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Gracielle Vieira Ramos, 1, 2 Ivo Vieira de Sousa Neto, 3 Alessandra Choqueta Toledo-Arruda, 4, 5 Rita de Cassia Marqueti, 3 Rodolfo P Vieira, 6– 8 Milton A Martins, 5 Tânia F Salvini, 9 João Luiz Quaglioti Durigan 10 1Physical Therapy Division, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil; 2Department of Physical Therapy, University Paulista, Brasília, DF, Brazil; 3Laboratory of Molecular Analysis, Graduate Program of Sciences and Technology of Health, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; 4Faculty of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 5Department of Medicine Clinical (LIM 20), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 6Universidade Brasil, Post-Graduation Program in Bioengineering, São Paulo, Brazil; 7Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI), Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE) and Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 8Federal University of Sao Paulo, Post-Graduation Program in Sciences of Human Movement and Rehabilitation, São Paulo, Brazil; 9Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil; 10Rehabilitation Sciences Graduation Program, University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, BrazilCorrespondence: Gracielle Vieira RamosDepartment of Physical Therapy, University Paulista, Sgas Quadra 913, s/nº - Conjunto B - Asa Sul, Brasília, DF, Brazil, 70390-130 Email graciellevieiraramos@gmail.comBackground: Long-term cigarette smoke (CS) induces substantive extrapulmonary effects, including musculoskeletal system disorders. Exercise training seems to protect long-term smokers against fiber atrophy in the locomotor muscles. Nevertheless, the extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in response to aerobic training remain largely unknown. Thus, we investigated the effects of moderate treadmill training on aerobic performance, cross-sectional area (CSA), fiber distribution, and metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity on quadriceps muscle in mice exposed to chronic CS.Methods: Male mice were randomized into four groups: control or smoke (6 per group) and exercise or exercise+smoke (5 per group). Animals were exposed to 12 commercially filtered cigarettes per day (0.8 mg of nicotine, 10 mg of tar, and 10 mg of CO per cigarette). The CSA, fibers distribution, and MMP-2 activity by zymography were assessed after a period of treadmill training (50% of maximal exercise capacity for 60 min/day, 5 days/week) for 24 weeks.Results: The CS exposure did not change CSA compared to the control group (p> 0.05), but minor fibers in the frequency distribution (< 1000 μm 2) were observed. Long-term CS exposure attenuated CSA increases in exercise conditions (smoke+exercise vs exercise) while did not impair aerobic performance. Quadriceps CSA increased in mice nonsmoker submitted to aerobic training (p = 0.001). There was higher pro-MMP-2 activity in the smoke+exercise group when compared to the smoke group (p = 0.01). Regarding active MMP-2, the exercise showed higher values when compared to the control group (p = 0.001).Conclusion: Moderate treadmill training for 24 weeks in mice exposed to CS did not modify CSA, despite inducing higher pro-MMP-2 activity in the quadriceps muscle, suggesting limited effects on ECM remodeling. Our findings may contribute to new insights into molecular mechanisms for CS conditions.Keywords: physical exercise, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, MMP-2, inflammation

Dahan da Cunha Nascimento,1,2 Cristiane Rocha da Silva,1 Renato Valduga,1,3 Bruno Saraiva,1 Ivo Vieira de Sousa Neto,4 Amilton Vieira,4 Silvana Schwerz Funghetto,4 Alessandro Oliveira Silva,5 Samuel da Cunha Oliveira,1 Guilherme Borges Pereira,1 Jefrey M Willardson,6 Jonato Prestes11Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; 2Centro Universitário do Distrito Federal (UDF), Brasília, Brazil; 3Centro Universitário Unieuro, Brasília, Brazil; 4Universidade de Brasília (UNB), Brasília, Brazil; 5Centro Universitário de Brasília (UNICEUB), Brasília, Brazil; 6Health and Human Performance Department, Rocky Mountain College, Billings, MT, USAPurpose: The purpose of the present study was to identify the variability of blood pressure response to a 10-week resistance training (RT) program in hypertensive and normotensive elderly women.Participants and methods: Twenty-seven untrained hypertensive and 12 normotensive elderly women participated in the present study. A whole-body RT program was performed on two nonconsecutive days per week for 10 weeks. The responsiveness of resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was determined based on the percent decline between the pre- and post-training time points T1 and T4. The term responders were used to describe subjects who exhibited a percent SBP decline ≥−2.58% and the term nonresponders for subjects who exhibited a percent SBP decline

Mateus Medeiros Leite,1 Ivo Vieira de Sousa Neto,2 Maurílio Tiradentes Dutra,3 Silvana Schwerz Funghetto,1 Alessandro de Oliveira Silva,4 Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva,1 Luciano Ramos de Lima,5 Marina Morato Stival1 1Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Brasilia, Faculty of Ceilândia, Brasilia, Brazil; 2School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; 3Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil; 4Physical Education Department, University Center of Brasilia - UniCEUB, Brasilia, Brazil; 5Nursing Course, University of Brasilia, Faculty of Ceilândia, Brasilia, BrazilCorrespondence: Mateus Medeiros Leite, University of Brasilia, Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, Brasilia, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil – Campus Universitario, s/n, Centro Metropolitano, Brasília, 72220-275, Brazil, Tel + 55 61 998541966, Email profmateusleite@gmail.comPurpose: To propose predictive models for absolute muscle strength (AMS) of elderly people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) in primary health care.Patients and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 138 elderly diabetics. The AMS was measured by a JAMAR® hydraulic handgrip dynamometer, determined by the sum of both hands. The following indices were evaluated: waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body mass index (BMI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Multiple linear regression was used in the statistical analysis.Results: The final regression model indicated 66.4% (R²=0.66) of the variation in AMS. WHtR decreased AMS by 41.1% (β = − 0.19; t = − 3.70; p < 0.001), while PLR by 11.3% (β = − 0.12; t = − 2.36; p = 0.020). Male sex increased AMS by 10.6% (β = 0.32; t = 4.16; p < 0.001), and lean mass (LM) by 0.89% (β = 0.46; t = 6.03; p < 0.001).Conclusion: WHtR and PLR predicted a decrease, while male sex and LM predicted an increase in AMS. It is suggested that these markers be used as screening measures for variation in AMS in older adults with DM2. These results have relevant practical application in primary health care since the markers are easy to use.Keywords: handgrip strength, obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammation, primary health care

