Improving interMediAte Risk management. MARK study

Background: Cardiovascular risk functions fail to identify more than 50% of patients who develop cardiovascular disease. This is especially evident in the intermediate-risk patients in which clinical management becomes difficult. Our purpose is to analyze if ankle-brachial index (ABI), measures of arterial stiffness, postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, self-measured blood pressure and presence of comorbidity are independently associated to incidence of vascular events and whether they can improve the predictive capacity of current risk equations in the intermediate-risk population. Methods/Design: This project involves 3 groups belonging to REDIAPP (RETICS RD06/0018) from 3 Spanish regions. We will recruit a multicenter cohort of 2688 patients at intermediate risk (coronary risk between 5 and 15% or vascular death risk between 3-5% over 10 years) and no history of atherosclerotic disease, selected at random. We will record socio-demographic data, information on diet, physical activity, comorbidity and intermittent claudication. We will measure ABI, pulse wave velocity and cardio ankle vascular index at rest and after a light intensity exercise. Blood pressure and anthropometric data will be also recorded. We will also quantify lipids, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in a fasting blood sample and postprandial capillary glucose. Eighteen months after the recruitment, patients will be followed up to determine the incidence of vascular events (later follow-ups are planned at 5 and 10 years). We will analyze whether the new proposed risk factors contribute to improve the risk functions based on classic risk factors. Discussion: Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a priority in public health policy of developed and developing countries. The fundamental strategy consists in identifying people in a high risk situation in which preventive measures are effective and efficient. Improvement of these predictions in our country will have an immediate, clinical and welfare impact and a short term public health effect

Hypertension is associated with greater heat exchange during exercise recovery in a hot environment

Individuals with systemic arterial hypertension have a higher risk of heat-related complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the thermoregulatory responses of hypertensive subjects during recovery from moderate-intensity exercise performed in the heat. A total of eight essential hypertensive (H) and eight normotensive (N) male subjects (age=46.5±1.3 and 45.6±1.4 years, body mass index=25.8±0.8 and 25.6±0.6 kg/m2, mean arterial pressure=98.0±2.8 and 86.0±2.3 mmHg, respectively) rested for 30 min, performed 1 h of treadmill exercise at 50% of maximal oxygen consumption, and rested for 1 h after exercise in an environmental chamber at 38°C and 60% relative humidity. Skin and core temperatures were measured to calculate heat exchange parameters. Mean arterial pressure was higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects throughout the experiment (P<0.05, unpaired t-test). The hypertensive subjects stored less heat (H=-24.23±3.99 W·m−2vs N=-13.63±2.24 W·m−2, P=0.03, unpaired t-test), experienced greater variations in body temperature (H=-0.62±0.05°C vsN=-0.35±0.12°C, P=0.03, unpaired t-test), and had more evaporated sweat (H=-106.1±4.59 W·m−2vs N=-91.15±3.24 W·m−2, P=0.01, unpaired t-test) than the normotensive subjects during the period of recovery from exercise. In conclusion, essential hypertensive subjects showed greater sweat evaporation and increased heat dissipation and body cooling relative to normotensive subjects during recovery from moderate-intensity exercise performed in hot conditions.

The acute effects of differential dietary fatty acids on PDHa activity in human skeletal muscle at the onset of exercise

