Physical activity and risk of Metabolic Syndrome in an urban Mexican cohort

Abstract Background In the Mexican population metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent. It is well documented that regular physical activity (PA) prevents coronary diseases, type 2 diabetes and MS. Most studies of PA have focused on moderate-vigorous leisure-time activity, because it involves higher energy expenditures, increase physical fitness, and decrease the risk of MS. However, for most people it is difficult to get a significant amount of PA from only moderately-vigorous leisure activity, so workplace activity may be an option for working populations, because, although may not be as vigorous in terms of cardio-respiratory efforts, it comprises a considerable proportion of the total daily activity with important energy expenditure. Since studies have also documented that different types and intensity of daily PA, including low-intensity, seem to confer important health benefits such as prevent MS, we sought to assess the impact of different amounts of leisure-time and workplace activities, including low-intensity level on MS prevention, in a sample of urban Mexican adults. Methods The study population consisted of 5118 employees and their relatives, aged 20 to 70 years, who were enrolled in the baseline evaluation of a cohort study. MS was assessed according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program, ATP III and physical activity with a validated self-administered questionnaire. Associations between physical activity and MS risk were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models. Results The prevalence of the components of MS in the study population were: high glucose levels 14.2%, high triglycerides 40.9%, high blood pressure 20.4%, greater than healthful waist circumference 43.2% and low-high density lipoprotein 76.9%. The prevalence of MS was 24.4%; 25.3% in men and 21.8% in women. MS risk was reduced among men (OR 0.72; 95%CI 0.57–0.95) and women (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.64–0.94) who reported an amount of ≥30 minutes/day of leisure-time activity, and among women who reported an amount of ≥3 hours/day of workplace activity (OR 0.75; 95%CI 0.59–0.96). Conclusion Our results indicate that both leisure-time and workplace activity at different intensity levels, including low-intensity significantly reduce the risk of MS. This finding highlights the need for more recommendations regarding the specific amount and intensity of leisure-time and workplace activity needed to prevent MS

New bis(SATE) prodrug of AZT 5'-monophosphate: in vitro anti-HIV activity, stability, and potential oral absorption

The in vitro anti-HIV activity, stability, and potential for oral absorption of a phosphotriester derivative of AZT (zidovudine; 3'-azido-2',3'-deoxythymidine) bearing a new esterase-labile S-acyl-2-thioethyl (SATE) group as transient phosphate protection are reported. The biolabile protection is characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl function in the acyl chain. In accordance with previously reported data in the bis(SATE) prodrug series, the present results demonstrate that the studied bis(hydroxytBuSATE)phosphotriester exerts its biological effects via intracellular delivery of the 5'-monophosphate of AZT. The hydroxyl function confers a high resistance against esterase hydrolysis, and the studied prodrug is able to cross the Caco-2 cell monolayers in intact form, suggesting that its further development as a possible anti-HIV pronucleotide candidate is warranted.status: publishe

Chronic Physiological Effects of Swim Training Interventions in Non-Elite Swimmers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Swimming is a popular and potentially health-enhancing exercise, but has received less scientific attention compared with other exercise modes. Objective The objective of the study was to determine the chronic (long-term) effect of pool swim training on physiological outcomes in non-elite or non-competitive swimming participants