The effects of lipoic acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on the lipid profile and insulin sensitivity of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Antioxidants probably play an important role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes (DM2). This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with lipoic acid (LA) and alpha-tocopherol on the lipid profile and insulin sensitivity of DM2 patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 102 DM2 patients divided into four groups to receive daily supplementation for 4 months with: 600 mg LA (n = 26); 800 mg alpha-tocopherol (n = 25); 800 mg alpha-tocopherol + 600 mg LA (n = 25); placebo (n = 26). Plasma alpha-tocopherol, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and the HOMA index were determined before and after supplementation. Differences within and between groups were compared by ANOVA using Bonferroni correction. Student`s t-test was used to compare means of two independent variables. The vitamin E/total cholesterol ratio improved significantly in patients supplemented with vitamin E + LA and vitamin E alone (p <= 0.001). There were improvements of the lipid fractions in the groups receiving LA and vitamin E alone or in combination, and on the HOMA index in the LA group, but not significant. The results suggest that LA and vitamin E supplementation alone or in combination did not affect the lipid profile or insulin sensitivity of DM2 patients. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of 830 nm low-level laser therapy applied before high-intensity exercises on skeletal muscle recovery in athletes

Our aim was to investigate the immediate effects of bilateral, 830 nm, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on high-intensity exercise and biochemical markers of skeletal muscle recovery, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial set in a sports physiotherapy clinic. Twenty male athletes (nine professional volleyball players and eleven adolescent soccer players) participated. Active LLLT (830 nm wavelength, 100 mW, spot size 0.0028 cm(2), 3-4 J per point) or an identical placebo LLLT was delivered to five points in the rectus femoris muscle (bilaterally). The main outcome measures were the work performed in the Wingate test: 30 s of maximum cycling with a load of 7.5% of body weight, and the measurement of blood lactate (BL) and creatine kinase (CK) levels before and after exercise. There was no significant difference in the work performed during the Wingate test (P > 0.05) between subjects given active LLLT and those given placebo LLLT. For volleyball athletes, the change in CK levels from before to after the exercise test was significantly lower (P = 0.0133) for those given active LLLT (2.52 U l(-1) +/- 7.04 U l(-1)) than for those given placebo LLLT (28.49 U l(-1) +/- 22.62 U l(-1)). For the soccer athletes, the change in blood lactate levels from before exercise to 15 min after exercise was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the group subjected to active LLLT (8.55 mmol l(-1) +/- 2.14 mmol l(-1)) than in the group subjected to placebo LLLT (10.52 mmol l(-1) +/- 1.82 mmol l(-1)). LLLT irradiation before the Wingate test seemed to inhibit an expected post-exercise increase in CK level and to accelerate post-exercise lactate removal without affecting test performance. These findings suggest that LLLT may be of benefit in accelerating post-exercise recovery.

Comparison between cold water immersion therapy (CWIT) and light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) in short-term skeletal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise in athletes-preliminary results

In the last years, phototherapy has becoming a promising tool to improve skeletal muscle recovery after exercise, however, it was not compared with other modalities commonly used with this aim. In the present study we compared the short-term effects of cold water immersion therapy (CWIT) and light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) with placebo LEDT on biochemical markers related to skeletal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed with six male young futsal athletes. They were treated with CWIT (5A degrees C of temperature [SD +/- 1A degrees]), active LEDT (69 LEDs with wavelengths 660/850 nm, 10/30 mW of output power, 30 s of irradiation time per point, and 41.7 J of total energy irradiated per point, total of ten points irradiated) or an identical placebo LEDT 5 min after each of three Wingate cycle tests. Pre-exercise, post-exercise, and post-treatment measurements were taken of blood lactate levels, creatine kinase (CK) activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. There were no significant differences in the work performed during the three Wingate tests (p > 0.05). All biochemical parameters increased from baseline values (p < 0.05) after the three exercise tests, but only active LEDT decreased blood lactate levels (p = 0.0065) and CK activity (p = 0.0044) significantly after treatment. There were no significant differences in CRP values after treatments. We concluded that treating the leg muscles with LEDT 5 min after the Wingate cycle test seemed to inhibit the expected post-exercise increase in blood lactate levels and CK activity. This suggests that LEDT has better potential than 5 min of CWIT for improving short-term post-exercise recovery.

