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O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência do exercício físico (provas de marcha) sobre os valores séricos de AST e CK e valores plasmáticos de lactato em equinos da raça Mangalarga Marchador criados no estado do Espírito Santo. Amostras de soro e plasma foram obtidas de 15 equinos em quarto diferentes momentos: repouso (T0) e com 5 minutos (T1), 30 minutos (T2) e 2 horas (T3) após o término do exercício. Foram registrados valores de lactato plasmático de 1,02 ± 0,41 mmol/L, 2,73 ± 2,43 mmol/L, 1,89 ± 1,24 mmol/L e 1,31 ± 0,60 mmol/L, respectivamente nos momentos T0, T1, T2 e T3. Na análise de AST, os resultados registrados nos momentos T0, T1, T2 e T3 foram, respectivamente, de 189,3 ± 56,0 UI/L, 223,9 ± 53,5 UI/L, 186,8 ± 25,8 UI/L e 193,9 ± 44,7 UI/L. Finalmente, os valores séricos de CK foram de 113,4 ± 56,3 UI/l, 144.1 ± 70,9 UI/L, 143,0 ± 81,0 UI/L e 173,1 ± 128,0 UI/L, respectivamente nos momentos T0, T1, T2 and T3. A análise dos resultados demonstrou que a marcha influenciou de forma significativa o lactato plasmático, porém não influenciou a atividade sérica de AST e CK, sugerindo que os equinos usados encontravam-se condicionados ao exercício físico imposto.

Objective To observe the effect of icariin on the expression of MMP-9 and CK mRNA in cultured mouse osteoclasts in vitro. Methods Osteoclasts were obtained from mouse bone marrow and cultured with M-CSF (25ng/ml). RANKL (30ng/ml), and 1,25-(OH)2VitD3 (10-8mol/L). After treated with different concentrations of icariin (Omol/L. 10-5mol/L) for 48h. total RNA was isolated from osteoclasts. The expression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cathepsin K (CK) mRNA was detected using semiquantitative RT-PCR. Results Compared with that in the control group, the expression of MMP-1) mRNA in 10-5mol/L icariin group remarkably decreased (P < 0.05), but no significant effect on the expression of CK mRNA was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusion Icariin can inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts and bone resorption via down-regulating the expression of MMP-9 mRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assessed markers of muscle damage and training adaptations to eccentric-overload flywheel resistance exercise (RE) in men and women. Methods: Dynamic strength (1 RM), jump performance, maximal power at different percentages of 1 RM, and muscle mass in three different portions of the thigh were assessed in 16 men and 16 women before and after 6 weeks (15 sessions) of flywheel supine squat RE training. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations were measured before, 24, 48 and 72 h after the first and the last training session. Results: After training, increases in 1 RM were somewhat greater (interaction P < 0.001) in men (25 %) than in women (20 %). Squat and drop jump height and power performance at 50, 60, 70 and 80 % of 1 RM increased after training in both sexes ( P < 0.05). Power improvement at 80 % of 1 RM was greater (interaction P < 0.02) in men than women. Muscle mass increased ~5 % in both groups ( P < 0.05). CK increased in men after the first training session ( P < 0.001), whereas the response in women was unaltered. In both sexes, LDH concentration was greater after the first training session compared with basal values ( P < 0.05). After the last session, CK and LDH remained at baseline in both groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that although improvements in maximal strength and power at high loads may be slightly greater for men, eccentric-overload RE training induces comparable and favorable gains in strength, power, and muscle mass in both men and women. Equally important, it appears muscle damage does not interfere with the adaptations triggered by this training paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening adverse reaction to antipsychotic drugs. Although there is no specific examination able to diagnose NMS, serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation has been reported in over 90% of NMS patients. In this report, we describe a patient who developed NMS but had normal CK levels. The patient presented with hyperthermia of over 38°C, severe muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, and altered mental status. Although serum CK levels were measured three times during the course of NMS, the levels were within the normal range. The patient died of respiratory failure 13 days after the onset of NMS symptoms. As patients without elevated serum CK levels are rarely reported, we discuss potential reasons why the serum CK was not elevated in our patient. This case shows clinicians that although serum CK elevation is a useful indicator for the early detection of NMS, the diagnosis of NMS must be determined by clinical symptoms as otherwise, the appropriate treatment procedures for NMS may be delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Purpose: Skeletal muscle symptoms and elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels have been consistently reported as part of the COVID-19 disease process. Previous studies have yet to show a consistent relationship between CK levels and skeletal muscle symptoms, disease severity, and death from COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to determine whether elevated CK is associated with a COVID-19 course requiring intubation, intensive care, and/or causing death. Secondary objectives: To determine if there is a