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Although regular combined aerobic-resistance exercises can ameliorate the inflammatory status and redox balance in elderly population, it is unclear whether protein or specific amino acid supplementation could improve such benefits. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the inflammatory status and redox indexes through of the saliva of 34 elderly subject nonpractitioners (NP group, 73.3±6.6 years) and 49 elderly subject practitioners of a combined-exercise training in moderate intensity (CET group, 71.9±5.8 years) before (pre) and after (post) 30 days of supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln) or placebo (PL). Our results showed that, both in pre- and postsupplementation, the salivary levels of nitric oxide (NO⋅) and TNF-α were lower, whereas the levels of uric acid and IL-10 (as well as IL-10/TNF-α ratio) were higher in the CET groups than in the NP groups. In postsupplementation, both groups supplemented with Gln (NP-Gln and CET-Gln) showed higher salivary uric acid levels compared to baseline. In addition, lower NO⋅ levels were found in the CET-Gln group postsupplementation than presupplementation values. Whereas the CET-Gln group showed lower GSH levels postsupplementation, NP-Gln subjects showed lower GSSG levels at the same time point, both compared to baseline. Interestingly, salivary peroxidase activity was lower only in NP groups (NP-PL and NP-Gln) postsupplementation than baseline values. A positive significant correlation between salivary peroxidase activity and GSH levels, and also between salivary peroxidase activity and uric acid levels were observed in the CET-Gln group both pre- and postsupplementation. No differences were found in albumin, total antioxidant activity (TEAC), and reducing power analysis between groups, pre- or postsupplementation. In conclusion, the elderly subjects from the CET group showed a better inflammatory response and redox balance and, for the first time, it was shown that daily supplementation with Gln for 30 days can improve these benefits with putative association with a healthy aging.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): FAPESP and CNPq Background Elderly individuals have higher coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Triggering factors include diminished peak of oxygen consumption (VO2peak), commonly referred as cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), and increase in atherogenic lipid profile: non high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The effect of aging on HDL-C is yet not clear, however, evaluating only the concentrations do not represent all HDL anti-atherosclerosis potential, aspects related to HDL metabolism and function can be more accurate to understand atherosclerosis process. Beyond that, elderly individuals also show reduced lipid transfer to HDL, an important assessment of HDL metabolism and function reported to be lower in CAD patients. Additionally, higher CF level is associated with longevity and lower hospitalizations rates and higher lipid transfer, independently of HDL-C. Data about different ages and absolute values of CF on lipids transfer are nonexistent. Purpose: To analyze the effect of paired CF absolute values and BMI in a healthy population of different ages on lipid transfer to HDL. Methods: 61 healthy individuals, enrolled in two groups: 30 young (27 ± 4 years, 21 females, BMI: 24.6 ± 2.6 kg/m², VO2peak: 33.9 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) and 31 elderly (67 ± 5 years, 15 females, BMI: 23.9 ± 3.3 kg/m², VO2peak: 33.2 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) that do not use any medication for chronic disease. Anthropometric data were collected. All participants performed treadmill cardiopulmonary test and the CF predictive value for age was calculated, according to each sex. Plasma lipids and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) concentrations were determined. Lipid transfer was performed by incubating plasma with a donor lipoprotein-like nanoparticle containing radioactively labeled unesterified cholesterol (UC) and esterified cholesterol (EC), followed by chemical precipitation and radioactive count. Cholesterol transfers from the donor nanoparticle to HDL are expressed as %. For the statistical analysis Student"s t and Mann-Whitney tests were used according to data distribution. Results: Waist circumference (p = 0.0291) and waist-hip ratio (p

At present, it is unclear which exercise-induced factors, such as myokines, could diminish the negative impact of the reduction in pulmonary function imposed by the exercise in question. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and also to investigate the effect of myokines in the performance of marathon runners presenting EIB or not. Thirty-eight male recreational marathon runners (age 38.8 [33&ndash, 44], height 175.7 [172.0&ndash, 180.3], weight 74.7 [69.3&ndash, 81.6]) participated in this study, and through spirometry tests, a prevalence of 23.6% of EIB was found, which is in agreement with the literature. The volunteers who tested positive to EIB (EIB+) presented lower maximum aerobic capacity compared to those who tested negative (EIB&minus, ) (EIB+ 44.02 [39.56&ndash, 47.02] and EIB&minus, 47.62 [44.11&ndash, 51.18] p = 0.03). The comparison of plasma levels of IL-1&beta, (EIB+ p = 0.296, EIB&minus, p = 0.176, EIB+ vs. EIB&minus, baseline p = 0.190 immediately after p = 0.106), IL-4 (undetectable), IL-6 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB&minus, p &le, 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB&minus, baseline p = 0.301 immediately after p = 0.614), IL-8 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB&minus, baseline p = 0.110 immediately after p = 0.453), IL-10 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB&minus, baseline p = 0.424 immediately after p = 0.876) and TNF-&alpha, (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB&minus, baseline p = 0.141 immediately after p = 0.898) were similar in both groups 24 h before and immediately after the marathon. However, negative correlations were found between the marathon finishing time and the levels of IL-8 (r = &minus, 0.81, p = 0.022), and IL-10 (r = &minus, 0.97, p &le, 0.001) immediately after completing the marathon. In conclusion, for the first time, it is shown that the myokines IL-8 and IL-10 are related to improvement of the performance of marathon runners presenting EIB.

