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The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the effects of 12 weeks of plyometric exercise combined with HIIT (P+HIIT) on anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness data in young obese females. Sixty-eight participants (age, 16.6 ± 1.3 y; body mass, 82.8 ± 5.0 kg; body fat, 39.4% ± 3.3%; body mass index z score, 2.9 ± 0.4) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 blocks per session of 6-8 bouts of 30-s runs at 100% velocity at peak oxygen uptake, with 30-s active recovery between bouts at 50%velocity at peak oxygen uptake ( n = 23)); P+HIIT (2 blocks per session of 3 different 15-s plyometric exercises with 15-s passive recoveries, totaling 2 min for each plyometric exercise + the same HIIT program ( n = 26)); or control (no exercise ( n = 19)). Anthropometric (body mass, body mass index z score, body fat, lean body mass, and waist circumference), biochemical (plasma glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, leptin/adiponectin ratio, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), physical fitness (peak oxygen uptake, velocity at peak oxygen uptake, squat jump, and countermovement jump performances), and energy intake data were collected. Both training programs improved the anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness variables. However, the P+HIIT program induced greater improvements than did the HIIT program in lean body mass (+3.0% ± 1.7%), plasma glucose and leptin concentrations (-11.0% ± 4.7% and -23.8% ± 5.8%, respectively), plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio (-40.9% ± 10.9%), HOMA-IR (-37.3% ± 6.2%), and squat jump performance (22.2% ± 7.5%). Taken together, these findings suggest that adding plyometric exercises to a HIIT program may be more beneficial than HIIT alone in obese female adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine whether acute aerobic exercise-mediated calprotectin in plasma would be associated with monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in healthy individuals. Eleven healthy participants, aged 18 to 30 years, were recruited to perform a 30-min bout of aerobic exercise at 75% maximal oxygen uptake. Acute aerobic exercise elicited a significant elevation across time in plasma calprotectin, MCP-1, MPO, and IL-6. Body mass index (BMI) was positively correlated with calprotectin area-under-the-curve with 'respect to increase' (AUCi) and IL-6 AUCi. Furthermore, calprotectin AUCi was positively correlated with IL-6 AUCi and MPO AUCi, even after controlling for BMI. Although MPO AUCi was positively correlated with IL-6 AUCi, this relationship no longer existed after controlling for BMI. These results suggest that acute aerobic exercise could mediate innate immune response associated with calprotectin and its related leukocyte chemotactic and inflammatory mediators, especially in individuals with elevated BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerometers are designed to measure physical activity (PA) objectively. The MyWellness Key (MWK) accelerometer has been validated primarily in younger, normal-weight populations. The aims of this study were to examine the accuracy of the MWK against directly measured lab-based exercise and free-living PA in people with type 2 diabetes, many of whom are older and overweight or obese. Thirty-five participants with type 2 diabetes completed the protocol, which included a laboratory-based session and a free-living phase. In the laboratory visit, participants completed a structured treadmill protocol wearing MWKs on each hip (all subjects) and bra cup (women only). The speed where each MWK switched from recording light- to moderate-intensity activity was determined for each MWK worn. In the free-living phase, participants wore the MWK for all waking hours for 2 weeks, and recorded exercise in PA diaries immediately after each exercise session. The mean cut-points between low ('Free') and moderate ('Play') intensity for the right and left waist-worn MWKs were 4.1 ± 0.5 km/h and 5.0 ± 0.9 km/h for the bra-mounted MWK; ideal cut-point would be 4.0 km/h. In the free-living phase, the Spearman correlation between PA according to PA diary and the waist-worn MWK was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 0.85; P < 0.001), but only 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.77; P < 0.001) when on the bra. In conclusion, the waist-worn MWK measured PA volume accurately, and was acceptably accurate at discriminating between low- and moderate-intensity PA in people with type 2 diabetes. The MWK underestimated PA volume and intensity when worn on a bra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral contraception (OC) and energy intake may play a role in fuel selection during exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of OCs (OC+ vs. OC-) in fed and fasting conditions on substrate oxidation and metabolic and hormonal responses in women during exercise. Substrate oxidation (respiratory exchange ratio and lipid and carbohydrates oxidation rates), metabolic (glycerol, free fatty