Vinícius Carolino Souza

The influence of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise on postprandial lipemia

INTRODUCTION: Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exercise is known to reduce postprandial lipemia and its negative clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise using the same energy expenditure in postprandial lipemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy men (aged 21.5±3.5 years) performed a random sequence of either rest or 500 Kcal tests separated by a minimum 48 h interval as follows: (a) no exercise (control), (b) intense intermittent exercise, or (c) moderate continuous exercise. Each test series was completed 30 min before ingestion of a high-fat meal (1 g fat/kg). Venous blood was collected before and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after the high-fat meal. Postprandial lipemia was assessed using the area under the curve approach as well as a kinetic profile of mean lipid variables. Statistical significance was tested at the p≤0.05 level. RESULTS: With both statistical approaches, intense intermittent and moderate continuous exercises were both effective in reducing postprandial triglycerides; however, only intense intermittent exercise reduced the levels of postprandial very low density lipoprotein. Intense intermittent and continuous exercise produced lower levels of insulinemia using the area under the curve analysis only. CONCLUSION: Intense intermittent or continuous exercise with an energy expenditure of 500 kcal completed 30 min before ingestion of high-fat meal reduced postprandial lipid levels to different levels in physically active men. Understanding these relevant differences will enable clinicians to provide the best exercise prescription for patients.

Long-Term Resistance Training Is Associated with Reduced Circulating Levels of IL-6, IFN-Gamma and TNF-Alpha in Elderly Women

Objective: The increase in inflammatory activity associated with aging is a characteristic of chronic disease processes that accounts for most of the mortality in the elderly. Resistance training (RT) has been shown to promote metabolic and functional benefits in this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between long-term RT and circulating levels of the proinflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in elderly women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 54 older outpatients divided into a group that underwent RT (n = 28) for an average of 8.6 ± 0.3 months and a sedentary group (n = 26). Measurements were taken only at the end of the intervention, and cytokine values were log-transformed. Dietary intake was controlled as a confounding factor. Results: The RT group presented reduced levels of log10IFN-γ (approx. 45%; p = 0.003), log10IL-6 (approx. 30%; p = 0.002) and log10TNF-α (approx. 22%; p = 0.036). Total caloric intake and systolic arterial blood pressure were significantly lower in the RT group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). Pearson’s product moment correlation test revealed a negative association between the fat-free mass (FFM) index and log-transformed IL-6 levels (p = 0.03; n = 54) and a trend towards significance for the correlation between the FFM index and log10IFN-γ (p = 0.05; n = 54). Conclusion: Long-term, moderate-intensity RT in elderly women is associated with lower circulating levels of cytokines that are potentially implicated in disorders associated with physical inactivity and aging.

Acute effects of resistance training on cytokines and osteoprotegerin in women with metabolic syndrome

Chronic inflammation has been identified as an important component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Inhibition of the inflammatory mediator signals is a promising strategy against insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and other problems associated with MetS. Regular exercise decreases the components associated with MetS, including inflammatory cytokines. However, the relationship between an acute resistance training (RT) session, cytokine levels and MetS is unclear. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effects of a single bout of acute RT on tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α), interleukins (IL) IL‐1a, IL‐1β, IL‐12, IL‐6, IL‐10 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in women with MetS. Twenty‐four women were divided into 2 groups: metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non‐metabolic syndrome (Non‐MetS). After the familiarization and testing for 1 repetition maximum (1RM), participants completed 3 sets of 10 repetitions in the following exercises: machine leg press, leg extension, leg curl, chest press, lat front pull‐down and machine shoulder press with 60% of 1RM followed by 15 repetitions of abdominal crunches. A rest interval of 1 min was allowed between sets and exercises. Plasma TNF‐α, IL‐1a, IL‐1β, IL‐12, IL‐6, IL‐10 and OPG were measured before, immediately post and 60 min after RT. MetS group showed significantly higher concentrations of IL‐1β (P = 0·024) and IL‐6 (P = 0·049) and a trend for higher TNF‐α values (P = 0·092) compared with Non‐MetS. There was no group × time interactions after the RT session on the measured cytokines and osteoprotegerin. In conclusion, acute RT session induced no additional increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines nor a decrease in anti‐inflammatory cytokines and OPG in women with MetS.