Background Oxidative stress is an important factor in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) harbors paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), key enzymes in the protection against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Although exercise training can increase both HDL-c content and its antioxidant action, and glutamine (Gln) intake also promotes GPx-based defenses, the association between exercise training and Gln in the regulation of PON-1 activity was not explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Gln supplementation on the redox balance and on the total HDL antioxidant capacity by evaluation of the activity of PON-1 and GPx enzymes in physically exercised elderly individuals compared to non-exercised ones. Methods Fifty-one practitioners of a combined exercise training program (CET, age: 71.9 ± 5.7 years) and 32 non-practitioners (NP, age: 73 ± 6.3 years) participated in the study. CET and NP groups were separated into 2 subgroups according to the supplementation: Gln, 0.3 g/kg/day + 10 g maltodextrin (CET-Gln, n = 26; and NP-Gln, n = 16) or placebo, 10 g maltodextrin (CET-PL, n = 25; and NP-PL, n = 16). Blood samples were drawn at baseline and after 30 days after commencement of the supplementation for biochemical and enzyme activity analyses. Results Increased HDL-c, total peroxidase (PRx), and GPx activities were found in both CET-Gln and NP-Gln after the supplementation period, compared to baseline, in opposition to CET-PL and NP-PL groups. PON-1 activity increased only in CET-Gln. In both CET-Gln and NP-Gln groups, there was a reduction of the total peroxides/PRx, iron/PRx, and total peroxides/GPX ratios after supplementation. In CET-Gln, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)/PRx and TBARS/GPx ratios were also lower after supplementation. CET-Gln and CET-PL subgroups had lower glycemia than NP-Gln and NP-PL, either at baseline or after the supplementation periods. The other parameters were unchanged after supplementation [total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, total peroxides, TBARS, iron serum, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and uric acid]. Conclusions Gln supplementation can increase glutathione peroxidase activity regardless the individuals were physically active or sedentary, but the PON-1 activity only increased in physically active individuals. These results show the potential of Gln supplementation in the maintenance of the vascular redox balance, with potential implications for atherogenesis protection.

Physical exercise promotes many health benefits. However, its effects are not well known in a polluted environment. Thus, this study aimed to compare upper airway inflammatory responses between street runners and sedentary individuals. Twenty-eight volunteers were recruited: runners (n = 14) and sedentary individuals (n = 14), who lived and worked in the same metropolitan area of S&atilde, o Paulo, Brazil. Particulate matter (PM) levels were monitored ten weeks before winter (low PM levels) and ten weeks after the beginning of winter (high PM levels) [PM10 (p &lt, 0.0001) and PM2.5 (p &lt, 0.0001)]. The cytokines (TNF-&alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A) levels in the nasal lavage and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were taken at the beginning of the winter (baseline) and ten weeks afterwards (after ten weeks of high PM exposure). IL-6 concentration increased in both runners (p = 0.037) and sedentary individuals (p = 0.027) after high PM exposure compared to the baseline. IL-10 concentration increased in sedentary individuals (p = 0.037) while IL-17A levels were increased in runners (p = 0.001) after high PM exposure compared to the baseline. FeNO levels decreased in runners (p = 0.025) after high PM exposure compared to the baseline. Outdoor endurance training acts as an inducer of a differentiated immune response in the upper airways of runners compared to individuals with a sedentary lifestyle from the same community after elevated PM exposure.