relationship between elevated CK and (1) skeletal muscle symptoms/signs (2) complications of COVID-19 and (3) other diagnostic laboratory values., Methods: This is a retrospective, single center cohort study. Data were collected from March 13, 2020, to May 13, 2020. This study included 289 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and measured CK levels during admission., Results: Of 289 patients (mean age 68.5 [SD 13.8] years, 145 [50.2%] were men, 262 [90.7%] were African American) with COVID-19, 52 (18.0%) reported myalgia, 92 (31.8%) reported subjective weakness, and 132 (45.7%) had elevated CK levels (defined as greater than 220 U/L). Elevated CK was found to be associated with severity of disease, even when adjusting for inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (initial CK: OR 1.006 [95% CI: 1.002-1.011]; peak CK: OR 1.006 [95% CI: 1.002-1.01]; last CK: 1.009 [95% CI: 1.002-1.016]; q = .04). Creatine kinase was not found to be associated with skeletal muscle symptoms/signs or with other laboratory markers., Conclusions: Creatine kinase is of possible clinical significance and may be used as an additional data point in predicting the trajectory of the COVID-19 disease process., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Muscle diseases can constitute a large variety of both acquired and hereditary disorders. Myopathies in systemic disease results from several different disease processes including endocrine, inflammatory, paraneoplastic, infectious, drug and toxin-induced, critical illness myopathy, metabolic and myopathies with other systemic disorders. Patients with systemic myopathies often present acutely or sub acutely. On the other hand, familial myopathies or dystrophies generally present in a chronic fashion with exceptions of metabolic myopathies where symptoms on occasion can be precipitated acutely. Most of the inflammatory myopathies can have a chance association with malignant lesions; the incidence appears to be specifically increased only in patients with dermatomyositis. In dealing with myopathies associated with systemic illnesses, the focus will be on the acquired causes. Management is beyond the scope of this chapter. Prognosis is based upon the underlying cause and, most of the time, carries a good prognosis. In order to approach a patient with suspected myopathy from systemic disease, a stepwise approach is utilized.

Giriş: İdiyopatik enflamatuvar miyozit (İİM) hastalarında kas tutulumunun saptanmasında elektromiyografi (EMG) ve kas MRG gibi tanı yöntemleri kullanılmaktadır. İİM hastalarında malignite taraması için F-18 FDG PET/BT kullanılmaktadır ve bu yöntem miyozit değerlendirmesinde de faydalı olabilir. Amaç: Bu çalışmada İİM hastalarında malignite taraması için yapılan PET/BT incelemelerinde kas tutulumunun değerlendirilmesi ve klinik parametreler ile ilişkisini incelemeyi amaçladık. Yöntem: 2017 EULAR-ACR sınıflandırma kriterlerini yerine getiren ve aktif dönemde PET/BT yapılan IIM hastaları çalışmaya alındı. PET/BT ile kas tutulumu karaciğer, mediastinal vasküler yapılar (mediastinum) ve lomber longus kası (LLM) ile karşılaştırıldı. Tanısal doğruluğu daha yüksek olan mediastinum FDG uptake'ine göre tek ve çok değişkenli analizler yapıldı. Bulgular: PET/BT sonuçları olan 34 hasta (çalışma grubu) ve IIM dışı 14 malignite tanılı hasta (kontrol grubu) çalışmaya dahil edildi. İİM hastalarının medyan hastalık süresi 12 aydı. İİM ve kontrol grubunda karaciğer, mediastinum ve LLM tutulumları benzerdi; kontrol grubuna göre proksimal ve distal üst ekstremitede (sırasıyla p=0,001, p<0,001) ve proksimal ve distal alt ekstremitede (sırasıyla p=0,003, p<0,001) daha şiddetli kas tutulumu gözlendi. Pozitif kas tutulumlarının duyarlılığı ve özgüllüğü karaciğer, mediastinum ve LLM tutulumlarına göre sırasıyla %37,1 ve %100, %65,7 ve %92,9, %91,4 ve %7,1 idi (Tablo 1). Yüksek CK, LDH ve CRP düzeyleri (sırasıyla p=0,026, p=0,028 ve p=0,032) ve pozitif kas MR (p=0,04; OR: 4,1) PET/BT kas tutulumuyla ilişkili bulundu. PET/BT pozitifliği ile kas MR bulguları arasında uyum görüldü (ĸ=0,412; p=0,04) (Tablo 2). İİM (DM vs PM) ve otoantikor alt grupları, PET/BT pozitifliğiyle ilişkili bulunmadı. Çok değişkenli analizde, yüksek CRP (p=0,017, GA %95: 1,03-1,36, OR: 1,18) ve LDH (p=0,029, GA %95: 1,001-1,017, OR: 1,01) düzeyleri PET/BT pozitifliği ile ilişkiliydi. Bazal kas gücü (r=-0,411, p=0,04) ile kas tutulumu şiddeti ters korelasyon göstermekteydi. Sonuç: Aktif İİM hastalarda medyan PET/BT ile kas tutulumu kontrol grubuna göre belirgindir ve karaciğer ve mediastinuma göre artış anlamlıdır. Bazal LDH ve CRP düzeyleri FDG değerleri ile korelasyon göstermektedir. PET/BT'de kas tutulumu için en iyi tanısal doğruluk mediastinal vasküler yapılara göre bulunmuştur. PET/BT, İİM hastalarında kas aktivitesinin değerlendirilmesinde kullanılabileceği düşünülmüştür. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivou-se determinar a atividade sérica das enzimas aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH) de cavalos da raça Árabe submetidos a exercício em esteira de alta velocidade. Onze eqüinos adultos da raça Árabe foram condicionados e submetidos ao Teste Padrão de Exercício Progressivo em esteira. Antes, imediatamente após o término do exercício, e nos momentos pós-exercício, 30min, 60min, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 3 dias e 5 dias, foram coletadas amostras de sangue venoso para as determinações séricas das enzimas aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH). As concentrações séricas da AST, da CK e da LDH elevam-se imediatamente e retornam a valores semelhantes ao de repouso 30 minutos após o término do Teste Padrão de Exercício Progressivo. A atividade enzimática da aspartato aminotransferase (AST) eleva-se de 12 horas a 24 horas, da creatina quinase (CK) de 3 horas a 6 horas e da lactato desidrogenase (LDH) 24 horas após o término do Teste Padrão de Exercício Progressivo.