Effect of Calcium Pre-rinse and Fluoride Dentifrice on Enamel and on Dental Plaque Formed In Situ

Purpose: The aim of this in situ double-blind randomised crossover study was to investigate the effect of calcium (Ca) pre-rinse on the composition of plaque and on enamel prior to the use of fluoride (F) dentifrice. Materials and Methods: During four phases (14 days each) of this study, 10 volunteers had agreed to wear dental appliances containing two healthy bovine enamel blocks. A fresh solution containing 20% weight/volume (w/v) sucrose was dripped on the enamel blocks ex vivo for 5 min three times a day. Subsequently, the appliances were replaced in the mouth, and the volunteers rinsed their mouth with 10 mL of a Ca (150 mmol/L) or a placebo rinse (1 min). In sequence, a slurry (1:3 w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks ex vivo for 1 min. During this time, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliances were replaced in the mouth, and the volunteers rinsed their mouth with water. The plaque formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. The enamel demineralisation as well as the incorporation of F on enamel was evaluated by cross-sectional microhardness and alkali-soluble F analysis, respectively. Data were tested using analysis of variance (P < 0.05). Results: The Ca pre-rinse prior to the use of the F dentifrice led to a three- and sixfold increase in the plaque F and Ca concentrations, respectively. It also did not have any additive effect on the F content on the enamel and the demineralisation of the enamel, in comparison with the use of F dentifrice alone. Conclusions: A Ca lactate rinse used prior to the F dentifrice was able to change the mineral content in the plaque, but it was unable to prevent enamel demineralisation.

Consumption of a Flaxseed-Rich Food Is Not More Effective Than a Placebo in Alleviating the Climacteric Symptoms of Postmenopausal Women

Our objective in this work was to test the effects of daily intake of bread produced with partially defatted ground flaxseed on the climacteric symptoms and endometrial thickness of postmenopausal women. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed with 38 women who had been postmenopausal for 1-10 y and consumed 2 slices of bread containing 25 g of flaxseed (46 mg lignans) or wheat bran (<1 mg lignans; control) every day for 12 consecutive weeks. The outcome variables were the daily number of hot flashes, the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI), and endometrial thickness. The plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol and HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol fractions and triglycerides) and the hormones estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free thyroxine also were measured. Food intake was evaluated by means of 2 24-hrecalls, before and after the treatment. Twenty patients in the study group and 18 in the control group completed the study. The general characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups at the start of the study. Both had significant, but similar, reductions in hot flashes and KMI after 3 mo of treatment. Moreover, endometrial thickness was not affected in either group. Our findings clearly show that although flaxseed is safe, its consumption at this level (46 mg lignans/d) is no more effective than placebo for reducing hot flashes and KMI. J. Nutr. 140: 293-297, 2010.

Creatine supplementation reduces plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE(2) after a half-ironman competition

Objective. The effect of creatine supplementation upon plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin (IL) 1 beta and IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), and Interferon alpha (INF alpha) and Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) after a half-ironman competition were investigated. Methods. Eleven triathletes, each with at least three years experience of participation in this sport were randomly divided between the control and experimental groups. During 5 days prior to competition, the control group (n = 6) was supplemented with carbohydrate (20g center dot d(-1)) whereas the experimental group (n = 5) received creatine (20 center dot d(-1)) in a double-blind trial. Blood samples were collected 48h before and 24 and 48h after competition and were used for the measurement of cytokines and PGE(2). Results. Forty-eight hours prior to competition there was no difference between groups in the plasma concentrations (pg center dot ml(-1), mean +/- SEM) of IL-6 (7.08 +/- 0.63), TNF alpha (76.50 +/- 5.60), INF alpha (18.32 +/- 1.20), IL-1 beta (23.42 +/- 5.52), and PGE(2) (39.71 +/- 3.8). Twenty-four and 48h after competition plasma levels of TNF alpha, INF alpha, IL-1 beta and PGE(2) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in both groups. However, the increases in these were markedly reduced following creatine supplementation. An increase in plasma IL-6 was observed only after 24h and, in this case, there was no difference between the two groups. Conclusion. Creatine supplementation before a long distance triathlon competition may reduce the inflammatory response induced by this form of strenuous of exercise.