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is an important regulator of carbohydrate oxidation during exercise and its activity can be down-regulated by an increase in dietary fat. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute metabolic effects of differential dietary fatty acids on the activation of PDH in its active form (PDHa) at rest and at the onset of moderate-intensity exercise. University-aged male subjects (n=7) underwent 2 fat loading trials spaced at least 2 weeks apart. Subjects consumed saturated (SFA) or polyunsaturated (PUFA) fat over the course of 5 hours. Following this, participants cycled at 65% VO2 max for 15 min. Muscle biopsies were taken prior to and following fat loading and at 1 min exercise. Plasma free fatty acids increased from 0.15 ± 0.07 to 0.54 ± 0.19 mM over 5 hours with SFA and from 0.1 1 ± 0.04 to 0.35 ±0.13 mM with PUFA. PDHa activity was unchanged following fat loading, but increased at the onset of exercise in the SFA trial, from 1 .4 ± 0.4 to 2.2 ± 0.4 /xmol/min/kg wet wt. This effect was negated in the PUFA trial (1 .2 ± 0.3 to 1 .3 ± 0.3 pimol/min/kg wet wt.). PDH kinase (PDK) was unchanged in both trials, suggesting that the attenuation of PDHa activity with PUFA was a result of changes in the concentrations of intramitochondrial effectors, more specifically intramitochondrial NADH or Ca^*. Our findings suggest that attenuated PDHa activity participates in the preferential oxidation of PUFA during moderateintensity exercise.

Étude de la réponse aiguë à l'exercice intermittent à haute intensité chez le patient coronarien

L'entraînement par intervalles à haute intensité est plus efficace que l'entraînement continu d’intensité modérée pour améliorer la consommation maximale d’oxygène (VO2max) et le profil métabolique des patients coronariens. Cependant, il n’y a pas de publications pour appuyer la prescription d’un type d’exercice intermittent (HIIE) spécifique dans cette population. Nous avons donc comparé les réponses aiguës cardio-pulmonaires de quatre sessions différentes d’exercice intermittent dans le but d’identifier l’exercice optimal chez les patients coronariens. De manière randomisée, les sujets participaient aux sessions d’HIIE, toutes avec des phases d’exercice à 100% de la puissance maximale aérobie (PMA), mais qui variaient selon la durée des phases d’exercice et de récupération (15s ou 1 min) et la nature de la récupération (0% de la PMA ou 50% de la PMA). Chaque session était réalisée sous forme de temps limite et l’exercice était interrompu après 35 minutes. En considérant l’effort perçu, le confort du patient et le temps passé au-dessus de 80% de VO2max, nous avons trouvé que l’exercice optimal consistait à alterner des courtes phases d’exercice de 15s à 100% de la PMA avec des phases de 15s de récupération passive. Ensuite, nous avons comparé les réponses physiologiques de l’HIIE optimisé avec un exercice continu d’intensité modérée (MICE) iso-calorique chez des patients coronariens. En considérant les réponses physiologiques, l’aspect sécuritaire (aucune élévation de Troponin T) et l’effort perçu, le protocole HIIE est apparu mieux toléré et plus efficace chez ces coronariens. Finalement, une simple session d’HIIE n’induit pas d’effets délétères sur la paroi vasculaire, comme démontré avec l’analyse des microparticules endothéliales. En conclusion, l’exercice intermittent à haute intensité est un mode d'entraînement prometteur pour les patients coronariens stables qui devrait faire l’objet d’autres études expérimentales en particulier pour les patients coronariens ischémiques.

Condition physique, performance motrice, comportements et fonctions cognitives chez les enfants ayant un trouble du déficit de l’attention avec hyperactivité

