Olivier Gagey

The diurnal patterns of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone in relation to intense aerobic exercise in recreationally trained soccer players

Diurnal patterns of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion, the two main peripheral secretory products of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal neuroendocrine stress axis, have been well characterized in rest conditions but not in relation to physical exercise. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to determine the effects of an intense 90-min aerobic exercise on the waking diurnal cortisol and DHEA cycles on three separate days [without exercise, with morning exercise (10:00–11:30 h), and with afternoon exercise (14:00–15:30 h)] in nine recreationally trained soccer players. Saliva samples were collected at awakening, 30 min after awakening, and then every 2 h from 08:00 to 22:00 h. A burst of secretory activity was found for cortisol (p < 0.01) but not for DHEA after awakening. Overall, diurnal decline for both adrenal steroids was observed on resting and exercise days under all conditions. However, there was a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations on the morning-exercise and afternoon-exercise days at, respectively, 12:00 h (p < 0.05) and 16:00 h (p < 0.01), versus the other trials. This acute response to exercise was not evident for DHEA. The results of this investigation indicate that 90 min of intense aerobic exercise does not affect the circadian pattern of salivary adrenal steroids in recreationally trained athletes over a 16-h waking period, despite a transitory increase in post-exercise cortisol concentration. Further studies are necessary to determine whether these results are applicable to elite athletes or patients with cortisol or DHEA deficiency.

Arthroscopic glenohumeral folds and microscopic glenohumeral ligaments: The fasciculus obliquus is the missing link

This study tested the hypotheses that the folds in the inferior glenohumeral capsule appear at the borders and crossings of the underlying capsular ligaments and that embalming may result in misinterpretation of these folds as ligaments. The inferior capsular structures in 80 unembalmed cadaver shoulders were compared with 24 embalmed shoulders. During arthroscopy and dissection, an anteroinferior fold was more prominently seen in internal rotation and was almost obliterated in external rotation. A posteroinferior fold appeared in external rotation and almost disappeared in internal rotation. During dissection, the anteroinferior fold developed at the border of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (ABIGHL) and where this ligament crossed with the fasciculus obliquus (FO). Several patterns of crossing of the ABIGHL and the FO were seen that determined the folding-unfolding mechanism of the anteroinferior fold and the appearance of possible synovial recesses. The axillary part of the IGHL is formed by the FO on the glenoid side and by the ABIGHL on the humeral side. The posteroinferior fold was determined by the posterior band of the IGHL. The folds in the embalmed specimens did not necessarily correspond with the underlying fibrous structure of the capsule. The folds and recesses observed during arthroscopy indicate the underlying capsular ligaments but are not the ligaments themselves. The IGHL complex is formed by its anterior and posterior bands and also by the FO. Both findings are important during shoulder instability procedures because the ligaments need to be restored to their appropriate anatomy and tension. Because the FO may also be involved, Bankart-type surgery may have to reach far inferiorly. Midsubstance capsular shift procedures also need to incorporate this ligament.

Ergogenic and metabolic effects of oral glucocorticoid intake during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise

All systemically administered glucocorticoids (GC) are prohibited in-competition, because of the potential ergogenic effects. Although short-term GC intake has been shown to improve performance during submaximal exercise, literature on its impact during brief intense exercise appears to be very scant. The purpose of this study was to examine the ergogenic and metabolic effects of prednisone during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. In a double-blind randomized protocol, ten recreational male athletes followed two 1-week treatments (Cor: prednisone, 60mg/day or Pla: placebo). At the end of each treatment, they hopped on their dominant leg for 30s three times consecutively and then hopped until exhaustion, with intervals of 5min of passive recovery. Blood and saliva samples were collected at rest and 3min after each exercise bout to determine the lactate, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, TNF-alpha, DHEA and testosterone values. The absolute peak force of the dominant leg was significantly increased by Cor but only during the first 30-s hopping bout (p<0.05), whereas time to exhaustion was not significantly changed after Cor treatment vs Pla (Pla: 119.9±24.7; Cor: 123.1±29.5s). Cor intake lowered basal and end-exercise plasma interleukin-6 and saliva DHEA (p<0.01) and increased interleukin-10 (p<0.01), whereas no significant change was found in blood lactate and TNF-alpha or saliva testosterone between Pla and Cor. According to these data, short-term glucocorticoid intake did not improve endurance performance during repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, despite the significant initial increase in absolute peak force and anti-inflammatory effect.

