Fabrício Azevedo Voltarelli

Exercise counteracts fatty liver disease in rats fed on fructose-rich diet

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the effects of exercise at the aerobic/anaerobic transition on the markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin sensitivity and the blood chemistry of rats kept on a fructose-rich diet.MethodsWe separated 48 Wistar rats into two groups according to diet: a control group (balanced diet AIN-93 G) and a fructose-rich diet group (60% fructose). The animals were tested for maximal lactate-steady state (MLSS) in order to identify the aerobic/anaerobic metabolic transition during swimming exercises at 28 and 90 days of age. One third of the animals of each group were submitted to swimming training at an intensity equivalent to the individual MLSS for 1 hours/day, 5 days/week from 28 to 120 days (early protocol). Another third were submitted to the training from 90 to 120 days (late protocol), and the others remained sedentary. The main assays performed included an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and tests of serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activities, serum triglyceride concentrations [TG] and liver total lipid concentrations.ResultsThe fructose-fed rats showed decreased insulin sensitivity, and the late-exercise training protocol counteracted this alteration. There was no difference between the groups in levels of serum ALT, whereas AST and liver lipids increased in the fructose-fed sedentary group when compared with the other groups. Serum triglycerides concentrations were higher in the fructose-fed trained groups when compared with the corresponding control group.ConclusionsThe late-training protocol was effective in restoring insulin sensitivity to acceptable standards. Considering the markers here evaluated, both training protocols were successful in preventing the emergence of non-alcoholic fatty liver status disease.

Effects of combined exercise training on immunological, physical and biochemical parameters in individuals with HIV/AIDS

Abstract The practice of exercise has shown to be beneficial to quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Thus, the present study analysed the effects of a combined exercise training in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Ten participants participated in the present study. The following variables were analysed: viral load and cell counts for TCD4+/TCD8; maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max); total mass, absolute fat mass, relative fat mass, absolute lean mass, relative lean mass and body mass index; fasting glycaemia, fasting insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (insulin resistance – homeostatic model assessment (IR-HOMA)); total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL); superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The combined exercise training consisted of resistance exercises plus aerobic training (60 min · session−1, three times per week, during 20 weeks). The number of TCD4+ cells, absolute lean mass and relative lean mass, muscle strength for the 45° leg press, seated row and triceps extension, HDL-c levels as well as VO2max increased post-training. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were diminished post-training. Finally, it can be concluded that combined exercise training is able to change positively several variables related to health of individuals with HIV/AIDS, mainly the immune system as well as antioxidant mechanisms re-establishment.

Different exercise protocols improve metabolic syndrome markers, tissue triglycerides content and antioxidant status in rats

BackgroundAn increase in the prevalence of obesity entails great expenditure for governments. Physical exercise is a powerful tool in the combat against obesity and obesity-associated diseases. This study sought to determine the effect of three different exercise protocols on metabolic syndrome and lipid peroxidation markers and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in adult Wistar rats (120 days old).MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into four groups: the control (C) group was kept sedentary throughout the study; the aerobic group (A) swam1 h per day, 5 days per week, at 80% lactate threshold intensity; the strength group (S) performed strength training with four series of 10 jumps, 5 days per week; and the Concurrent group (AS) was trained using the aerobic protocol three days per week and the strength protocol two days per week.ResultsGroups A and S exhibited a reduction in body weight compared to group C. All exercised animals showed a reduction in triglyceride concentrations in fatty tissues and the liver. Exercised animals also exhibited a reduction in lipid peroxidation markers (TBARS) and an increase in serum superoxide dismutase activity. Animals in group A had increased levels of liver catalase and superoxide dismutase activities.ConclusionsWe concluded that all physical activity protocols improved the antioxidant systems of the animals and decreased the storage of triglycerides in the investigated tissues.

