Effect of different exercise modalities plus a hypocaloric diet on inflammation markers in overweight patients

Summary Background & aims Inflammation markers (IM) have been associated with the development of chronic diseases. This study compares the effects on IM of three exercise programs combined with a hypocaloric diet. Methods 119 overweight participants (73 women, 46 men) aged 18–50 years were randomised into four treatment groups: strength training (S; n = 30), endurance training (E; n = 30), combined S + E (SE; n = 30), and a diet and physical activity recommendations group (D; n = 29). Energy intake, anthropometric variables (AV), training variables (VO2peak, strength index, dynamometric strength index [DSI]) and plasma IM were recorded at baseline and after 22 weeks of treatment. Results 84 participants completed the study. At 22 weeks, all groups showed a significantly reduced energy intake (P < 0.001) and improved AV (P < 0.001). VO2peak significantly increased in all groups (P < 0.01). DSI increased in the exercise groups only (P < 0.05). Plasma leptin fell significantly (P < 0.001) in the S and E groups, but not significantly in the SE group (P = 0.029) (no significant differences between these groups). Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations decreased in all groups when examined together, but not when examined separately. No significant differences were seen in interleukin-6 (IL-6). Conclusions Combining strength or endurance training with a hypocaloric diet improved AV and reduced plasma leptin concentrations. No differences were seen between groups in terms of TNF-α, IL-6 or CRP reduction. This trial was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT01116856. http://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Resonant absorption in a plasma step profile

Resonant absorption of p-polarized light shined on a plane-layered plasma with a step profile, is discussed as a function of wavelength (or critical density n,) of the light: for simplicity the incidence angle is assumed small. If n, lies within or above the step, the absorption A is given by Ginzburg’s result modified by strong reflections at the foot and top of the step. The absorption above is total for particular values of nc and U. For n, crossing the top of the density step the absorption is not monotonical: it exhibits a minimum that vanishes for zero radius of curvature U there and zero collision frequency 1’ (A - Iln VI-’). The results are applied to the profile produced by irradiating a solid target with a high-intensity pulse that steepens the plasma by radiation pressure.