Bruno Costa Teixeira

Inflammatory markers, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk

The need to study cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has become more and more relevant as their prevalence has increased over the years. An intact endothelial wall is essential to vascular health. Certain factors are responsible for maintaining this tissue intact, including nitric oxide (NO), which provokes dilation of blood vessels in response to shear stress. Expression of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme, which produces nitric oxide in response to increases in blood flow, is of fundamental importance to maintenance of the vascular system. When this enzyme is inhibited, nitric oxide production is reduced, causing endothelial dysfunction. Since C-reactive protein inhibits production of nitric oxide by the eNOS enzyme, it is one of the causes of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events. The objective of the present study was to review scientific articles in the literature related to the subject ‘inflammatory markers and endothelial function’. A wide-ranging review of the current literature was conducted, using systematic analysis of bibliographic references indexed in PubMed, Scielo, Medline and LILACS database, for the years 1992 to 2013. The studies reviewed show that increases in inflammation causes reductions in NO and increases in cardiovascular events. Increased inflammation is associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Concurrent strength and endurance training exercise sequence does not affect neuromuscular adaptations in older men

Concurrent training is an effective method for increasing skeletal muscle performance in aging individuals, but controversy exists as to whether chronic neuromuscular and functional adaptations are affected by the intra-session exercise sequence. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent endurance and power-like strength training exercise sequence on muscular and functional adaptations of older participants. Thirty-six healthy older men not engaged in systematic exercise training programs for at least 6 months were divided into a control group (CON; 65.8±5.3 years), or in the training groups: endurance-strength (ES; 63.2±3.3 years), or strength-endurance (SE; 67.1±6.1 years). Training groups underwent 12 weeks of concurrent endurance and power-like strength training, starting every exercise session with either endurance (in ES) or strength (in SE) exercises. Measurements included knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM), knee extension power, 30 second sit-to-stand test (30SS), maximum vastus lateralis surface electromyographic activity, and rectus femoris echo intensity (RFEI). Significant increases in maximal strength (ES +18±11.3%; SE +14.2±6.0%; p≤0.05), peak power (ES +22.2±19.4%; SE +26.3±31.3%; p≤0.05), and 30SS performance (ES +15.2±7.2%; SE +13.2±11.8%; p≤0.05) were observed only in the training groups, with no differences between ES and SE. Maximum muscular activity was greater after 12weeks at training groups (p≤0.05), and reductions in RFEI were found only in ES and SE (p≤0.05). These results demonstrate that concurrent strength and endurance training performed twice a week effectively increases muscular performance and functional capacity in older men, independent of the intra-session exercise sequence. Additionally, the RFEI decreases indicate an additional adaptation to concurrent training.

High-volume resistance training reduces postprandial lipaemia in postmenopausal women

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 11 weeks of low-volume resistance training (LVRT) and high-volume resistance training (HVRT) on muscle strength, muscle thickness (MT), and postprandial lipaemia (PPL) in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six healthy and untrained postmenopausal women (age, 58.9 ± 5.8 years; 68.6 ± 10.3 kg; and BMI, 26.9 ± 4.8 kg · m−2) participated in resistance training 3× per week for 11 weeks (HVRT = 12; LVRT = 13; and control group = 11). Biochemical variables, both pretraining and post-training, were evaluated 16 h after the administration of an oral fat tolerance test (OFTT) and metabolic variable during [energy expenditure (EE)] and after training session [excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)]. Muscle strength (1 RM) and MT were also calculated, and no significant differences were observed between the groups for PPL (mmol · L−1 per 5 h) as measured by glucose, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. EE total (EE + EPOC; 6.12 ± 1.21 MJ vs. 2.26 ± 0.85 MJ), resting fat oxidation (5.52 ± 1.69 g · h−1 vs. 4.11 ± 1.12 g · h−1); MT (vastus medialis, 21.4 ± 1.8 mm vs. 18.4 ± 1.2 mm and vastus lateralis 22.3 ± 1.2 mm vs. 20.8 ± 1.3 mm); triacylglycerol (TAG) 0, 1, 2, 4; and 5 h after OFTT, TAG area under the curve (AUC) (5.79 ± 0.42 vs. 7.78 ± 0.68), and incremental AUC (−46.21 ± 14.42% vs. 7.78 ± 4.68%) were all significantly different post-training for HVRT versus LVRT, respectively (P < 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that HVRT reduces PPL in postmenopausal women.

Ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin levels in Gaucher disease type I patients on enzyme replacement therapy

BACKGROUND Gaucher disease type I (GD type I) is characterized by clinical heterogeneity and is associated with metabolic abnormalities such as increased basal metabolic rate. OBJECTIVE To evaluate ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin levels in patients with GD type I on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study of patients with GD type I (n = 15), matched for sex, age and BMI with healthy controls. The levels of glucose, insulin, ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin were assessed in both groups. Insulin resistance was defined by the index HOMA-IR. RESULTS Eight patients had adequate weight, seven were overweight (4 preobese, 3 obese class I). Eight patients presented metabolic syndrome, five of whom with insulin resistance. The median levels of ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin of the patients did not differ from those of the controls. Ghrelin and adiponectin levels were correlated with each other; inversely correlated with BMI, waist circumference and triglyceride levels; and directly correlated with HDL-cholesterol. Leptin levels were inversely correlated with LDL-cholesterol and directly correlated with BMI, waist circumference, enzyme dosage, triglycerides, insulin, and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic syndrome and overweight appear to be common in patients with GD type I on ERT. As leptin was strongly associated with insulin and HOMA index, it could become a biomarker to assess early evidence of insulin resistance in patients with GD. Further studies are needed to investigate the associations found.

Altered extracellular ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis in blood serum of sedentary individuals after an acute, aerobic, moderate exercise session

Nucleotidases participate in the regulation of physiological and pathological events, such as inflammation and coagulation. Exercise promotes distinct adaptations, and can influence purinergic signaling. In the present study, we investigated soluble nucleotidase activities in the blood serum of sedentary young male adults at pre- and post-acute moderate aerobic exercise. In addition, we evaluated how this kind of exercise could influence adenine nucleotide concentrations in the blood serum. Sedentary individuals were submitted to moderate aerobic exercise on a treadmill; blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise, and serum was separated for analysis. Results showed increases in ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis post-exercise, compared to pre-exercise values. The ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase was also evaluated, showing an increased activity post-exercise, compared to pre-exercise. Purine levels were analyzed by HPLC in the blood serum, pre- and post-exercise. Decreased levels of ATP and ADP were found post-exercise, in contrast with pre-exercise values. Conversely, post-exercise levels of adenosine and inosine increased compared to pre-exercise levels. Our results indicate an influence of acute exercise on ATP metabolism, modifying enzymatic behavior to promote a protective biological environment.

Estresse oxidativo e a função endotelial: efeitos do exercício físico associado à lipemia pós-prandial

Estrategias que possam prevenir o aparecimento da aterosclerose sao de extrema importância para a saude publica. O aumento da lipemia pos-prandial tem sido investigado, dentre os fatores de risco modificaveis para o desenvolvimento dessa doenca, pois pode induzir dano oxidativo e disfuncao endotelial. Nesse sentido, o exercicio fisico e indicado na prevencao do desenvolvimento desses fatores de risco. Esta revisao tem como objetivo realizar um levantamento e comparar os estudos publicados na literatura acerca dos efeitos agudos e subagudos do exercicio fisico associado a lipemia pos-prandial sobre o estresse oxidativo e a funcao endotelial. A busca foi realizada nos idiomas portugues, espanhol e ingles, compreendendo trabalhos publicados ate fevereiro de 2015. Com base nos estudos selecionados, conclui-se que os efeitos agudos e subagudos do exercicio fisico podem ser capazes de atenuar os parâmetros de risco cardiovascular apos o consumo de refeicao hiperlipidica.

The effects of diet- and diet plus exercise-induced weight loss on basal metabolic rate and acylated ghrelin in grade 1 obese subjects

Background Diet and exercise are often prescribed as primary intervention regarding obesity-related disorders. Additionally, recent studies have shown beneficial effects of weight loss through diet and exercise in ghrelin concentrations in obese subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 5% weight loss on lipid profile, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and acylated ghrelin (AG) using two different methods of intervention (diet or diet plus exercise). Materials and methods Eighteen subjects (twelve women and six men) aged 20–40 years with a body mass index of 30–34.9 kg/m2 (grade 1 obesity) were randomized into two intervention groups: diet (n=9) or diet plus exercise (n=9). Both groups underwent treatment until 5% of the initial body weight was lost. At baseline and upon completion, RMR and AG were analyzed. Results Both groups showed a significant decrease in body fat percentage and fat mass. The diet-plus-exercise group showed a decrease in AG (pre: 54.4±25.3 pg/mL and post: 33.2±19.1 pg/mL) and an increase in RMR (pre: 1,363±379 kcal/day, post: 1,633±223 kcal/day). Conclusion These data suggest that diet plus exercise induced weight loss and had beneficial effects on AG concentration and RMR, essential factors to ensure the benefits of a weight-loss program.

