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Physical activity increases cortisol-awakening response (CAR) and reduces perceived stress in several pathologies but its impact in morbidly obese subjects, especially women, remains poorly known. According to their level of physical activity (< or > 1000 METmin/week), 37 middle-age (41.4 ± 1.7 years) morbidly obese women (BMI: 46.2 ± 0.7 kg/m2) were divided into group 1 (n = 21) and group 2 (n = 16). Saliva samples were taken for cortisol analysis at awakening (cor aw) and 30 min after (cor30 aw), with (CAR) determination. In parallel, body weight and composition were determined by bioelectrical impedance, whereas quality of life, stress and depression were estimated by specific questionnaires. In group 2 (> 1000MET-min/week) vs. group 1 (< 1000MET-min/week), cortisol 30 aw , CAR and lean mass expressed in % were significantly higher and fat mass expressed in kg and % lower (P < 0.05), whereas no change was found in the other parameters investigated. Significant correlations were found between IPAQ scores and body composition and CAR, but not with stress and depression. The level of physical activity influenced both body composition and CAR as demonstrated in other pathologies, but did not change quality of life, perceived stress and depression in a middle-age morbidly-obese female population. Further studies with a larger number of subjects are necessary to complete these preliminary results and to understand the implicated mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of swim intensity on acute responses to dynamic apnoea. 9 swimmers performed one 50 m front crawl trial in four different conditions: at 400 m velocity (V400) with normal breathing (NB), at V400 in complete apnoea (Ap), at maximal velocity (Vmax) with NB and at Vmax in Ap. Peak heart rate (HRpeak), blood lactate concentration after exercise (Lacpost ex) and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) was monitored with a pulse oximeter at forehead level during and after exercise. In Ap, swimming at V400 induced a significantly lower HRpeak and Lacpost ex than swimming at Vmax whilst RPE and the kinetics of SpO2 were not different at V400 and at Vmax. The minimal value of SpO2 in Ap was reached 10 to 11 s after the end of V400 and Vmax (81.7 ± 10.1% and 84.4 ± 10.6%, respectively). Swimming a 50 m front crawl in Ap resulted in a large decrease in SpO2 which occurred only after the cessation of exercise. The higher duration of apnoea during submaximal exercise could explain why SpO2 and RPE reached the same values as for maximal exercise.​ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adrenal and gonadal stress steroids [i.e., cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] have gathered considerable attention in the last few decades due to their very broad physiological and psychological actions. Their diurnal patterns have become a particular focus following new data implicating altered diurnal hormone patterns in various endocrine, behavioral and cardiovascular risk profiles. In this review of the current literature, we present a brief overview of the altered diurnal patterns of these hormones that may occur in relation to chronic stress, nutritional behaviors, physical exercise, drugs and sleep deprivation/shift. We also present data on the altered diurnal hormone patterns implicated in cardiometabolic and psychiatric/neurologic diseases, cancer and other complex pathologies. We consider the occasionally discrepant results of the studies, and summarize the current knowledge in this new field of interest, underlining the potential effects on both biological and psychological functioning, and assess the implications of these effects. Last, we conclude with some practical considerations and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations during acute and chronic exercise (training) have been investigated only fairly recently. DHEA is generally preferred to DHEA-S for exploring the acute exercise repercussions in laboratory or field tests because of its shorter elimination half-life. Conversely, DHEA-S is preferred to estimate chronic adaptations. Both can be measured noninvasively in saliva, and it is therefore possible to follow these hormone responses in elite athletes during competitive events and in healthy and pathological populations, without imposing additional stress. Indeed, the correlation between saliva and serum concentrations is high for steroid hormones, both at rest and during exercise. In this review, we will first summarize the current knowledge on the DHEA/DHEA-S responses to exercise and examine the potential modulating factors: exercise intensity, gender, age, and training. We will then discuss the ergogenic effects that athletes expect from the exogenous administration of DHEA and the antidoping methods of analysis currently used to detect this abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of aerobic exercise training on saliva steroid hormones [i. e., cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone], physical capacity, and quality of life in obese diabetic men. 8 abdominally obese type 2 diabetic men (59.5 ± 1.7 years old, BMI = 35.5 ± 1.6 kg/m ², waist circumference = 119.4 ± 3.3 cm) and 9 healthy men (57.4 ± 1.5 years old, BMI = 24.5 ± 0.8 kg/m ², waist circumference = 92.3 ± 1.9 cm) participated in the study. The obese diabetic men underwent 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training: twice a week 45 min sessions at 75 % of peak heart rate and