Influence of 8 Weeks of Tabata High-Intensity Interval Training and Nanocurcumin Supplementation on Inflammation and Cardiorespiratory Health among Overweight Elderly Women

Nanocurcumin (NaC) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) play crucial role in weight and inflammation control. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the separate and combined effects of 8 weeks of Tabata-HIIT and NaC supplementation on the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, long non-coding RNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (lncRNA MIAT) expression, body composition, and cardiorespiratory health in elderly overweight women. A total of 48 healthy overweight elderly women were randomly divided into four groups: NaC, Tabata-HIIT+Pla, Tabata-HIIT+NaC, and placebo. Participants underwent a Tabata HIIT program (2 days per week, at 80∼0% of maximal HR) and NaC supplementation (daily 80 mg in two 40 mg capsules) for 8 weeks. Blood sampling, cardiorespiratory hemodynamic responses, and body composition evaluations were obtained before and after treadmill stress testing at the baseline timepoint and following 8 weeks of intervention. The mRNA of lncRNA-MIAT and NLRP3 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. After 8 weeks, a significant improvement was observed in body composition and cardiorespiratory hemodynamics in the Tabata-HIIT groups compared to the NaC alone and placebo groups (P<0.05). Tabata training, both with and without the addition of nano curcumin supplementation, did not result significant effect on the resting levels of lncRNA-MIAT expression (P>0.05). Nevertheless, NaC supplementation along with Tabata training led to a significant reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, NaC supplementation in overweight/preobese women improved systemic inflammation during treadmill stress testing. These findings indicating the suppressive effects of non-pharmacologic interventions on the sympathetic system and downregulation of the inflammasome.

Exercise-induced expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors: impact of mask modality, sex, and exercise intensity

BACKGROUND

Wearing a facemask affects physiological responses to exercise. We explored how exercising with a facemask affects the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [ACE2]) and some associated genes (angiotensin type-1 receptors [AT<inf>1</inf>R]; Mas receptor [MasR]; hypoxia-inducible factor 1α [HIF-1α]; endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]) among healthy males and females.

METHODS

One hundred forty-four apparently healthy individuals (72 females; age: 30±6) were allocated to three mask groups of 48 (N95, Surgical, No Mask) with two exercise subgroups for each mask for both sexes. Participants in each experimental group performed either a submaximal (walking with no grade) or maximal (a modified Bruce Protocol) treadmill exercise test. Blood samples were collected before and after each exercise test and used to analyze the mRNA expression of the genes studied.

RESULTS

The post-exercise expression of genes examined were comparable between Surgical, N95, and No Mask (P>0.05). ACE2 was significantly greater in Surgical and N95 against No Mask at baseline and following moderate-intensity exercise (P<0.05). Whilst similar expressions were noted for MasR and eNOS (P>0.05), AT<inf>1</inf>R was greater in N95 than Surgical following high-intensity exercise (P<0.05). HIF-1α following either exercise intensity was significantly lower in N95 than Surgical (P<0.05). AT<inf>1</inf>R and HIF-1α were similar between Surgical and N95 against No Mask (P>0.05). ACE2 and AT<inf>1</inf>R were significantly higher in either mask modality than No Mask in males at baseline and postexercise (P<0.05). HIF-1α, MasR, and eNOS expressions were comparable between all mask groups in either sex (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that wearing a facemask does not differentiate the gene expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor following exercise among both sexes.

Does long-term exposure to air pollution suppress parasympathetic reactivation after incremental exercise among healthy males and females?

PURPOSE

As consequences of industrial processes, air pollution has led to increased cardiovascular diseases resulting in mortality. However, there are few pieces of evidence expressing physical fitness and gender impacts in such environments. Regarding long-term exposure to air pollution, this study aimed to determine the effect of physical fitness on post-exercise cardiac parasympathetic reactivation among healthy males and females.