Fructose-rich diet leads to reduced aerobic capacity and to liver injury in rats

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the alterations in the aerobic capacity and appearance of metabolic alterations in Wistar rats fed on fructose-rich diet. We separated twenty-eight rats into two groups according to diet: a control group (C) (balanced diet) and a fructose-rich diet group (F). The animals were fed these diets for 60 d (d 120 to 180). We performed insulin, glucose as well as a minimum lactate test, at d 120 and 180. At the end of the experiment, sixteen animals were euthanized, and the following main variables were analysed: aerobic capacity, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, serum and liver triglyceride concentrations, serum and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations, serum and liver catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and haematoxylin-eosin histology (HE) in hepatocytes. The remaining twelve animals were submitted to an analysis of their hepatic lipogenic rate. The animals fed a fructose-rich diet exhibited a reduction in aerobic capacity, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and increased concentrations of triglycerides and TBARS in the liver. Catalase and SOD activities were reduced in the livers of the fructose-fed animals. In addition, the serum AST/ALT ratio was higher than that of the C group, which indicates hepatic damage, and the damage was confirmed by histology. In conclusion, the fructose-rich diet caused significant liver damage and a reduction in insulin sensitivity in the animals, which could lead to deleterious metabolic effects.

Effects of Moderate Intensity Physical Training in Neonatal Alloxan- Administered Rats

Newborn rats (6 days old) received alloxan intraperitoneally (A= 250 mg/kg b.w). Rats injected with vehicle (citrate buffer) were used as controls (C). After weaning, half of the animals were submitted to 1 hour/day, 5 days/week swimming and with supporting overload of 5% b.w. At 28 days, no signi fi cant differences were found among the groups in fasting glycemia and insulinemia. At 60 days, the fasting glycemia (30 min after oral glucose administration) was higher in alloxan than in controls groups and lower in the alloxan group submitted to training than in the correspondent sedentary group. The glucose tolerance of the alloxan rats was reduced in comparison to controls, both at 28 and 60 days, since the area under the blood glucose curve during the OGTT was higher in the alloxan than in the control. No difference was found among the groups both at 28 and 60 days in the HOMA index. However, a slight reduction was observed in the values of the trained groups suggesting slightly increased insulin sensitivity in the animals. These results suggest that this diabetes mellitus animal model presents interesting characteristics for the study of the role of the physical exercise in diabetes outcome.

Efeito de dietas hiperlipídicas com extrato de baru e chocolate sobre a área de adipócitos de ratos submetidos ao exercício físico

INTRODUCTION: Fat tissue accumulation provokes several metabolic disorders, which may be attenuated by dietetic modulation and physical exercise. OBJECTIVE: The effects of hypercaloric/hyperlipidic diets with additional baru extract associated to aerobic exercise on adipocytes from different regions as well as on hepatic triglycerides (TGLhep)of Wistar rats were evaluated. METHODS: The animals, except for the control ones (Nuvilab® diet: 3.48kcal/g), were fed with a chocolate-based diet (4.17 kcal/g) during 2 months in order to induce obesity. The animals were then distributed into 6 groups, according to the introduction of baru extract diet as well as to swimming training: Sedentary Control (SC); Trained Control (TC); Sedentary Baru (SB); Trained Baru (TB); Sedentary Chocolate (SCho) and Trained Chocolate (TCho). The trained animals were subjected to swimming exercise supporting overload equivalent to 2% of body weight, during 8 weeks, 5x/week, and 1h/day. At the end, the animals were killed and the TGLhep content was determined. The retroperitoneal (RET), inguinal (IN), and omental (OM) fat tissues were excised, weighted, and submitted to adipocyte area evaluation. RESULTS: The hypercaloric diet increased both body weight and cell areas of RET if compared to the control diet (P TB: 0.88 ± 0.43mg.100mg-1; SCho: 1.77 ± 0.64 > TCho: 0.86 ± 0.41mg.100mg-1). CONCLUSION: In the conditions of the present study, the exercise training protocol seemed more effective than the diet protocol in attenuating lipid tissue accumulation in rats.

Associação entre variáveis antropométricas, perfil glicêmico e lipídico em mulheres idosas

OBJECTIVE: Cross-sectional study aiming to associate anthropometric variables to the lipid profile and plasma glucose in 102 elderly women of three social centers for the elderly in the city of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, aged between 60 and 84 years. METHODS: Were evaluated body mass index, waist/hip ratio, waist circumference, fat percentage, fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c and LDL-c. RESULTS: An association to: BMI and fasting glucose, and waist-hip ratio: fasting and postprandial glucose, and waist circumference, fasting and postprandial glycemia in the group 60-69 years. And for the group >70 years: percentage of total fat and cholesterol, waist circumference and postprandial glycemia. As for the multiple regression analysis indicated significant association between a BMI and total cholesterol, and waist-hip ratio, triglycerides and total cholesterol, and waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-c, for all group >70 years. CONCLUSION: Among the anthropometric variables waist circumference group >70 years was the most sensitive to blood chemistry.

