The effect of 8-week different-intensity walking exercises on serum hepcidin, IL-6, and iron metabolism in pre-menopausal women

Objective Hepcidin may be an important mediator in exercise-induced iron deficiency. Despite the studies investigating acute exercise effects on hepcidin and markers of iron metabolism, we found no studies examining the chronic effects of walking exercises (WE) on hepcidin and markers of iron metabolism in premenopausal women. The chronic effects of two 8-week different-intensity WE on hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and markers of iron metabolism in pre-menopausal women were examined. Methods Exercise groups (EG) [moderate tempo walking group (MTWG), n = 11; brisk walking group (BWG), n = 11] walked 3 days/week, starting from 30 to 51 min. Control group (CG; n = 8) did not perform any exercises. BWG walked at ∼70%–75%; MTWG at ∼50%–55% of HRRmax. VO2max, hepcidin, IL-6, and iron metabolism markers were determined before and after the intervention. Results VO2max increased in both EGs, favoring the BWG. Hepcidin increased in the BWG (p  Conclusion Both WE types may be useful to prevent inflammation. However, brisk walking is advisable due to the positive changes in VO2max and some iron metabolism parameters, which may contribute to prevent iron deficiency. The increase in hepcidin levels remains unclear and necessitates further studies

JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS

Aim. The effects of acute exercise on immune system and serum magnesium and iron have been investigated in recent years. However, data related to the comparisons of long-term physical training with different intensity and duration are limited. Methods. The association between long-term physical training and cellular (lymphocyte phenotyping) and humoral immune parameters (serum immunoglobulins) and serum magnesium and iron values in the middle-aged men was investigated. Eleven male master athletes (MA) performing high intensity and long duration training, 11 male recreational athletes (RA) performing moderate intensity and duration training (>10 years) participated. Eleven male sedentary individuals were enrolled as control group (CG). Results. The percentages of total CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T helper, CD8+ T suppressor/cytotoxic, CD19+ B cells, natural killer cells, HLA-DR+ active T cells and CD4/CD8 ratios did not show any significant difference among 3 groups. In MA, VO2max values showed a significant negative correlation with CD4+ T helper cells. There were no significant differences among MA, RA and CG in terms of IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. There was a significant correlation between VO2max and IgG in RA. Iron, iron binding capacity and ferritin were found similar in all groups, but serum magnesium level in MA was significantly lower than RA and CG. Conclusion. No exact data to support immunosuppression or immunostimulation could be obtained except a significant negative correlation between CD4+ T helper cells and VO2max values in MA and a positive correlation between serum IgG and VO2max ivalues in RA. These findings may be the indirect markers of cellular immune system suppression by intensive exercises and stimulation of IgG production by moderate exercises

PHYSIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

Objective: Hepcidin may be an important mediator in exercise-induced iron deficiency. Despite the studies investigating acute exercise effects on hepcidin and markers of iron metabolism, we found no studies examining the chronic effects of walking exercises (WE) on hepcidin and markers of iron metabolism in premenopausal women. The chronic effects of two 8-week different-intensity WE on hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and markers of iron metabolism in pre-menopausal women were examined. Methods: Exercise groups (EG) [moderate tempo walking group (MTWG), n = 11; brisk walking group (BWG), n = 11] walked 3 days/week, starting from 30 to 51 min. Control group (CG; n = 8) did not perform any exercises. BWG walked at similar to 70%-75%; MTWG at similar to 50%-55% of HRRmax. VO2max, hepcidin, IL-6, and iron metabolism markers were determined before and after the intervention. Results: VO2max increased in both EGs, favoring the BWG. Hepcidin increased in the BWG (p < 0.01) and CG (p < 0.05). IL-6 decreased in the BWG and the MTWG (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). While iron, ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation levels did not change in any group, total iron binding capacity (p < 0.05), red blood cells (p < 0.05), and hematocrit (p < 0.01) increased only in the BWG. Conclusion: Both WE types may be useful to prevent inflammation. However, brisk walking is advisable due to the positive changes in VO2max and some iron metabolism parameters, which may contribute to prevent iron deficiency. The increase in hepcidin levels remains unclear and necessitates further studies

JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS

Aim. Studies related with the role of intensive and moderate training on reducing coronary heart disease (CHID) risks have revealed conflicting results. Thus, the aim of this study was to clarify the association between long-term physical training with competitive and recreational purposes and blood lipids and apolipoproteins in the middle-aged master athletes, recreational athletes and sedentary controls. Methods. The association between long-term physical training and serum concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in the middle-aged men was investigated. Twelve male master athletes (NM), 12 male recreational athletes (RA) (> 10 y), and 12 male sedentary controls (CG) participated in the study. Serum concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins were measured by enzymatic methods; apolipoproteins (ApoA1 and ApoB) and serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] were measured by immonoprecipitation assays. Results. TC, LDL-C, ApoA1, Lp(a) levels and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio of the 3 groups did not show any significant differences. MA and RA had significantly higher levels O-2max, HDL-C, ApoA1/ApoB ratio; and lower values of percent body fat, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, TG, ApoB and TC/HDL-C ratio than CG. We did not find any significant differences between MA and RA in any variables except for BMI and TC/HDL-C ratio. Conclusion. Habitual physical training favorably altered serum lipid and apolipoprotein profiles. Although there was no statistical significance (except for BMI and TC/HDL-C) between MA and RA, a tendency to reduce the CHID risks was observed almost in all variables in favor of MA

TURKIYE KLINIKLERI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI

Objective: To examine the effect of an eight-week moderate intensity walking program on bone turnover markers, serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor-activator of nuclear factor- kappa beta ligand (sRANKL) in post-menopausal women. Material and Methods: Twelve post-menopausal women (45-62 years) completed an eight-week walking program at moderate intensity (60-65% maximum heart rate reserve). Non-walking women served as the control group (CG; n= 11). Body weight, percent body fat, body mass index (BMI), estimated maximal oxygen consumption (estimated VO2(max)), bone turnover markers, sRANKL, serum OPG and sRANKL/OPG ratio were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Eight-week walking program produced significant increases in VO2(max) and reductions in body weight and BMI. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and beta- crosslaps (CTx) reduced (p< 0.01, for both), sRANKL/OPG ratio (p< 0.01) and sRANKL values (p< 0.05) increased in the exercise group (EG). We detected significant reductions in the serum OPG levels of EG and CG (p< 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the changes in EG and CG in terms of bone turnover markers, OPG and sRANKL values. Conclusion: Eight-week moderate intensity walking program is beneficial for improving cardiorespiratory function in post-menopausal women to enable them to lead a less risky and a more independent life; however, it seems not so effective in changing the bone turnover markers and the OPG/sRANKL system

SCIENCE & SPORTS

Aim. - This study examined the effects of 12 weeks of walking programs on serum lipids, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2. Methods. - Twenty-six pre-menopausal women (30-49 years) completed 12 weeks of walking programs either at moderate or high intensity (50-55%, 70-75% maximum heart rate reserve, respectively). Estimated maximal oxygen consumption was assessed with a 2-km walking test; body composition, blood lipids, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 were measured before and after the study. Results. - Maximal oxygen consumption increased, favoring high-intensity group; body weights, percent body fat (p<0.01) and body mass index (p<0.05) decreased in both exercise groups. There were no significant changes in the measured blood lipids in any of the groups, except for a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in high-intensity group (p<0.05). High-sensitive C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels reduced significantly in high-intensity (p<0.01) and moderate-intensity (p<0.05) groups, which were also different from the changes in the control group. Conclusion. - Walking programs with different intensity result in favorable changes; however, for protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, high-intensity walking may be advised due to greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved

TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY-TURK BIYOKIMYA DERGISI

Purpose: To examine the effects of an 8-week walking program on serum lipids, circulation matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in post-menopausal women. Method: Body weight, percent body fat, body mass index, estimated maximal oxygen consumption, blood lipids, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 concentrations were assessed and their matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 molar ratios were calculated in exercise (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Exercise group completed an eight-week walking program at moderate (similar to 6.29 +/- 0.15km/h; similar to 62% maximum heart rate reserve) intensity. Results: Significant changes in estimated maximal oxygen consumption, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body weight, and body mass index (p<.05) were determined in exercise group. However, there were no significant changes in the measured blood lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), matrix metalloproteinase-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 concentrations, and matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 molar ratio of exercise group, except for a nearly significant change in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 level (p=.092). We determined no significant changes in any of the measured parameters in control group. Conclusion: Despite its protective effects against coronary heart disease risks, the duration and intensity of this program is not sufficient to cause significant changes in blood lipids, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 concentrations. A higher-intensity, longer-duration program accompanied with diet is proposed