Cette thèse poursuit un double objectif. D’une part, mesurer et situer le niveau de la condition physique, de la performance motrice et de la participation aux activités physiques chez des enfants ayant un TDAH. D’autre part, apprécier l’impact d’un programme structuré en activité physique sur la condition physique, la performance motrice, certains comportements cibles ainsi que sur les fonctions cognitives propres à ces enfants. Pour vérifier l’atteinte de ces objectifs, trois études expérimentales ont été complétées et ont fait l’objet d’articles soumis pour publications. Dans le premier article, on évalue la condition physique et la performance motrice chez des enfants ayant un TDAH prenant ou non de la médication. Les résultats obtenus démontrent que la condition physique, comprenant ici des variables reliées à la composition corporelle, l’endurance musculaire et la flexibilité de ces enfants, ne diffèrent pas de celle des membres d’un groupe témoin. Seul l’indice de masse corporelle est significativement moins élevé chez les enfants ayant un TDAH prenant de la médication. Aucune différence n’est observée entre les groupes en ce qui a trait à la capacité aérobie telle que mesurée lors d’une épreuve de tapis roulant. Par contre, lorsqu’évaluée à partir d’un test navette, la performance aérobie de tous les participants est significativement moins élevée, d’où l’importance du choix de l’instrument de mesure. Finalement, les enfants ayant un TDAH ont significativement plus de problèmes de motricité globale que les enfants du groupe témoin. Ces difficultés sont particulièrement importantes pour la locomotion. Dans le cadre d’un programme d’activités physiques structurées et supervisées, le deuxième article porte, d’une part, sur l’évaluation de l’intensité de la participation aux exercices proposés chez des enfants ayant un TDAH. D’autre part, l’impact potentiel de facteurs comme les problèmes de poids et la présence de difficultés motrices sont également pris en considération. Les résultats obtenus suggèrent que ces enfants atteignent une intensité et une durée d’exercice qui ne diffèrent pas de celles des enfants du groupe témoin. Quant aux enfants qui ont un problème de poids ou des difficultés motrices, l’intensité et la durée de leur participation ne diffèrent pas de celles des participants témoins. Sur la base des données obtenues, les enfants ayant un TDAH peuvent parvenir à un degré de participation aux exercices qui permet de bénéficier des bienfaits de la pratique d’activités physiques. Le troisième article traite de l’impact potentiel d’un programme d’activités physiques sur la condition physique, la performance motrice, certains comportements ainsi que sur les fonctions cognitives des enfants ayant un TDAH. Sur la base des résultats obtenus, il est possible de faire valoir que la participation à un tel programme permet d’améliorer les capacités musculaires, les habiletés motrices, certains comportements observés par les parents et les enseignants ainsi que la capacité d’attention. Cela pourrait produire un impact significatif dans l’adaptation fonctionnelle de ces jeunes. Ces résultats soulignent le besoin de continuer la recherche dans les domaines de l’activité physique et du TDAH. La discussion générale présente les liens existants entre les manuscrits en fonction du modèle de l’engagement dans les activités physiques. Le déficit de la motricité globale ainsi que l’impact clinique potentiel de l’activité physique dans le traitement du TDAH sont les deux axes de recherche qui semblent le plus propices à des travaux futurs.

Étude des réponses physiologiques aiguës à l’exercice intermittent de haute intensité chez le patient insuffisant cardiaque

L’optimisation de l’exercice par intervalles de haute intensité (EIHI) chez les patients insuffisants cardiaques (IC) n’a jamais été étudiée auparavant. Nous avons comparé les réponses cardio-pulmonaires aiguës lors de 4 différents EIHI dans le but de trouver le protocole optimisé chez les patients IC. Les patients IC étaient aléatoirement alloués à 4 sessions d’EIHI. Chaque phase d’exercice était à une intensité de 100% de la puissance aérobie maximale (PAM), mais de différentes durées (30s ou 90s) et de type de récupération (passive ou active). Chaque protocole d’EIHI durait un maximum de 30 minutes ou jusqu’à épuisement. Considérant le temps total d’exercice, l’adhérence, une perception d’effort moins élevée, le confort du patient ainsi que des temps similaires passés à un haut pourcentage du VO2pic, le mode avec intervalles courts (30s) et récupération passive s’est avéré être le protocole d’EIHI optimisé chez ces patients. Suite à cette étude, nous avons voulu comparer les réponses cardio-pulmonaires aiguës d’un exercice continu d’intensité modéré (ECIM) par rapport à celles de l’EIHI optimisé de dépense énergétique équivalente chez les patients IC. L’objectif de cette étude était de comparer les réponses cardio-pulmonaires, l’adhérence, la perception de l’effort, l’inflammation et les biomarqueurs cardiaques. Comparativement à l’ECIM, l’adhérence, l’efficience et la tolérance étaient plus élevées lors de l’EIHI optimisé chez les patients IC tout en produisant un stimulus physiologique important. L’EIHI n’a causé aucune arythmie significative ou d’effets délétères sur l’inflammation (CRP), le BNP et la nécrose myocardique (C-TnT) chez les patients IC. L’EIHI semble être un mode d’exercice prometteur et devrait être considéré lors de la réadaptation cardiaque chez les patients IC.