Perda hidrica e pratica de hidratacao em atletas de futebol

INTRODUCAO: Atletas de futebol sofrem grande estresse fisiologico durante os treinos. As caracteristicas da atividade associadas as condicoes climaticas desfavoraveis podem provocar desidratacao intensa resultando em reducao de desempenho fisico. OBJETIVO: Estimar o percentual de desidratacao de atletas futebolistas durante sessoes de treino na cidade de Cuiaba-MT, Brasil. METODOS: Os dados foram coletados nas instalacoes do centro de treinamento da equipe. Participaram do estudo 17 atletas profissionais do sexo masculino (idade = 21,53 ± 1,19 anos; peso=71,99±7,66 kg; estatura=1,76±0,08m; IMC=23,31±1,69kg/m²). Foram analisadas as pesagens de pre e pos-treino em dois dias nao consecutivos de treino (A e B) e pela perda de peso ocorrida, obteve-se a diferenca de massa corporal (ΔMC); tambem se anotou toda a ingestao de liquidos. Os dados registrados foram aplicados as formulas especificas para analise. RESULTADOS: O ΔMC entre a medida inicial e a medida final do treino A foi de 1,08 ± 0,45 kg, ja a do treino B foi de 0,85 ± 0,47kg, representando 1,5 ± 0,63% e 1,19 ± 0,59% de desidratacao, respectivamente. O volume de liquido ingerido foi de 2.591 ± 440 ml no treino A e de 926 ± 356 ml no treino B. A pratica do futebol reduziu a massa corporal dos atletas apos o treino, indicando que houve desidratacao. CONCLUSAO: Apesar da oferta constante de agua aos jogadores, observamos que a reposicao hidrica ad libitum nao foi suficiente para manter o estado eu-hidratado de todos os atletas.

Irisin levels are not associated to resistance training-induced alterations in body mass composition in older untrained women with and without obesity

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to determine whether Irisin levels are correlated with body composition changes following 16 weeks of resistance training (RT) in older women with and without obesity.Design, Setting, Participants, InterventionWe recruited 49 inactive women (n = 23, non-obese: < 41.0% and n = 26, obese: ≥ 41.0% of body fat) aged 61–68 years to perform 16-week of RT consisting of 10 exercises (three sets of 10 exercises, 6-12 repetitions maximum and 1-min and 30-s rest intervals between sets and exercises, respectively) with two sessions per week.MeasurementsBefore and after the intervention period, blood samples were collected to determine Irisin levels and body composition (percentage body fat and fat-free mass) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.ResultsCirculating Irisin displayed a decrease for the non-obese group as compared with pre-intervention and obese group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively), with no change for the obese group (p = 0.79). In addition, fat mass displayed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) following the training period only for the obese group. Furthermore, there was no association between changes in circulating Irisin with body mass index, body fat, fat-free mass and muscle strength. There was an increase in muscle strength (p < 0.05), regardless of obesity status.ConclusionThe modulation of body composition and muscle strength induced by 16-week of resistance training in older women with and without obesity is not associated with changes in circulating Irisin levels.

Digoxin Induces Cardiac Hypertrophy Without Negative Effects on Cardiac Function and Physical Performance in Trained Normotensive Rats.

Cardiotonic drugs and exercise training promote cardiac inotropic effects, which may affect training-induced cardiac adaptations. This study investigated the effects of long-term administration of digoxin on heart structure and function, and physical performance of rats submitted to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Male Wistar rats, 60 days old, were divided into control (C), digoxin (DIGO), trained (T), and trained with digoxin (TDIGO). Digoxin was administered by gavage (30 µg/kg/day) for 75 days. The HIIT program consisted of treadmill running 60 min/day (8 min at 80% of the maximum speed (MS) and 2 min at 20% of the MS), 5 days per week during 60 days. The main cardiac parameters were evaluated by echocardiograph and cardiomyocyte area was determined by histology. There were no group x time effects of digoxin, HIIT or interactions (digoxin and HIIT) on functional echocardiographic parameters (heart rate; ejection fraction) or in the maximum exercise test. There was a group x time interaction, as evidenced by observed cardiac hypertrophy in the TDIGO group evaluated by ratio of left ventricle weight to body weight (p<0.002) and cardiomyocyte area (p<0.000002). Long-term administration of digoxin promoted cardiac hypertrophy without affecting cardiac function and physical performance in rats submitted to HIIT.