Search

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the effects of two different dance training concepts in terms of anthropometric indices and supervised motor test performance between two groups of 56 prepuberal girls. The first group, composed of 29 girls, performed a typical classical dance training program (D group), while the second one, composed of 27 girls, followed a mixed training (D&R group) workout, with classical dance exercises alternated to rhythmic gymnastics. Anthropometric and exercise performance data were collected and assessed initially (T1) and after a 1-year (T2) training program. Data collected were firstly tested for collinearity using Belsley's test and, after their normality was tested through the Shapiro–Wilk test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed on a subset of noncollinear variables. The two groups showed improvements in both anthropometric parameters and exercise performance; however, no differences arose between the variation of anthropometric parameters between the two groups. On the other hand, exercise performance was improved in some fields of the D&R group, particularly in exercises regarding the upper body, such as pull-ups, chin-ups and sit-ups. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that a specific training program consisting of classic dance plus rhythmic gymnastics exercises (D&R) has a greater impact compared to a program of simple classic dance, in terms of skill performance without impairment of anthropometric parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious complication of pregnancy and is defined as a state of glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed and arises during gestation. Although the pathophysiology of GDM has not yet been thoroughly clarified, insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction are considered critical components of its etiopathogenesis. To sustain fetus growth and guarantee mother health, many significant changes in maternal metabolism are required in normal and high-risk pregnancy accompanied by potential complications. Adipokines, adipose tissue-derived hormones, are proteins with pleiotropic functions including a strong metabolic influence in physiological conditions and during pregnancy too. A growing number of studies suggest that various adipokines including adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are dysregulated in GDM and might have pathological significance and a prognostic value in this pregnancy disorder. In this review, we will focus on the current knowledge on the role that the aforementioned adipokines play in the development and progression of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Physical activity and professional physical activity such as water polo (WP) sport, has numerous beneficial effects to fight metabolism-related disorders through several mechanisms, including the promotion of liver metabolic adaptations, and the modulation of cytokine production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of physical activity on AMPKα and ACC, two proteins involved in liver metabolism; therefore, we treated the hepatoma cell line Hep G2 with sera from elite WP athletes and amateur (basket) players. As control, we used serum from both sedentary and obese subjects. Methods: Help G2 cells were treated with 5% of human sera from the different subjects; after 24 h and 48 h, HepG2 cell viability was verified through MTT assay and activation status of AMPKα and ACC through western blotting. Cytokine's serum levels were measured through ELISA assay. Results: After 72 h, the treatment of HepG2 cells with sera from the different subjects produced no effect on cell viability. Furthermore, after 48 h of treatment, both AMPKα and ACC phosphorylation statistically increases in HepG2 cells treated with sera from WP athletes. Furthermore, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels resulted statistically increased in WP athlete's sera than in sedentary subjects. Conclusion: The specific activation of AMPKα and ACC by WP sera confirms that professional sport activity carried out by WP athletes can be considered as a physiological activator of these two proteins also in HepG2 liver cells. In addition, the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines in WP sera confirms the ample evidence for multiple anti-inflammatory activities carried out by WP discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin exerts relevant actions in immunity and is modulated in several disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we characterized adiponectin expression and profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from MS patients to investigate its potential relationship with the severity and progression of the disease. Total adiponectin in CSF was measured by ELISA in 66 unrelated CSF MS patients and compared with 24 age- and sex-matched controls. Adiponectin oligomer profiles were analysed by Western blotting and FPLC chromatography. Total CSF adiponectin was significantly increased in MS patients compared with controls (9.91 ng/mL vs 6.02 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Interestingly, CSF adiponectin positively correlated with CSF IgG, and CSF/serum albumin directly correlated with CSF/serum adiponectin. Our data demonstrated that CSF adiponectin predicts a worse prognosis: patients with the progressive form of MS had higher levels compared with the relapsing remitting form; patients with higher EDSS at baseline and a higher MS severity score at 4.5-year follow-up had significantly elevated adiponectin levels with respect to patients with a less severe phenotype. Finally, the adiponectin oligomerization profile was altered in CSF from MS patients, with a significant increase in HMW and MMW. The correlation of CSF adiponectin with the severity and prognosis of MS disease confirmed the role of this adipokine in the inflammatory/immune processes of MS and suggested its use as a complementary tool to assess the severity, progression and prognosis of the disease. Further studies on larger MS cohorts are needed to clarify the contribution of