Background: Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptive tissue, capable of responding to different physiological and functional demands, even in situations that may cause instability., Objectives: To evaluate how partial calcaneal tendon (CT) injuries affect the remodeling and plasticity of the gastrocnemius muscle over time., Methods and Results: The study was carried out with Wistar rats randomly divided into five groups. The control group comprised animals not subjected to partial CT damage. The remaining four groups were subjected to partial CT damage and were further categorized based on the time of euthanasia: 3, 14, 28, and 55 days after injury. The gastrocnemius muscle was collected and used for gene expression analysis, zymography, flow cytometry, and morphology. The calcaneal tendon was analyzed only to verify the presence of the partial injury., Results: The impact of partial CT injury on the gastrocnemius homeostasis, particularly on gene expression, was more pronounced in the 3-day group compared to the other groups, especially the control group. Cytokine profile and morphologic alterations occurred in the 55 days group when compared to the other groups., Conclusions: The data reported here suggest that partial injury can negatively affect intracellular signaling and degradation pathways, disturbing the muscular extracellular matrix regulatory mechanisms and communication with the tendon. However, skeletal muscle seems to mitigate these harmful effects in comparison with lesions that affect muscle and tendon., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Although unfolded protein response (UPR) is essential for cellular protection, its prolonged activation may induce apoptosis, compromising cellular longevity. The aging process increases the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in skeletal muscle. However, whether combined exercise can prevent age-induced ER stress in skeletal muscle remains unknown. Evidence suggests that ER stress may increase inflammation by counteracting the positive effects of interleukin-10 (IL-10), whereas its administration in cells inhibits ER stress and apoptosis. This study verified the effects of aging and combined exercise on physical performance, ER stress markers, and inflammation in the quadriceps of mice. Moreover, we verified the effects of IL-10 on ER stress markers. C57BL/6 mice were distributed into young (Y, 6 mo old), old sedentary (OS, sedentary, 24 mo old), and old trained group (OT, submitted to short-term combined exercise, 24 mo old). To clarify the role of IL-10 in UPR pathways, knockout mice lacking IL-10 were used. The OS mice presented worse physical performance and higher ER stress-related proteins, such as C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and phospho-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (p-eIF2α/eIF2α). The exercise protocol increased muscle strength and IL-10 protein levels in OT while inducing the downregulation of CHOP protein levels compared with OS. Furthermore, mice lacking IL-10 increased BiP, CHOP, and p-eIF2α/eIF2α protein levels, indicating this cytokine can regulate the ER stress response in skeletal muscle. Bioinformatics analysis showed that endurance and resistance training downregulated DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) and XBP1 gene expression in the vastus lateralis of older people, reinforcing our findings. Thus, combined exercise is a potential therapeutic intervention for promoting adjustments in ER stress markers in aged skeletal muscle. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging elevates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in skeletal muscle, potentially heightening inflammation by opposing interleukin-10 (IL-10) effects. This study found that short-term combined exercise boosted strength and IL-10 protein levels while reducing CHOP protein levels in older mice. In addition, IL-10-deficient mice exhibited increased ER stress markers, highlighting IL-10's role in regulating ER stress in skeletal muscle. Consequently, combined exercise emerges as a therapeutic intervention to elevate IL-10 and adjust ER stress markers in aging.

This systematic review aimed to compile various research designs, including experimental, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and case studies in humans and experimental studies in rodents, to examine changes in Akkermansia muciniphila abundance in response to exercise. This comprehensive approach can improve our understanding of A. muciniphila response to physical exercise and highlight gaps in the literature, providing valuable insights for future microbiome research. Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Sports Discuss) were searched in the literature. Quality assessment was conducted independently and in duplicate using two risk-of-bias tools (Downs and Black for human studies and SYRCLE's risk of bias for animal studies). 3,901 studies were identified, with thirteen human studies and nine animal studies included after screening. Of the thirteen human studies analysed, five (38.5%) were cross-sectional, seven (53.8%) were longitudinal/experimental, and one (7.7%) was a case study. These studies included 522 participants, among whom 157 were athletes, such as rugby players, marathon runners, triathletes, and skiers. Six studies reported an increase in A. muciniphila, five showed a decrease, and two found no significant differences. Regarding interventions, two studies used a combination of moderate-intensity strength and aerobic training, while seven used low to moderate-intensity aerobic exercises. In the nine rodent studies, eight (88.9%) were conducted on mice and one (11.1%) on rats, with all being experimental. These studies involved 310 animals. Eight studies reported a substantial increase in A. muciniphila, while one found no differences. Among these, eight employed moderate-intensity aerobic exercises as the intervention, and one utilised low-to-moderate-intensity strength training. The studies summarised in this review indicate that the impact of various physical exercise protocols on A. muciniphila abundance in humans remains controversial. However, rodent studies provide strong evidence that aerobic exercise increases A. muciniphila abundance in faecal pellets of both healthy and diseased models.