Although regular exercise-training improves immune/inflammatory status, the influence of air pollutants exposure during outdoor endurance training compared to a sedentary lifestyle has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to compare the immune/inflammatory responses in the airways of street runners and sedentary people after acute and chronic particulate matter (PM) exposure. Forty volunteers (street runners (RUN, n = 20), sedentary people (SED, n = 20)) were evaluated 1 (acute) and 10 (chronic) weeks after PM exposure. Cytokines [interferon (IFN)-&gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17A] in nasal lavage fluid, salivary antibacterial peptides (lactoferrin (LTF), cathelicidin (LL-37), defensin-&alpha, 1&ndash, 3), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), plasma club cell protein (CC16), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were analyzed. After acute exposure, the RUN group showed lower levels of IL-13, IL-10, and FeNO, but higher defensin-&alpha, than the SED group. After chronic exposure, the RUN group showed elevation of IFN-&gamma, IL-10, IL-17A, and a decrease of FeNO levels, whereas the SED group showed elevation of TNF-&alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and a decrease of IL-13 levels. Comparing these groups, the RUN group showed higher levels of SIgA and LTF, and lower FeNO levels than the SED group. In relation to the Th immune response analysis after acute and chronic PM exposure, the RUN group showed a pattern associated with Th1, while in the SED group, a Th2 pattern was found. Both groups showed also a Th17 immune response pattern. Our results allow us to suggest that the immune/inflammatory status of the respiratory tract after acute and chronic PM exposure was improved by the long-standing regular practice of outdoor endurance exercise compared to a sedentary lifestyle.

Background. Although Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) can benefit the immune status, the effects of LcS in the immune/inflammatory responses of marathon runners has never been evaluated. Therefore, here we evaluated the effect of daily ingestion of fermented milk containing or not LcS in the systemic and upper airway immune/inflammatory responses before and after a marathon. Methods. Forty-two male marathon runners ingested a fermented milk containing 40 billion of LcS/day (LcS group, n = 20) or placebo (unfermented milk, n = 22) during 30 days pre-marathon. Immune/inflammatory parameters in nasal mucosa and serum, as well as concentrations of secretory IgA (SIgA) and antimicrobial peptides in saliva, were evaluated before and after fermented milk ingestion, immediately, 72 h, and 14 d post-marathon. Results. Higher proinflammatory cytokine levels in serum and nasal mucosa, and also lower salivary levels of SIgA and antimicrobial peptides, were found immediately post-marathon in the placebo group compared to other time points and to LcS group. In opposite, higher anti-inflammatory levels and reduced neutrophil infiltration on nasal mucosa were found in the LcS group compared to other time points and to the placebo group. Conclusion. For the first time, it is shown that LcS is able to modulate the systemic and airways immune responses post-marathon.

Cardiovascular benefits for the general population of combined aerobic-resistance exercise training are well-known, but the impact of this exercise training modality on the plasma lipid, inflammatory, and antioxidant status in elderly women that are exposed to a great risk of developing ischemic cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases has not been well investigated. So, we aimed to evaluate the plasma lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in 27 elderly women (TRAINED group,69.1±8.1 yrs) that were performing moderate intensity combined aerobic-resistance exercise training (3 times/week for at least 18 months) and in 27 sedentary elderly women (SED group,72.0±6.4 yrs), not submitted to exercise training for at least 5 yrs. Our results showed that BMI was lower in the TRAINED group than in the SED group (25.1±3.2vs.28.7±5.1,p<0.05). The TRAINED group had lower glycemia (92±3vs.118±12,p<0.05), glycated hemoglobin (5.9±0.1vs.6.4±0.2,p<0.05), and triglycerides (98 (75-122) vs. 139 (109-214),p<0.01); equal total cholesterol (199 (175-230) vs. 194 (165-220)), LDL-cholesterol (108 (83-133) vs. 109 (98-136)), and non-HDL-cholesterol (54 (30-74) vs. 62 (26-80)); and also higher HDL-cholesterol (64 (52-77) vs. 52 (44-63),p<0.01) and LDL-C/oxLDL ratio (13378±2570vs.11639±3113,p<0.05) compared to the SED group. Proinflammatory cytokines as IL-1β(11.31±2.4vs.28.01±4.7,p<0.05), IL-6 (26.25±7.4vs.49.41±17.8,p<0.05), and TNF-α(25.72±2.8vs.51.73±4.2,p<0.05) were lower in the TRAINED group than in the SED group. The TRAINED group had lower total peroxides (26.3±7.4vs.49.0±17.8,p<0.05) and oxidized LDL (1551±50.33vs.1773±74,p<0.02) and higher total antioxidant capacity (26.25±7.4vs.49.41±17.8,p<0.001) compared to the SED group. In conclusion, in TRAINED women, BMI was lower, plasma lipid profile was better, plasma oxidative stress was diminished, and there was less expression of proinflammatory interleukins than in SED, suggesting that combined aerobic-resistance exercise training may promote the protection against the complications of ischemic cardio- and cerebrovascular disease in elderly women.