METHODS

120 individuals (46 ± 5 years) participated and were categorized into two main groups (n = 60; EG, CG); (1) The experimental group included individuals living in an air-polluted environment; (2) The control group included the citizens of a clean air region; and two physical fitness status subgroups (n = 30; active vs. sedentary) across both sexes. The heart rate (HR) changes at different timing after performing an incremental exercise, and T30 were calculated as metrics of cardiac parasympathetic reactivation.

RESULTS

The heart rate recovery values were substantially lower in EG in comparison to CG (p < 0.001) at different timing, while, T30 was significantly greater in residents of the air-polluted city compared to CG (p < 0.001). As for heart rate recovery at the 5th minute, the values were significantly lower in the steady-female group in comparison to the active females living in the air-polluted city (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, although physical fitness modifies the adverse impacts of long-term exposure to air pollution on post-exercise cardio-parasympathetic reactivation, it appears to parallel the acute/intermediate recovery of the thermoregulatory and vascular systems, among both sexes, it does not prevent them.

Does wearing a mask while exercising amid COVID-19 pandemic affect hemodynamic and hematologic function among healthy individuals? Implications of mask modality, sex, and exercise intensity

OBJECTIVES

We investigated how wearing a mask - and its modality (surgical vs. N95) - affect hemodynamic and hematologic function in males and females across two exercise intensities (submaximal (SUB) and maximal (MAX)).

METHODS

144 individuals participated in the present study and were randomly allocated to three mask groups of 48 (N95, SURGICAL, and NO MASK) with two exercise subgroups for each mask group (MAX, n = 24; SUB, n = 24) for both sexes. Participants in each experimental group (N95SUB, N95MAX; SURSUB, SURMAX; SUB, MAX) were assessed for their hemodynamic and hematologic function at baseline and during recovery after exercise.

RESULTS

No significant differences were noted for either hemodynamic or hematologic function at post-exercise as compared to baseline with regard to mask modality (P > 0.05). Heart rate (HR) for maximal intensity were significantly greater at 1 min post-exercise in N95 as compared to SURGICAL (P < 0.05). No differences were noted for hemodynamic and hematologic function with N95 and SURGICAL compared to NOMASK for either intensity (P > 0.05). Females showed significantly greater HR values at 1 min post-exercise in N95 as compared to NO MASK, but no significant differences were noted for hematological function between sexes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that wearing a face mask (N95/surgical) while exercising has no detrimental effects on hemodynamic/hematologic function in both males and females, and suggest that wearing a mask, particularly a surgical mask, while exercising during the ongoing pandemic is safe and poses no risk to individual's health. Future studies examining physiological responses to chronic exercise with masks are warranted.

Coronary vasomotion and exercise-induced adaptations in coronary artery disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:

Exercise can improve coronary blood flow in a healthy heart, but the vascular response of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is different. The aim of this study was to systematically review the chronic effects of exercise on coronary arterial function in CAD patients.

Materials and Methods:

Six electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, “Scopus,” Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar) covering publications from 1986 to 2019 were systematically searched with related keywords. Studies were included if they investigated changes in blood flow and coronary artery diameter in response to chronic exercise training in patients with CAD. A total of 5421 studies were assessed for quality and outcomes, and finally five studies met criteria for inclusion. For metaanalysis, the results of the studies were pooled using the randomeffects model. The heterogeneity between the studies was checked using I² index.

Results:

The total sample population consisted of 108 CAD patients. According to the findings of this study, coronary artery function in adaptation with exercise showed that a period of exercise leads to statistically significant improvement in coronary flow velocity reserve (z = 3.15, P = 0.002; standardized mean difference [SMD] =2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–3.78) (containing six trials). In addition, vasodilatory response of coronary arteries in response to endothelium-independent vasodilator nitroglycerin was investigated in three studies (containing four trials). A meta-analysis showed that performing chronic aerobic exercises did not make a significant change in the endothelium-independent vasodilator (z = 0.83, P = 0.40; SMD = −0.36, 95% CI: −1.21–0.49).