Different lifestyle changes have been employed to improve clinical hypertension. However, there is scarce evidence on the blood pressure responsiveness to resistance training (RT) in hypertensive older adults. Consequently, little is known about some participants clinically reducing blood pressure and others not. Thus, we investigate the effects and responsiveness of RT on blood pressure in hypertensive older adults. We secondarily evaluated the biochemical risk factors for cardiovascular disease and functional performance. Older participants with hypertension were randomly assigned into RT (n = 27) and control group (n = 25). Blood pressure, functional performance (timed up and go, handgrip strength, biceps curl and sit-to-stand), fasting glucose, and lipid profiles were evaluated preintervention and postintervention. The statistic was performed in a single-blind manner, the statistician did not know who was the control and RT. RT was effective in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (pre 135.7 ± 14.7; post 124.7 ± 11.0; P  < 0.001) and the responses to RT stimuli varied noticeably between hypertensive older adults after 12 weeks. For example, 13 and 1 responders displayed a minimal clinical important difference for SBP attenuation (10.9 mmHg) in the RT and control groups, respectively. RT improved the functional performance of older people with hypertension, while no differences were found in biochemical parameters (triglycerides, HDL, LDL, fasting glucose) after 12 weeks. In conclusion, responses to RT stimuli varied noticeably between hypertensive individuals and RT was effective in reducing SBP., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Evidence indicates that master athletes have higher concentration of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), lower body fat (BF), and greater activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in comparison to untrained peers. However, no published data have demonstrated possible mediation effect of Sirt1 in the interaction of BF and testosterone in this population. Therefore, this study compared and verified possible associations between Sirt1, BF, fat mass index (FMI), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone/luteinizing hormone (T/LH) ratio in middle-aged master athletes (n = 54; 51.22 ± 7.76 years) and control middle-aged peers (n = 21; 47.76 ± 8.47 years). Venous blood was collected for testosterone, LH, and Sirt1. BF was assessed through skinfold protocol. Although LH concentration did not differ between groups, master athletes presented higher concentration of Sirt1, testosterone, and T/LH ratio, and lower BF and FMI in relation to age-matched nonathletes. Moreover, Sirt1 correlated positively with testosterone and T/LH ratio, negatively with BF, and was not significantly correlated with LH (mediation analysis revealed the effect of BF on testosterone is mediated by Sirt1 and vice versa; R2 = .1776; p = .032). In conclusion, master athletes have higher testosterone, T/LH ratio, and Sirt1, and lower BF and FMI in relation to untrained peers. Furthermore, Sirt1 was negatively associated with BF and positively associated with testosterone and T/LH ratio. These findings suggest that increased circulating Sirt1, possibly due to the master athlete's training regimens and lifestyle, exhibits a potential mediation effect on the interaction between endocrine function and body composition.

Background: The muscle performance is associated with several health outcomes in adults, however modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in octogenarians have not yet been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential risk factors that negatively affect muscle strength in octogenarians., Methods: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study included 87 older adult participants (56 women and 31 men) attending a geriatric clinic. General anthropometrics, health history, and body composition data were collected. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength (HGS), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) and the percentage of body fat were identified by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, and muscle quality index (MQI) was defined as the ratio of HGS by upper limbs ASMM. Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine predictive factors of the muscle strength., Results: Females had lower HGS (1.39 kg) than male participants (p = 0.034). An increase of one unit MQI was associated with an increase of 3.38 kg in the HGS (p = 0.001). Each additional year of age was associated with a decrease of 0.12 kg in the HGS (p = 0.047). Regarding ASMM, an increase of one unit was associated with an increase of 0.98 kg in the HGS (p = 0.001). There was no association between dynapenia, body fat percentage, diseases and polypharmacy (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: The gender, age, MQI, and ASMM influenced muscle strength of octogenarians. These intrinsic and extrinsic factors are relevant to improve our understanding of age-related complications and outline treatment guidance by healthcare professionals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or financial involvement in any organization or entity with a direct financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in the article., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

MMPs are enzymes involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Notably, the proteolytic activation of MMPs can occur through angiotensin II, immune cells, cytokines, and pro-oxidant agents. However, comprehensive information regarding the impact of MMPs in the different physiological systems with disease progression is not fully understood. In the current study, we review the recent biological advances in understanding the function of MMPs and examine time-course changes in MMPs during COVID-19. In addition, we explore the interplay between pre-existing comorbidities, disease severity, and MMPs. The reviewed studies showed increases in different MMP classes in the cerebrospinal fluid, lung, myocardium, peripheral blood cells, serum, and plasma in patients with COVID-19 compared to non-infected individuals. Individuals with arthritis, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and cancer had higher MMP levels when infected. Furthermore, this up-regulation may be associated with disease severity and the hospitalization period. Clarifying the molecular pathways and specific mechanisms that mediate MMP activity is important in developing optimized interventions to improve health and clinical outcomes during COVID-19. Furthermore, better knowledge of MMPs will likely provide possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. This relevant topic might add new concepts and implications for public health in the near future.

Background: the study determined the validity and reliability of measurements obtained using the portable traction dynamometer (PTD) (E-Lastic, E-Sports Solutions, Brazil) and the reproducibility between evaluators (precision) in the evaluation of the isometric muscle strength of the knee extensors of healthy male adults, compared to measurements obtained with the "gold standard" computerized dynamometer (CD) (Biodex System 3, Nova York, NY, USA)., Methods: we evaluated sixteen recreationally active men (29.50 ± 7.26 years). The test-retest reliability of both equipment to determine quadriceps strength, agreement analysis, and the minimal important difference were verified., Results: excellent test-retest interrater reliability was observed for absolute and relative measurements, with a low absolute error for both sets of equipment and excellent validity of the PTD against the CD, as verified by linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient., Conclusions: PTD is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the isometric strength of knee extensors, with results similar to the isometric CD "gold standard".

The mechanisms of autophagy have been related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis by the endosomal-lysosomal system, having a critical function in forming amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms mediating disease pathogenesis remain unclear. The transcription factor EB (TFEB), a primary transcriptional autophagy regulator, improves gene expression, mediating lysosome function, autophagic flux, and autophagosome biogenesis. In this review, we present for the first time the hypothesis of how TFEB, autophagy, and mitochondrial function are interconnected in AD, providing a logical foundation for unraveling the critical role of chronic physical exercise in this process. Aerobic exercise training promotes Adiponectin Receptor 1 (AdipoR1)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/TFEB axis activation in the brain of the AD animal model, which contributes to alleviated Aβ deposition and neuronal apoptosis while improving cognitive function. Moreover, TFEB upregulates Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2), improving mitochondrial biogenesis and redox status. In addition, tissue contraction activates calcineurin in skeletal muscle, which induces TFEB nuclear translocation, raising the hypothesis that the same would occur in the brain. Thus, a deep and comprehensive exploration of the TFEB could provide new directions and strategies for preventing AD. We conclude that chronic exercise can be an effective TFEB activator, inducing autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, representing a potential nonpharmacological strategy contributing to brain health., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) is an adjuvant method for heart failure (HF) patients with restrictions to start an exercise. However, the impact on molecular changes in circulating is unknown. We investigated the effects of 10 weeks of home-based LFES on plasma cytokines profile, redox biomarkers, metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, and exercise performance in HF patients. Methods: Twenty-four HF patients (52.45 ± 9.15 years) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (EF < 40%), were randomly assigned to a home-based LFES or sham protocol. Plasma cytokines profile was assessed through interleukins, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor levels. Oxidative stress was evaluated through ferric reducing antioxidant power, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The MMPs activity were analyzed by zymography. Cardiorespiratory capacity and muscle strength were evaluated by cardiopulmonary test and isokinetic. Results: LFES was able to increase the active-MMP2 activity post compared to pre-training (0.057 to 0.163, p = 0.0001), while it decreased the active-MMP9 (0.135 to 0.093, p = 0.02). However, it did not elicit changes in cytokines, redox biomarkers, or exercise performance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: LFES protocol is a promising intervention to modulate MMPs activity in HFrEF patients, although with limited functional effects. These preliminary responses may help the muscle to adapt to future mechanical demands dynamically.