Background: Although glutamine is able to improve the immune response, its action in the upper airway immunity against the influenza virus vaccine remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the L-glutamine supplementation effect on the mucosal immune/inflammatory response of elderly subjects vaccinated against the influenza virus. Methods: Saliva sampling from 83 physically active elderly volunteers were collected pre- and 30 days after influenza virus vaccination and supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln, n = 42) or placebo (PL, n = 41). Results: Gln group showed higher salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-17, total secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and specific-SIgA post-vaccination than values found pre-vaccination and in the PL group post-vaccination. Whereas higher salivary levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were observed post-vaccination in the Gln group, IL-37 levels were lower post-vaccination in both groups than the values pre-vaccination. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were unchanged. Positive correlations between IL-6 and IL-10 were found in all volunteer groups pre- and post-vaccination and also between IL-17 and IL-6 or IL-10 in the Gln group post-vaccination. A negative correlation between IL-37 and IL-10 was found pre- and post-vaccination in the PL group. Conclusion: Gln supplementation was able to modulate salivary cytokine profile and increase SIgA levels, both total and specific to the influenza virus vaccine, in physically active elderly subjects.

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa de Sao Paulo (FAPESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil [12/51698-5] Background: Running economy (RE), expresses the relationship between the energy cost of running (Cr) and the work performed by a runner and is an predictor of performance. Given the intense effort of marathon runners during training and competition and the dearth of studies that address performance and cytokines in this population, the objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship between RE and cytokines in marathon runners. Methods: A total of 22 recreational marathon runners were examined. Using data obtained from VO2max assessments and sub-maximal tests, the following formula was applied to determine RE: Cr (mLO(2).kg(-1) . km(-1)) = VO2 (mL . kg(-1) . h(-1)) x 60 divided by speed (km . h(-1)). Results: Cr values shows no correlation with levels of the serum IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha 24h before, immediately after or 72h after the completion of an official marathon. However, the IL-6 level shows a significant correlation with Cr. Discussion and conclusion: The relationship between higher values of IL-6 and lower RE leads to the hypothesis of a physical under-recovery state by some athletes. Considering the stress caused by training, associated with the higher energetic cost in less economic athletes, it's possible that the period of resting may not totally compensate for the inflammatory state. Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Street of Otonis, 700, upper floor, Vila Clementino, CEP 04025-002, São Paulo - SP, Brazil Cruzeiro do Sul University, Institute of Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport (ICAFE), Galvão Bueno Street, 868, Liberdade, CEP 01506000, São Paulo - SP, Brazil [ Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departament of Gynecology, Napoleão de Barros Street, 715, 7th floor, Vila Clementino, CEP 04024-002, São Paulo - SP, Brazil University Presbiterian Mackenzie, Departament of Developmental Disorders, Piauí Street, 181, Higienópolis, SP, Brazil Nove de Julho University, Departament of Biophotonic, Av. Dr. Adolpho Pinto, 109, Barra Funda, CEP 01156050, São Paulo-SP São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil University of São Paulo, Departament of Sports, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 65, University city, CEP 05508-030, São Paulo - SP, Brazil Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Street of Otonis, 700, upper floor, Vila Clementino, CEP 04025-002, São Paulo - SP, Brazil Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departament of Gynecology, Napoleão de Barros Street, 715, 7th floor, Vila Clementino, CEP 04024-002, São Paulo - SP, Brazil FAPESP: 12/51698-5 Web of Science

OBJETIVO: Identificar e relacionar a composicao corporal, baseada na porcentagem de gordura corporal e o indice de massa corporea (IMC), e a idade da menarca, com a capacidade aerobia, utilizando-se os valores de VO2 maximo indireto, de estudantes do segundo ciclo do ensino fundamental. METODOS: Foram avaliadas 197 meninas com media de idade de 13,0±1,2 anos, estudantes de duas escolas estaduais de Atibaia-SP. Para estimar a porcentagem de gordura corporal, foi realizada uma avaliacao de dobras cutâneas utilizando-se o protocolo de Slaughter para meninas adolescentes. Ja o indice de massa corporea (IMC), medido em quilogramas por metro quadrado (kg/m2), seguiu as recomendacoes da Organizacao Mundial da Saude (OMS). Para a avaliacao aerobia, foi utilizado o teste de corrida proposto por Leger, determinando o volume de oxigenio maximo de forma indireta (VO2 max). Para a analise estatistica, foi utilizada a regressao linear de Pearson, o teste t de Student e a analise multivariada. RESULTADOS: 22,3% das meninas apresentaram sobrepeso e 3,5% obesidade, de acordo com o IMC. Na amostra estudada, 140 (71,1%) adolescentes relataram a ocorrencia de menarca. A media de idade da menarca foi de 12,0±1,0 anos. A media de idade de menarca para o grupo com IMC normal foi significativamente maior (12,2±0,9 anos) do que nas estudantes com sobrepeso ou obesidade (11,6±1,0 anos). A media do VO2 max indireto foi de 39,6±3,7 mL/kg/min, variando de 30,3 a 50,5 mL/kg/min. O avanco da idade cronologica e a precocidade da menarca correlacionaram-se positivamente com os menores valores de VO2 max. CONCLUSOES: Meninas com maiores valores de IMC e percentual de gordura corporal apresentaram menores valores de VO2 max. A precocidade da menarca e o avanco da idade cronologica foram os fatores mais importantes para a reducao da capacidade aerobia. A idade da menarca foi mais elevada em meninas com IMC adequado quando comparadas com as meninas com sobrepeso ou obesidade.