acids (FFA), and glucose), and hormonal (insulin, adrenaline, and noradrenaline) responses were determined in 21 women: 10 regularly menstruating women (OC-) and 11 women using OCs (OC+: low-dose monophasic pill; ethinyl estradiol ≤ 30 µg) during 45 min at 65% of maximal oxygen consumption in fasting and postprandial states. At rest, OC+ presented higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride plasma concentrations as compared with OC-. OC status had no influence on substrate oxidation and metabolic and hormonal responses during exercise. In the fasting state, whatever the OC status, women exhibited greater reliance on fat than in postprandial condition. This occurred in the presence of lower plasma insulin concentrations and higher plasma FFA and glycerol levels. The results indicated that the use of low-dose monophasic combined with OCs did not modify fuel selection and metabolic and hormonal responses during exercise in women. The fasting condition, compared with the fed condition, decreased carbohydrate oxidation during exercise, leading to a greater lipid mobilization and utilization whatever the OC status. Thus, in women, the realization of an exercise in either the fed or fasting conditions had a greater impact on substrate oxidation than OC status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of chronic, intense exercise, such as in elite athletes, on phospholipids fatty acids (FA) composition has not been studied in women so far. This study aimed to investigate FA profiles in plasma and erythrocytes phospholipids in elite female water polo ( N = 15) and football ( N = 19) players in comparison with sedentary women. In spite of similar dietary patterns, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, plasma FA profile in the football players showed significantly higher proportions of stearic acid, oleic acid, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and significantly lower proportions of total and n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) than in the water polo and control group. The water polo players had higher percentages of palmitoleic acid and arachidonic acid than the control subjects. Erythrocyte FA profile differed among groups. We found significantly higher proportion of oleic acid and MUFA in the football group than in the controls, and decreased stearic acid and elevated palmitic and palmitoleic acid in the water polo players than in the other 2 groups. Both groups of athletes had significantly lower percentages of n-6 dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, n-6 PUFA, and total PUFA compared with the controls. The estimated activities of elongase and desaturases in erythrocytes were also altered in the athletes. Our results indicate that long-term, intense physical training significantly affects FA status of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids in women. The observed differences between the water polo and the football players suggest that the type of regular training may contribute to the altered metabolism of FA, although possible genetic differences among the 3 study groups cannot be ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whole-body fat oxidation in endurance-trained (TR) and untrained (UNTR) subjects exercising at different intensities in the heat. On 3 occasions, 10 TR cyclists and 10 UNTR healthy subjects (peak oxygen uptake = 60 ± 6 vs. 44 ± 3 mL·kg-1·min-1; p < 0.05) exercised at 40%, 60%, and 80% peak oxygen uptake in a hot, dry environment (36 °C; 25% relative humidity). To complete the same amount of work in all 3 trials, exercise duration varied (107 ± 4, 63 ± 1, and 45 ± 0 min for 40%, 60%, and 80% peak oxygen uptake, respectively). Substrate oxidation was calculated using indirect calorimetry. Blood samples were collected at the end of exercise to determine plasma epinephrine ([EPI]plasma) and norepinephrine ([NEPI]plasma) concentrations. The maximal rate of fat oxidation was achieved at 60% peak oxygen uptake for the TR group (0.41 ± 0.01 g·min-1) and at 40% peak oxygen uptake for the UNTR group (0.28 ± 0.01 g·min-1). TR subjects oxidized absolutely (g·min-1) and relatively (% of total energy expenditure) more fat than UNTR subjects at 60% and 80% peak oxygen uptake (p < 0.05). At these exercise intensities, TR subjects also had higher [NEPI]plasma concentrations than UNTR subjects (p < 0.05). In the heat, whole-body peak fat oxidation occurs at higher relative exercise intensities in TR than in UNTR subjects (60% vs. 40% peak oxygen uptake). Moreover, TR subjects oxidize more fat than UNTR subjects when exercising at moderate to high intensities (>60% peak oxygen uptake). Cette étude se propose d'analyser le degré d'oxydation des gras dans tout l'organisme de sujets entraînés en endurance (TR) et de sujets non entraînés en endurance (UNTR) au cours d'exercices accomplis à différentes intensités dans un environnement chaud. En trois occasions, 10 cyclistes TR et 10 sujets UNTR en bonne santé (consommation d'oxygène de pointe = 60 ± 6 mL·kg-1·min-1 comparativement à 44 ± 3 mL·kg·-1min-1; p < 0,05) font un effort dans un