The consumption of high-protein diets (HPD) is associated with resistance training (RT) due to effects on metabolism. However, little is known about these effects on cardiac tissue. This study aimed to investigate effects of HPD and RT on cardiac biomarkers. 18 rats were divided into normo-protein (NPD), and HPD groups: NPD-Control, NPD-RT, HPD-Control, and HPD-RT. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), nitric oxide (NO), activity of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and vascular factor (VEGF) were analysed. RT was effective in regulating body weight, increasing strength, and reducing food consumption ( p  < .05). HPD induces higher levels of interleukin 6 ( p  = .0169), and lowers NO ( p  < .0001). When associated with RT, the HPD decreases levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha, while enhances NO, and MMP activity ( p  < .05). The association of RT with HDP decreases inflammatory parameters and indicates an enhancement in the molecular parameters of cardiac tissue.

The establishment of fatigue following the acute exercise stimulus is a complex and multi-factorial process, that might arise due to a range of distinct physiological mechanisms. However, a practical method of assessing CrossFit ® athletes' recovery status has been neglected entirely in real-world sporting practice. The study describes the acute and delayed time course of recovery following the CrossFit ® Benchmark Workout Karen. Eight trained men (28.4 ± 6.4 years; 1RM back squat 139.1 ± 26.0 kg) undertook the Karen protocol. The protocol consists of 150 Wall Balls (9 kg), aiming to hit a target 3 m high. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), creatine kinase (CK), and perceived recovery status scale (PRS) (general, lower and upper limbs) were assessed pre, post-0h, 24, 48 and 72 h after the session. The creatine kinase concentration 24 h after was higher than pre-exercise (338.4 U/L vs. 143.3 U/L; p = 0.040). At 48h and 72 h following exercise, CK concentration had returned to baseline levels ( p > 0.05). The general, lower and upper limbs PRS scores were lower in the 24-h post-exercise compared to pre-exercise (general PRS: 4.7 ± 1.5 and 7.7 ± 1.7; p = 0.013; upper limbs PRS: 6.6 ± 1.3 and 7.5 ± 1.3; p = 0.037; lower limbs PRS: 3.9 ± 2.5 and 7.3 ± 0.1; p = 0.046). Our findings provide insights into the fatigue profile and recovery in acute CrossFit ® and can be useful to coaches and practitioners when planning training programs. Moreover, recovery status can be useful to optimize training monitoring and to minimize the potential detrimental effects associated with the performance of repeated high-intensity sessions of CrossFit ® ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sousa Neto, Sousa, Neto, Falk Neto and Tibana.)

Background: There are extensive studies focusing on non-invasive modalities to recover physiological systems after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and Partial-body cryotherapy (PBC) have been recommended for recovery after EIMD. However, to date, no systematic reviews have been performed to compare their effects on muscle performance and muscle recovery markers., Methods: This systematic review with metanalysis compared the effects of WBC and PBC on muscle performance, muscle soreness (DOMS), and markers of muscular damage following EIMD. We used Pubmed, Embase, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as data sources. Two independent reviewers verified the methodological quality of the studies. The studies were selected if they used WBC and PBC modalities as treatment and included muscle performance and muscle soreness (DOMS) as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were creatine kinase and heart rate variability., Results: Six studies with a pooled sample of 120 patients were included. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate, with an average of 4.3 on a 0-10 scale (PEDro)., Results: Both cryotherapy modalities induce similar effects without difference between them., Conclusion: WBC and PBC modalities have similar global responses on muscle performance, soreness, and markers of muscle damage.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to increase muscle strength and physical function. However, NMES induces rapid fatigue, limiting its application. To date, the effect of quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle length by knee and hip joint manipulation on NMES-induced contraction fatigability is not clear. We aimed to quantify the effects of different muscle lengths on NMES-induced contraction fatigability, fatigue index, and electromyographic (EMG) activity for QF muscle. QF maximum evoked contraction (QMEC) was applied in a 26 min protocol (10 s on; 120 s off; 12 contractions) in 20 healthy participants (24.0 ± 4.6 years old), over 4 sessions on different days to test different conditions. The tested conditions were as follows: supine with knee flexion of 60° (SUP60), seated with knee flexion of 60° (SIT60), supine with knee flexion of 20° (SUP20), and seated with knee flexion of 20° (SIT20). Contraction fatigability (torque decline assessed by maximal voluntary contraction [MVC] and during NMES), fatigue index (percentage reduction in MVC), and EMG activity (root mean square [RMS] and median frequency) of the superficial QF' constituents were assessed. After NMES, all positions except SUP20 had an absolute reduction in MVC ( p < .001). Fatigue index was greater in SIT20 than in SIT60 ( p < .001) and SUP20 ( p = .01). There was significant torque reduction across the 12 QMEC in SUP60 and SIT60, up to 10.5% ( p < .001-.005) and 9.49% ( p < .001-.033), respectively. There was no torque reduction during NMES in SUP20 and SIT20. Fatigue was accompanied by an increase in RMS ( p = .032) and a decrease in median frequency for SUP60 ( p < .001). Median frequency increased only in the SUP20 condition ( p = .021). We concluded that QF NMES-induced contraction fatigability is greater when the knee is flexed at 60° compared to 20°. In addition, a supine position promotes earlier fatigue for a 60° knee flexion, but it delays fatigue onset for a 20° knee flexion compared to the seated position. These results provide a rationale for lower limb positioning during NMES, which depends on training objectives, e.g., strengthening or task-specific functionality training., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022 Jonathan Galvão Tenório Cavalcante et al.)