Owing to the risk of severe rhabdomyolysis, clinicians advise McArdle disease patients to refrain from strenuous exercise, particularly weight lifting. A 15-year-old male McArdle disease patient performed a 6-week, supervised, light- to moderate-intensity (∼65-70% of one-repetition-maximum) resistance (weight lifting) training program (2 sessions/week). Training resulted in ∼27% and ∼6% increase in one-repetition-maximum bench press and multipower squat performance while inducing no myoglobinuria. The patient changed to a lower disease severity class, that is, he became virtually asymptomatic in terms of exercise limitations. The authors’ preliminary data suggest that supervised, light to moderate resistance training is feasible in children with McArdle disease and has potential clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Neuromuscular clinicians are frequently asked to evaluate patients referred for asymptomatic elevations in creatine kinase ( CK), a catalytic enzyme that combines creatine and ATP to form phosphocreatine and ADP. This reaction is crucial for cellular energy generation and metabolism. This laboratory finding, often referred to in simplified lexicon as asymptomatic hyperCKemia, continues to generate controversy at several levels, including definition, the extent of evaluation, and the yield of diagnostic testing. In this review, we summarize the literature based on series of patients with asymptomatic hyperCKemia and provide a rational clinical approach to reveal identifiable underlying causes. Muscle Nerve 47: 805-815, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a potentially fatal or disabling clinical syndrome resulting in muscle necrosis and leakage of muscle constituents into the blood. Lactic acidosis and more serious complications such as acute renal failure may occur in up to half of recognized cases, so accurate diagnosis is required. We present three cases in which RM occurred in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures performed in the lateral position. A review of the literature is provided together with a framework for the prevention of this surgical complication. Three patients underwent neurosurgical procedures in the lateral position for left facial/glossopharyngeal neuralgia, for jugular foramen tumor, and for a petroclival meningioma, respectively. All patients were obese and all three showed massive postoperative elevation in creatine kinase (CK) levels characteristic of RM. Myoglobinuria was identified in two patients and all three showed hyperintensity of the hip gird muscles in the short tau inversion recovery sequence magnetic resonance imaging. All recovered spontaneously and none went on to develop renal failure. A literature review showed that RM has been rarely reported after neurosurgery. However, the duration of procedures of the cases of reported RM indicates that the prevalence of the condition is likely highly under-recognized in neurosurgery. This is particularly important given the rising obesity rates seen in many countries. Obese patients undergoing long neurosurgical procedures, particularly in the lateral position, should be suspected of RM and should be closely monitored for CK levels, myoglobinuria, and acidosis. We outline a framework of strategies for the prevention of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds and Objectives: caffeine is a member of methyl xanthine family which can further facilitate exercise because of its antioxidant activity it could be effective for prevention of cellular damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate single stage caffeine supplementation on CK and IL-6 responses in non-active male after an exhaustive aerobic exercise. Materials and Methods: 20 non-active male students randomly divided as supplementation and control groups. Exercise test was an exhaustive treadmill test (Bruce test). One hour before the exercise, supplementation group received caffeine (6 Mg/BW) and control group receive placebo. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise test from anticubital vein. Serum; Lactate, CK were measured by Spectrophotometric method and serum IL-6 concentrations were determined using ELISA. Data analysis was used performed using the mixed ANOVA and paired t test. Results: Data analysis showed that a significant increments in blood lactate, creatine kinase and interleukin-6 levels in both control and supplement group (P<0.05). Mixed ANOVA analysis showed that caffeine supplementation had a significant effect on serum interleukin 6 in non-active men after exhaustive aerobic exercise (P<0.05), but its effect on creatine kinase and lactate markers was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of present study, Caffeine supplementation has positive effect on muscle damage of non-active male after exhaustive aerobic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged ischemia-reperfusion results in various damages in skeletal muscle. Following reperfusion, although the damaged muscles undergo regeneration, the precise process and mechanism of regeneration have not yet been fully