In this study, the effects of aerobic exercise on the upper airways and their defense mechanisms were investigated in athletes. The athletes ran in two different environments: the downtown streets of the city of Sao Paulo (Street), more polluted, and an urban forest (Forest), less polluted. Thirty-eight young healthy athletes ran for 45 min d−1 randomly during five consecutive days, with an interval of 48 h before changing environment. Clinical parameters and respiratory tract defense markers were evaluated before and after the first run on Mondays (1 d) and on Fridays (5 d). Street presented higher mean PM2.5 concentrations (65.1 ± 39.1 µg m−3, p < 0.001) and lower temperature (22.0 °C, p = 0.010) than Forest (22.6 ± 15.3 µg m−3 and 22.8 °C). After 1 d Street running, subjects showed an increment in heart rate (p < 0.001). At day 5, there was twice the number of athletes with impaired nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) in the Street runners group when compared to the Forest runners group. Exhaled breath condensate pH values increased in the Forest group, with significant differences between groups in day 1 (p = 0.006) and day 5 (p < 0.001), despite the fact that both groups showed values within the normal range. After exposure to both environments, the number of cells in the nasal lavage fluid was reduced after exercise (p = 0.014), without alterations in cell type and IL-8 and IL-10 concentrations. Aerobic exercise can either maintain or acutely enhance MCC and it may help to regulate inflammatory responses in the airways. Here we show that exercise practice in polluted outdoor environment, over a 5 d period, impairs MCC. In contrast, athletes running in the less polluted environment (Forest) show higher exhaled breath condensate pH values when compared to those who exercised in a more polluted environment (Street).

Apesar do grande aumento do número de mulheres no esporte, é escassa a literatura sobre aspectos anatômicos, psicológicos e principalmente hormonais que afetam o desempenho das mulheres praticantes de exercício físico. Embora existam muitas pesquisas relatando como o exercício afeta a menstruação, são poucos os estudos de como o ciclo menstrual interfere no desempenho feminino. A maioria dos estudos cita a relação do desempenho e o ciclo menstrual, mas não leva em consideração as alterações do ciclo, as moléstias perimenstruais (MPM)(1). OBJETIVO: Observar a incidência e a frequência dos sintomas da síndrome pré-menstrual em atletas. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Em 31 atletas de handebol em idade fértil foi aplicado um diário de sintomas pré-menstruais(2) por um período de três meses consecutivos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de SPM em atletas foi de 71%, sendo o sintoma mais relatado o de irritabilidade, em 86,4% das atletas, seguidos de mudanças de humor (77,3%) e cólicas (72,7%); 59% das atletas indicaram algum outro sintoma no período pré-menstrual. CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se alta prevalência de SPM em atletas.Despite the increasing number of women who practice physical exercise, there are still few reports concerned with anatomy, psychology and mainly hormones that could affect their performance. Although there is a multitude of articles about the effects of physical exercise in menstruation, only a few of them report how this function interferes in women's performance. The association physical exercise - menstruation has been studied but without considering the changes during the cycle, the perimenstrual symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this article was to investigate the incidence and periodicity of pre-menstrual symptoms in athletes. A daily questionnaire was applied with the aim to follow the pre-menstrual symptoms during a period of 3 consecutive months. The population of the study was composed by 31 female athletes in fertile age. RESULTS: The prevalence of PMS in athletes was of 71% and the mainly reported symptoms were irritability (86.5%), mood swings (77.3%) and cramps (72.7%). Other symptoms were reported by 59% of the athletes during the pre-menstrual period. CONCLUSION: Our data show a high prevalence of PMS among athletes.