A common polymorphism in the renin angiotensin system is associated with differential outcome of antihypertensive pharmacotherapy prescribed to Brazilian older women

BACKGROUND Since variations on the renin angiotensin (RA) system tend to exert effects on blood pressure, we investigated the association of the common ACE and AT1R polymorphisms with response to a multivariate pharmacotherapy. METHODS This prospective study involved 169 hypertensive, community-dwelling older women. Genotypes were obtained by length analysis or direct sequencing of PCR products. Blood pressure-lowering pharmacotherapy was conducted according to current Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension. RESULTS Genotype frequencies were in agreement to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Interventions were found to represent actual hypertension-management practices in Brazil, and accounted for a significant reduction in both systolic (P<0.001) and diastolic (P<0.001) blood pressure. Concerning the effect of polymorphisms, no influence of the ACE and AT1R genotypes were found on the magnitude of the treatment-induced blood pressure reduction (P>0.05). Nonetheless, the clinical result varied according to the ACE alleles since mean systolic pressure was roughly 10 mm Hg higher in insertion (I) homozygotes than in the deletion (D) counterparts either in baseline (P=0.001) and endpoint (P=0.010). CONCLUSION The outcome of the antihypertensive pharmacotherapy advocated by national guidelines was significantly influenced by the ACE I/D polymorphism but not by the AT1R 1166 A/C polymorphism among postmenopausal women.

Amerindian Genetic Ancestry Protects against Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, and bears remarkable evidence for a differential prevalence among continental populations. In this scenario, estimating ancestry proportions in recently admixed populations is a strategy that can help increasing knowledge about the genetic structure of this complex trait. Aim/Methods: Our purpose was to assess mean ancestry estimates for the three main parental contributors to the Brazilian contingent (European, African and Amerindian) using a panel of 12 ancestry informative markers. Outpatients with the late-onset form of AD (n = 120) were compared for ancestry levels with non-cognitively impaired subjects (n = 412) in the Midwest Brazil, controlling for classic clinical, social and anthropometric risk factors. Results: Our findings show a 3-fold greater genetic Amerindian content among control subjects compared to AD patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the allelic architecture of Native Americans can confer protection against the onset of the disease.

Understanding the individual responsiveness to resistance training periodization

This study was designed to compare the effects of linear periodization (LP) and undulating periodization (UP) on functional capacity, neuromuscular function, body composition, and cytokines in elderly sedentary women. We also aimed to identify the presence of high responders (HR), medium responders (MR), and low responders (LR) for irisin, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to resistance training (RT). Forty-nine elderly women were assigned to a control group, LP, and UP scheme. Functional capacity, body composition, maximal strength, irisin, TLR-4, BDNF, and IL-1β were evaluated. Both periodization models were effective in improving 45° leg press 1RM, chair-stand, arm curl, and time-up and go tests, with no significant differences in body composition and cytokines. Furthermore, HR, MR, and LR were identified for irisin, IL-1β, TLR-4, and BDNF, with differences between groups and moments. This study provides evidence that both periodization models were effective in improving functional capacity and neuromuscular function, with no effect on body composition and cytokines (probably as a consequence of the different responsiveness). Furthermore, for the first time, HR, MR, and LR were identified for irisin, IL1-β, TLR-4, and BDNF in response to RT.