Peripheral nerve injuries are cause of sensory disturbances and in functional abilities, and are associated personal and social costs. Strategies that maximize nerve regeneration and functional recovery are necessary, the exercise is an option. This study evaluated the effects of forced swimming exercise on neuromuscular histomorphometry and on functional recovery in a median nerve crush model. Sixteen Wistar rats underwent median nerve crush and were divided into control group (CG) and swimming group (SG). The forced swimming protocol started one week after the injury and was performed for 1 hr a day, 5 days per week, for 2 weeks. The rats swam with an overload of 5% and 10% of body weight in the first and second week, respectively. The functional recovery was assessed in three moments using the grasping test. On day 21, fragments of the median nerve and of the forearm flexors muscles were removed for histomorphometric analysis. The SG had functional recovery impaired ( P <0.001) and presented lower myelinated fibers number, fiber and axon minimal diameter, myelin thickness and g-ratio in the proximal e distal segments of the median nerve ( P <0.005) and area muscle fiber ( P <0.005) than CG. Also, the SG presented a number of capillaries in the proximal segments of the median nerve greater than CG ( P <0.005). The exercise protocol used in this study impaired the regeneration of the median nerve and negatively influenced the functional recovery., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2022 Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation.)

Aging is a natural process of organism deterioration, which possibly impairs multiple physiological functions. These harmful effects are linked to an accumulation of somatic mutations, oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, protein damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It is known that these factors are capable of inducing telomere shortening, as well as intestinal dysbiosis. Otherwise, among the biological mechanisms triggered by physical exercise, the attenuation of pro-inflammatory mediators accompanied by redox state improvement can be the main mediators for microbiota homeostasis and telomere wear prevention. Thus, this review highlights how oxidative stress, inflammation, telomere attrition, and gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis are interconnected. Above all, we provide a logical foundation for unraveling the role of physical exercise in this process. Based on the studies summarized in this article, exercise training can increase the biodiversity of beneficial microbial species, decrease low-grade inflammation and improve oxidative metabolism, these factors together possibly reduce telomeric shortening.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a 3-dimensional network of molecules that play a central role in differentiation, migration, and survival for maintaining normal homeostasis. It seems that ECM remodeling is required for adipose tissue expansion. Despite evidence indicating that ECM is an essential component of tissue physiology, adipose tissue ECM has received limited attention. Hence, there is great interest in approaches to neutralize the harmful effects of ECM enlargement. This review compiles and discusses the current literature on adipose tissue ECM remodeling in response to different dietary patterns and exercise training. High-calorie diets result in substantial adipose tissue ECM remodeling, which in turn could lead to fibrosis (excess deposition of collagens, elastin, and fibronectin), inflammation, and the onset of metabolic dysfunction. However, combining a nutritionally balanced diet with exercise is a remarkable potential strategy for lipolytic activity, preventing rapid ECM expansion in different adipose tissue depots. Despite the distinct exercise modalities (aerobic or resistance exercise) reversing adipose tissue fibrosis in animal models, the beneficial effect on humans remains controversial. Defining molecular pathways and specific mechanisms that mediate the positive effects on adipose tissue, ECM is essential in developing optimized interventions to improve health and clinical outcomes.

Combining blood flow restriction (BFR) with exercise is considered a relevant, helpful method in load-compromised individuals and a viable replacement for traditional heavy-load strength training. BFR exercise may be particularly useful for those unable to withstand high mechanical stresses on joints resulting in skeletal muscle dysfunction, such as patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Current literature suggests that BFR training displays similar positive health benefits to exercise training alone for CKD patients, including maintenance of muscle strength, glomerular filtration rate maintenance, uremic parameters, inflammatory profile, redox status, glucose homeostasis, blood pressure adjustments, and low adverse reports. In this review of nine studies in CKD patients, we clarify the potential safety and health effects of exercise training with BFR compared to exercise training alone and recommend insights for future research and practical use. Furthermore, we introduce relevant gaps in this emerging field, providing substantial guidance, critical discussion, and valuable preliminary conclusions in this demographic of patients. However, based on the limited studies in this area, more research is necessary to determine the optimal BFR exercise programming., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST NR is the founder of The BFR PROS and teaches BFR training workshops to fitness and rehabilitation practitioners using a variety of BFR training devices around North America and Europe. The other authors declare no potential or actual financial interests that are directly or indirectly related to the work submitted for publication., (Copyright © 2022 Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation.)