understood. Here, we show the altered levels of plasma biochemical markers of muscle damage, and the change in myonuclear numbers in adult rat skeletal muscle by ischemia-reperfusion. Male Wistar rats were subjected to unilateral hindlimb ischemia by clamping the anterior tibial artery for 2 h before reperfusion. Both plasma creatine kinase activity and C-reactive protein levels in plasma were increased significantly at 0.5 h of reperfusion and returned to the control level at 24 h. The transverse sectional area of muscle belly of the anterior tibial muscles in ischemic side was significantly decreased by 20 % compared with those in sham-ischemic (control) side at 2 days, and returned to the control level at 5 days of reperfusion. Moreover, the number of interstitial nuclei in the ischemic side were significantly increased at 5-14 days and returned to the control level at 21 days of reperfusion. Central nuclei that are specifically observed in regenerating muscle, appeared at 5 days, reached a peak at 14 days, and disappeared at 28 days of reperfusion. Furthermore, MyoD, a regulatory factor for myogenesis, showed a transient expression at 5 days of reperfusion. These results indicate that, although the size of muscle seems to be recovered by 5 days of reperfusion, the most active muscle regeneration occurs much later, as shown by the increase in central nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this case-control study we assessed the clinical impact of persistent hyperCKemia in a Norwegian general population. HyperCKemia was defined according to the NORIP- references (women 35–210U/L, men <50years 50–400U/L, and men ⩾50years 40–280U/L). We compared the frequency of muscular symptoms and function, neuromuscular diseases and risk factors between 120 cases with persistent hyperCKemia and 130 age- and sex-matched controls with normal CK values, all recruited from the single-centre, population-based prospective Tromsø Study. The participants underwent a standardized interview assessing muscle symptoms, physical activity, use of statins and presence of other CK risk factors, prior to clinical neurological and neurophysiological examination. Knee extensor muscle strength (Cybex NORM dynamometer) and dominant hand grip strength (Martin Vigorimeter) was assessed. A total of 85 cases (71%) reported either muscle pain, muscle stiffness or cramps, compared to 70 controls (54%) (p =0.017) There were no differences in muscle strength between the groups. In men, weight, Body Mass Index and muscle symptoms were significantly higher in the group with persistent hyperCKemia. In women, no differences between the groups were detected. Use of statins was similar in cases and controls. We diagnosed 3 women with previously unknown myopathy, all in the group with persistent hyperCKemia. This study support that CK may be used as a marker of muscular symptoms in the general population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of milk peptide intake on the recovery from muscle damage following high-intensity eccentric exercise. To clarify this issue, we designed a cross over comparison study between peptide intake and control after eccentric calf raise exercise. Six healthy male volunteers (ranging from 19 to 22 years) performed high-intensity eccentric calf raise exercise. The CK, MRI T2 value of the calf were measured at pre-, post-, and on, day 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 following the exercise to evaluate muscle damage as well as muscle soreness using a visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical differences in all measurements between the peptide and control condition were analyzed using two-factorial ANOVA. The peak value of each measurement between two trials was analyzed using the T-test. A statistical significance of p<0.05 was adopted. The peak CK level (p<0.05), MRI T2 value (p<0.05), and VAS (p<0.01) in the peptide condition were significantly lower than those in control. Although the mechanism of recovery from muscle damage is unclear, our finding suggests that milk peptide intake may be effective for decreasing muscle damage after high-intensity eccentric exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) can lead to serious tissue oxidative injury in animals. ShuJinHuoXue tablet (SJHXT) is a Chinese Traditional Medicine which can relax the muscles and stimulate the blood circulation and has been used as a clinical medicine. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SJHXT pretreatment on oxidative injury using an animal model of acute limb IR. Results showed that SJHXT pre-treatment (200, 300 and 400 mg/kg/day) markedly reduced serum endothelin-1 (ET-1), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels and thromboxane B2/6-keto- prostaglandin F1α (TXB2/6-Keto-PGF1α), wet weight/dried weight (W/D) ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and increased serum nitric oxide (NO), 6-Keto-PGF1α levels and NO/ET-1 ratio in the IR+SJHXT groups. In addition, the SJHXT pre-treatment (200, 300 and 400 mg/kg/day) markedly reduced skeletal muscle Ca2+, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Our results suggest that SJHXT pre-treatment may improve skeletal muscle blood vessel microcirculation, decrease skeletal muscle oxidative injury and enhance antioxidant enzymes activities in IR animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compared the changes in markers of muscle damage after bouts of resistance exercise employing the Multiple-sets (MS) and Half-pyramid (HP) training