Implication of the G145C polymorphism (rs713598) of the TAS2r38 gene on food consumption by Brazilian older women

To evaluate the capacity to perceive bitter taste in a sample of the elderly population of the Brazilian Federal District, and to investigate its association with the consumption profile of distinct food groups. A total of 255 female outpatients aged 60 years or older took part in this cross-sectional study. The following data were determined for all the volunteers: alimentary frequency by clinical dieticians; genotyping of the G145C polymorphism in the TAS2r38 gene; cognitive status; sensorial (visual and hearing) acuity and drugs related to ageusia or dysgeusia. Sensitivity to bitter taste was assessed using phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) in a subset. Non-parametric tests confirmed the remarkable effect of the C allele in determining sensitivity to PTC (p<0.001). C allele carriers displayed diminished consumption of type B vegetables as well as of some vegetables generally recognized as bitter: arugula (p=0.044) and chard (p=0.006). No associations were observed for the remaining food classes. The present findings suggest that the G145C genetic variation in the TAS2r38 gene modestly influenced food consumption habits of Brazilian older women. Nonetheless, the results do not rule out possible effects of past experiences on choices of elderly individuals.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease in Brazil.

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding immunological mediators can affect the biological activity of these molecules by regulating transcription, translation, or secretion, modulating the genetic risk of inflammatory damage in Alzheimers disease (AD). Nonetheless, the Brazilian contingent is highly admixed, and few association trials performed herein with AD patients have considered genetic ancestry estimates as co-variables when investigating markers for this complex trait. Methods: We analyzed polymorphisms in 10 inflammatory genes and compared the genotype distribution across outpatients with late-onset AD and noncognitively impaired subjects from Midwest Brazil under a strict criterion, and controlling for ancestry heritage and ApoE genotype. Results: Our findings show an almost 40% lower chance of AD (p = 0.004) among homozygotes of the IL10 -1082A allele (rs1800896). Dichotomization to ApoE and mean ancestry levels did not affect protection, except among those with greater European or minor African heritage. Conclusion: The IL10 locus seems to affect the onset of AD in a context sensitive to the genetic ancestry of Brazilian older adults.

Agaricus blazei Murrill and inflammatory mediators in elderly women: a randomized clinical trial.

There is scientific evidence to suggest that the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill (AbM) has immunomodulatory effects on cytokine synthesis, both in vitro and in vivo. This study was the first randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial designed to investigate these purported actions in elderly women. The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of AbM intake on serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in community‐living seniors. The sample consisted of 57 elderly females who were carriers or homozygous for the majority allele of functional polymorphisms for the chosen cytokines. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive placebo (n = 29) or AbM dry extract (n = 28), 900 mg/day for 60 days. Body mass index, abdominal girth, body composition, blood pressure and cytokine (IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α) levels were measured, and food intake was assessed as a possible confounder. Analysis of these parameters showed the sample was characterized by overweight and excess adiposity. After the study period, no changes from baseline were detectable for any parameter in either group. In this study, AbM extract had no modulating effect on IL‐6, IFN‐γ or TNF‐α levels in elderly females.

Interleukin-6 − 174G/C gene polymorphism affects muscle damage response to acute eccentric resistance exercise in elderly obese women

The IL-6 gene polymorphism has been associated with disease prevalence and different physiological responses to exercise. Eccentric resistance exercise (ERE) is considered a nonpharmacological tool to prevent the chronic degenerative profile associated with aging and obesity. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism on acute interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK) temporal response to ERE in elderly obese women. Ninety women completed seven sets of ten repetitions (eccentric only) of an acute ERE session at 110% of the ten repetitions maximum (10RM). IL-6 genotypes displayed no difference at baseline. ERE induced changes in CK concentration over time occurred only in the GG group, F(2.619, 136.173)=5.199, p=0.003, with CK activity increased from 106.8±6.9 U/l pre-intervention to 122.7±11.2 U/l at 24 h and 131.9±14.4 U/l at 48 h post-exercise. IL-6 concentration in the GG group was lower than the CC/CG group only at 0 h post-exercise (3.78±0.58 pg/ml versus 6.51±1.91 pg/ml, p=0.030). Only the GG genotype group had higher CK activity 24-48 h following ERE and greater CK integral values, while IL-6 activity over 48 h was higher in the CC/CG genotype group. In conclusion, IL-6 genotype affects CK and IL-6 in response to ERE. It is of interest that the ERE protocol induced an elevation in CK, indicating possible muscle damage without exacerbating IL-6 and CK for the GG genotype.