Conclusion:

Based on the results of the present study, aerobic exercises improve the endothelial function of coronary arteries and thereby the vascular vasomotion function, while the results of this meta-analysis showed no change in arterial smooth muscle's function by chronic aerobic exercises. This study reflects the lack of high- and medium-quality reports about the chronic effects of anaerobic and resistance exercises and the various methods of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular function.

Impact of exercise in high-humidity on heart rate variability and salivary oxidative stress in obese and lightweight asthmatic children

BACKGROUND

Asthma and obesity are becoming increasingly common among children. Such conditions are known to negatively affect both cardiac autonomic function and oxidative stress. We therefore investigated the heart rate variability (HRV) and oxidative (malondialdehyde, MDA) response to exercise within a high humidity environment (~65%) in obese and lightweight asthmatic children.

METHODS

Forty-two children participated in this study and were categorized into four groups: obese asthmatic (OA, N.=10), obese non-asthmatic (ONA, N.=15), lightweight asthmatic (LA, N.=10), and lightweight non-asthmatic (LNA, N.=7). Time-domain and nonlinear indices of HRV were assessed at rest, during, and immediately after exercise. Further, saliva samples were collected immediately before and after exercise and analyzed for the determination of MDA.

RESULTS

HRV significantly decreased during and after exercise compared to baseline (P<0.05) with short-term fractal scaling exponent (α1) for the LNA group significantly smaller than the OA group after exercise (P<0.05). In contrast, the long-term fractal scaling exponent (α2) was greater after exercise compared to baseline and during exercise for all groups (P<0.05). MDA significantly decreased after exercise compared to baseline (P<0.05). We also found significant correlations after exercise between salivary levels of MDA with HRV components (i.e., RMSSD, SD1, and α2) in asthmatic groups (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that exercise in high humidity environment does not significantly differentiate the autonomic response among children with various conditions (i.e., obese, asthmatic and healthy). However, a significant relationship was found between HRV and MDA in asthmatic children after exercise, highlighting the inter-relationship between oxidative stress markers and autonomic function in asthmatic children.

Effects of Phase IV Pedometer Feedback Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Cardiovascular Functional Capacity in Patients With Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Pedometer feedback home-based cardiac rehabilitation (PFHCR) programs have been effective in augmenting exercise tolerance. Our aim was to investigate the effects of PFHCR on cardiovascular functional capacity in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).Methods: Forty MI patients were divided into two intervention and two control groups (n=10)in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received a PFHCR program including routine medications along with continuous exercise program, whereas the control group received traditional care without PFHCR. Baseline evaluations and cardiovascular stresses were controlled during the 8-week follow-up rehabilitation program in all patients. Data analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and paired sample student’s t-test (P ≤ 0.05).Results: At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups. After eight weeks of PFHCR, the intervention groups had significantly higher metabolic equivalent(P = 0.001), VO2max (P = 0.001), total exercise times (P = 0.001), and total distance traveled(P = 0.003) when compared with the control groups. However, no significant intra-group or inter-group differences in variables were observed between the men and women.Conclusion: Our results showed that PFHCR exhibited significant optimal effects on the cardiovascular functional capacity in MI patients.

Taurine supplementation has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects before and after incremental exercise in heart failure

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of supplemental taurine prior to and following incremental exercise in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

Patients with HF and left ventricle ejection fraction less than 50%, and placed in functional class II or III according to the New York Heart Association classification, were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) taurine supplementation; or (2) placebo. The taurine group received oral taurine (500 mg) 3 times a day for 2 weeks, and performed exercise before and after the supplementation period. The placebo group followed the same protocol, but with a starch supplement (500 mg) rather than taurine. The incremental multilevel treadmill test was done using a modified Bruce protocol.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that inflammatory indices [C-reactive protein (CRP), platelets] decreased in the taurine group in pre-exercise, post-supplementation and post-exercise, post-supplementation as compared with pre-exercise, pre-supplementation ( p < 0.05) whereas these indices increased in pre-exercise, post-supplementation and post-exercise, post-supplementation as compared with pre-exercise, pre-supplementation in the placebo group ( p < 0.05). Our results also show that atherogenic indices [Castelli's Risk Index-I (CRI-I), Castelli's Risk Index-II (CRI-II) and Atherogenic Coefficient (AC)] decreased in the taurine group in pre-exercise, post-supplementation and post-exercise, post-supplementation as compared with pre-exercise, pre-supplementation ( p < 0.05). No such changes were noted in the placebo group ( p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