Low-level Laser Therapy Improves Skeletal Muscle Performance, Decreases Skeletal Muscle Damage and Modulates mRNA Expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in a Dose-dependent Manner

We tested if modulation in mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) can be related to protective effects of phototherapy in skeletal muscle. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups receiving either one of four laser doses (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 J) or a no-treatment control group. Laser irradiation (904 nm, 15 mW average power) was performed immediately before the first contraction for treated groups. Electrical stimulation was used to induce six tetanic tibial anterior muscle contractions. Immediately after sixth contraction, blood samples were collected to evaluate creatine kinase activity and muscles were dissected and frozen in liquid nitrogen to evaluate mRNA expression of COX-1 and COX-2. The 1.0 and 3.0 J groups showed significant enhancement (P < 0.01) in total work performed in six tetanic contractions compared with control group. All laser groups, except the 3.0 J group, presented significantly lower post-exercise CK activity than control group. Additionally, 1.0 J group showed increased COX-1 and decreased COX-2 mRNA expression compared with control group and 0.1, 0.3 and 3.0 J laser groups (P < 0.01). We conclude that pre-exercise infrared laser irradiation with dose of 1.0 J enhances skeletal muscle performance and decreases post-exercise skeletal muscle damage and inflammation.

Hyaluronidase increases the duration of mepivacaine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks

Purpose: To evaluate the duration of the effect of mepivacaine when hyaluronidase is injected immediately prior to the end of pulpal anesthesia. Patients and Methods: Forty bilateral, symmetrical third molar surgeries were performed in 20 healthy patients. Inferior alveolar nerve block was induced using 2.8 mL 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine. Hyaluronidase (75 turbidity-reducing units) or a placebo was injected 40 minutes after the beginning of pulpar anesthesia (randomized and double-blind trial). The duration of effect in the pulpal and gingival tissues was evaluated by response to painful electrical stimuli applied to the Adjacent premolar, and by mechanical stimuli (pin prick) to the vestibular gingiva, respectively. Results: in both tissues, the duration of anesthetic effect with hyaluronidase was longer (P <.01) than with the placebo. Conclusion: Hyaluronidase increases the duration of mepivacaine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks. (c) 2008 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Lack of effects of isoflavones on the lipid profile of Brazilian postmenopausal women

Objective: To evaluate the effects of soy isoflavone supplementation on profile lipid and endogenous hormone levels. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled Study, 47 post menopausal women 47-66 v of age received 40 mg of isoflavone (n = 25) or 40 mg of casein placebo (11 = 22). Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by evaluating lipid profile at baseline and after 6 mo of treatment. To examine the effects of this regime on endogenous hormone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone and beta-estradiol were measured. Urinary isoflavone concentrations (genistein and daidzein) were measured as markers of both compliance and absorption using high performance liquid chromatography. Baseline characteristics were compared by the unpaired Student`s t-test. Within-group changes were determined by paired Student`s t-test and comparison between the isoflavone and casein placebo groups were determined by analysis of variance. Results: Lipid levels (low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol) similarly decreased in both,groups. High-density lipoprotein increased significantly in both groups and cannot thus be attributable to treatment: the reason for Such variation is unknown and can be attributed to chance or to bias (even that of a real placebo effect in both groups or perhaps in spontaneous changes in exercise and dietary habits of patients after their inclusion). Furthermore, in both groups very low-density lipoprotein and triacylglycerol levels increased in a non-significant manner. Conclusion: The results of the present Study do not support any biologically significant estrogenic effects of isoflavone on the parameters assessed. Further research will he necessary to definitively assess the safety and efficacy of isoflavone. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Two-dimensional QSAR studies on arylpiperazines as high-affinity 5-HT(1A) receptor ligands

5-HT(1A) receptor plays an important role in the delayed onset of antidepressant action of a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Moreover, 5-HT(1A) receptor levels have been shown to be altered in patients suffering from major depression. In this work, hologram quantitative structure-activity relationship (HQSAR) studies were performed on a series of arylpiperazine compounds presenting affinity to the 5-HT(1A) receptor. The models were constructed with a training set of 70 compounds. The most significant HQSAR model (q(2) = 0.81, r(2) = 0.96) was generated using atoms, bonds, connections, chirality, and donor and acceptor as fragment distinction, with fragment size of 6-9. Predictions for an external test set containing 20 compounds are in good agreement with experimental results showing the robustness of the model. Additionally, useful information can be obtained from the 2D contribution maps.