Single dose of intra-muscular platelet rich plasma reverses the increase in plasma iron levels in exercise-induced muscle damage: A pilot study

Background Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is widely used in enhancing the recovery of skeletal muscle from injury. However, the impact of intramuscular delivery of PRP on hematologic and biochemical responses has not been fully elucidated in exercise-induced muscle damage. The purpose of this investigation the effects of intramuscular delivery of PRP on hematologic and biochemical responses and recovery strategy muscle damage induced by high intensity muscle exercise (exercise-induced muscle damage, EIMD). Methods Moderately active male volunteers participated in this study and were assigned to a control group (control, n = 6) and PRP administration group (PRP, n = 6). The subjects performed exercise with a load of 80% one repetition maximum (1RM) maximal voluntary contraction of the elbow flexors until point of exhaustion of the non-dominant arm was reached. The arms were treated with saline or autologous PRP post-24 h EIMD. Venous blood samples were obtained in the morning to establish a baseline value and 1–4 days post-exercise and were analyzed for serum ferritin, iron, iron binding capacity (IBC), creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Results The baseline levels of plasma iron, ferritin, IBC, CK, LDH, AST, and ALT were similar in both the control and PRP groups. However, 24-h following exercise a significant increase in these parameters was observed in both groups between 1 and 4 days during the recovery period. Interestingly, PRP administration decreased plasma iron levels compared to the control on the second day post-exercise. Plasma IBC increased in PRP group from Days 2 to 4 post-exercise compared to the control group whilst PRP administration had no effect on plasma ferritin, CK, AST, ALT, or LDH. Conclusion Acute exhaustive exercise increased muscle damage markers, including plasma iron, IBC, and ferritin levels, indicating muscle damage induced by exercise. PRP administration improves inflammation by reversing the increase in the iron levels post-exercise without displaying any myotoxicity and may have a role to play in the recovery of exercise-induced muscle damage

High protein diet increases thickness of renal parenchyma in resistance-trained-individuals

Objectives: Commercial protein powder or supplements are particularly consumed by resistance-trained individuals. For these individuals, an estimated requirement and recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of good quality protein are 0.66 g and 0.83 g per kg body weight (BW) per day, respectively. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of high protein intake on thickness of renal parenchyma in resistance-trained individuals in long term. Methods: Thirty six healthy resistance-trained male volunteers participated in this study (mean age 26 ± 3.6 years, body mass index 27.1±3.5). Participants were divided into three groups according to daily protein intake/BW: group 1 (n=8): 1.8 g/kg/day, group 2 (n=16): 2.5 g/kg/day and group 3 (n=12): 4 g/kg/day. They have been regularly resistance training on average of 6.5 ± 3.5 hours per week for the last 6 years. Daily protein intake of the subjects was calculated as the sum of dietary intake plus commercially protein powder. Plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured in venous blood samples. Renal length, width, thickness and cortical thickness were obtained in longitudinal and transverse ultrasonographic scans in prone position by same radiologist. Cortical echogenicity was graded as less than (0), equal to (1) or greater than (2) liver/spleen parenchyma and loss of cortex medulla differentiation (3). Results: Plasma levels of BUN and creatinine were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). Thickness of renal parenchyma in high protein intake (4 g/kg/day) group was significantly higher than in other groups (p 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that high protein intake increases the thickness of renal parenchyma in resistance-trained individuals in long term. Daily protein intake in excessive doses and unsupervised protein powder usage can be harmful and irreversible effects on kidney in resistance-trained individuals long term. © The Author(s) 2014

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on post-exercise plasma lipid peroxidation and blood antioxidant status in smokers: with special reference to haemoconcentration effect

The oxidative effects were investigated of exhausting exercise in smokers, and the possible protective role of 400 mg.day(-1) vitamin E (Vit E) supplementation over a period of 28 days. The subjects exercised to exhaustion including concentric-eccentric contractions following maximal cycling. The haematocrit and haemoglobin, leucocyte (WBC), plasma lactic acid (La) and malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), serum Vit E and ceruloplasmin (CER) concentrations were measured pre and post exercise. Supplementation increased Vit E concentrations 28% and 31% in the controls and the smokers, respectively. Cigarette smoking and/or Vit E supplementation did not influence plasma lipid peroxidation or the antioxidant status at rest. Exercise caused significant haemoconcentration in all groups. When the post-exercise concentrations were adjusted for haemoconcentration, a significant elevation in La concentrations due to exercise was observed in all groups. Similarly, there were significant elevations in the adjusted WBC counts in all groups except the Vit E supplemented controls. The MDA concentrations on the other hand, when adjusted for haemoconcentration, did not exhibit any difference due to exercise. Exercise did not affect the GPx and CER activities either, while causing a SOD activity loss in all groups except the Vit E supplemented non-smokers. Serum Vit E concentrations diminished significantly in all groups after exercise. Postexercise plasma MDA and blood antioxidant concentrations were not altered by smoking. The results would suggest that plasma volume changes should always be taken into account when assessing post-exercise plasma concentrations and that smoking and exercise do not have an additional collective effect on plasma lipid peroxidation and the dose of Vit E administered was insufficient to maintain the serum concentrations after exercise