Long term trends of seasonal and monthly rainfall in different intensity ranges over Indian subcontinent

In general Indian summer monsoon rainfall did not show any significant trend in all Indian summer monsoon rainfall series, however, it was reported that the ISMR is subjected to spatial trends. This paper made an attempt to bring out long term trends of different intensity classes of summer monsoon rainfall in different regions of Indian subcontinent. The long term trend of seasonal and monthly rainfall were also made using the India Meteorological Department gridded daily rainfall data with a spatial resolution of 1° × 1° latitude-longitude grid for the period from 1st January, 1901 to 31st December, 2003. The summer monsoon rainfall shows an increasing trend in southeast, northwest and northeast regions, whereas decreasing trend in the central and west coastal regions. In monthly scale, July rainfall shows decreasing trend over west coastal and central Indian regions and significant increasing trend over northeast region at 0.1% significant level. During the month August, decreasing trend is observed in the west coastal stations at 10% significant level. In most of the stations, mean daily rainfall shows an increasing trend for low and very high intense rainfall. For the moderate rainfall, the trend is different for different regions. In the central and southern regions the trend of moderate and moderately high classes show increasing trend. And for the high and very high intensity classes, the trend is decreasing significantly. In the northeastern regions, above 10 mm/day rainfall shows significantly increasing trend with 0.1% significant level.

Capacidad aeróbica de bomberos aeronáuticos

Los bomberos aeronáuticos son los encargados de atender todas las emergencias en los aeropuertos y sus cercanías. Estas emergencias incluyen emergencias aéreas, en tierra, eventos con materiales peligros e incendios, entre otros. Su trabajo tiene como características la realización de actividades durante periodos largos de baja intensidad y periodos cortos de alta intensidad. De acuerdo con estas características, es necesario que los bomberos aeronáuticos tengan una buena condición física. El consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2 máx) como indicador de capacidad aeróbica resulta indispensable para conocer el desempeño de los bomberos en su trabajo. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la capacidad aeróbica de los bomberos aeronáuticos y sus factores determinantes. Por tanto se desarrolló un estudio transversal de tipo descriptivo en una muestra de 23 hombres bomberos aeronáuticos. Se obtuvo información acerca de sus variables socio-demográficas, se determinó el VO2 máx y umbral ventilatorio mediante análisis de gases espirados durante un protocolo de ejercicio máximo sobre tapiz rodante, se evaluó la composición corporal mediante adipometría y se determinó el nivel de actividad física mediante el cuestionario internacional de actividad física IPAQ. Se encontró que la muestra tenia una edad de 32,6 ± 4,8 años, peso de 78,4 ± 9,8 kg, porcentaje de grasa de 14,8 ± 3,8 %, índice de masa corporal de 25,7 ± 2,7 y VO2máx de 44,6 ± 6. No se encontraron cambios significativos del VO2máx con la edad, pero si con la actividad física, porcentaje de grasa e índice de masa corporal. Se sugiere que el entrenamiento de los bomberos aeronáuticos durante su jornada laboral sea de intervalos de alta intensidad y que se monitorice su nivel de actividad física y composición corporal.

