Fragment) increased with increasing exercise intensity from the second week of exercise. The down-regulation multiples of Ig kappa chain C region, Immunoglobulin lambda variable 3-21 of CUB and EGF-like domain-containing protein 2 and Uromodulin decreased further with the increase of exercise intensity from the second week of exercise, which was consistent with the change of immune function. Conclusions Urine iTRAQ proteomics technique is an important method to identify early predictive biomarkers of exercise-induced immunodepression, which helps to prevent the occurrence of exercise-induced immunodepression. In this study, the differential proteins in urine, such as Semenogelin-1, Prolactin-inducible protein, Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like protein, and Nucleoside diphosphate kinase can be considered as early predictive biomarkers of exercise-induced immunodepression

The mitochondrial profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: impact of exercise

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting pre-menopausal women and involves metabolic dysregulation. Despite the high prevalence of insulin resistance, the existence of mitochondrial dysregulation and its role in the pathogenesis of PCOS is not clear. Exercise is recommended as the first-line therapy for women with PCOS. In particular, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is known to improve metabolic health and enhance mitochondrial characteristics. In this narrative review, the existing knowledge of mitochondrial characteristics in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of women with PCOS and the effect of exercise interventions in ameliorating metabolic and mitochondrial health in these women are discussed. Even though the evidence on mitochondrial dysfunction in PCOS is limited, some studies point to aberrant mitochondrial functions mostly in skeletal muscle, while there is very little research in adipose tissue. Although most exercise intervention studies in PCOS report improvements in metabolic health, they show diverse and inconclusive findings in relation to mitochondrial characteristics. A limitation of the current study is the lack of comprehensive mitochondrial analyses and the diversity in exercise modalities, with only one study investigating the impact of HIIT alone. Therefore, further comprehensive large-scale exercise intervention studies are required to understand the association between metabolic dysfunction and aberrant mitochondrial profile, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the exercise-induced metabolic adaptations in women with PCOS

Transforming growth factor Beta 1 alters glucose uptake but not insulin signalling in human primary myotubes from women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), commonly have profound skeletal muscle insulin resistance which can worsen other clinical features. The heterogeneity of the condition has made it challenging to identify the precise mechanisms that cause this insulin resistance. A possible explanation for the underlying insulin resistance may be the dysregulation of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGFβ) signalling. TGFβ signalling contributes to the remodelling of reproductive and hepatic tissues in women with PCOS. Given the systemic nature of TGFβ signalling and its role in skeletal muscle homeostasis, it may be possible that these adverse effects extend to other peripheral tissues. We aimed to determine if TGFβ1 could negatively regulate glucose uptake and insulin signalling in skeletal muscle of women with PCOS. We show that both myotubes from women with PCOS and healthy women displayed an increase in glucose uptake, independent of changes in insulin signalling, following short term (16 hr) TGFβ1 treatment. This increase occurred despite pro-fibrotic signalling increasing via SMAD3 and connective tissue growth factor in both groups following treatment with TGFβ1. Collectively, our findings show that short-term treatment with TGFβ1 does not appear to influence insulin signalling or promote insulin resistance in myotubes. These findings suggest that aberrant TGFβ signalling is unlikely to directly contribute to skeletal muscle insulin resistance in women with PCOS in the short term but does not rule out indirect or longer-term effects

Acute low-volume high-intensity interval exercise and continuous moderate-intensity exercise elicit a similar improvement in 24-h glycemic control in overweight and obese adults

Background: Acute exercise reduces postprandial oxidative stress and glycemia; however, the effects of exercise intensity are unclear. We investigated the effect of acute low-volume high-intensity interval-exercise (LV-HIIE) and continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CMIE) on glycemic control and oxidative stress in overweight and obese, inactive adults.Methods: Twenty-seven adults were randomly allocated to perform a single session of LV-HIIE (9 females, 5 males; age: 30 ± 1 years; BMI: 29 ± 1 kg·m−2; mean ± SEM) or CMIE (8 females, 5 males; age: 30 ± 2.0; BMI: 30 ± 2.0) 1 h after consumption of a standard breakfast. Plasma redox status, glucose and insulin were measured. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was conducted during the 24-h period before (rest day) and after exercise (exercise day).Results: Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; 29 ±13%, p < 0.01; mean percent change ±90% confidence limit), hydrogen peroxide (44 ± 16%, p < 0.01), catalase activity (50 ± 16%, p < 0.01), and superoxide dismutase activity (21 ± 6%, p < 0.01) significantly increased 1 h after breakfast (prior to exercise) compared to baseline. Exercise significantly decreased postprandial glycaemia in whole blood (−6 ± 5%, p < 0.01), irrespective of the exercise protocol. Only CMIE significantly decreased postprandial TBARS (CMIE: −33 ± 8%, p < 0.01; LV-HIIE: 11 ± 22%, p = 0.34) and hydrogen peroxide (CMIE: −25 ± 15%, p = 0.04; LV-HIIE: 7 ± 26%; p = 0.37). Acute exercise provided a similar significant improvement in 24-h average glucose levels (−5 ± 2%, p < 0.01), hyperglycemic excursions (−37 ± 60%, p < 0.01), peak glucose concentrations (−8 ± 4%, p < 0.01), and the 2-h postprandial glucose response to dinner (−9 ± 4%, p < 0.01), irrespective of the exercise protocol.Conclusion: Despite elevated postprandial oxidative stress compared to CMIE, LV-HIIE is an equally effective exercise mode for improving 24-h glycemic control in overweight and obese adults

