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Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and endurance performance are characterized by a complex genetic trait with high heritability. Although research has identified many physiological and environmental correlates with CRF, the genetic architecture contributing to CRF remains unclear, especially in non-athlete population. A total of 762 Chinese young female participants were recruited and an endurance run test was used to determine CRF. We used a fixed model of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for CRF. Genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix Axiom and illumina 1 M arrays. After quality control and imputation, a linear regression-based association analysis was conducted using a total of 5,149,327 variants. Four loci associated with CRF were identified to reach genome-wide significance (P -8), which located in 15q21.3 (rs17240160, P = 1.73 × 10-9, GCOM1), 3q25.31 (rs819865, P = 8.56 × 10-9, GMPS), 21q22.3 (rs117828698, P = 9.59 × 10-9, COL18A1), and 17q24.2 (rs79806428, P = 3.85 × 10-8, PRKCA). These loci (GCOM1, GMPS, COL18A1 and PRKCA) associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance performance in Chinese non-athlete young females. Our results suggest that these gene polymorphisms provide further genetic evidence for the polygenetic nature of cardiorespiratory endurance and be used as genetic biomarkers for future research.

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. CRC patients have a poor prognosis due to tumor metastasis and recurrence. Fibroblast growth factor 12 (FGF12), a member of the FGF family, is highly expressed in several cancers. However, little is known about the roles of FGF12 in CRC progression. Methods. The overall survival (OS) of CRC patients was detected via Kaplan–Meier analysis. The FGF12 expression in both CRC tissues and cells was analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting (WB). LoVo and SW480 cells were transfected with shFGF12 lentivirus to silence FGF12. In vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to explore the FGF12 functions in CRC, including CCK-8, Edu, flow cytometry, Transwell, EMT, cancer stemness, and tumor xenograft experiments. Results. FGF12 was upregulated in both CRC cells and tissues. High expression of FGF12 indicated a shorter OS in CRC patients. FGF12 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion, stemness, and EMT of CRC cells. FGF12 knockdown promoted CRC cell apoptosis in vitro. 740 Y-P (a PI3K/AKT pathway activator) restored the proliferation, stemness, invasion, and EMT in FGF12-deficient cells and reversed LoVo cell apoptosis induced by FGF12 depletion. Depletion of FGF12 inhibited tumor growth, EMT, cancer stemness, and PI3K/AKT pathway in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusions. FGF12 predicts bad clinical outcome and modulates the viability, stemness, and motility of CRC cells. Our study may provide a new insight for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction. Although the inhibition of inflammation by Tai Chi has been demonstrated to involve a peripheral cytokine response and may play an important role in improving the motor function of PD patients, the related specific molecular mechanisms of the peripheral immune response to Tai Chi are not fully understood. The microarray dataset ‘GSE124676’ for the peripheral immune response to Tai Chi of PD patients was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 136 DEGs were found in the PD patients after Tai Chi, suggesting an effect of Tai Chi on the peripheral immunity of PD patients. The DEGs are mainly involved in neutrophil activation, T-cell activation, and NOD-like receptor and IL-17 signaling pathways. Furthermore, six key candidate genes (FOS, FOSB, JUNB, ZFP36, CAMP and LCN2) that are involved in peripheral inflammation and the inhibition of inflammation induced by Tai Chi were observed. The results in the present study could be conducive to comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the effect of Tai Chi on peripheral inflammation in PD patients and providing novel targets for future advanced research.

Background The genetic component of dyslipidemia has been studied in adults but little in older population. It is remains unknown regarding influence and interaction of APOA5 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and habitual aerobic exercise (HAE) on changes of blood lipids and lipoprotein phenotypes in older Chinese adults. Methods Four-hundred-twenty-three old Chinese individuals with HAE were divided into hyperlipidemia and normal groups. We genotyped polymorphic loci using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry detection technology (MALDI–TOF). HAE level was assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scale. Results For three genotypes of rs662799 site, the AG + GG gene carriers presented higher risk of hyperlipidemia compared to the AA carriers, with the ratio of 1.676 (P = .018, 95% CI: 1.092–2.571) for the AG and 1.812 (P = .002, 95% CI: 1.247–2.632) for the GG, respectively. The rs662799 G allele was significantly associated with lower HDL-C but higher TG levels. In relation to different HAE levels, less interaction was observed between the AA carriers and different HAE levels on corresponding lipids changes. The AG + GG carriers with higher HAE levels had significantly lower TG responses compared to those with lower HAE levels (1.45 ± 0.74 mmol/L vs. 1.86 ± 1.15 mmol/L). Conclusions Excess risk for low HDL-C and hyperlipidemia was associated with rs662799 genotype alleles of APOA5 SNPs in older Chinese adults. Interaction of gene-HAE and HAE levels may induce different responses of blood lipids and lipoprotein phenotypes. HAE levels have less influence on TG changes in the AA carriers; however, high HAE levels appeared to greatly impact TG responses in the AG + GG carriers.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of elastic intramedullary nails and locking compression plates on oxidative stress like superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in children with distal tibial metaphyseal fractures. It was an experimental study carried out from January 2012 to October 2017. Ninety-eight children with distal tibial metaphyseal fractures were randomly divided into group A and group B, 49 cases in each group. Group A was treated with elastic intramedullary nails and group B with locking compression plates. The research showed that operation time of group A was shorter than those of group B (p