systems. Ten healthy men (26.1±6.3 years), who had been involved in regular resistance training, performed MS and HP bouts, 14 days apart, in a randomised, counter-balanced manner. For the MS bout, participants performed three sets of maximum repetitions at 75%-1RM (i.e. 75% of a One Repetition Maximum) for the three exercises, starting with the bench press, followed by pec deck and decline bench press. For the HP bout, the participants performed three sets of maximum repetitions with 67%-1RM, 74%-1RM and 80%-1RM for the first, second and third sets, respectively, for the same three exercise sequences as the MS bout. The total volume of load lifted was equated between both bouts. Muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, myoglobin (Mb) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were assessed before and for three days after each exercise bout, and the changes over time were compared between MS and HP using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Muscle soreness developed significantly (P<0.01) after both bouts, but no significant difference was observed between MS and HP. Plasma CK activity and Mb concentration increased significantly (P<0.01) without significant differences between bouts, and CRP concentration did not change significantly after either bout. These results suggest that the muscle damage profile is similar for MS and HP, probably due to the similar total volume of load lifted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Dengue is commonly associated with myalgia, but there is paucity of studies on the frequency, severity, and basis of muscle involvement. The aim of this study was to document the clinical, electromyographic, and histological changes in dengue-associated muscle dysfunction. Materials and methods: Seropositive dengue patients admitted to the neurology ward during 2010 were enrolled in this study. Detailed medical history, including bleeding diathesis and organomegaly, were noted. Muscle power on a 0-5 scale, muscle tone, reflex, sensations and coordination were tested. Blood counts, hemoglobin, and serum chemistry, including creatine kinase (CK) evaluations, were carried out. Concentric needle electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy were performed when clinical conditions were suitable. Results: The study cohort comprised 39 patients with dengue, with a median age of 28 years. Of these, 31 patients showed evidence of muscle involvement-16 with clinical and 15 with subclinical muscle involvement. Eight of these patients had severe weakness and five had hyporeflexia. Thrombocytopenia was present in 26 patients, elevated serum creatinine in three patients and liver dysfunction in 31 patients. The median CK level was 837 (range 194-3,832) U/L. The EMG revealed polyphasic normal to short duration motor unit potentials, but spontaneous activity was absent. Muscle biopsy in three patients revealed interstitial hemorrhage with occasional necrosis and myophagocytosis. There was no vasculitis, but subtle inflammatory changes were present in one patient. The severity of muscle weakness correlated with the platelet count and CK level. All patients improved by 15 days of treatment initiation. Conclusion: Dengue commonly results in benign and self-limiting transient muscle dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate effects of a 100-km ultramarathon on cardiac markers of exercise-induced-hypertensive marathoners. 10 marathoners with exercise-induced hypertension and 10 normal marathoners participated in the study. Their blood samples were collected before starting, at 50 km, and after finishing the course (100 km). Creatinine kinase was more significantly increased in the exercise-induced hypertensive group than in the normal group at 100 km ( P < 0.05). N-terminal pro-brain nutriuretic peptide was significantly increased in the exercise-induced-hypertensive group at 50 km and 100 km ( P < 0.05) which was significant being doubled compared to the normal group ( P < 0.05). Exercise-induced-hypertensive marathoners showed a significant triple-increase in C-Reactive protein at 100 km ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, although the exercise-induced hypertensive runners did not have myocardial damage during the 100 km ultramarathon, they had higher myocardial stress and more damage in active muscles due to a bloodstream disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe biochemical changes and endocrine responses to low-volume pre-competition swimming training for elite swimmers. Twelve sprint swimmers (6 males and 6 females) participated in 3-week pre-competition training. Measures of velocity anaerobic threshold (VAT), creatine kinase (CK), blood urea (BU), haemoglobin (Hb) and testosterone/cortisol ratio (TC) were obtained before and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of training. The training load decreased from 27.3 to 13.7 km per week within 3 weeks. The VAT tested the load with an increased training protocol of 200 m×4 freestyle swimming and initial loads were 85, 90, 95, and 100 percent of the individual load. There were changes in the values of VAT, CK, BU, Hb and TC ratio during the training, and the changes corresponded to the changes of the training stimuli in time. There were also differences between the male and female swimmers. The most significant finding in this study was that such training stimulated the enginery of the swimmers and helped the swimmers recover enginery and indicated improved velocity in the