Background During a session of prolonged and exhaustive exercise, such as a marathon race, large quantities of free radicals are produced and can oxidise (ox) several molecules, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). To prevent oxidative damage, athletes present higher antioxidant levels. However, the effect of marathon running on the natural IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL autoantibodies is not understood. Thus, we investigated the effect of a marathon race on oxidative stress and the mechanisms of control of this stress. Methods Blood samples of 20 marathon runners were collected 24 hours before, immediately and 72 hours after a marathon race to evaluate: plasma lipid profile; serum levels of oxLDL and anti-oxLDL autoantibodies (IgM and IgG isotype) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was also determined. Results Immediately after the race, oxLDL and TAC levels decreased in comparison to the basal levels; however, the IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL levels remain unchanged. Whereas no differences were observed in the IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL levels 72h after the marathon, the oxLDL and TAC levels returned to the basal values. Significant positive correlations were observed between oxLDL and LDL-cholesterol before, and 72h after the marathon. Significant negative correlations were observed between oxLDL and VO2max immediately after the marathon and 72 h later, as well as between oxLDL and TAC 72 h after the race. Conclusions Athletes with a higher VO2max and total antioxidant activity presented reduced LDL oxidation. The levels of IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL autoantibodies were not affected by running the marathon.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of chronic moderate-intensity exercise upon the alterations of immune system cell function induced by energy restriction. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: sedentary animals fed ad libitum (SF, N = 10) or submitted to energy restriction (SER, N = 10, receiving 50% of the mean amount of chow consumed by SF); and trained animals fed ad libitum (TF, N = 10) or submitted to energy restriction (TER, N = 10), who exercised on a treadmill (at 60-65% VO 2max ) 5 d.wk -1 for 10 wk, after 30 d under the restriction protocol. The incorporation of [2- 14 C]-thymidine by lymphocytes obtained from the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes, plasma glucose and glutamine concentration, and cytokine production by cells cultivated in the presence of glutamine were measured in all groups, 24 h after the last exercise session. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's posttest were employed for the statistical analysis. Results: Training induced an increase in the proliferative response and in the production of γ-interferon and interleukin-1 (P < 0.05) in cells from the spleen and lymph nodes of SER, in which these parameters were diminished when compared with SF (P < 0.05). SER spleen and lymph node cells produced more TNF (26 and 42%, respectively) and IL-2 (49 and 42%, respectively) than SF. The Th 1 -like diversion of the immune response observed in SER persisted after training. Partial recovery of the decreased SER plasma glutamine concentration and muscle glutamine synthase mRNA was observed. Conclusions: Training induced the recovery of the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes from SER, probably due to the partial restoration of plasma glutamine levels, but did not interfere with the diversion towards a Th 1 -type immune response induced by food restriction.

O atleta competitivo muitas vezes apresenta lesões musculoesqueléticas, algumas de natureza não traumática. Habitualmente, tais lesões são atribuídas a fatores mecânicos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo estudar um grupo de atletas de handebol e verificar uma possível ação de fatores imune-inflamatórios e hormonais na gênese destas lesões. Procedeu-se à avaliação dos parâmetros laboratoriais, dosando-se a concentração plasmática de hormônios e neurotransmissores e a produção in vitro de citocinas e prostaglandina E2. Os resultados permitem afirmar que em 29% dos atletas estudados foi possível constatar a ocorrência de lesões musculoesqueléticas não traumáticas, que puderam ser relacionadas com o aumento da produção de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, com elevação das concentrações de IL-1, IL-2, TNF-α e IFN-α. Nesta mesma cultura foi possível demonstrar aumento da concentração de prostaglandina E2. Competitive athletes often present musculoskeletal injuries, some of these nontraumatic. Usually these injuries are attributed to mechanical factors. The present study aimed to investigate a group of handball players and check a possible action of immune-inflammatory and hormonal factors in the genesis of these lesions. Laboratory parameters were studied measuring in the plasma the concentration of plasma hormones and neurotransmitters, and production "in vitro" of cytokines and prostaglandin E2. The results indicate that in 29% of the athletes included in the study the occurrence of nontraumatic musculoskeletal injuries was observed. In this group there was an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines assayed in the supernatant of culture of peripheral blood cells with increased concentrations of IL-1, IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-α, as well of prostaglandin E2.

RESUMO O estudo da relação entre o exercício e a resposta imune teve grande impulso a partir da metade da década de 70, tendo como principais áreas de interesse o estudo da infecção de vias aéreas superiores em atletas submetidos a grandes esforços, o exercício como modelo de estresse e a resposta do treinamento como resposta adaptativa frente a situações de estresse. A descrição da interação entre os sistemas imune e neuroendócrino foi de importância capital no desenvolvimento desses estudos. O exercício gerando um desvio da homeostase orgânica leva à reorganização das respostas de diversos sistemas, entre eles o sistema imune. É adequado dividir a resposta ao exercício em resposta aguda, resposta transitória ao estresse e resposta de adaptação crônica, na qual o treinamento capacita o organismo a lidar com o estímulo estressante de maneira mais adequada. Ambas as respostas afetam os diversos componentes do sistema imune, tanto a resposta inata em seu componente celular compreendendo neutrófilos, macrófagos e células natural killer, como em seu componente humoral, proteínas de fase aguda, sistema do complemento e enzimas, como o sistema imune adaptativo, em seu componente celular (linfócitos T e B), como no componente humoral (anticorpos e citocinas). Apesar das incorreções que cometemos quando das generalizações, podemos dizer que, de modo geral, o exercício de intensidade moderada, praticado com regularidade, melhora a capacidade de resposta do sistema imune, enquanto o exercício de alta intensidade praticado sob condições estressantes provoca um estado transitório de imunodepressão.

