Marcos Maynar

Stimulation of the phagocytic function of neutrophils in sedentary men after acute moderate exercise

SummaryAll the different stages of phagocytic function in blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils of sedentary (untrained) young men before, immediately after, and 15 min after being subjected to submaximal acute moderate exercise (50% maximal oxygen uptake) on a cycle ergometer were studied. No statistically significant differences were found in adherence or microbicide capacity againstCandida albicans immediately after physical exercise. However, spontaneous mobility, chemotaxis and attachment and phagocytosis ofCandida albicans at 15 min of incubation were significantly stimulated. Fifteen minutes after exercise spontaneous mobility, chemotaxis, and attachment ofCandida albicans had returned to basal values, while phagocytosis ofCandida albicans remained higher than basal values. One can, therefore, conclude that acute moderate exercise stimulates the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils in sedentary young men. In addition, no differences were found in the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration after exercise. However, immediately after exercise there was a decrease in the serum cortisol concentration, which had returned to basal 15 min later.

Changes in sex hormone binding globulin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma lipids in male cyclists during training and competition

SummaryThis study was performed on 13 professional race-cyclists to examine changes in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum lipid concentrations after training and after competition. While SHBG, total cholesterol and phospholipids increased and free fatty acids (FFA) decreased significantly during training, HDL-C and FFA increased and SHBG and triglycerides (TG) decreased significantly during the competition period. These latter changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins were assumed to be a direct effect of utilisation of muscle and plasma TG as fuels for exertion occurring only in extreme exercise. Changes in SHBG concentrations indicated that they were dependent on the conditions of the physical effort and could be related not only to the concentrations of androgens but also to the reduction in body mass.

Urine excretion of androgen hormones in professional racing cyclists

This study was performed on 16 professional racing cyclists to examine changes in urine concentrations of androgen hormones (testosterone, epitestosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone, 11-hydroxy-androsterone and 11-hydroxy-etiocholanolone) and plasma sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) after training and after competition. The urinary concentrations of androgen hormones decreased during the period of training and increased during competition, this being the reverse of what happened to SHBG plasma concentrations. These changes would suggest that physical activity may have an influence on the elimination of androgen hormones and on the synthesis of its transporting protein SHBG.

Urinary steroid profile after the completion of concentric and concentric/eccentric trials with the same total workload.

High intensity strength training causes changes in steroid hormone concentrations. This could be altered by the muscular contraction type: eccentric or concentric. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the completion of a short concentric (CON) and concentric/eccentric (CON/ECC) trial on the urinary steroid profile, both with the same total work. 18 males performed the trials on an isokinetic dynamometer (BIODEX III) exercising quadriceps muscles, right and left, on different days. Trial 1(CON): 4×10 Concentric knee extension + relax knee flexion, speed 60°/second; rest 90 seconds between each series and 4 minutes between each leg exercise. Trial 2(CON/ECC): 4×5 concentric knee extension + Eccentric knee flexion under similar conditions. Urine samples were taken before the exercise and one hour after finishing it. Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, DHEA, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Epitestosterone, Dehydrotestosterone, Estrone, B-Estradiol, Tetrahydrocortisone, Tetrahydrocortisol, Cortisone and Cortisol (free, glucoconjugated and sulfoconjugated) urinary values were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. No significant differences were noted in Total Work and Average Peak Torque, although Maximum Peak Torque in the CON/ECC trial was higher than in the CON trial. These results demonstrate no changes in the steroid profile before and after trials, or when comparing CON to CON/ECC trials. The data suggest that eccentric contractions do not cause hormonal changes different to the ones produced by concentric contractions, when they are performed in strength short trials with the same total workload.ResumenEl entrenamiento de fuerza de alta intensidad provoca variaciones en la concentración de esteroides. El tipo de contracción muscular, excéntrica o concéntrica, podría ser un factor que la alterase. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto de la realización de una sesión corta de ejercicio concéntrico (CON) y otra concéntrica/excéntrica (CON/EXC), con la misma carga de trabajo total, sobre el perfil esteroideo urinario. 18 hombres realizaron dos sesiones de ejercicio de corta duración utilizando una máquina isocinética (BIODEX III) en días diferentes y trabajando los músculos cuádriceps de ambas piernas. La sesión de ejercicio 1 (CON) fue un 4×10 rep de extensión concéntrica de rodilla más relajación en el movimiento de flexión, a una velocidad de 60°/segundo y con una recuperación de 90 seg. entre cada serie y 4 minutos entre cada una de las piernas. La sesión de ejercicio 2 (CON/EXC) fue un 4×5 rep. de extensión concéntrica de rodilla más flexión excéntrica de rodilla, con las mismas condiciones de velocidad y recuperación. Muestras de orina fueron se tomaron antes del ejercicio y una hora después de finalizarlo. Los niveles urinarios (fracción libre, glucoconjugada y sulfoconjugada) de Androsterona, Etiocolanolona, DHEA, Androstenodiona, Testosterona, Epitestosterona, Dehidrotestosterona, Estrona, β-estradiol, Tetrahidrocortisona, Tetrahidrocortisol, Cortisona y Cortisol, se determinaron usando técnicas de cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores de Trabajo Total y de Pico Torque Medio, aunque los valores de Pico Torque Máximo fueron más alto en el CON/EXC ejercicio que en el CON. Tampoco se observó ningún cambio en el perfil esteroideo urinario entre antes y después de las sesiones de ejercicio, o comparando las sesiones CON/EXC con la CON. Por tanto, los datos sugieren que las contracciones excéntricas no producen alteraciones hormonales diferentes a las producidas por las contracciones concéntricas, cuando se trata de sesiones de ejercicio de fuerza de corta duración con similar carga de trabajo total.