our results suggest that 2 weeks of oral taurine supplementation increases the taurine levels and has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects prior to and following incremental exercise in HF patients.

Dynamics of heart rate variability at different ages: effect of the arm crank and cycle ergometer protocols

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the behavior of heart rate variability at rest, mid-test, immediately, 5 and 10 min of recovery following the exhaustive arm crank and cycle ergometer protocols in healthy children, middle-aged and elderly subjects.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy men volunteered to participate in this study and were assigned to three groups: child (N.=12), middle-aged (N.=12) and elder (N.=12). Heart rate variability was assessed by calculation of the mean R-R interval measured by Electrocardiogram at each phases.

RESULTS

Heart rate variability significantly decreased at mid-test, immediately and significantly increased in 5 and 10 min of recovery after both the arm crank and cycle ergometer protocols among all groups, these changes were significantly higher in cycle ergometer compared with arm crank protocol among all age groups. Moreover, increase of heart rate variability was significantly higher in the middle-aged than that for children and elder subjects during 5 and 10 min of recovery after cycle ergometer protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a relationship between lowered heart rate variability and the age of the subjects. In addition, our findings suggest a clinically important effect of exhaustive physical activity in various ages after upper body work than lower body work.

Individually and Combined Water-Based Exercise With Ginger Supplement, on Systemic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome Indices, Among the Obese Women With Breast Neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Breast neoplasms has known as the most common cancer among the women worldwide, and relationship between obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammation and cancer has been recognized since many years ago.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the individual and concomitant effect of 6-weeks water-based exercise and oral ginger supplement on markers that have related to metabolic syndrome and systemic inflammation in obese women with breast neoplasms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty women whose have diagnosed with breast neoplasms have volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects have randomly assigned into four groups; placebo, exercise training, ginger supplement and exercise training+ ginger supplement groups. Subjects in the ginger supplement group and the exercise training+ ginger supplement group have orally received 4 capsules, 7 days a week and for 6 weeks. The water-based exercise training program have collected at a progressive intensity and time, have ranged from 50% to 75% of heart rate reserve, in a pool, 4 times a week for 6 weeks. Fasting blood sampling has collected at the pretest and post-test.

RESULTS

The ginger supplementation and the water-base exercise have resulted in a reduction of hs-CRP, IL-10, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance, LDL-C, TG; but an increase in HDL-C and HDL-C/LDL-C. The water-base exercise and ginger supplement group have significantly shown larger positive effect in all outcomes, in comparison with the water-base exercise or ginger supplement alone groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings have suggested that obese breast neoplasms survivors have commonly shown metabolic syndrome and elevated inflammation, which placed them at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, data has indicated a protective effect of the nondrug strategies, such as water-base exercise and ginger supplementation have played an important role in pathogenesis of inflammatory and metabolic responses, among diagnosed breast neoplasms.

Pretreatment effects of regular aerobic training on the IGF system and hepatotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats

AIMS

To examine the pretreatment effects of regular aerobic training on the IGF system (IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and IGF/IGFBP) and doxorubicin(DOX) induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight male rats were divided into groups:(1) control+placebo (2)control+DOX10 mg.kg-1 (3)control+DOX20 mg.kg-1 (4) training+placebo (5) training+DOX10 mg.kg-1 (6) training+DOX20 mg.kg-1. Hepatotoxicity was induced by DOX with dosages of 10 and 20 mg.kg-1. The rats in groups 4, 5 and 6 performed treadmill running of 25-54 min/day and 15-20 m/min, 5 days/wk for 6 wks. At the end of the aerobic training protocol, rats in the 1 and 4 groups, in the 2 and 5 groups and in the 3 and 6 groups received saline solution, DOX10 mg.kg-1 and DOX20 mg.kg-1, respectively.