Ejercicio y resultados clínicos en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Antecedentes. La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es la segunda enfermedad neurodegenerativa más común en el mundo, la cual afecta el componente físico, psicológico y social de los individuos que la padecen. Numerosos estudios han abordado los beneficios de diferentes programas de ejercicio, llegando a ser una estrategia no-farmacológica efectiva para aminorar el deterioro funcional de los pacientes con EP. Objetivo. Determinar los efectos de las diferentes modalidades de ejercicio físico en los principales desenlaces clínicos en pacientes con EP. Métodos. Se consultaron las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL y PEDro desde febrero de 1990 hasta febrero de 2014 para identificar Ensayos Clínicos Aleatorizados (ECA) publicados. Además, se examinaron las listas de referencias de otras revisiones y de estudios identificados. La extracción de datos se realizó por dos autores independientes. Se empleó un modelo de efectos aleatorios en presencia de heterogeneidad estadística (I2>50%). El sesgo de publicación fue evaluado mediante el gráfico de embudo. Resultados: Un total de 18 estudios fueron incluidos. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las intervenciones con ejercicio y las siguientes medidas de resultado, severidad de los síntomas motores (MDS-UPDRS) DME 1.44, IC 95% [-2.09 a -0.78] (p<0.001) I2= 87,9% y el equilibrio DME 0,52 IC 95% [0,30 a 0,74] (p<0.001) I2= 85,6%. En el análisis de subgrupos en la modalidad de ejercicio aeróbico, en MDS-UPDRS DME -1,28, IC 95% [-1,98 a -0,59] (p<0.001), 3 calidad de vida DME -1,91 IC 95% [-2,76 a -1,07] (p<0.001), equilibrio DME 0,54 IC 95% [0,31 a 0,77] (p<0.001), 10-m WT DME 0,15 IC 95% [0,06 a 0,25] (p<0.001) y Vo2 máximo DME -1,09 IC 95% [-1,31 a -0,88] (p=0.001), 6MWT DME 40,46 IC 95% [11,28 a 69,65] (p=0.007). Conclusiones: El ejercicio aeróbico produjo mejoras significativas en MDS UPDRS, equilibrio, calidad de vida, 10-m WT y y Vo2 máximo; mientras que el ejercicio combinado mejoró la fuerza.

Test performance indicators from a single soccer specific fitness test differentiate between highly trained and recreationally active soccer players

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single soccer specific fitness test (SSFT) could differentiate between highly trained and recreationally active soccer players in selected test performance indicators. Methods. Subjects: 13 Academy Scholars (AS) from a professional soccer club and 10 Recreational Players (RP) agreed to participate in this study. Test 1-(V)over dotO(2) max was estimated from a progressive shuttle run test to exhaustion. Test 2-The SSFT was controlled by an automated procedure and alternated between walking, sprinting, jogging and cruise running speeds. Three activity blocks (1A, 2A and 3A) were separated by 3 min rest periods in which blood lactate samples were drawn. The 3 blocks of activity (Part A) were followed by 10 min of exercise at speeds alternating between jogging and cruise running (Part B). Results. Estimated (V)over dotO(2) max did not significantly differ between groups, although a trend for a higher aerobic capacity was evident in AS (p<0.09). Exercising heart rates did not differ between AS and RP, however, recovery heart rates taken from the 3 min rest periods were significantly lower in AS compared with RP following blocks 1A (124.65 b(.)min(-1) +/-7.73 and 133.98 b(.)min(-1) +/-6.63), (p<0.05) and 3A (129.91 b.min(-1) +/-10.21 and 138.85 b.min(-1) +/-8.70), (p<0.01). Blood lactate concentrations were significantly elevated in AS in comparison to RP following blocks 2A (6.91 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-2.67 and 4.74 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-1.28) and 3A (7.18 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-2.97 and 4.88 mmol(.)l(-1) +/-1.50), (p<0.05). AS sustained significantly faster average sprint times in block 3A compared with RP (3.18 sec +/-0.12 and 3.31 sec +/-0.12), (p<0.05). Conclusion. The results of this study show that highly trained soccer players are able to sustain, and more quickly recover from, high intensity intermittent exercise.