environnement chaud (36 °C; 25 % HR), et ce, aux intensités suivantes : 40 %, 60 % et 80 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe. Afin de maintenir constante la quantité de travail accompli, la durée des efforts varie comme suit : 107 ± 4 min, 63 ± 1 min et 45 ± 0 min pour les intensités respectives de 40 %, 60 % et de 80 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe. On mesure le degré d'oxydation des gras par calorimétrie indirecte. À la fin des séances d'exercice, on prélève des échantillons sanguins pour en déterminer les concentrations plasmatiques d'épinéphrine ([EPI]plasma) et de norépinéphrine ([NEPI]plasma). On enregistre le plus haut taux d'oxydation des gras chez les TR à 60 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe (0,41 ± 0,01 g·min-1) et, chez les UNTR, à 40 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe (0,28 ± 0,01 g·min-1). Les sujets TR oxydent plus de gras que les sujets UNTR en valeur absolue (g·min-1) et en valeur relative (% du total d'énergie dépensée) à 60 % et 80 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe (p < 0,05). À ces intensités d'exercice, la [NEPI]plasma chez les sujets TR est plus élevée que chez les sujets UNTR (p < 0,05). Dans un environnement chaud, l'oxydation des gras dans l'organisme se manifeste chez les sujets TR à une plus haute intensité relative : 60 % comparativement à 40 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe chez les UNTR. De plus, les sujets TR oxydent plus de gras que les sujets UNTR au cours d'efforts d'intensité modérée à élevée (>60 % du consommation d'oxygène de pointe). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of interactive video game stationary cycling (GameBike) in comparison with stationary cycling to music on adherence, energy expenditure measures, submaximal aerobic fitness, body composition, and cardiovascular disease risk markers in overweight and obese adolescents, using a randomized controlled trial design. Thirty overweight (with at least 1 metabolic complication) or obese adolescents aged 12-17 years were stratified by gender and randomized to video game or music condition, with 4 participants (2 per group) failing to complete the twice weekly 60 min sessions of the 10-week trial. The music group had a higher rate of attendance compared with the video game group (92% vs. 86%, p < 0.05). Time spent in minutes per session at vigorous intensity (80%-100% of predicted peak heart rate) (24.9 ± 20 min vs. 13.7 ± 12.8 min, p < 0.05) and average distance (km) pedaled per session (12.5 ± 2.8 km vs. 10.2 ± 2.2 km, p < 0.05) also favoured the music group. However, both interventions produced significant improvements in submaximal indicators of aerobic fitness as measured by a graded cycle ergometer protocol. Also, when collapsed, the exercise modalities reduced body fat percentage and total cholesterol. The present study indicates that cycling to music was just as effective as stationary cycling while playing video games at improving fitness, body composition, and cholesterol profiles in overweight and obese teens, and resulted in increased attendance, vigorous intensity of physical activity, and distance pedaled. Therefore, our data support the superiority of cycling to music and indicate investing in the more expensive GameBike may not be worth the cost. Cette étude se propose d'analyser dans un essai clinique aléatoire l'efficacité de l'entraînement sur un cardiovélo incorporant un jeu vidéo interactif (GameBike) sur plusieurs paramètres : l'adhésion à un programme, les mesures de la dépense d'énergie, la condition physique à l'effort aérobie sous-maximal, la composition corporelle et les marqueurs du risque de maladie cardiovasculaire chez des adolescents présentant du surpoids et d'autres, obèses, et ce, comparativement à un entraînement sur un cardiovélo au son de la musique. Trente adolescents obèses ou présentant un surpoids (caractérisés par au moins 1 trouble du métabolisme), âgés de 12 à 17 ans et stratifiés selon le sexe sont assignés aléatoirement à l'entraînement sur vélo avec jeu vidéo ou au son de la musique; quatre participants (2 par groupe) n'ont pas participé à toutes les séances d'entraînement qui duraient 60 min, à raison de deux séances par semaine sur une période de 10 semaines. Le groupe entraîné au son de la musique affiche un plus haut taux d'assiduité que le groupe animé par le jeu vidéo (92 % comparativement à 86 %, p < 0,05). Le groupe entraîné au son de la musique passe aussi plus de temps par séance à des efforts vigoureux (80-100 % de la fréquence cardiaque de pointe prédite) (24,9 ± 20 min comparativement à 13,7 ± 12,8 min, p < 0,05) et couvre une plus grande distance par séance (12,5 ± 2,8 km comparativement à 10,2 ± 2,2 km, p < 0,05). Néanmoins, les deux groupes présentent des améliorations des indicateurs de l'effort aérobie sous-maximal mesurés au cours d'un test d'effort progressif sur ergocycle. En considérant les groupes ensemble, les modalités de l'entraînement suscitent une diminution du pourcentage de gras et du cholestérol total. D'après cette étude, s'entraîner sur vélo au son de la musique est tout aussi efficace que s'entraîner en s'adonnant simultanément à un jeu vidéo quand il s'agit d'améliorer la condition physique, la composition corporelle et les concentrations de cholestérol; en outre, on observe une assiduité plus importante, plus d'effort vigoureux et plus de distance franchie. D'après nos observations, s'entraîner sur vélo au son de la musique donne de meilleurs résultats et dépenser une somme additionnelle pour un GameBike ne vaut certes pas le coût. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The age-related decline in basal limb blood flow appears to be related to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Resistance training improves basal limb blood flow and vascular conductance in middle-aged men and women, but it is unknown whether similar vascular effects of training occur in the elderly. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week progressive resistance training program using elastic bands on basal leg blood flow, vascular conductance, and functional performance in postmenopausal elderly women. Sixteen healthy postmenopausal females (age, 67 ± 5 years) were randomly assigned to a control (n = 8) or resistance training (n = 8) group, where they underwent 2 supervised strength sessions per week for 12 weeks. Prior to and at completion of this 12-week period, functional and strength performance and leg haemodynamic responses were measured. The training intervention produced significant increases in basal leg blood flow (31%), vascular conductance (34%), and a significant reduction in cardiac work (i.e., rate pressure product) at rest, as well as significant improvements in the 3 functional ability tests performed (30-s bicep curl, 30-s sit to stand, and back scratch). Haemodynamic or functional performance responses were not altered after the 12 weeks in the control group. This study demonstrates that a resistance training program using elastic bands elicits significant improvements in basal leg blood flow in postmenopausal elderly women. La diminution associée à l'âge du débit sanguin de base dans les membres semble reliée à la pathogenèse du syndrome métabolique, du diabète de type 2 et de la maladie cardiovasculaire. L'entraînement à la force améliore le débit sanguin de base et la conductance vasculaire chez des femmes et des hommes d'âge mûr, mais on ne sait pas si les mêmes effets vasculaires se présentent chez des personnes âgées. Cette étude se propose d'analyser les effets d'un programme d'entraînement progressif à la force sur le débit sanguin de base dans la jambe, sur la conductance vasculaire et la capacité fonctionnelle de femmes âgées et postménopausées. Le programme d'entraînement de 12 semaines se fait au moyen de bandes élastiques. On répartit aléatoirement 16 femmes postménopausées en bonne santé et âgées de 67 ± 5 ans dans 2 groupes, l'un servant de contrôle (n = 8) et l'autre constituant le groupe expérimental (n = 8); dans ce dernier, les sujets participent à un programme d'entraînement à la force à raison de deux séances par semaine, et ce, sur une période de 12 semaines. Avant et après le programme d'entraînement, on évalue les capacités musculaire et fonctionnelle en plus des réponses hémodynamiques de la jambe. Le programme d'entraînement suscite une augmentation significative du débit sanguin de base dans la jambe (31 %), de la conductance vasculaire (34 %) et une diminution significative du travail cardiaque (soit le produit de la tension systolique par la fréquence des contractions cardiaques) au repos en plus d'une amélioration significative de la performance au cours de 3 tests de capacité fonctionnelle : nombre de flexions du coude en 30 s, nombre de redressements de la position assise à la position debout et degré de rapprochement des mains placées dans le dos. Chez le groupe de contrôle, on n'observe aucune modification de la capacité fonctionnelle et des réponses hémodynamiques du début à la fin de la période expérimentale. D'après les observations faites dans cette étude, un programme d'entraînement à la force au moyen de bandes élastiques suscite une amélioration significative du débit sanguin de base dans les jambes chez des femmes postménopausées et âgées. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appetite and meal energy intake (MEI) following aerobic (AEx) and resistance (REx) exercises were evaluated in 19 young, active adults. The participants completed duplicate 35-min sessions of AEx, REx, and sedentary control, and consumed an ad libitum pasta meal 30 min postsession. Hunger transiently decreased after AEx but was not influenced by REx. MEI was 14% to 18% higher after AEx and REx than control. These findings are consistent with exercise-stimulated ingestive behavior, not anorexia of exercise. On évalue chez 19 jeunes adultes physiquement actifs l'appétit et l'apport d'énergie des repas (MEI) à la suite d'une séance d'exercice aérobie (AEx) et d'exercices de force (REx). Les sujets participent à 2 séances de AEx, de REx et de contrôle en mode sédentaire d'une durée de 35 min chacune puis, 30 min après la fin de