Hypotensive Response to Continuous Aerobic and High-Intensity Interval Exercise Matched by Volume in Sedentary Subjects

Mailing Address: Thiago Rozales Ramis Rua Felizardo, 750. Postal Code: 90450-190, Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil. E-mail: thiago.ramis@yahoo.com.br Hypotensive Response to Continuous Aerobic and High-Intensity Interval Exercise Matched by Volume in Sedentary Subjects Francesco Pinto Boeno,1,2 Thiago Rozales Ramis,2 Juliano Boufleur Farinha,2 Cesar Moritz,2 Vagner Pereira dos Santos,1 Alvaro Reischak de Oliveira,2 Bruno Costa Teixeira1 Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões (URI),1 São Luiz Gonzaga, RS Brazil Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRS),2 Porto Alegre, RS Brazil

Influence of hand paddles and fins on blood lactate, heart rate and perceived exertion behavior

One of the great challenges for swim coaches is proper control of the training intensity. This issue is more complex when using equipment such as paddles and fins. Among intensity control parameters, blood lactate concentration is the standard for monitoring metabolic responses, and heart rate and perceived effort are practical and inexpensive methods. The aim of this study was to compare blood lactate concentration ([LA]), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in swimming training series without equipment and with paddles and fins. We evaluated 11 swimmers on three different days during sessions in a series of 12 repetitions of 50 m in front crawl. The first session was performed without equipment, maintaining perception exertion at 15 (15 points) of the 6-20 point Borg scale. In the second and third sessions, athletes should swim in the series with: (i) paddles and (ii) fins, at the same swimming speed of the series without equipment, in random order. [LA], HR and RPE at rest (after warm-up and before swimming series) and after the sixth and 12th repetitions were measured and compared. The mean speed for all series was 1.30 ± 0.13 m.s-1; fins and paddles presented lower final [LA] (respectively, 5.9 ± 0.3 and 8.1 ± 0.4 mmol.l-1) and HR values (respectively, 161.1 ± 15, 5 161.1 and 170.3 ± 13.3 170.3 bpm) in comparison to series without equipment (respectively, 10.8 ± 0.7 mmol.l-1 and 178.2 ± 4.3 bpm). Fins had lower final RPE values (12.5 ± 0.6 points) in relation to series without equipment (15.8 ± 0.2 points) and similar values in relation to swimming with paddles. Swimming series with equipment produced lower physiological demands in relation to swimming without equipment if performed at the same swimming speed as swimming without equipment.

Combined and Isolated Effects of Alcohol Intake and One Night of Sleep Deprivation on Mood States, Hormonal and Inflammatory Responses in Healthy Male Adults: a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial

Alcohol (ALC) intake and sleep deprivation (SDP) are conditions that cause changes in the physiological status. However, the relationship between biological markers and mood states is not entirely clear yet. The purpose of the study was to compare isolated and combined effects of ALC intake and SDP on hormonal and inflammatory responses and in changes in the state of mood. Also, we intended to explain possible changes in mood states through biochemical variations using multiple stepwise regression analysis. Ten healthy male were randomized in four situations: (1) placebo intake + normal sleep (PLA + SLE); (2) ALC intake + SLE; (3) PLA intake + SDP; (4) ALC intake + SDP. While subjects ingested ALC (1 g/kg of beer), PLA intake was a non-alcoholic beer. The subjects had one night of SLE or were subjected to SDP in the lab for 8 h. After each experimental condition, morning blood samples were taken for assessments of serum levels of glucose, cortisol, testosterone, epinephrine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The subjects were also asked to fill in a Profile of Mood State questionnaire. The results showed that the glucose level was significant lower in ALC + SDP compared to the PLA + SLE condition. Total Mood Disturbance was lower in ALC + SDP and PLA + SDP compared to the PLA + SLE condition. Fatigue was higher under SDP conditions compared to PLA + SLE. Vigor was lower under the ALC + SDP condition compared to the PLA + SLE condition. Regression analysis showed that Total Mood Disturbance and fatigue under ALC + SDP were associated with changes in the cortisol levels. Our results showed that combined and isolated ALC intake and one night of SDP did not change the hormonal and inflammatory responses tested, and the combined effects caused a reduction in the glucose levels. Vigor, fatigue and Total Mood Disturbance were affected by each condition. Furthermore, Total Mood Disturbance and fatigue were possibly explained by changes in the cortisol levels in the combined condition.