adiponectin to the etiopathogenesis of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin (Acrp30) and leptin, adipokines produced and secreted mainly by the adipose tissue, are involved in human carcinogenesis. Thyroid carcinomas are frequent endocrine cancers, and several evidences suggest that they are correlated with obesity. In this study, we first analyzed the expression levels and prognostic values of Acrp30, leptin, and their receptors in thyroid cancer cells. Then, we investigated the role of Acrp30 and leptin in proliferation, migration, and invasion. We found that Acrp30 treatment alone inhibits cell proliferation and cell viability in a time and dose-dependent manner; leptin alone does not influence thyroid cancer cells (BCPAP and K1) proliferation, but the combined treatment reverts Acrp30-induced effects on cell proliferation. Additionally, through wound healing and Matrigel Matrix invasion assays, we unveiled that Acrp30 inhibits thyroid cancer cell motility, while leptin induces the opposite effect. Importantly, in the combined treatment, Acrp30 and leptin exert antagonizing effects on papillary thyroid cancer cells' migration and invasion in both BCPAP and K1 cell lines. Highlights of these studies suggest that Acrp30 and leptin could represent therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the management of thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a complex primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by a high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The molecular underlying causes of CVID are not still now clear and the delays in diagnosis and treatment worsen the prognosis of the patients. MicroRNAs are non-coding, endogenous small RNAs often deregulated in human diseases, such as autoimmune and other immune-based disorders. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate miRNAs associated with the CVID and, in particular, with the response to the first Ig replacement therapy. To this aim, we compared miRNA profile obtained by serum samples of treatment-naïve CVID patients before and 24 h after the first Ig replacement therapy. For the first time, using a microarray assay followed by an integrated bioinformatics/biostatistics analysis, we identified five microRNAs (hsa-miR-6742, hsa-miR-1825, hsa-miR-4769-3p, hsa-miR-1228-3p, hsa-miR-1972) differently modulated in CVID patients by Ig infusion. All of them were down-regulated, excepted miR-6742 which was up-regulated. The latter may be of particular interest, since its functions are related to pathways involving Class I MHC mediated antigen processing and adaptive as well as innate Immune System. In conclusion, this study shows for the first time the modulation of miRNAs involved in CVID patients after the first Ig replacement therapy. Further studies are needed to assess whether such miRNAs could represent novel potential biomarkers in management and therapy of CVID patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) represents the first line of defence against diseases characterised by increased inflammation status, such as metabolic and infectious diseases. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle—associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders—negatively impacts on general health status, including susceptibility to infections. At a time of a pandemic SARS-CoV2 infection, and in the context of the multiorgan crosstalk (widely accepted as a mechanism participating in the pathophysiology of all organs and systems), we examine the complex interplay mediated by skeletal muscle contraction involving the immune system and how this contributes to control health status and to counteract viral infections. In so doing, we review the molecular mechanisms and expression of molecules modulated by PA, able to provide the proper molecular equipment against viral infections such as the current SARS-CoV2. Methods: A critical review of the literature was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and mediators induced by PA that potentially impact on viral infections such as SARS-CoV2. Results: We showed the effects mediated by regular moderate PA on viral adverse effects through the regulation of biological processes involving the crosstalk between skeletal muscle, the immune system and adipose tissue. Evidence was provided of the effects mediated by modulation of the expression of inflammation markers. Conclusion: A tigth association between PA and reduction in inflammation status allows effective counteracting of SARS-CoV2 infection. It is therefore essential to persuade people to keep active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Response to exercise is regulated by environmental factors and genetic predisposition. PPARγ and ADRB3 genes are associated with body composition. Adipose and muscle tissues secrete adipokines and myokines involved in energy expenditure; among the others, adiponectin and Irisin were associated with benefits of physical activity. Aims: Here we investigate two common variants in PPARγ and ADRB3 genes (Pro12Ala, Trp64Arg, respectively) and the expression of Irisin in 22 professional water polo (WP) players versus 40 controls. Methods: Anthropometric and hormonal parameters were assessed; Pro12Ala and Trp64Arg SNPs were analyzed by direct-sequencing; adiponectin and Irisin expression was evaluated through western blotting. Results: Irisin levels were similar between WP athletes and controls. The Pro12Ala polymorphism was present in two WP players and two controls while the Trp64Arg polymorphism only in one WP player; both polymorphisms were not related to biochemical parameters, as well as to Irisin and adiponectin expression. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the influence of two PPARγ and ADRB3 common polymorphisms on Adiponectin and Irisin expression in WP athletes is limited, if it exists at all. Further studies are needed to clarify if the positive effects mediated by physical training may pass through the regulation of Irisin, adiponectin and genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-021-02331-y [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]