Plasma lipid concentrations in professional cyclists after competitive cycle races

SummaryPlasma lipid concentrations were measured in professional cyclists at the beginning of the training season and both before the start and at the end of two cycle races of similar length (800 and 900 km in 6 days). Plasma concentrations of triglyceride, total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol: high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were significantly lower and HDL-C concentrations significantly higher in cyclists compared to values in matched sedentary controls. At the end of the races, plasma concentrations of triglyceride and LDL-C were further reduced and HDL-C concentrations had increased compared to values at the start. At the end of the races, plasma concentrations of HDL-C were inversely correlated (r= − 0.28,n = 45,P < 0.05) with triglyceride plasma concentrations. Body fat content, assessed as the sum of skinfold thicknesses was slightly reduced at the end of the race compared to the starting values. There was no significant correlation between skinfold thickness and plasma concentrations of HDL-C. Total plasma fatty acid concentrations were reduced and nonesterified fatty acids concentrations were increased at the end of the race compared to resting values. Consequently, the plasma concentrations of esterified fatty acids were significantly reduced after the race and there was a redistribution of the nonesterified fatty acids. The relative amounts of single fatty acids in the total fatty acid pool remained, however, remarkably constant. In conclusion, the results presented suggested that physical exercise, performed at the level of professional cyclists in a race, was an independent modifier of plasma lipid concentrations.

Determination of urine steroid profile in untrained men to evaluate recovery after a strength training session.

Timon, R, Olcina, G, Muñoz, D, Maynar, JI, Caballero, MJ, and Maynar, M. Determination of urine steroid profile in untrained men to evaluate recovery after a strength training session. J Strength Cond Res 22: 1087-1093, 2008-Intense physical exercise is an important modifier of hormone metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in the urine profile of glucuroconjugated steroids (androgens, estrogens, and corticosteroids) as a consequence of a session of strength exercises. The subjects were a group (N = 20) of untrained male university students. They performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions, with a 3-minute recovery time between sets, at 70-75% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Four urine samples were collected per subject: before the session, immediately after, 3 hours after, and 48 hours after the session. They were assayed using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. The concentrations of the different hormones were determined according to the urine creatinine level (ng steroid per mg creatinine). The substances assayed were testosterone, epitestosterone (Epit), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androsterone, etiocholanolone, β-estradiol, estrone, tetrahydrocortisone (THE), and tetrahydrocortisol (THF). The results showed a significant decline after exercise with respect to the rested state in the urinary excretion of testosterone, Epit, DHEA, androsterone, and etiocholanolone. At 48 hours, there was a significant increase in the urinary excretion of Epit, androstenedione, androsterone, etiocholanolone, estrone, and THE. The androsterone + etiocholanolone/THE + THF ratio decreased after exercise, increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 3 hours, and returned to near resting levels at 48 hours. The data suggest that the performing a strength session at 70-75% of maximum strength provoked a state of fatigue in the subjects, from which they recovered 48 hours after the exercise.

Seric concentrations of copper, chromium, manganesum, nickel and selenium in aerobic, anaerobic and mixed professional sportsmen

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine changes in serum concentrations of trace elements Cooper (Cu), Chromiun (Cr), Manganesum (Mn), Nickel (Ni) and Selenium (Se) in high-level sportsmen.MethodsEighty professional athletes of different metabolic modalities, were recruited before the start of their training period. Thirty one sedentary participants of the same geographic area constituted the control group. Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Se analysis was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsHigher concentrations of Cr (p < 0.001), Mn (p < 0.085), and Ni (p < 0.001) were found in sportsmen in comparison to controls, inversely, Se values were lower (p < 0.001) among sportsmen. When sportsmen were classified by metabolic modalities, it was found that aerobic-anaerobic group had higher (p < 0.01) Cu concentrations than controls and the other sportsmen. The highest Cr values were found in aerobic participants. For Mn, the major levels were found in aerobic and aerobic-anaerobic groups as well (p < 0.001). The lowest Se levels were found among anaerobic sportsmen (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis research showed that daily, continuum physical training induced alterations in serum essential minerals concentrations, as well as that these changes can be dependent of the exercise modality practiced.