RESULTS

Administration of DOX20 mg.kg-1 caused a significant increase in IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3, an insignificant decrease in IGFBP-3, as compared to the control+placebo group. However, after six weeks of aerobic training and DOX treatment with 10mg.kg-1 and or/ 20mg.kg-1 an insignificant decrease in IGF-1, an insignificant increase in IGFBP-3 and a significant decrease in IGF-1/IGFBP-3 were detected, in comparison to C+DOX10 and C+DOX20.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatotoxicity of doxorubicin is dose-dependent and pretreatment with regular aerobic training may improve DOX-induced hepatotoxicity by up-regulation of IGFBP3.

Chronic exercise training versus acute endurance exercise in reducing neurotoxicity in rats exposed to lead acetate

After intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg lead acetate, rats received 8 weeks of treadmill exercise (15–22 m/min, 25–64 minutes) and/or treadmill exercise at 1.6 km/h until exhaustion. The markers related to neurotoxicity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. 8 weeks of treadmill exercise significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus (P = 0.04) and plasma level of total antioxidant capacity of rats exposed to lead acetate (P < 0.001), and significantly decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde (P < 0.001). Acute exercise only decreased the hippocampal malondialdehyde level (P = 0.09) and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus (P = 0.66). Acute exercise also enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in rats exposed to lead acetate, insignificantly (P = 0.99). These findings suggest that chronic treadmill exercise can significantly decrease neurotoxicity and alleviate oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. However, acute endurance exercise was not associated with these beneficial effects.

Continuous exercise training and curcumin attenuate changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress induced by lead acetate in the hippocampus of male rats

CONTEXT

For many years it has been known that lead is life-threatening, not only as an air pollutant but also because of it has been associated with several conditions including neurodegenerative disease. Curcumin (the principal curcuminoid found in turmeric) has demonstrated potent antioxidant properties.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated neuroprotective effects of endurance exercise and/or curcumin on lead acetate-induced neurotoxicity in the rat hippocampus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1) lead acetate, 2) curcumin, 3) training, 4) training + curcumin, and 5) control. The rats in the training groups performed treadmill running five times a week for 8 weeks (15-22 m/min, 25-64 min). All groups except control received lead acetate (20 mg/kg), whereas the control group received curcumin solution (ethyl oleate). In addition, the curcumin and training + curcumin groups received curcumin solution (30 mg/kg) intraperioneally.

RESULTS

Lead acetate resulted in a significantly increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma (72%), but not significant in hippocampus (59%). In addition, it led to significantly decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus (17%) and total antioxidant capacity (27%), as compared to control group. Treadmill running, curcumin supplementation or both resulted in a significant decrease in hippocampus MDA (17, 20, 31%, respectively) and plasma MDA (60, 22, 71%) and also, significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (76, 45, 94%) and total antioxidant capacity (47.13, 47.11, 61%) levels, as compared to lead acetate group.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results provide a rationale for an inhibitory role of curcumin and regular exercise in the attenuation of lead-induced neurotoxicity.

Change in adiponectin and oxidative stress after modifiable lifestyle interventions in breast cancer cases

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent diseases in women today. Little information exists on modifiable lifestyle factors including effects of ginger supplements (as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory herbal) and water-based exercise on biomarkers related to oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and adiponectin in obese women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the single and concomitant effect of 6-wks water-based exercise and oral ginger supplement on the aforesaid markers in obese women with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty women diagnosed with breast cancer (48 ± 5.4 years, 76 ± 9 kg, fat mass 41.8 ± 4%), volunteered to participate in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into four groups; placebo, water-based exercise, ginger supplement and water-based exercise+ginger supplement groups. Subjects in the ginger supplement group and the water-based exercise+ginger supplement group orally received 4 capsules (each capsule contained 750 mg), 7 days a week for 6 weeks. The water-based exercise program featured progressive increase in intensity and time, ranging from 50% to 75% of heart rate reserve, in a pool with 15 meters width, 4 times a week for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at pre-test and post-test time points.