chaque séance, ils prennent un repas de pâtes ad libitum. La faim diminue de façon passagère à la suite de AEx, mais n'est pas influencée par REx. Le MEI est de 14 à 18 % plus élevé après AEx et REx comparativement aux valeurs de contrôle. Ces observations supportent la thèse selon laquelle l'exercice stimule l'appétit plutôt que de l'inhiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research measuring whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) after both exercise and nutrition has generally focused on resistance exercise; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of postaerobic exercise nutrition, especially in older adults. It is not known if postexercise protein feeding has a beneficial effect on protein turnover after low- to moderate-intensity exercise. We investigated whether consuming protein plus carbohydrate (PRO) immediately after an acute bout of aerobic exercise has an additive effect over carbohydrate alone (CHO) on WBPT in older individuals. Twelve healthy older adults (age, 59 ± 4 years) were studied on 2 separate occasions after 1 h of exercise at approximately 50% of maximal rate of oxygen uptake, followed by 4 h of recovery. Immediately following exercise, subjects ingested a CHO (60 g) or an isocaloric PRO beverage (40 g carbohydrate, 20 g whey protein). Whole-body protein metabolism was determined using [1-13C]leucine infusion (60 mg prime; 75 mg·h-1 continuous), and sampling blood and expired breath. Rates of whole-body leucine appearance and oxidation, and nonoxidative leucine disposal during the third and fourth hours of postexercise recovery were higher in the PRO group (2.51 ± 0.55, 0.78 ± 0.37, and 1.71 ± 0.44 µmol·kg-1·min-1, respectively) than in the CHO group (1.81 ± 0.27, 0.33 ± 0.14, and 1.47 ± 0.25 µmol·kg-1·min-1, respectively; p = 0.001). Our results indicate that consumption of a PRO beverage after aerobic exercise increased WBPT to a greater extent than a CHO beverage. Les études s'intéressant à la mesure du renouvellement global des protéines dans l'organisme (WBPT) à la suite d'un exercice physique et d'un apport alimentaire traitent généralement du rôle des exercices de force; néanmoins, il y a peu d'études sur les effets d'un apport alimentaire à la suite d'un exercice aérobie particulièrement chez les personnes âgées. On ne sait pas si un apport protéique après un exercice suscite un effet bénéfique sur le renouvellement protéique consécutif à un exercice d'intensité légère à modérée. Cette étude se propose de vérifier si, comparativement à un apport de sucres seulement (CHO), un apport protéique combiné à des sucres (PRO) immédiatement après un bref effort aérobie apporte des effets additionnels concernant le WBPT chez des personnes âgées. On invite en deux occasions douze adultes en bonne santé et âgés de 59 ± 4 ans à participer à une séance d'exercice d'une durée de 60 min et d'intensité suscitant 50 % du consommation d'oxygene maximale suivie d'une récupération d'une durée de 4 h. Immédiatement après la fin de l'exercice, les sujets consomment soit une boisson contenant des sucres (CHO; 60 g) soit une boisson contenant des sucres et des protéines (PRO; 40 g de sucres et 20 g de protéines lactosériques) totalisant la même quantité d'énergie. On évalue le métabolisme protéique de l'organisme en entier par l'administration de [1-13C] leucine (infusion immédiate de 60 mg suivie d'une perfusion à raison de 75 mg·h-1) et l'analyse des échantillons de sang et des gaz expirés. Les taux corporels d'apparition de la leucine, de son oxydation et de l'élimination de la fraction non oxydée au cours de la 3e et de la 4e heure de la période de récupération postexercice sont plus importants dans la condition PRO (2,51 ± 0,55, 0,78 ± 0,37 et 1,71 ± 0,44 μmol·kg-1·min-1 respectivement) que dans la condition CHO (1,81 ± 0,27, 0,33 ± 0,14 et 1,47 ± 0,25 μmol·kg-1·min-1 respectivement) (p = 0,001). Nos observations révèlent qu'un apport de protéines à la suite d'un exercice aérobie suscite une plus grande augmentation du WBPT que ne le fait un apport de sucres. Un apport protéique à la suite d'un exercice semble favorable à l'amélioration de la qualité des protéines contenues dans l'organisme en entier et pourrait apporter des gains en matière de capacité physique chez les personnes âgées. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women demonstrate greater RR interval variability than men of similar age. Enhanced parasympathetic input into cardiac regulation appears to be not only greater in women, but also protective during periods of cardiac stress. Even though women may have a more favorable autonomic profile after exercise, little research has been conducted on this issue. This study was designed to examine the cardiac autonomic response, in both male and female participants, during the early recovery from supramaximal exercise. Twenty-five individuals, aged 20 to 33 years (13 males and 12 females), performed a 30-s Wingate test. Beat-to-beat RR series were recorded before and 5 min after exercise, with the participants in the supine position and under paced breathing. Linear (spectral