Aims: We evaluated the role of intergenerational paternal exercise on fibrosis, inflammatory profile, and redox status in the adipose tissue of male rat offspring fed with high-fat diet (HFD) and explored to what extent programming affects the systemic metabolic profile., Main Methods: Adult wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sedentary fathers and trained fathers (8 weeks of resistance training (RT), three times per week). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into four groups (7 animals per group): offspring of sedentary fathers exposed to either a control diet (SFO-C) or a high-fat diet (SFO-HF); offspring of trained fathers exposed to a control diet (TFO-C) or a high-fat diet (TFO-HF)., Key Findings: Paternal RT was effective in attenuating body weight gain, adipocyte size, collagen deposition, as well as downregulating genes (CTGF, VEGF, C/EBPα SREBP1, MCP-1, and NF-kB), pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha and Interleukin-1-beta), matrix metalloproteinase -2 activity, and ROS production in the epididymal adipose tissue of offspring fed with HFD (TFO-HF vs. SFO-HF; P < 0.05). Moreover, paternal RT increased adiponectin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the tissue. These beneficial effects were accompanied by the increase of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and α-Klotho), while decreasing pro-oxidant agents (F2-isoprostanes, protein carbonyls levels), and metabolic markers (insulin and leptin, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR) in the offspring blood circulation., Significance: Our findings reveal protective effects of intergenerational paternal RT on adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic health of offspring fed with HFD., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate the time course and responsiveness of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK) levels following acute eccentric resistance exercise in sedentary obese older women with a different muscle quality index (MQI). Eighty-eight participants (69.4 ± 6.06 years) completed an acute eccentric resistance exercise (7 sets of 10 repetitions at 110% of 10-repetition maximum with 3 min rest interval). Participants were divided into two groups: high or low MQI according to 50th percentile cut-off. The responsiveness was based on minimal clinical important difference. There were no differences between groups and time on IL-6 and CK levels (p > 0.05). However, the high MQI group displayed a lower proportion of low responders (1 for laboratory and 2 for field-based vs. 5 and 4) and a higher proportion of high responders for IL-6 (7 for laboratory and 6 for field-based vs. 4 and 5) compared to low MQI group. In addition, the high MQI group showed a higher proportion of high responders for CK (11 for laboratory and 9 for field-based vs. 6 and 6) compared to low MQI. A prior MQI screening can provide feedback to understand the magnitude response. Individual responsiveness should be taken into consideration for maximizing eccentric exercise prescription.

Background: To investigate the time-course effects of a self-regulated training session (performed at an rating perceived exertion of 6/10), all-out session, and a control session on the metabolic, hormonal, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) responses in Functional-Fitness (FFT) participants., Methods: In a randomized, crossover fashion, eight healthy males (age 28.1 ± 5.4 years old; body mass 77.2 ± 4.4 kg; VO 2max : 52.6 ± 4.6 mL.(kg.min) -1 ; 2000 m rowing test 7.35 ± 0.18 min; 1RM back squat 135.6 ± 21.9 kg) performed a FFT session under two different conditions: all-out, or with the intensity controlled to elicit an rating perceived exertion (RPE) of 6 in the Borg 10-point scale (RPE6). A control session (no exercise) was also completed. Metabolic (lactate and creatine kinase), hormonal (testosterone and cortisol), and BDNF responses were assessed pre, post-0 h, 1 h, 2 h and 24 h after the sessions., Results: Creatine kinase concentrations were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) after 24 h for both training sessions. Total and free testosterone concentrations were lower post-2 h for all-out when compared to the RPE6 session (p ≤ 0.05). Serum cortisol concentration increased post-0 h (p = 0.011) for RPE6 and post-0 h (p = 0.003) and post-1 h (p = 0.030) for all-out session when comparing to baseline concentrations. BDNF was significantly higher (p = 0.002) post-0 h only for the all-out session when compared to baseline. A positive correlation between blood lactate concentrations and BDNF (r = 0.51; p = 0.01) was found for both effort interventions., Conclusions: A single FFT session when performed in all-out format acutely increases the concentrations of serum BDNF. However, physiological stress markers show that the all-out session requires a longer recovery period when compared to the RPE6 protocol. These findings can be helpful to coaches and practitioners design FFT session., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Aerobic training (AT) promotes several health benefits that may attenuate the progression of obesity associated diabetes. Since AT is an important nitric oxide (NO - ) inducer mediating kidney-healthy phenotype, the present study is aimed at investigating the effects of AT on metabolic parameters, morphological, redox balance, inflammatory profile, and vasoactive peptides in the kidney of obese-diabetic Zucker rats receiving L-NAME (N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). Forty male Zucker rats (6 wk old) were assigned into four groups ( n = 10, each): sedentary lean rats (CTL-Lean), sedentary obese rats (CTL-Obese), AT trained obese rats without blocking nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (Obese+AT), and obese-trained with NOS block (Obese+AT+L-NAME). AT groups ran 60 min in the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), five days/wk/8 wk. Obese+AT rats improved glycemic homeostasis, SBP, aerobic capacity, renal mitochondria integrity, redox balance, inflammatory profile (e.g., TNF- α , CRP, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-17a), and molecules related to renal NO - metabolism (klotho/FGF23 axis, vasoactive peptides, renal histology, and reduced proteinuria). However, none of these positive outcomes were observed in CTL-Obese and Obese+AT+L-NAME ( p < 0.0001) groups. Although Obese+AT+L-NAME lowered BP (compared with CTL-Obese; p < 0.0001), renal damage was observed after AT intervention. Furthermore, AT training under conditions of low NO - concentration increased signaling pathways associated with ACE-2/ANG1-7/MASr. We conclude that AT represents an important nonpharmacological intervention to improve kidney function in obese Zucker rats. However, these renal and metabolic benefits promoted by AT are dependent on NO - bioavailability and its underlying regulatory mechanisms., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Rodrigo Vanerson Passos Neves et al.)

Considering the negative impact of obesity on neuromuscular and immune systems, we sought to compare the effects of a 10-week resistance training (RT) program on muscle quality index (MQI), muscle strength, functional capacity, and immunoglobulins in older women with and without obesity. Thirty-nine older women participated in the present study (age: 69.02 ± 6.16, fat (%): 38.80% ± 6.28) and underwent a linear RT program performed on two non-consecutive days of the week. Body composition, functional tests, immunoglobulins, muscle quality of upper and lower limbs and absolute muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs were measured. Both groups displayed an increased statistically significant difference in MQI between pre-post training, however obese participants showed a lower field and laboratory MQI when compared to non-obese participants at the same time-points. Obese participants displayed an increased statistically significant 30-second chair stand test, with no differences for non-obese participants. Obese participants showed a higher statistically significant difference for immunoglobulin M when compared to the non-obese group at post-training. Finally, both groups displayed an increased statistically significant difference in muscle strength between pre-post-training. However, obese participants showed a statistically significant lower 10-RM low row score when compared to non-obese participants at post-training. Obese older women showed a lower field and laboratory MQI when compared to non-obese post-training, besides a lower 10-RM low row score which reinforces that obesity blunts the beneficial effects of RT on muscle quality and strength.