once a week 45 min session of intermittent exercise. Before and after training, steroid hormone concentrations were analyzed from saliva samples, physical capacity was assessed by the 6-minute walking test, and quality of life was estimated by a specific questionnaire for obese subjects. These data were compared with the data from the healthy untrained men. The basal saliva DHEA and testosterone concentrations, physical capacity, and quality of life scores of the obese diabetic men were significantly lower than those of the healthy men. Aerobic training induces a significant increase in the 6-min walking distance and improve the psychosocial impact dimension of quality of life, without modifying significantly any other parameter investigated. These data suggest that an 8-week aerobic exercise program improves physical capacity and quality of life in obese diabetic men, but was insufficient to correct the anthropometric and hormonal alterations observed in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of short-term glucocorticoid treatment on plasma amino acids, free fatty acids, blood glucose, and several hormones in healthy volunteers performing long-lasting exercise. 9 young female subjects exercised 2 h at 50 - 55 % VO 2 max twice, once after placebo (Pla) ingestion and once after prednisone (Cor, 50 mg / day / 7days) ingestion, according to a double-blind and randomized protocol. Blood samples were taken at rest and during exercise for measurement of amino acids, free fatty acids, blood glucose, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), insulin, and glucagon. Both ACTH and DHEA values were significantly decreased by Cor vs. Pla (p < 0.01) throughout exercise, and Cor intake also induced lower growth hormone concentrations vs. Pla (p < 0.05) from 60 min to the end of exercise. No significant difference in glucagon, insulin or free fatty acid values was found between the treatments. Branched-chain amino acids and other essential amino acids were significantly higher after Cor vs. Pla from 60 min to the end of exercise (p < 0.05), whereas blood glucose was significantly higher from 90 min to the end of exercise (p < 0.05). We conclude that short-term glucocorticoid intake induces marked hormonal and metabolic changes during long-lasting exercise. Proteolysis can increase with glucocorticoid during this type of exercise and the related higher plasma amino acid concentrations may contribute as energy substrates. Further studies will be necessary to explore and accurately quantify the mechanisms of proteolysis and glyconeogenesis induced by short-term glucocorticoid intake during this type of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone responses to the bench press in an international powerlifting competition and to determine whether these salivary hormone concentrations could be used to predict performance. Twenty-six elite athletes (13 females and 13 males) provided saliva samples during the official weighing-in and after the last attempt at the bench press, as well as at baseline on a non-competition day. Performance index was determined with the Wilks formula, which adjusts powerlifting scores according to body mass. Salivary cortisol concentrations were significantly increased in all subjects after the bench press ( p < 0.01), whereas DHEA concentrations were significantly increased in women ( p < 0.01) but not in men after the bench press. No significant change in testosterone concentrations was observed during the experiment in either men or women, which resulted in a marked decrease in the testosterone/cortisol ratio. The performance index showed no significant correlation with any of the hormone responses to competition. In conclusion, despite the increase in stress adrenocortical hormone responses to an international powerlifting competition, these hormone concentrations alone are not predictors of bench press performance in elite powerlifting athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationships between plasma and saliva adrenocortical hormones in response to long-duration submaximal exercise. In nine healthy, physically active, female volunteers, blood and saliva samples were taken at rest and every 30 min during a 120-min cycling trial at 50-55% VO for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) analysis. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate but significant relationship between plasma and saliva cortisol ( r = 0.35, P < 0.02) and plasma and saliva DHEA ( r = 0.47, P < 0.001) during the submaximal exercise. When expressed in percent of resting values, the correlations between the plasma and saliva concentrations were higher for both hormones during the exercise (cortisol: r = 0.72; DHEA: r = 0.68, P < 0.001). The results thus suggest that, even under prolonged exercise conditions, non-invasive saliva samples may offer a practical approach to assessing pituitary-adrenal function, especially when compared with individual basal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/ Aims: Leptin is linked to hormonal disturbances occurring in anorexia and positively linked with bone mineral density. The aim of this study was to determine whether hypoleptinemia occurring in rhythmic gymnasts may affect bone health. Method: Leptin, insulin, cortisol, IGF1 levels and bone markers were determined in 36 rhythmic gymnasts (EG) and 20 controls (C). Body composition, BMD at the whole body (WBBMD), lumbar spine (LSBMD) and bone ultrasound properties (SOS, BUA) were measured. Results: The rhythmic gymnasts had lower fat mass and leptin level than the controls. There was no difference for IGF1, cortisol and insulin levels. Bone turnover rate was higher in elite gymnasts. The uncoupling index showed that remodeling favored the bone formation. LSBMD, WBBMD, SOS and BUA were higher in elite gymnasts after adjustment for fat mass. Leptin correlated positively with fat mass and negatively with physical activity. Conclusion: High impact training is able to counterbalance bone effects usually encountered in hormonally disturbed subjects. Our results suggest that hypoleptinaemia might be related to direct osteogenic effects and indirect hormonal mechanisms including preservation of IGF and cortisol levels. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of a therapeutical dose of corticosteroid alone or associated with beta-2 agonist on performance and substrate response during intense submaximal exercise, seven healthy moderately trained male volunteers participated in the double-blind randomized cross-over study. An intense endurance exercise test to exhaustion was performed after ingestion of placebo (Pla), 20mg prednisolone (Pred), and 20mg prednisolone plus 4mg salbutamol (Pred-Sal). Blood samples were collected at rest, after 5, 10 mm of exercise, at exhaustion, and after 5 (r5), 10 (riO), and 20 (r20) mm of passive recovery for ACTH, growth hormone, insulin, blood glucose, and lactate measurements. There were no significant differences in exercise time to exhaustion between the three treatments (Pla: 21.5 ± 2.9; Pred: 22.0 ± 2.5; Pred-Sal: 24.2 ± 2.8 mm). ACTH was significantly lowered after Pred and Pred-Sal vs. Pla from the start of exercise to the end of the experiment (p <0.05). Pred and Pred-Sal increased resting and recovery (rIO and r20) significantly but not exercise blood glucose values. There were no significant differences in growth hormone concentrations between the three treatments whereas insulin was significantly higher at rest, during exercise, and at r20 after Pred-Sal administration vs. Pred and Pla (p<0.05). Pred and Pred-Sal showed no significant effect on blood lactate compared with Pla treatment. These preliminary results do not support the hypothesis that acute oral therapeutic corticosteroid intake alone or associated with beta-2 mimetic improves performance during intense submaximal exercise, but further studies are necessary with tests of longer duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and saliva adrenocortical hormones and their relationships at rest and during submaximal exercise and recovery in 9 obese diabetic middle-aged men (BMI: 35.2�1.6 kg/m2). Blood and saliva samples were taken at rest, every 10 min of a 30-min cycling exercise at 70% of maximal heart rate, and after 10 min of recovery in order to analyze cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Serum and saliva cortisol increased significantly during recovery (p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the rest, exercise, and recovery DHEA-S and DHEA concentrations. A strong correlation was found at rest between both serum and saliva cortisol (r=0.72, p<0.001) and DHEA-S and DHEA (r=0.93, p<0.001). Serum DHEA-S and saliva DHEA remained strongly correlated during and after the submaximal exercise (r=0.81, p<0.001), whereas a weaker but still significant relationship was observed between serum and saliva cortisol during and after the exercise (r=0.52, p<0.001). In conclusion, these results suggest that saliva adrenocortical hormones, and especially saliva DHEA, may offer a practical surrogate for serum concentrations during both rest and exercise in obese diabetic men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Introduction: Cette étude a pour objectif d’évaluer les effets de la cadence de pédalage (40 et 100rpm) sur le niveau d’oxygénation musculaire lors d’exercices à puissance constante. Les variations de l’hémoglobine déoxygénée (HHb) ont été mesurées par la technique de spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge (NIRS). Méthodes et résultats: Douze sujets masculins actifs ont effectué une session comprenant deux exercices rectangulaires sur ergocycle à deux cadences différentes (40 et 100rpm). Les valeurs de HHb n’étaient pas significativement différentes lors des tests à 100rpm et à 40rpm, indiquant que l’extraction de l’O2 n’était pas modifiée par la cadence de pédalage. Conclusion: L’augmentation de la cadence de pédalage ne semble pas modifier l’équilibre entre la demande et l’apport d’O2 au niveau de la microcirculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of one night of sleep deprivation on the waking and diurnal cycles of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. Saliva samples were collected every 3 hours from 0600 to 2100 hours on 2 separate days [after 1 night of 8 hours in bed; after 1 night with complete sleep deprivation] in 9 recreationally trained soccer players. Diurnal decline for all steroids was observed under both conditions. There was, however, a significant increase in cortisol concentrations on the 2 nd part of the day (i.e., 1800 and 2100 hours, P < 0.05) after sleep deprivation vs. the control night. The results of this investigation indicate that one night of sleep deprivation does not affect the circadian pattern of saliva adrenal and gonadal steroids in recreationally trained athletes over a 15-hour waking period, despite higher end-afternoon and evening cortisol levels. Further studies are needed to determine the potential impact of these increased catabolic hormone concentrations induced by one night of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physiological performance capacity involved in soccer match or training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To assess the effects of aerobic training on physical capacities and quality of life in men with metabolic syndrome (Mets), using field evaluation tools. Synthesis: The physical capacities and the quality of life of eight men with Mets (59.5±4.8 years old) was assessed before and after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training by the 6minutes walking test and the quality of life, obesity and dietetics scale. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training of 8 weeks improves physical capacities and the psychosocial impact dimension of quality of life in men with Mets, without generating anthropometric modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study was to access the effects of intensive training on autonomic nervous system in prepubertal gymnasts. Synthesis: Ten gymnasts have been tested with an orthostatic test (stand test) before and after an intensive training (5 days). The responses of autonomic nervous system were studied with heart rate spectral analysis. Results showed an increase in sympathetic activity after training when vagal control was not modified. Blood pressure (mean, systolic, diastolic) and spontaneous baroreflex were not modified after intensive training. Conclusion: Intensive training increased sympathetic activity. But it is difficult to show the impact of mental stress in this increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the psychological effects of a short-term therapeutical prednisolone intake. Synthesis: We studied, according to a double-blind, randomized cross-over protocol, the effects of a seven day prednisolone intake (60mg/day) in 10 healthy male subjects on global health and mood state. No significant change was found between the treatments (prednisolone/placebo) in the 15 variables investigated. However, tendencies appeared revealing an increase of self-esteem, personal accomplishment and athletic identification, as well as a decrease in negative affect for the subjects under treatment. Conclusion: These results could reveal a psychological impact of glucocorticoid intake and should be confirmed by a further study with athletes submitted to a more intense physical activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the effects of a short-term therapeutical prednisolone intake on erythropoietin (EPO) secretion. Synthesis: We studied, according to a double-blind, randomized cross-over protocol, the effects of a 7 day prednisolone intake (60 mg/day) in 10 healthy male subjects on hematocrit, EPO and hemoglobin concentrations. No significant change was found between the treatments (prednisolone/placebo) in the parameters investigated. Conclusion: In view of the results obtained, short-term therapeutic glucocorticoid intake did not induce any enhancement of erythropoiesis via EPO stimulation that can result in ergogenic advantage during submaximal exercise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study was to measure the energy cost in rhythmic gymnastic. Methods: Twelve elite rhythmic gymnasts belonging to the national French team participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake and lactate concentration were measured in laboratory following a maximal test, after the four implements (rope, clubs, hoop and ball) and after a training session. Results and discussion: Maximal values were ranged between 37.95 and 45.77 ml min–1 kg–1 and 25.12 ml min–1 kg–1 for training. The lactate concentrations were significantly higher (P <0.05) for exercises including hoop, rope, clubs compared to those measured in laboratory P <0.05). There was no correlation between oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations and the performance level of each gymnast. Rhythmic gymnastic was caracterised as an anaerobic sport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the effects of chronic therapeutical β2-agonist intake on performance during maximal dynamic exercise. Synthesis: We studied, according to a double blind, randomized cross-over protocol, the effects of chronic salbutamol intake during a classic maximal VO2max test in 14 healthy female volunteers. Performance, metabolic and hormonal parameters were monitored in this study. Sal did not modify significantly maximal aerobic power or VO2max. In parallel, no change was found in the metabolic and hormonal parameters investigated. Conclusion: On the contrary to sub- and supramaximal exercise, short-term salbutamol intake did not induce any ergogenic or metabolic effects during a classic maximal exercise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction. – The aim of the study is to assess the effects of chronic therapeutical β2-agonist intake on performance during supramaximal dynamic exercise. Synthesis. – We studied, according to a double-blind, randomized cross-over protocol, the effects of chronic salbutamol intake (Sal) during a supramaximal anaerobic Wingate test in 15 healthy male volunteers. Body composition and performance were monitored in this study. Sal increases significantly maximal anaerobic power whereas no change is found in body composition. Conclusion. – These results rule out any implication of an anabolic effect of β2-agonist in this improvement in performance with salbutamol during supramaximal exercise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]