competition with the following adjusting exercise after pre-competition training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial marker expression has been reported in Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). However, cytokeratin (CK), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) prevalence has not been assessed thoroughly in a large series of genetically confirmed ESFT. The aim of the present study is to confirm the presence of epithelial markers in a large group of ESFT tested genetically for any of their specific gene fusions and the differential diagnosis with other small round cell tumors. To establish the prevalence of epithelial markers, we then performed immunohistochemical studies with antibodies CK (AE1/AE3), CK8/18, CK34β12, EMA, E-cadherin, and CEA on 415 genetically confirmed ESFT. Immunoreactivity to cytokeratin, EMA, and CEA was present in 19.2%, 6.6%, and 20.8% of cases, respectively. There was no significant association between epithelial markers and histological subtypes, but the atypical variant of ESFT expressed these markers in a high proportion compared with the peripheral neuroectodermal tumors and the conventional variant. The present findings confirm that epithelial marker expression in ESFT, including EMA and CEA, does not rule out a diagnosis of ESFT, and the integration of clinical, radiological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic findings should form the basis for the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue sarcomas, especially in tumors with atypical or unusual phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Neurodegener-ative processes of aging seem to be associated with oxidatiue stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study investigates the influence of age and of acute res-piratory hypoxia on parameters of oxidative stress in different brain regions of Wistar rats and the protective effects of Ginkgo extract (EGb 761) as a radical scav-enger. Methods: Biopsies of frontal and temporal cor-tices, the cerebellum, and the brainstem of young and old rats (each group n=6-8: normoxic - hypoxic; un-protected - EGb-protected) were analyzed for malon-dialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) content, and creatine kinase (CK) activity. Experimental hypoxia: downregulation of oxygen partial pressure to 5 vol. % for 20 minutes. EGb administration: daily 100 mg/kg of body weight in drink-ing water for 3 months. Results: Effects of age: While most oxidative stress parameters in the temporal cortex, the cerebellum, and the brainstem are increased, this is not the case in the frontal cortex; after additional hy-poxia SOD and GSH are diminished in the temporal cor-tex and the brainstem of old rats. EGb treatment causes contradictory alterations in young, old, and hypoxic brain regions. Minor effects are seen in old hypoxic brains, while there are some protective effects in old nor-moxic brainstems and cerebellums. Conclusions: The old brain appears to adapt appropriately to chronic oxidative stress and to the specific conditions of short-term hypoxia. EGb's protective effect is especially no-table in the brainstem and the cerebellum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have previously reported that human cultured bone cells (hObs) respond to estradiol-17β (E2) by stimulating DNA synthesis, creatine kinase BB specific activity (CK) and other parameters sex-specifically. We now investigate the sex specificity of the response of these hObs to estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERβ specific agonists. Real time PCR revealed that all cells express mRNA for both ERs. ERα mRNA but not ERβ mRNA was stimulated by all estrogenic compounds in both pre- and post-menopausal hObs with no effect in male hObs. Cells treated with E2, 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN; ERβ specific agonist) and 4,4′,4″-[4-propyl-(1H)-pyrazol-1,3,5-triyl] tris–phenol (PPT; ERα specific agonist) showed increased DNA synthesis and CK in all female but not male hObs. Raloxifene (Ral), a specific ERα antagonist, inhibited the stimulation of DNA synthesis and CK by E2 or PPT, but not by DPN. DPN and PPT like E2 modulated the expression of both 12 and 15 lipooxygenase (LO) mRNA in both female but not male hObs. 12 and 15 HETE production was modulated only by DPN and PPT in these cells. The LO inhibitor baicaleine inhibited only E2 and PPT but not DPN effects in both female hObs. In conclusion, we provide herein evidence for the separation of age- and sex-dependent mediation via both ERα and ERβ pathways in the effects of estrogens on hObs, with a yet unknown mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac markers in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and normal cardiac function. Thirty-three consecutive patients with sleep apnea syndrome were analysed for serum pro-BNP and cardiac markers prior to and after 6 months of CPAP therapy. Twenty five patients had normal (83.3%) while remaining five (16.7%) revealed high pro-BNP values. We did not detect any significant difference between severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and serum pro-BNP levels ( p = 0.534). A statistically significant difference was not observed between basal and sixth-month creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin I, pro-BNP, aspartate transaminase (AST), and CK levels in patients with sleep apnea syndrome ( p > 0.05). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome does not induce myocardial damage enough to increase serum pro-BNP, CK, CK-MB, troponin I, and AST levels. Markers sensitive to ischemia could be preferred to evaluate effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to determine the affect of hereditary musculoskeletal diseases (HMSD) to the blood serum parameters and enzyme activity in turkey parents from light laying and heavy meat breed, as well as the impact of conditions of environmental comfort and environmental stress on biochemical changes in turkey broilers. Muscular dystrophy expression was on the 80-th day, and on the 46-th day in parents and broiler, respectively. Data on the level of liver enzyme creatine kinase (CK) in the group of turkeys with HMCD showed a decrease compared with control group. The increase is observed in the change of the enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferaze (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferaze (ALAT). In turkey broilers under the stress conditions, the changes of enzymes were more severe, instead of the lower rate of muscular dystrophy compared to parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strength and flexibility are common components of a training program and their maximal values are obtained through specific tests. However, little information about the damage effect of these training procedures in a skeletal muscle is known. Objective: To verify a serum CK changes 24h after a sub maximal stretching routine and after the static flexibility and maximal strength tests. Methods: the sample was composed by 14 subjects (man and women, 28±6 yr.) physical education students. The volunteers were divided in a control group (CG) and experimental group (EG) that was submitted in a stretching routine (EG-ST), in a maximal flexibility static test (EG-FLEX) and in 1-RM test (EG- -1-RM), with one week interval among tests. The anthropometrics characteristics were obtained by digital scale with stadiometer (Filizola, São Paulo, Brasil, 2002). The blood samples were obtained using the IFCC method with reference values 26-155 U/L. The De Lorme and Watkins technique was used to access maximal maximal strength through bench press and leg press. The maximal flexibility test consisted in three 20 seconds sets until the point of maximal discomfort. The stretching was done in normal movement amplitude during 6 secons. Results: The basal and post 24h CK values in CG and EG (ST; Flex and 1 RM) were respectively 195,0 ± 129,5 vs. 202,1 ± 124,2; 213,3 ± 133,2 vs. 174,7 ± 115,8; 213,3 ± 133,2 vs. 226,6 ± 126,7 e 213,3 ± 133,2 vs. 275,9 ± 157,2. It was only observed a significant difference (α = 0,02) in the pre and post values inGE-1RM. Conclusion: only maximal strength dynamic exercise was capable to cause skeletal muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to examine the changes of immunological markers in elite (n=7) and club amateur (n=8) triathletes, who completed the 2006 TONG YUNG international triathlon race, by investigating changes of total amounts of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, immunoglobulins (Igs), IL-6, CK and CRP. Three days prior to the race, all participants had a blood sample drawn from an antecubital vein. Blood samples were also taken immediately after finishing the race, and during recovery periods (2-hours after and 7-days after). The total number of leukocytes immediately after triathlon race was significantly increased in both groups and in the recovery times (p<.05). The number of neutrophils immediately after triathlon race was also significantly increased in both groups and significantly increased in the recovery times (p<.05). The elite triathletes (EG) recovered after 7 days. In the lymphocytes and monocytes, there were significant increases immediately after the triathlon and in the recovery periods in both groups (p<.05). However, with regard to the monocytes, there were no differences in the period of 7-day R in both groups. With regard to the immunoglobulins, IgA and IgG were significantly increased after the triathlon, while there was no significant increase in the IgM. In IL-6 and CK, these were significantly increased after the race. CRP was, however, not significantly changed. In conclusion, the triathlon caused an increase in leukocytes, neutrophils, IgG, IL-6, CK, and CRP in the Elite Group (EG) (IgG and IL-6 and CRP was not significantly changed in the Recreational Group (RG)) and there was a decrease in lymphocytes, monocytes, IgA (RG only), and IgM (RG only). Also, elite triathletes responded well and recovered more quickly than the amateur triathletes after the prolonged exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of mutants were constructed to investigate the amino-acid residues responsible for the synergism in substrate binding of arginine kinase (AK). AK contains a pair of highly conserved amino acids (Y75 and P272) that form a hydrogen bond. In the locust (Locusta migratoria manilensis) AK, mutants in two highly conserved sites can cause pronounced loss of activity, conformational changes and distinct substrate synergism alteration. The Y75F and Y75D mutants showed strong synergism (K d/K m=6.2–13.4), while in single mutants, P272G and P272R, and a double mutant, Y75F/P272G, the synergism was almost completely lost (K d/K m=1.1–1.4). Another double mutant, Y75D/P272R, had characteristics similar to those of the wild-type enzyme. All these results suggest that the amino-acid residues 75 and 272 play an important role in regulating the synergism in substrate