Time-Course of Prednisone Effects on Hormonal and Inflammatory Responses at Rest and During Resistance Exercise

Glucocorticoids are among the most commonly used drugs. They are widely administered for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, as well as for several other pain syndromes, although their therapeutic use is sometimes diverted for doping purposes. Their time-course effects on hormonal and inflammatory responses nevertheless remain poorly understood, both at rest and during exercise. We therefore studied the alterations induced by 1 week of prednisone treatment (60 mg daily) in recreationally trained male athletes after 2 days (i. e., acute) and 7 days (i. e., short-term). Hormonal (i. e., DHEA, DHEA-S, aldosterone, and testosterone) and pro- and anti-inflammatory markers (i. e., IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1β) were investigated at rest and after resistance exercise. A significant decrease in DHEA and DHEA-S (p<0.01) without change in the DHEA/DHEA-S ratio, aldosterone, or testosterone was demonstrated after acute prednisone intake. A significant increment in IL-10 and a significant decrement in IL-6 (p<0.05) were also observed with prednisone both at rest and during exercise, without significant change in IL-1β. Continued prednisone treatment led to another significant decrease in both DHEA and DHEA-S (p<0.05), whereas no change in the inflammatory markers was observed between days 2 and 7. Our data demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory effects of prednisone were maximal and stable from the beginning of treatment, both in rest and exercise conditions. However, hormonal concentrations continued to decline during short-term intake. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of hormonal time-course alterations with longer glucocorticoid treatment and the clinical consequences.

Consequences of a Perthes-Bankart lesion in twenty cadaver shoulders

This study investigated whether an anteroinferior capsulolabral lesion is sufficient to allow the humeral head to dislocate and whether a limited inferior approach for creating the lesions influenced the results compared with an all-arthroscopic approach. Four ligamentous zones of the glenohumeral capsule were sequentially detached from the glenoid neck and labrum in 20 cadaver shoulders through an inferior approach. Before and after each resection step, inferior stability was tested using a sulcus test and anterior stability using a drawer test and an apprehension maneuver. Dislocation was only possible when at least 3 zones were cut. This study confirmed that superior and posterior extension of the classic anteroinferior Perthes-Bankart lesion is necessary before the capsular restraint in external rotation and abduction is overcome and dislocation occurs. Lesions other than the Perthes-Bankart need to be investigated when recurrent dislocation is treated, because this anteroinferior injury is most probably not the sole factor responsible for the instability.

Effects of short-term DHEA intake on hormonal responses in young recreationally trained athletes: modulation by gender

BackgroundDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) figures on the World Anti-Doping Agency list of prohibited substances in sport because it is assumed that athletes expect a significant increase in testosterone through DHEA administration. The literature on the hormonal effects of DHEA intake nevertheless appears to be very scant in healthy young subjects, especially women.PurposeWe examined the effects of DHEA on adrenal and gonadal hormones, IGF1 and free T3 in healthy young male and female recreationally trained volunteers.MethodsThe study followed a double-blind, randomized-order crossover design. Lean healthy young men (n = 10) and women (n = 11), with all women using oral contraceptives, were treated daily with 100 mg of DHEA and placebo for 4 weeks. DHEA, DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione, total testosterone (Tes), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), SHBG, estrone, cortisol, IGF1, and free T3 were measured before, in the middle and at the end of each treatment, as were blood glucose, liver transaminases and lipid status.ResultsWe observed a significant increase in DHEA, DHEA-S, androstenedione, Tes, DHT, and estrone in both men and women in the middle and at the end of DHEA treatment, but the increase in Tes was more marked in women (p < 0.001) than men (p < 0.05). No changes were found in the other parameters, irrespective of gender.ConclusionIn young athletes, DHEA administration induces significant blood hormonal changes, some modulated by gender, which can be used as biomarkers of doping.

Short-term Dehydroepiandrosterone Intake and Supramaximal Exercise in Young Recreationally-trained Women

WADA has banned dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) but its ergogenic effect in female athletes has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term DHEA intake would improve performance during a supramaximal field exercise in healthy young recreationally trained women. Its impact on body composition, metabolic responses was also measured. Eleven young female volunteers completed four running-based anaerobic sprint tests: just before and after treatment with either oral placebo or DHEA (100 mg/day/28days), following a double-blind and randomized protocol. Bioelectrical impedance assessed body composition. At rest and after passive recovery, blood samples were collected for lactate measurement and saliva samples for DHEA, testosterone and cortisol analysis. There was no significant difference in body composition or performance parameters after DHEA administration, despite a tendency toward increased peak power and decreased fat mass. However, DHEA treatment induced a very marked increase in saliva DHEA and testosterone concentrations (p<0.001), with no change in cortisol or lactate levels. In conclusion, short-term DHEA administration did not improve performance or have an anabolic effect in young female recreationally trained athletes, despite the increase in androgenic hormones. Further studies are needed to determine whether a higher daily dose would generate an ergogenic effect during anaerobic exercise.

Neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses to DHEA administration in young healthy women

ABSTRACT DHEA is reported to have beneficial effects for the elderly and for several pathologies because of its behavioral and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, these properties have never been investigated in a young healthy population. The purpose of this double‐blind, randomized study was therefore to investigate the effects of short‐term DHEA administration (100mg/day/4weeks) on neuroendocrine (i.e., beta‐endorphin and prolactin) and inflammatory (i.e., interleukin‐6 and TNF‐alpha) parameters in 10 young healthy female volunteers with regular sports practice. In parallel, the stress state was assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. DHEA administration did not alter prolactin, interleukin‐6 or TNF‐alpha, and no significant change in tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue or confusion was noted. However, beta‐endorphin levels increased significantly (p<0.05) with the DHEA treatment. The results of this investigation indicate that short‐term DHEA administration improves neuroendocrine modulation but does not affect the inflammatory status or psychological state in recreationally trained female athletes. Further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanisms and the responses of these parameters to DHEA administration at higher dosages and/or for longer durations, especially in response to physical/psychological stress. HIGHLIGHTSOnly few studies investigated the effects of DHEA intake in young healthy females.Short‐term DHEA treatment improves neuroendocrine modulation in this population.This treatment does not affect basal inflammatory status or psychological state.Impact of DHEA in response to physical/psychological stress requires further work.

The regional effect of spinal manipulation on the pressure pain threshold in asymptomatic subjects: a systematic literature review

BackgroundSpinal manipulation (SM) has been shown to have an effect on pain perception. More knowledge is needed on this phenomenon and it would be relevant to study its effect in asymptomatic subjects.ObjectivesTo compare regional effect of SM on pressure pain threshold (PPT) vs. sham, inactive control, mobilisation, another SM, and some type of physical therapy. In addition, we reported the results for the three different spinal regions.MethodA systematic search of literature was done using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. Search terms were ((spinal manipulation) AND (experimental pain)); ((spinal manipulative therapy OR spinal manipulation) AND ((experimental pain OR quantitative sensory testing OR pressure pain threshold OR pain threshold)) (Final search: June 13th 2017). The inclusion criteria were SM performed anywhere in the spine; the use of PPT, PPT tested in an asymptomatic region and on the same day as the SM. Studies had to be experimental with at least one external or internal control group. Studies on only spinal motion or tenderness, other reviews, case reports, and less than 15 invited participants in each group were excluded. Evidence tables were constructed with information relevant to each research question and by spinal region. Results were reported in relation to statistical significance and were interpreted taking into account their quality.ResultsOnly 12 articles of 946 were accepted. The quality of studies was generally good. In 8 sham controlled studies, a psychologically and physiologically “credible” sham was found in only 2 studies. A significant difference was noted between SM vs. Sham, and between SM and an inactive control. No significant difference in PPT was found between SM and another SM, mobilisation or some type of physical therapy. The cervical region more often obtained significant findings as compared to studies in the thoracic or lumbar regions.ConclusionSM has an effect regionally on pressure pain threshold in asymptomatic subjects. The clinical significance of this must be quantified. More knowledge is needed in relation to the comparison of different spinal regions and different types of interventions.RESUMEButUn effet de la manipulation vertébrale a été observé sur la perception de la douleur. Plus de connaissances sont nécessaires sur ce phénomène et il serait pertinent d’étudier cet effet sur les sujets asymptomatiques.ObjectifsEvaluer l’effet régional de la MV sur le seuil de douleur à la pression (SDP) comparé à un placébo, un groupe contrôle, la mobilisation, une autre MV, et un autre type de physiothérapie. De plus, nous avons rapporté les résultats pour les régions cervicale, dorsale et lombaire.MéthodeLa revue systématique de la littérature a été faite en utilisant PubMed, Embase et Cochrane. Les termes de recherche étaient ((manipulation vertébrale) ET (douleur expérimentale)); ((thérapie manuelle spinale OU manipulation spinale) ET (douleur expérimentale OU test quantitatif sensoriel OU seuil de douleur à la pression OU seuil de douleur)). (La recherche finale date du 13 juin 2017). Les critères d’inclusion étaient MV exécutées à n’importe quel niveau de la colonne vertébrale; l’utilisation du SDP, testé dans une région asymptomatique et le même jour que la MV. Les études devaient être expérimentales avec au moins un groupe externe à la MV ou un groupe contrôle interne. Les études uniquement sur le mouvement de la colonne vertébrale, tensions des tissus paravertébraux, les autres revues, les études de cas et des études avec moins de 15 participants dans chaque groupe ont été exclus. Des tables d’évidence ont été construites avec les informations appropriées à chaque question de recherche et reportées par régions. Les résultats ont été rapportés avec leur signification statistique et ont été interprétés en tenant compte de leur qualité.RésultatsSeulement 12 articles sur 946 ont été acceptés. La qualité des études est. en général bonne. Sur les 8 études contrôlées par placébo, un placébo psychologiquement et physiologiquement « crédible » a été trouvé seulement dans 2 études. Une différence significative a été notée entre MV et le placébo, et entre MV et contrôle inactif. Aucune différence significative dans SDP n’a été trouvée entre MV et une mobilisation, une autre MV, ou un autre type de physiothérapie. Des résultats significatifs ont été trouvés plus souvent dans la région cervicale comparé aux études aux niveaux thoraciques et lombaires.ConclusionLa manipulation vertébrale a un effet régional sur le seuil de la douleur à la pression chez des sujets asymptomatiques. Sa différence clinique doit être quantifiée. Plus de connaissance est. nécessaire à propos de la comparaison des différentes régions spinales et différents types d’interventions.