This study analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, power, and local muscle endurance with performance in the CrossFit ® Open 2020. For this, 17 volunteers (6 women) (29.0 ± 7.2 years) completed, on separate weeks, tests for body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), maximal oxygen consumption (2 km row test), muscle strength (one repetition maximum (1 RM) back and front squat, isometric peak torque), muscle power (1 RM snatch and clean and jerk) and muscle endurance (Tibana test), which were compared with performance during the CrossFit ® Open 2020. Specific tests of localized muscular endurance and muscle strength had the strongest relationship with performance in the CrossFit ® Open 2020. On the other hand, the percentage of fat and cardiorespiratory capacity were not significantly correlated with CrossFit ® Open 2020 workout performance. Coaches and practitioners should therefore utilize these findings to assess physical fitness and organize the distribution of the training session based on less developed physical needs, in order to ensure an appropriate physiological adaptation for a given competition.

High-protein diets (HPDs) are widely accepted as a way to stimulate muscle protein synthesis when combined with resistance training (RT). However, the effects of HPDs on adipose tissue plasticity and local inflammation are yet to be determined. This study investigated the impact of HPDs on glucose control, adipocyte size, and epididymal adipose inflammatory biomarkers in resistance-trained rats. Eighteen Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal-protein (NPD; 17% protein total dietary intake) and HPD (26.1% protein) without RT and NPD and HPD with RT. Trained groups received RT for 12 weeks with weights secured to their tails. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests, adipocyte size, and an array of cytokines were determined. While HPD without RT induced glucose intolerance, enlarged adipocytes, and increased TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL1-β levels in epididymal adipose tissue ( p < 0.05), RT diminished these deleterious effects, with the HPD + RT group displaying improved blood glucose control without inflammatory cytokine increases in epididymal adipose tissue ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, RT increased glutathione expression independent of diet ( p < 0.05). RT may offer protection against adipocyte hypertrophy, pro-inflammatory states, and glucose intolerance during HPDs. The results highlight the potential protective effects of RT to mitigate the maladaptive effects of HPDs.

Muscle-tendon unit length plays a crucial role in quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) physiological adaptation, but the influence of hip and knee angles during QF neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is poorly investigated. We investigated the effect of muscle length on maximum electrically induced contraction (MEIC) and current efficiency. We secondarily assessed the architecture of all QF constituents and their tendon-aponeurosis complex (TAC) displacement to calculate a stiffness index. This study was a randomized, repeated measure, blinded design with a sample of twenty healthy men aged 24.0 ± 4.6. The MEIC was assessed in four different positions: supine with knee flexion of 60° (SUP60); seated with knee flexion of 60° (SIT60); supine with knee flexion of 20° (SUP20), and seated with knee flexion of 20° (SIT20). The current efficiency (MEIC/maximum tolerated current amplitude) was calculated. Ultrasonography of the QF was performed at rest and during NMES to measure pennation angle (θ p ) and fascicle length ( L f ), and the TAC stiffness index. MEIC and current efficiency were greater for SUP60 and SIT60 compared to SUP20 and SIT20. The vastus lateralis and medialis showed lower θ p and higher L f at SUP60 and SIT60, while for the rectus femoris, in SUP60 there were lower θ p and higher L f than in all positions. The vastus intermedius had a similar pattern to the other vastii, except for lack of difference in θ p between SIT60 compared to SUP20 and SIT20. The TAC stiffness index was greater for SUP60. We concluded that NMES generate greater torque and current efficiency at 60° of knee flexion, compared to 20°. For these knee angles, lengthening the QF at the hip did not promote significant change. Each QF constituent demonstrated muscle physiology patterns according to hip and/or knee angles, even though a greater L f and lower θ p were predominant in SUP60 and SIT60. QF TAC index stiffened in more elongated positions, which probably contributed to enhanced force transmission and slightly higher torque in SUP60. Our findings may help exercise physiologist better understand the impact of hip and knee angles on designing more rational NMES stimulation strategies., Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03822221., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Cavalcante, Marqueti, Geremia, Sousa Neto, Baroni, Silbernagel, Bottaro, Babault and Durigan.)

Introduction: Contrary to the production of oxidant and inflammation biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes decrease with age and the adaptive response to oxidative stress is reduced. The effects of the different resistance exercise protocols to attenuate these conditions are largely unexplored., Objective: We compared the acute effects of traditional resistance exercise (TRE) and high velocity RE (HVRE) on inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant activity in elderly women., Methods: Fourteen elderly women (67 ± 7 years) were randomly assigned to TRE or HVRE. Blood samples were collected to measure inflammatory markers and antioxidant enzymes at three time-points (pre-exercise, post-exercise, 30 min post-exercise)., Results: TRE and HVRE induced acute reductions over time on tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble receptor of IL-6 (sIL-6R), as well in catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase antioxidant levels without differences between groups. In addition, TRE and HVRE groups displayed acute increments in interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-10/IL-6 ratio over time, while the HVRE protocol displayed higher IL-10 values post-exercise and 30 min post-exercise time points as compared with TRE. Based on magnitude based inference, subjects from the HVRE group demonstrated superior responsiveness for IL-6 and IL-10 as compared with the TRE group. All participants from the HVRE group displayed a minimal clinical important difference on IL-10 levels as compared to only two persons from the TRE group., Conclusion: Both RE protocols were capable of positive changes in inflammatory and antioxidant status in elderly subjects, but HVRE demonstrated a superior response on IL-10. The HVRE may be incorporated to exercise recommendation in this population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There are no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to declare., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure reduces skeletal muscle function; however, the mechanisms involved have been poorly investigated. The current study evaluated the temporal effects of aerobic exercise training on oxidant and antioxidant systems as well as inflammatory markers in skeletal muscle of mice exposed to CS. Mice were randomly allocated to control, exercise, smoke, and smoke+exercise groups and 3 time points (4, 8, and 12 weeks; n = 12 per group). Exercise training and CS exposure were performed for 30 min/day, twice a day, 5 days/week for 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Aerobic exercise improved functional capacity and attenuated the increase in the cachexia index induced by CS exposure after 12 weeks. Concomitantly, exercise training downregulated tumor necrosis factor α concentration, glutathione oxidation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Keap1 ( P < 0.01) and upregulated interleukin 10 concentration, total antioxidant capacity, and mRNA expression of Nrf2 , Gsr , and Txn1 ( P < 0.01) in muscle. Exercise increased mRNA expression of Hmox1 compared with the control after 12 weeks ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between smoke groups for superoxide dismutase activity and Hmox1 mRNA expression. Exercise training improved the ability of skeletal muscle to adequately upregulate key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses to detoxify electrophilic compounds induced by CS exposure, and these effects were more pronounced after 12 weeks. Novelty Exercise attenuates oxidative stress in skeletal muscle from animals exposed to CS via Nrf2 and glutathione pathways. Exercise is a helpful tool to control the inflammatory balance in skeletal muscle from animals exposed to CS. These beneficial effects were evident after 12 weeks.