binding of AK. Fluorescence spectra showed that all mutants except Y75D/P272R displayed a red shift to different degrees. All the results provided direct evidence that there is a subtle relationship between the synergism in substrate binding and the conformational change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The antioxidant and protective properties of a synthetic soybean isoflavone (SI) were investigated using chick skeletal (leg) muscle cells (SMC) isolated from 20-day-old Linnan yellow broiler chick embryo. Skeletal muscle cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium treated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100μM SI, respectively, under 80μM H2O2/FeSO4 conditions. After 24h of incubation, SI reduced the loss of SMC under oxidative stress by H2O2/FeSO4. The addition of SI significantly promoted SMC proliferation (P <0.01). Upon treatment with 25, 50, 75 and 100μM SI, the activity of total superoxide dismutase in the supernatant of the media was enhanced by 17.0%, 13.0%, 13.3% and 11.9%, respectively (P <0.05). Compared to the control, the activity of glutathione peroxidase was significantly increased only at 25μM concentration of SI (P <0.05), and the increment was 90.7%. The activity of catalase was increased by 49.2% and 49.1%, respectively, at 75 and 100μM SI (P <0.01). The concentration of creatine kinase in the media was decreased by 61.6% and 60.6%, respectively, at 75 and 100μM SI (P <0.01). The addition of SI did not affect the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the media. In conclusion, the SI protected skeletal muscle cells from oxidative damage, attributed to its antioxidant activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a previous study, we showed that the Polybia paulista wasp venom causes strong myonecrosis. This study was undertaken to characterize the myotoxic potency of mastoparan (Polybia-MPII) isolated from venom (0.25μg/μl) and injected in the tibial anterior (TA) muscle (i.m.) of Balb/c mice. The time course of the changes was followed at muscle degenerative (3 and 24h) and regenerative (3, 7, and 21 days) periods (n=6) after injection and compared to matched controls by calculation of the percentage of cross-sectional area affected and determination of creatine kinase (CK) activity (n=10). The results showed that although MP was strongly myotoxic, its capacity for regeneration was maintained high. Since the extent of tissue damage was not correlated with the CK serum levels, which remained very low, we raised the hypothesis that the enzyme underwent denaturation by the peptide. Evidence suggested that MP induced the death of TA fibers by necrosis and apoptosis and had the sarcolemma as its primordial target. Given its amphiphilic polycationic nature and based on the vast spectrum of functions attributed to the peptide, we suggest that MP interaction with cell membrane impaired the phosphorylation of dystrophin essential for sarcolemma mechanical stability, and disturbed Ca2+ mobilization with obvious implications on sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial functioning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Exercises are inductive of increases in serun CK concentration, microinjuries marker, being speculated that the use of creatine supplementation would increases this effect. The aim of this study was to verify if creatine supplementation modifies the concentration of CK in sedentary submitted the exercises. Twenty seven sedentary men, between 18 and 25 years had participated of controlled a double-blind study placebo. In the first day all had been submitted to a evaluation and later divided in 2 groups: C (n = 15) and P (n = 12). After the supplementation all had been submitted to a program of 5 exercises (3×10 repetitions) 85% of 1RM. The subjects had the concentration of CK measured before the suplementação, immediately before, 4h and 24h after the exercises. It had increase in the MCT of the subjects supplemented with creatine (0,7 ± 0,3 kg). the variation of the concentration of CK did not have increase of measured after the supplementation and after the exercise, however the CK concentration after increased 24h in both the groups (253 ± 27% in 262 group C and ± 31% in group P). The difference of the CK concentration after-exercise (24h) was bigger in both the groups analyzed in this study without, however to show effect of the supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six years befor the present study we performed a retrospective study of 114 subjects presenting with asymptomatic / oligosymptomatic hyperckemia (raised creatine kinase blood levels), a diagnosis being made in 21 of them. We now present the results of a long-term follow-up in 55 of the still undiagnosed 93 individuals. Most of them have remained asymptomatic and did not develop specific neuromuscular disorders. One subject became frankly symptomatic manifesting limb-girdle weakness. A diagnosis of dystrophinopathy carrier and one of possible type I SMA carrier were indirectly made in another two subjects. Almost all subjects still have hyperckemia, though the mean creatine kinase (CK) value is lower than before. CK levels have become normal in 12 subjects. Two died of neoplasia, and six developed non-neuromuscular disorders. We noted no follow-up differences in terms of CK modifications between subjects with pathological EMG and/or muscle biopsy findings and those with normal findings at first examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]