RESULTS

The ginger supplementation and or the water-base exercise resulted in an increase of adiponectin, NO and GPx and reduction MDA, as compared to pre-test values. However, the combined intervention (water-base exercise and ginger supplement) group showed significantly a far better effect on the biomarkers related to oxidative stress and adiponectin levels, as compared to the water- base exercise or ginger supplement alone groups and the age-matched placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that water-base exercise is a non-drug therapeutic strategy to reduce systemic stress in obese women suffering from breast cancer. Further, ginger supplementation alone or in combination with training, also play an important role in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress in obese women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Effects of intermittent aerobic training on passive avoidance test (shuttle box) and stress markers in the dorsal hippocampus of wistar rats exposed to administration of homocysteine

OBJECTIVE

Elevated amino acid homocysteine (Hcy) levels and insufficient physical activity are the risk factors in Alzheimer disease (AD) development. The effect of intermittent aerobic training on memory retention test and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the dorsal hippocampus of rats which were stimulated with Hcy is investigated.

METHODS

In order to determine the dose at which using Shuttle Box Test recognizes degenerative changes and/or memory impairment, 40 rats were injected by different dosages of Hcy to the dorsal hippocampus. It was observed that the required Hcy dose is 0.6 M. Then 44 rats were divided into four groups including training and control groups at 4 weeks of aerobic exercise in training and control groups at 8 weeks. To determine the effect of homocysteine on the memory impairment, Shuttle Box Test was used on treadmill (5 sessions/week, 12-18 m/min and 10-58.5 min).

RESULTS

Hcy administration caused memory impairment and significant increase in TBARS. Significant decrease in TBARS level was noted after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, but not after just 4 weeks of exercise compared with control group. In addition, performing 8 weeks of aerobic training led to significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and the time of avoidance learning test.

CONCLUSION

Hyperhomocysteinemia caused learning and memory deficits probably by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the present study showed that regular moderate intensity intermittent exercise may reverse this process and exercise is recommended as a strategy to improve symptoms of senile neurodegenerative disease .

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

Effect of treadmill exercise and Ferula gummosa on myocardial HSP72, vascular function, and antioxidant defenses in spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study evaluates the effect of treadmill exercise and Ferula gummosa (FG) on heat shock protein (HSP72), biomarkers related to vascular function, and oxidant/antioxidant system in the heart tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). Fifty adult male Wistar rats are randomly classified into five groups: treadmill exercise, FG, combination of treadmill exercise + FG, L-NAME, and saline. Treadmill exercise was performed between 25 and 64 minutes at the speed of 15-22 m per minute for 8 weeks and five sessions a week. The FG will be fed through gavage with 90 mg/kg dosage. Hypertension was induced by l-NAME (10 mg/kg) for 8 weeks and six sessions a week. Administration of L-NAME for 8 weeks caused significant increase in HSP72, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and protein carbonyl (PC), and significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nitric oxide (NO) level, when compared with the saline group. In contrast, both treadmill exercise and/or FG protocols, in particular, the combined protocol, led to the improvement in HSP72 and balance in oxidant/antioxidant process and inhibited vascular dysfunction, when compared with the L-NAME group. Moreover, no significant differences were detected in the HSP72 level between rats in the treadmill exercise and FG groups. These results provide a rationale for an inhibitory role and a cardioprotective effect of lifestyle related to the health in the attenuation of hypertension-induced cardiotoxicity.