Background: “Living High-Training Low” (LHTL) is effective for the improvement of athletic ability; however, little is known about the effect of LHTL on obese individuals. The present study determined whether LHTL would have favorable influence on body composition, rebalance the appetite hormones, and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: Adolescents with obesity [body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2] were randomly assigned to “Living Low-Training Low” (LLTL, n = 19) group that slept in a normobaric normoxia condition and the LHTL (n = 16) group slept in a normobaric hypoxia room (14.7% PO2 ∼2700 m). Both groups underwent the same aerobic exercise training program. Morphological, blood lipids, and appetite hormones were measured and assessed. Results: After the intervention, the body composition improved in both groups, whereas reductions in body weight (BW), BMI, and lean body mass increased significantly in the LHTL group (all, P

The current study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HI) to mild-intensity endurance training (ME), combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD), on metabolic phenotype and serum corticosterone levels in rats.Although exercise is linked to benefits of metabolic health, it is surprising that few studies have explored the stress responses and interaction of different exercise regimens and HFD feeding, either independently or interactively.It remains unclear whether different exercise regimens lead to similar metabolic and stress responses and adaptations in the presence of an HFD.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify a quantitative dose-response relationship for enhancing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in healthy sedentary older adults after controlled endurance training.This meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials included 1257 exercisers and 845 controls with a mean age of 67.45 ± 5.25 years. Effect sizes were calculated for training-induced VO2max changes. Different training regimens were analyzed and compared. The weighted net change of the mean VO2max values showed a significant increase of 3.78 ml/kg per min (95% confidence interval = 3.29 to 4.27; p 0.0001) in response to aerobic training. Interstudy differences in VO2max changes were significantly related to exercise intensity, and explained approximately 11% of the variance of the VO2max responses. VO2max improved significantly at 35%-50% heart rate reserve (HRR) and continued improving at a greater rate with increasing "dose". The largest VO2max-improvement adaptation was achieved with a mean intensity of 66%-73% HRR. The magnitudes of the VO2max adaptation are identical to exercise at 57%-65% HRR and at 75%-80% HRR. Higher intensity doses more than 75-80% HRR did not lead to greater enhancement of VO2max improvements but, conversely, resulted in large declines.Our data provide quantitative insight into the magnitude of VO2max alterations as affected by exercise intensity, duration, frequency, and program length. The shapes of the dose-response curves are not simply linear, but with many similar trends and noteworthy characteristics. Aerobic training at a mean intensity of 66%-73% HRR with 40-50 min per session for 3-4 day/week for 30-40 weeks appears to be effective and optimal for maximum cardiorespiratory benefits in healthy sedentary older adults.

This meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials quantifies the effect of aerobic exercise on VO2max (aerobic fitness) among sedentary older adults and examines the associations of such magnitude with variables of intervention. Forty-one trials including 2102 older subjects (within-group mean age of 60 years and older) were identified by searches of databases, hand searching, and cross-referencing. Outcomes were homogeneous. The pooled standardized effect size by a fixed-effect model showed a higher moderate effect (mean +/- SEM) of 0.64+/-0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.73; p

The results of existing controlled clinical trials were synthesized to determine effects of aerobic exercise training on resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among previously sedentary older adults, to quantify the magnitude of observed changes, and to examine the influence of the associated interventional variables on these changes. Studies were identified via a systematic computer database search, hand searching, and cross-referencing of previously located articles. All potentially eligible articles were carefully reviewed and examined with the established inclusion criteria. Twenty-three studies, representing a total of 1226 older subjects, were included in the final analysis. Robust statistically significant effects were found in terms of the pooled standardized effect size of - 0.33 ± 0.06 (p < 0.0001) in SBP and - 0.39 ± 0.09 (p < 0.0001) in DBP. When compared with the control group, net decreases in both SBP (- 5.39 ± 1.21 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and DBP (-3.68 ± 0.83 mmHg, p < 0.0001) were observed in older exercisers, representing a 3.9% and a 4.5% reduction, respectively. This meta-analytic study provides robust quantitative data to support the efficacy and effectiveness of controlled endurance exercise training in decreasing resting SBP and DBP among previously sedentary older adults.