analysis) and nonlinear analyses (detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA)) were performed on the same RR series. At rest, women presented lower raw low frequency (LF) power and higher normalized high frequency (HF) power. Under these conditions, the LF/HF ratio of women was also lower than that of men (p < 0.05), but there were no differences in the short-term scaling exponent (α1). Even though both sexes showed a significant modification in linear and nonlinear measures of heart rate variability (HRV) (p < 0.05), women had a greater change in LF/HF ratio and α1 than men from rest to recovery. This study demonstrates that the cardiac autonomic function of women is more affected by supramaximal exercise than that of men. Additionally, DFA did not provide additional information about sexual dimorphisms, compared with conventional spectral HRV techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the peripheral expression of inflammatory markers in adolescents with different nutritional status and its correlation with parameters of the metabolic syndrome. Seventy-two female postpubescent adolescents were divided into 3 groups: eutrophic (Co), eutrophic with a high body fat percentage (HBF), and overweight (OW). Data related to the parameters of the metabolic syndrome and the peripheral expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were evaluated. Higher values of glycemia and insulin resistance were found in the HBF group than in the Co group. No differences related to the peripheral expression of the cytokines were found among the groups. In the HBF group, a positive correlation was observed between TNF-α and IL-6, IL-10 and the proinflammatory cytokines, and IL-6 and glycemia. In the OW group, a positive correlation was found between IL-6 and triglycerides. Adolescents with normal weight but body fat excess present a metabolic profile and body composition similar to those of overweight adolescents. This suggests that these adolescents have a risk of developing cardiovascular diseases similar to that of overweight adolescents. The positive correlation between IL-10 and TNF-α and IL-6 suggests an attempt to inhibit the production of these cytokines by IL-10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma prekallikrein (PK) has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors, but these associations have not been investigated in children. The present study examined PK activity in relation to well-established cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of children aged 9-11 years (N = 97). We found a significant and positive association between PK and fasting levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.01), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01), and triglycerides (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between PK activity and the metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors considered to have an impact on atherosclerosis and CVD mortality. Finally, we found that children with a family history of CVD had significantly elevated PK activity. These novel findings warrant further investigations into the relationship between circulating PK levels and CVD risk factors because PK may be involved in the progression of the disease state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures of vascular health are known to be important predictors of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The reliability of commonly used measures of vascular health has been demonstrated in school-aged children, adolescents, and adults; however, their reliability in preschool-aged children remains to be determined. Twenty 2- to 6-year-old children participated in 2 identical testing sessions on different days. Following 10 min of supine rest, carotid artery blood pressures and common carotid artery images were assessed simultaneously for 10 heart cycles, using applanation tonometry and B-mode ultrasound, respectively, while electrocardiogram (ECG) and infrared measures of arterial pressure waves at the dorsalis pedis were recorded continuously. Brachial artery blood pressures were determined using an automated oscillometric device. Carotid artery diameters and intima-media thickness (IMT) were analyzed using a semiautomated detection software program. Carotid compliance, distensibility, and stiffness index were calculated from carotid diameters and carotid blood pressures. Whole-body pulse-wave velocity (PWV) was determined from the time delay between the R spike of the ECG and the foot of the dorsalis pedis arterial pressure wave. Reliability of all measures was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The most reliable measures were carotid artery IMT and PWV with CVs of 2.6% and 3.5% and ICCs of 0.86 and 0.76, respectively. The lower reliability of carotid compliance and distensibility (ICC ≤ 0.63) is likely attributable to the variability of blood pressure measurements. This study confirms that vascular measurements demonstrate substantial reliability in preschool-aged children as young as 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]