The course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, is markedly affected by hormones such as estrogen and prolactin. It is well known that heavy exposure to sunlight has deleterious effects on SLE, triggering episodes of the disease. Classical explanations for this occurrence suggest that UV radiation damages DNA, which becomes immunogenic, or induces exposure of the Ro antigen in keratinocytes. In recent years, it has been shown that vitamin D3 has important effects on the immune system. Thus, we proposed an alternative hypothesis, suggesting that UV radiation, by promoting vitamin D3 synthesis, could be a factor aggravating the course of SLE after exposure to sunlight. To test this hypothesis, we injected F1(NZBxW) mice, which are prone to developing SLE, with vitamin D3, and we demonstrated a worsening of the histopathological findings in the kidney. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 14:91–96, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

To identify and relate body fat percentage (skin fold measures), body mass index (BMI) and age at menarcheto aerobic capacity using the indirect VO₂ maximum value (VO₂ max) of girls in the second cycle of primary school.A total of 197 girls aged 13.0 ± 1.2 years on average, students from two public schools in the city of Atibaia in São Paulo, were evaluated. Anthropometric evaluation of skin folds was performed using the Slaughter protocol for teenage girls, and BMI (kg/m²) was based on "Z score" (graphic of percentile) according to WHO recommendations. The Léger protocol was used to determine VO₂ max. Pearson linear regression and the Student t-test were used for statistical analysis.22.3% of the girls were overweight and 3.5% were obese according to the classification proposed by the WHO; 140 (71.1%) girls reported menarche. The average age at menarche was 12.0 ± 1.0 years and was significantly higher in the group with normal BMI (12.2 ± 0.9 years) than in the overweight or obese groups (11.6 ± 1.0 years). The average indirect VO₂ max value was 39.6 ± 3.7 mL/kg/min, ranging from 30.3 to 50.5 mL/kg/min. The advance of chronological age and early age at menarche were positively correlated with lower VO₂ max values.This study showed that 25.8% of the girls had aBMI value above WHO recommendations. Girls with higher BMI and higher body fat percentage had lower VO₂ max. The earlier age at menarche and the advance of chronological age were the most important factors for the reduction of aerobic capacity. The ageat menarche was higher in girls with adequate BMI compared tooverweight or obese girls.

Recently, many authors have proposed that mechanisms such as inflammation and/or allergies could be partly responsible for cases of upper respiratory tract illnesses that affect athletes after exhaustive exercise. Here we studied the kinetics of cytokines in the serum and nasal mucosa of athletes after a marathon. We were able to demonstrate an increase in serum levels of all interleukins studied immediately after the marathon in athletes that present or not with upper airways symptoms followed by a return to basal levels 72 hours after the race, as described in the literature. Interleukin (IL)-10 behaviour differed in the group of asymptomatic athletes. Measurement of this cytokine in protein extract of nasal mucosal cells showed increase 72 hours after the marathon. Levels of this cytokine in sera were increased at rest in athletes that did not present symptoms. These fin- dings suggest that the maintenance of a non-inflammatory environment in the mucosal airways is an active process that requires participation of the systemic and mucosal immune systems. We propose that the understanding of the upper airway disease of the athlete involves the study of mucosal and systemic immune systems.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that vitamin D is an important environmental factor in the etiology of T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). AIM: The purpose of this study was exploring the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of vitamin D3 in encephalomyelitis (EAE). METHODS: We treated monophasic experimental autoimmune EAE, induced in Lewis rat, with vitamin D3 and adoptively transfer tolerogenic bone marrow‐derived DCs generated in the presence of vitamin D3. RESULTS: This study provides evidence that the in vivo administration of vitamin D(3,) as well as the adoptive transfer of vitamin D(3)‐induced IDO (+) immature/tolerogenic dendritic cells, leads to a significant increase in the percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in the lymph nodes in a rat model of MS, experimental autoimmune EAE. Concomitant with the increase in this cell population, there is a significant decrease in the number of autoreactive T cells in the central nervous system. Bone marrow‐derived DCs cultivated in the presence of vitamin D(3) present a tolerogenic profile with high IL‐10, TNFα, and IDO expression and decreased MHC‐II and CD80 expression. The adoptive transfer of IDO (+) DCs induces a significant increase in the percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells in the lymph nodes, comparable with vitamin D(3) treatment. CONCLUSION: These mechanisms contribute actively to the generation of a microenvironment in the lymph nodes that suppresses the activation of encephalitogenic T cells, resulting in the downregulation of the inflammatory response in the central nervous system.