Sympathetic nerve activity influences cerebral blood flow, but it is unknown whether augmented sympathetic nerve activity resets cerebral vasoreactivity to hypercapnia. This study tested the hypothesis that cerebral vasodilation during hypercapnia is restrained by lower-body negative pressure (LBNP)-stimulated sympathoexcitation. Cerebral hemodynamic responses were assessed in nine healthy volunteers [age 25 yr (SD 3)] during rebreathing-induced increases in partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) at rest and during LBNP. Cerebral hemodynamic responses were determined by changes in flow velocity of middle cerebral artery (MCAV) using transcranial Doppler sonography and in regional cerebral tissue oxygenation (ScO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy. PetCO2 values during rebreathing were similarly increased from 41.9 to 56.5 mmHg at rest and from 40.7 to 56.0 mmHg during LBNP of −15 Torr. However, the rates of increases in MCAV and in ScO2 per unit increase in PetCO2 (i.e., the slopes of MCAV/PetCO2 and ScO2/PetCO2) were significantly ( P ≤0.05) decreased from 2.62 ± 0.16 cm·s−1·mmHg−1 and 0.89 ± 0.10%/mmHg at rest to 1.68 ± 0.18 cm·s−1·mmHg−1 and 0.63 ± 0.07%/mmHg during LBNP. In conclusion, the sensitivity of cerebral vasoreactivity to hypercapnia, in terms of the rate of increases in MCAV and in ScO2, is diminished by LBNP-stimulated sympathoexcitation.

Objectives: The mode of contact and response levels of authors who had been asked to provide missing or incomplete data for a systematic review on diet and exercise interventions for weight loss was examined.Methods: We contacted authors by electronic mail, letter, or both. Survival analyses were performed with the Kaplan–Meier method to determine differences in the proportion of responders over time among the different modes of contact and to determine whether response rates differed between authors from the United States and those from other countries. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the number of items requested and publication date influenced the likelihood of response.Results: Two hundred forty-one (39.9 percent) studies had missing or incomplete data (e.g., sample size, age, caloric restriction, exercise amount, and so on). We were unable to locate ninety-five authors (39.4 percent). Of the remaining authors, forty-six authors (31.5 percent) responded to information requests. Time to respond differed by contact method (pConclusions: Our study suggests poor success in the acquisition of essential information. Given considerable time and resources, weight loss studies require improved reporting standards to minimize the relatively unsuccessful attempt to contact authors for important and necessary information.

Question remains regarding endurance training and changes in resting heart rate (HR) among older individuals. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of controlled aerobic training on resting HR among sedentary older adults.Studies were identified by a systematic computer database search, hand article search, and cross-reference. The inclusion criteria were (i) controlled clinical trials, (ii) endurance exercise as the only intervention, (iii) a nonexercise control group, (iv) within-group mean ages of subjectsor = 60 yr, (v) a measure of changes in resting HR, (vi) studies published in English journals.Outcome was derived from 13 studies with a total of 651 individuals in 14 control (N = 241) and 16 exercise groups (N = 410). The pooled standardized effect size by a fixed-effect model showed an upper moderate effect of -0.58 +/- 0.08 (mean +/- SEM, 95% CI = -0.74 to -0.42). This homogeneity effect was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The magnitude of net change averaged -6 bpm (-2 to -12 bpm), representing an 8.4% reduction. Greater and statistically significant decrease of resting HR among the elderly was found in the studies with training length more than 30 wk.This meta-analytic investigation supports the efficacy of endurance exercise training in decreasing HR at rest in older adults. This training induced adaptation may have protective benefits for cardiovascular aging. A longer exercise training length, probably more than 30 wk, may be needed for older individuals to be more effective in terms of resting HR reduction.

This randomized clinical trial was aimed to assess whether pulmonary function would change in sedentary elderly people after a controlled exercise program. 45 participants over 75 yr. of age ( M age 83.7 ± 3.0) were assigned randomly to a control and two aerobic exercise groups of moderate and high intensity. In 10 wk. the program sessions were 40 min. in duration 3 days per week. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. (FEV1.0) were measured pre- and post-intervention. After the training, the Moderate intensity group experienced significant mean change in FVC. In the High intensity group, significant changes were observed in both FVC and FEV1.0, but no change was noted for the Control group. The 10-wk. aerobic training of moderate or high intensity showed positive effects on pulmonary function in these elderly individuals. These exercise-induced changes may be dose-related.