Is short-term exercise a therapeutic tool for improvement of cardioprotection against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity? An experimental controlled protocol in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress is a life-threatening side effect of doxorubicin (DOX). We investigate the effects of short-term exercise as therapeutic tool for improvement of cardioprotection against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in the rat.

METHODS

Wistar males (weighing 257 ± 28 g) were divided into six groups: (1) control+placebo (2) control+DOX 10 mg.kg(-1) (3) control+DOX 20mg.kg(-1) (4) training+placebo (5) training+ DOX10 mg.kg(-1) (6) training+DOX 20mg.kg(-1). Cardiotoxicity was induced by DOX (10 and 20 mg.kg(-1)). The rats in groups 4, 5 and 6 experienced treadmill running of 25 to 39 min.day(-1) and 15 to 17 m.min(-1), 5 days/ wk for 3 wk. At the end of the endurance training program, rats in the 1 and 4 groups, in the 2 and 5 groups and in the 3 and 6 groups received saline solution, DOX 10 mg.kg(-1) and DOX 20 mg.kg(-1), respectively.

RESULT

DOX administration (10 and 20 mg.kg(-1)) caused significant increase in MDA and Apelin, an insignificant increase in NO and a significant decrease in SOD, as compared to the C+P group. Three weeks of the pretreatment endurance exercise resulted in a significant increase of Apelin and SOD, an insignificant increase of NO and an insignificant decrease of MDA, as compared to the C+P group. Furthermore, after three weeks of endurance training and DOX treatment with 10mg.kg(-1) and 20mg.kg(-1), a significant increase in apelin and SOD, and a significant decrease in MDA were detected in comparison to C+DOX10 and/or C+DOX20 groups. There was a significant difference between DOX10 mg.kg(-1) and DOX20 mg.kg(-1) treatments in MDA levels only.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment exercise may improve myocardial tolerance to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibition of oxidative stress and up- regulation of antioxidants in heart tissue.

Exercise Training and Antioxidants

We have investigated the cardioprotective effects of exercise training and/or curcumin on lead acetate-induced myocardial damage. Forty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) lead acetate, (2) curcumin, (3) endurance training, (4) training + curcumin, (5) sham groups. The rats in groups 3 and 4 experienced the treadmill running of 15 to 22 m/min for 25 to 64 minutes, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Groups 1 to 4 received lead acetate (20 mg/kg), the sham group received curcumin solvent (ethyl oleat), and the curcumin and training + curcumin groups received curcumin solution (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Lead administration resulted in significant increases in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Treadmill running and\or curcumin supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in hs-CRP, CK-MB, MDA, and LDL levels and significantly increased GPx, TAC, and HDL levels. These results suggest a lifestyle-induced cardioprotective potential in ameliorating lead-induced cardiotoxicity.

Effect of taurine supplementation on exercise capacity of patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a semi-essential amino acid found in mammalian tissues that is not involved in protein synthesis. The function of taurine is not completely understood. Some studies have demonstrated that taurine supplementation reduces death rate in rabbits with heart failure (HF) and diminishes HF severity in human models of congestive HF. In this study we have evaluated the effect of taurine supplementation on exercise capacity of patients with HF.

METHODS

A randomized single-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 29 patients with HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50% who were in functional class II or III according to New York Heart Association classification. A total of 15 patients received taurine supplementation 500 mg three times a day while the remaining 14 patients received placebo for 2 weeks. All patients performed exercise tolerance test before and after taurine and placebo supplementation.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 60.57 ± 6.54 years, they were mostly male (26 of 29), and had mean LVEF of 29.27 ± 6.97%. There were no significant differences in terms of LVEF, body mass index, and also exercise time, metabolic equivalents (METS) and exercise distance before supplementation. Exercise time, METS, and exercise distance increased significantly in patients who received taurine supplement for 2 weeks (p-value<0.0001 for all), but did not increase significantly in patients who received placebo (p-values 0.379, 0.244, and 0.577 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Taurine supplementation in patients with HF who are taking standard medical treatment can increase their exercise capacity.