Urinary endogenous steroids and their relationships with BMD and body composition in healthy young males

Some studies have stated that steroid hormones have associations with the values of strength, bone mass density (BMD), and body composition shown by people [1]. In this way, steroid hormonal changes have been directly or indirectly associated with changes in body composition, fat distribution, lean mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, as well as depression [2]. Regarding to this topic, most studies have been carried out using blood samples. However, some research has tried to analyze the correlation among urinary steroid hormones and body mass index, fat mass, or BMD [3, 4]. Urinary samples are easy to obtain in sufficient quantities without the need for invasive techniques. Therefore, in this study, we tested the hypothesis that the values of bone mineral density and body composition are related to the values of urinary endogenous steroid excretion (androgens, estrogens, and corticosteroids).

Plasma total fatty acid responses to exercise following caffeine ingestion

Abstract Aerobic exercise is associated with changes in the blood profile of fatty acids. Caffeine is known to be a potential lipolytic agent. Hence, caffeine ingestion in addition to exercise might have an influence on fatty acids, with positive effects on health and performance. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to assess the effect of caffeine (5 mg · kg body mass−1) ingested before aerobic exercise on the total plasma fatty acid profile. In a crossover, double-blind, randomized study involving 20 untrained males ( 43.57±6.48 ml · kg−1 · min−1), blood lactate concentration, plasma caffeine values, and plasma fatty acid profile were examined using chromatographic techniques before and after 30 min of steady-state cycle exercise at 75% under placebo and caffeine conditions. Ventilatory responses and substrate oxidation rates were determined during exercise and recovery. Ventilatory responses, lactate concentrations, and fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were not affected by caffeine ingestion. Carbohydrate was the main substrate oxidized during steady-state trials under both conditions, although exercise increased blood saturated fatty acids (placebo: 28.30±5.90% vs. 31.09±4.59, P<0.05; caffeine: 28.88±4.12% vs. 29.60±4.56%). Unsaturated blood concentrations of oleic fatty acid trans (C18:1t) increased due to caffeine (placebo: 2.22±2.81% vs. 2.61±3.86%; caffeine 1.53±0.19% vs. 1.70±0.49%, P<0.05). In conclusion, the ingestion of caffeine prior to moderate-to-high aerobic exercise may not have a clear metabolic advantage under the conditions of the present study in untrained individuals, although it might influence some individual unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1t) despite low fat oxidation rates.

Influence of an exercise until exhaustion in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic minerals among professional athletes, a preliminary approach

The aim of the present survey was to determine differences in the serum and urinary concentrations of several toxic trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cs and Pb) between long distance runners and non-sportsmen living in the same area of Extremadura (Spain) in basal conditions as well as after the performance of a maximal effort test until exhaustion. 21 Spanish national long-distance runners were recruited before the start of their training season and 26 untrained students. All of them had similar ages. The effort test consisted in running on a treadmill incrementally in stages, until exhaustion. Serum and urine analysis of trace metals was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the statistics the urine and blood basal concentrations was analyzed first using Student t test. Then the differences between the pre and post-test values were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. The serum concentrations of Be (p < 0.001), Cd (p < 0.01), Cs (p < 0.001) and Pb (p < 0.001) were higher in the athletes than the control groups in basal conditions. In relation to the exercise, the results showed that there were lower serum concentrations of Be, Cd and Pb after the test, but without statistically significance, in both groups. Cs (p < 0.001) concentrations were statistically lower after the exercise tests in both groups, but if the parameters were corrected in relation to hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations the differences were significant only among the athletes. In urine, the concentrations of Be (p < 0.001) and Cd (p < 0.01) were higher among athletes than among controls, being the opposite case for urinary Pb values. In relation to the exercise-induced effect of the test, the results showed that among controls only Cd values were modified, but if creatinine corrections are applied this difference does not reach statistical significance. However, sportsmen suffered a diminution in Be values, that can be observed only if urine values are corrected. Also, an increase in Cd, both in corrected and normal values, was observed, fact that occurred also in the case of Cs, but only if urinary values are corrected. It can be concluded that an incremental exercise to exhaustion among elite athletes of long distance modalities can produce changes in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic trace elements which may reflect an adaptive mechanism to prevent toxicity, and which could be an interesting outcome for physicians in the treatment and prevention of toxic situations.