Background To adequately assess individual studies and synthesize quantitative research on weight loss studies, transparent reporting of data is required. The authors examined the reporting quality of randomized trials in the weight loss literature, focusing exclusively on subject characteristics as they relate to enrollment, allocation, and follow-up. Methods An extensive literature review, which included a computerized search of the MEDLINE database, manual searches of bibliographic references, and cross-referencing of 92 review articles was conducted. A checklist, based on CONSORT recommendations, was used to collect information on whether or not authors reported age, gender, co-morbid disease, medication use, race/ethnicity, and postmenopausal status. Also tracked was whether or not initial and final sample size was reported and stratified by gender. Results Of 604 possible articles, 231 articles met eligibility criteria. Important subject characteristics were not reported as the following breakdown indicates: age (11%), gender (4%), race/ethnicity (86%), co-morbid disease states (34%), and medication use (92%). Additionally, 21% of articles failed to report initial sample size by gender while 69% neglected to report final sample size by gender. Conclusion Inadequate reporting can create difficulties with interpretation and can lead to biased results receiving false credibility. The quality of reporting for weight loss studies needs considerable improvement.

Background: It has been demonstrated that a decrease in vagal cardiac function compromises arterial blood pressure (ABP) stability during orthostatic challenge. Augmentations in low-frequency (LF) ABP oscillations are indicative of this change in autonomic hemodynamic control. Aging is associated with diminished arterial baroreflex sensitivity and vagal cardiac dysfunction. However, the effect of aging on the stability of ABP during an orthostatic challenge remains to be elucidated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate ABP stability with aging during central hypovolemia induced by lower-body negative pressure (LBNP). Methods: Graded LBNP up to –40 mm Hg was applied in 16 older (65 ± 3 years of age) and 16 younger (25 ± 3 years of age) healthy adults. ABP variability was analyzed by fast Fourier transform. LF spectral density (0.04–0.15 Hz) was extracted to provide an index of vasomotor responsiveness. Results: Both LF systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability and diastolic blood pressure variability were augmented with LBNP. The rate of increase in LF SBP variability was augmented significantly greater in older as compared with younger subjects (p = 0.049). In addition, LF SBP variability was inversely correlated with decreases in pulse pressure in both age groups (r = –0.84, p = 0.01). The magnitude of the decreases in SBP and pulse pressure during LBNP was significantly affected by age, with the largest changes occurring in older subjects. The altered ABP response that manifested in older individuals was associated with a significant diminution in the reflex tachycardiac response elicited by LBNP. Conclusions: Induction of central hypovolemia via graded LBNP augments LF ABP variability. This increased ABP variability is significantly greater in older individuals. Our data suggest that aging is associated with ABP instability during orthostatic challenge.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) occur very commonly in older men. BPH and LUTS cause substantial physical and psychological impairment that could seriously affect the quality of late life and greatly cost the health-care systems. Current surgical and pharmacological therapies are expensive, may not effectively improve prostate function and health but cause adverse effects. There is an urgent need to find new and effective non-pharmacological preventions and treatments. Yi Jin Jing and Tai Chi are two common traditional Chinese mind–body exercises with different movements and techniques, but both emphasize regulating functional homeostasis and keeping whole body harmony. Yi Jin Jing and Tai Chi have not been studied much for potentially use in the treatment of BPH-related problems. The primary purpose of this protocol is to assess the effectiveness of Yi Jin Jing versus Tai Chi on the monographic and functional changes of prostate in older men. A prospective single-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A total of 150 old men (60–70 years old) will be recruited from the urban tertiary of Shanghai, China. Of these, 50 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a control group and two intervention groups with either Yi Jin Jing or Tai Chi exercise training. They will undergo 30 minutes for each exercise for five times a week for 6 months. The primary outcomes are changes of signs and symptoms in BPH and lower urinary tract from baseline to post-intervention. The main secondary outcomes are exercise-induced effects on the circulating levels of estrogen and androgen. All the outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 6-month intervention, and at the 3-month post-intervention follow-up. This proposed study will be the first comparative randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Yi Jin Jing versus Tai Chi exercise on prostate health among older adults. The results will provide an evidence-based recommendation for Chinese older men on the use of Yi Jin Jing and Tai Chi training to promote prostatic function and health. Potential mechanisms for the regulatory effect of the two exercises elucidated by multiple outcomes are also explored. A clarification of the effects and mechanisms may provide information for the development of new strategies in the prevention and treatment of BPH-related conditions. Chinese registry (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)) Identifier: ChiCTR-IOR-16007698 . This trial was registered on 4 January 2016.