Response surface analysis of extract yield and flavour intensity of Brazilian cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

This work evaluated the effect of pressure and temperature on yield and characteristic flavour intensity of Brazilian cherry (Eugenia uniflora L) extracts obtained by supercritical CO(2) using response surface analysis, which is a simple and efficient method for first inquiries. A complete central composite 2(2) factorial experimental design was applied using temperature (ranging from 40 to 60 degrees C) and pressure (from 150 to 250 bar) as independent variables. A second order model proved to be predictive (p <= 0.05) for the extract yield as affected by pressure and temperature, with better results being achieved at the central point (200 bar and 50 degrees C). For the flavour intensity, a first order model proved to be predictive (p <= 0.05) showing the influence of temperature. Greater characteristic flavour intensity in extracts was obtained for relatively high temperature (> 50 degrees C), Therefore, as far as Brazilian cherry is concerned, optimum conditions for achieving higher extract yield do not necessarily coincide to those for obtaining richer flavour intensity. Industrial relevance: Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an emerging clean technology through which one may obtain extracts free from organic solvents. Extract yields from natural products for applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries have been widely disseminated in the literature. Accordingly, two lines of research have industrial relevance, namely, (i) operational optimization studies for high SFE yields and (ii) investigation on important properties extracts are expected to present (so as to define their prospective industrial application). Specifically, this work studied the optimization of SFE process to obtain extracts from a tropical fruit showing high intensity of its characteristic flavour, aiming at promoting its application in natural aroma enrichment of processed foods. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lymphocyte and Cytokines after Short Periods of Exercise

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of short periods of exercise of different intensity on lymphocyte function and cytokines. Thirty Wistar rats, 2 months old, were used. They were divided into five groups of six rats: a sedentary control group; a group exercised for 5 minutes at low intensity (5 L): a group exercised for 15 minutes at low intensity (15 L); and groups exercised at moderate intensity (additional load of 5% of body weight) for 5 minutes (5 M) or for 15 minutes (15 M). The parameters measured were: total leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes from lymph nodes, serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-alpha), lymphocyte mitochondrial transmembrane potential, viability and DNA fragmentation. ANOVA two way followed by Tukey`s post hoc test (p <= 0.05) was used. The exercised groups exhibited a significant increase in total leukocytes, tissue and circulating lymphocytes in comparison with the control group. There was a significant decrease in lymphocyte viability and decrease in DNA fragmentation for the 15 M group when compared with the control. There was a decrease in the level TNF-alpha in the 5 M and 15 M groups. Short-term, low- and moderate-intensity exercise may be considered for sedentary individuals beginning to exercise, since no deleterious alterations were observed in lymphocyte function.

Chronic low frequency/low volume resistance training reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine protein levels and TLR4 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and recently, it has been recognized as an important source of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a cytokine that exerts inhibitory effects on several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although dynamic chronic resistance training has been shown to produce the known ""repeated bout effect"", which abolishes the acute muscle damage, performing of high-intensity resistance training has been regarded highly advisable, at least from the hypertrophy perspective. On the other hand, a more therapeutic, ""non-damaging"" resistance training program, mainly composed of concentric forces, low frequency/low volume of training, and the same exercise, could theoretically benefit the muscle when the main issue is to avoid muscle inflammation (as in the treatment of several ""low-grade"" inflammatory diseases) because the acute effect of each resistance exercise session could be diminished/avoided, at the same time that the muscle is still being overloaded in a concentric manner. However, the benefits of such ""less demanding"" resistance training schedule on the muscle inflammatory profile have never been investigated. Therefore, we assessed the protein expression of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-10/TNF-alpha ratio, and HSP70 levels and mRNA expression of SCF(beta-TrCP), IL-15, and TLR-4 in the skeletal muscle of rats submitted to resistance training. Briefly, animals were randomly assigned to either a control group (S, n = 8) or a resistance-trained group (T, n = 7). Trained rats were exercised over a duration of 12 weeks (two times per day, two times per week). Detection of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, and HSP70 protein expression was carried out by western blotting and SCF(beta-TrCP) (SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases), a class of enzymes involved in the ubiquitination of protein substrates to proteasomal degradation, IL-15, and TLR-4 by RT-PCR. Our results show a decreased expression of TNF-alpha and TLR4 mRNA (40 and 60%, respectively; p < 0.05) in the plantar muscle from trained, when compared with control rats. In conclusion, exercise training induced decreased TNF-alpha and TLR-4 expressions, resulting in a modified IL-10/TNF-alpha ratio in the skeletal muscle. These data show that, in healthy rats, 12-week resistance training, predominantly composed of concentric stimuli and low frequency/low volume schedule, down regulates skeletal muscle production of cytokines involved in the onset, maintenance, and regulation of inXammation.