Sex-Specific Differences in Lysine, 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Acetic Acid in Offspring Exposed to Maternal and Postnatal High Linoleic Acid Diet, Independent of Diet.

BACKGROUND: Linoleic acid (LA) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that is required for foetal growth and development. Excess intake of LA can be detrimental for metabolic health due to its pro-inflammatory properties; however, the effect of a diet high in LA on offspring metabolites is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of maternal or postnatal high linoleic acid (HLA) diet on plasma metabolites in adult offspring. METHODS: Female Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were fed with either low LA (LLA) or HLA diet for 10 weeks prior to conception and during gestation/lactation. Offspring were weaned at postnatal day 25 (PN25), treated with either LLA or HLA diets and sacrificed at PN180. Metabolite analysis was performed in plasma samples using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. RESULTS: Maternal and postnatal HLA diet did not alter plasma metabolites in male and female adult offspring. There was no specific clustering among different treatment groups as demonstrated by principal component analysis. Interestingly, there was clustering among male and female offspring independent of maternal and postnatal dietary intervention. Lysine was higher in female offspring, while 3-hydroxybutyric acid and acetic acid were significantly higher in male offspring. CONCLUSION: In summary, maternal or postnatal HLA diet did not alter the plasma metabolites in the adult rat offspring; however, differences in metabolites between male and female offspring occurred independently of dietary intervention

Exploration of the altar painting “Sacra Conversazione” by Bernardino Licinio from the church of St. Francis in Krk

Slika Sacra Conversazione Bernardina Licinija iz crkve Sv. Franje Asiškog u Krku izrađena je tehnikom masne tempere na dasci. Velike dimenzije slike u kombinaciji sa smještajem na visini uz teška oštećenja nosioca i slikanih slojeva, zahtijevala su izvođenje konzervatorsko-restauratorskih istraživanja in situ. Tom je prilikom prvi put u Hrvatskoj izvan radionice, na terenu, primijenjena vizualizacija oltarne pale velikog formata računalnom radiografjom. Omogućila je uvid u stanje nosioca i slikanih slojeva, smanjila rizik demontaže i transporta te usmjerila daljnje konzervatorsko-restauratorske radove.The altar pala Sacra Conversazione, by Bernardino Licinio (Venice, 1485/1489–c. 1550), is located on the main altar of the Church of St. Francis in the town of Krk. It was painted in 1531 in tempera grassa on board. In contrast to the later Venetian Sacra Conversazione by the same artist, painted in 1535, the Krk pala is almost completely unknown in professional literature; it is mentioned only in some older literature, with a short iconographic description. Due to the painting’s large dimensions (280x195 cm) and weight, its location high on the main altar, and the significant damage to the painted layers, its wooden base and the support system, the conservation-restoration explorations were carried out in situ, at the church altar. This significantly reduced the possibility of additional damage being incurred during dismantling and transport. The artefact was filmed in the visible, UV and IR parts of the spectrum, and under slanted light. Samples of pigment and binding material were analysed in a laboratory, and the order of layers was established. A particularly interesting phase of the conservation-restoration exploration was the visualization of the artefact by computer radiography. This method, created and developed for medical purposes, is being applied ever more often in restoration for exploring and documenting artefacts. Prior to this occasion, it had not been used in Croatia for in situ explorations. The visualization of the Krk pala by computer radiography made it possible to assess the condition of the original painted layer, wooden base and support system, which is normally hidden by the large wall at the back of the altar. The computer radiography uncovered grave and extensive damage to the painting base and the painted layers, but which can be remedied and reconstructed. Exploratory attempts to remove the “secondary” coats from the surface of the original painted layer suggested that several interventions had already been made on the artefact, two of them rather substantial, and they included reduction of the altar painting’s format. The explorations carried out thus far have provided the basic information on this artefact, which will be supplemented by further restoration procedures, and archival and art-historical research