The evidence that exhaustive exercise may compromise the immune response is mainly confirmed by upper respiratory tract infections which are probably related to the decrease in secretory immunoglobulin A in the upper airway mucosa and/or profile changes of systemic cytokines as well as local cytokines of the upper respiratory tract. An extract from Pelargonium sidoides roots is currently used to treat infections in the upper airways. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of this herbal medicine on the immune response of athletes submitted to an intense running session by analyzing the production of immunoglobulin A in their saliva and of cytokines both locally and systemically, using a placebo as control. The results show that Pelargonium sidoides extract modulates the production of secretory immunoglobulin A in saliva, both interleukin-15 and interleukin-6 in serum, and interleukin-15 in the nasal mucosa. Secretory immunoglobulin A levels were increased, while levels of IL-15 and IL-6 were decreased. Based on this evidence, we suggest that this herbal medicine can exert a strong modulating influence on the immune response associated with the upper airway mucosa in athletes submitted to intense physical activity.

Background During a session of prolonged and exhaustive exercise, such as a marathon race, large quantities of free radicals are produced and can oxidise (ox) several molecules, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). To prevent oxidative damage, athletes present higher antioxidant levels. However, the effect of marathon running on the natural IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL autoantibodies is not understood. Thus, we investigated the effect of a marathon race on oxidative stress and the mechanisms of control of this stress. Methods Blood samples of 20 marathon runners were collected 24 hours before, immediately and 72 hours after a marathon race to evaluate: plasma lipid profile; serum levels of oxLDL and anti-oxLDL autoantibodies (IgM and IgG isotype) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was also determined. Results Immediately after the race, oxLDL and TAC levels decreased in comparison to the basal levels; however, the IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL levels remain unchanged. Whereas no differences were observed in the IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL levels 72h after the marathon, the oxLDL and TAC levels returned to the basal values. Significant positive correlations were observed between oxLDL and LDL-cholesterol before, and 72h after the marathon. Significant negative correlations were observed between oxLDL and VO2max immediately after the marathon and 72 h later, as well as between oxLDL and TAC 72 h after the race. Conclusions Athletes with a higher VO2max and total antioxidant activity presented reduced LDL oxidation. The levels of IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL autoantibodies were not affected by running the marathon.

A fibromialgia é uma patologia de alta prevalência na população geral, cujo tratamento é feito por meio de medicamentos como antiinflamatórios, antidepressivos e miorrelaxantes, que pode ser complementado por medidas físicas como relaxamento, alongamento e exercícios físicos. A observação de fibromialgia entre atletas constatada em exames de rotina, em especial naqueles que apresentavam lesões musculares de repetição, levou os autores a pesquisar, de maneira prospectiva, um grupo de atletas praticantes de ginástica olímpica e atletismo, nos quais puderam confirmar alta incidência desta síndrome. Como a fibromialgia predispõe ao aparecimento de lesões por contratura muscular, sugerem que ela possa atuar como um mecanismo de indução ao surgimento de lesões musculares de repetição. Ainda devido às semelhanças dos sintomas encontrados na síndrome do supertreinamento, síndrome da fadiga crônica e fibromialgia, propõem uma possível ligação entre estes quadros. Fibromyalgia syndrome is a very common feature in the daily practice of rheumatologists. Therapy is based on the use of analgesics, anti-depressants, and other drugs. Many physicians indicate exercise, stretching, and relaxing programs as adjuvant therapies. It was surprising to find fibromyalgia in well-trained athletes. The syndrome, however, appears in athletes that reported recurrent tendon-muscle lesions. In this study, the authors analyzed a group of gymnastics and track and field athletes involved in competitive training. They found a significant incidence of the syndrome (7 in 20 subjects) in this group. This is an important finding, since fibromyalgia causes muscular pain and stiffness, and can predispose the athletes to muscle lesions and damage. Another important point regarding the syndrome is that some of its symptoms are related to overtraining and to the chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, the authors suggest that there is an important connection between those aspects. UNIFESP-EPM PMSP COTP UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de Fisiologia USP Departamento de Histologia UNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Fisiologia SciELO