CHANGES OF GENE EXPRESSION IN ELECTRICALLY STIMULATED AND CONTRALATERAL RAT SOLEUS MUSCLES

In this study we investigate the effect of a single session of high-intensity contractions on expression of pleiotropic genes and, in particular, those genes associated with metabolism in soleus muscle from electrically stimulated (ES) and contralateral (CL) limbs. The right limbs of male Wistar rats were submitted to contractions by 200-ms trains of electrical stimulation at 100-Hz frequency with pulses of 0.1 ms (voltage 24 3 V) delivered each second for 1 hour. Soleus muscles were isolated 1 hour after contraction, and gene expression was analyzed by a macroarray technique (Atlas Toxicology 1.2 Array; Clontech Laboratories). Electrical stimulation increased expression in 92 genes (16% of the genes present in the membrane). Sixty-six genes were upregulated in both ES and CL soleus muscles, and expression of 26 genes was upregulated in the ES muscle only. The most altered genes were those related to stress response and metabolism. Electrical stimulation also raised expression of transcription factors, translation and posttranslational modification of proteins, ribosomal proteins, and intracellular transducers/effectors/modulators. The results indicate that a single session of electrical stimulation upregulated expression of genes related to metabolism and oxidative stress in soleus muscle from both ES and CL limbs. These findings may indicate an association with tissue hypertrophy and metabolic adaptations induced by physical exercise training not only in the ES but also in the CL non-stimulated muscle, suggesting a cross-education phenomenon. Muscle Nerve 40: 838-846, 2009

Endotoxin levels correlate positively with a sedentary lifestyle and negatively with highly trained subjects

Introduction: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. This phenomenon is supported by recent studies suggesting a chronic, low-grade inflammation status. Endotoxin derived from gut flora may be key to the development of inflammation by stimulating the secretion of inflammatory factors. This study aimed to examine plasma inflammatory markers and endotoxin levels in individuals with a sedentary lifestyle and/or in highly trained subjects at rest. Methods: Fourteen male subjects (sedentary lifestyle n = 7; highly trained subjects n = 7) were recruited. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast (similar to 12 h). The plasmatic endotoxin, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1), ICAM/CD54, VCAM/CD106 and lipid profile levels were determined. Results: Endotoxinemia was lower in the highly trained subject group relative to the sedentary subjects (p < 0.002). In addition, we observed a positive correlation between endotoxin and PAI-1 (r = 0.85, p < 0.0001), endotoxin and total cholesterol (r = 0.65; p < 0.01), endotoxin and LDL-c (r = 0.55; p < 0.049) and endotoxin and TG levels (r = 0.90; p < 0.0001). The plasma levels of MCP-1, ICAM/CD54 and VCAM/CD106 did not differ. Conclusion: These results indicate that a lifestyle associated with high-intensity and high-volume exercise induces favorable changes in chronic low-grade inflammation markers and may reduce the risk for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.