Aims: We investigate the effects of RT on the mechanical function, gene, and protein expression of key factors involved in bone remodeling during aging., Main Methods: Male rats of 3 and 21 months of age were randomly allocated into four groups (8 per group): young sedentary (YS), young trained (YT), old sedentary (OS), and old trained (OT). RT was performed three times per week (12 weeks). Bone tenacity and stiffness were measured by biomechanical tests and mRNA levels of COL1A1, MEPE, SOST, OPG, BMP-2, PPAR-y, MMP-2-9-13, and TIMP-1 were evaluated by quantitative PCR. COL1A1 protein and MMP-2 activity were detected by western blotting and zymography assays., Key Findings: Aging increased stiffness, while BMP-2, OPG, COL1A1 and MMP-2 mRNA levels reduced (OS vs YS; p ≤ 0.05). RT increased the tenacity of the femur and reduced PPAR-γ regardless of age (YT vs. YS; OT vs. OS; p ≤ 0.05). RT downregulated SOST mRNA levels only in the OT group (vs. OS group, p ≤ 0.05). RT mitigated the age-associated increase in MMP-9 mRNA levels (p ≤ 0.05). In young animals, upregulation in MEPE, MMP-13, TIMP-1 were observed after RT, as well an increase in COL1A1 protein and MMP-2 activity (p ≤ 0.05)., Significance: RT improved bone tenacity independent of aging, which is relevant for mechanical function, while, at protein levels, RT upregulated MMP-2 activity and collagen 1 only in young rats. This study highlights the importance of exercise on bone health and identifies specific molecular changes in response to RT. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms involved in age-related changes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The increase in high-energy dietary intakes is a well-known risk factor for many diseases, and can also negatively impact the tendon. Ancestral lifestyle can mitigate the metabolic harmful effects of offspring exposed to high-fat diet (HF). However, the influence of paternal exercise on molecular pathways associated to offspring tendon remodeling remains to be determined. We investigated the effects of 8 weeks of paternal resistance training (RT) on offspring tendon proteome exposed to standard diet or HF diet. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sedentary fathers and trained fathers (8 weeks, three times per week, with 8-12 dynamic movements per climb in a stair climbing apparatus). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into four groups (five animals per group): offspring from sedentary fathers were exposed either to control diet (SFO-C), or to high-fat diet (SFO-HF); offspring from trained fathers were exposed to control diet (TFO-C) or to a high-fat diet (TFO-HF). The Nano-LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 383 regulated proteins among offspring groups. HF diet induced a decrease of abundance in tendon proteins related to extracellular matrix organization, transport, immune response and translation. On the other hand, the changes in the offspring tendon proteome in response to paternal RT were more pronounced when the offspring were exposed to HF diet, resulting in positive regulation of proteins essential for the maintenance of tendon integrity. Most of the modulated proteins are associated to biological pathways related to tendon protection and damage recovery, such as extracellular matrix organization and transport. The present study demonstrated that the father's lifestyle could be crucial for tendon homeostasis in the first generation. Our results provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in paternal intergenerational effects and potential protective outcomes of paternal RT., (Copyright © 2020 Sousa Neto, Tibana, Silva, Lira, Prado, Almeida, Franco, Durigan, Adesida, Sousa, Ricart, Damascena, Castro, Fontes, Prestes and Marqueti.)

Sarcopenia is a multifactorial process defined by loss of strength and skeletal muscle mass, which leads to a reduction in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Although resistance training (RT) has been indicated as a tool to counteract sarcopenia, the protein profile associated with skeletal muscle adaptations remains to be determined. We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of RT on the skeletal muscle proteome profile and CSA of young and older rats. Twenty-four animals were divided into four groups: young sedentary or trained and older sedentary or trained (six animals per group). A 12-week RT protocol was performed, which consisted of climbing a vertical ladder. The proteins from the gastrocnemius were analysed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. One-hundred and thirty-one proteins were identified, of which 28 were assessed between the groups. Ageing induced an increase in proteins associated with the glycolytic pathway, transport and stress response, which represent crucial mechanisms for muscle adaptation. RT upregulated metabolic enzymes, anti-oxidant activity and transport proteins, besides increasing hypertrophy, regardless of age, suggesting a beneficial adaptation to mitigate age-related sarcopenia. RT reduced muscle atrophy through the regulation of stress response and by increasing proteins related to energy production and transport, which in turn might protect tissue damage arising from exercise and ageing. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Protein abundance levels related to the metabolic process and stress response were increased in the aged muscle. RT proved to be an important intervention capable of inducing significant effects on muscle proteome regardless of ageing, due to upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, and anti-oxidant and transport proteins. This effect could lead to a beneficial adaptation in muscle structure, cellular function and overall homeostasis maintenance. This study contributes to better understanding of the basic biology of ageing and clarifies more profoundly the molecular networks behind physiological adaptations promoted by exercise training. Therefore, the results open new perspectives and insights for studies based on transcriptomics, metabolomics and functional assays., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Ancestral obesogenic exposure is able to trigger harmful effects in the offspring left ventricle (LV) which could lead to cardiovascular diseases. However, the impact of the father's lifestyle on the offspring LV is largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of paternal resistance training (RT) on the offspring left ventricle (LV) proteome exposed to control or high-fat (HF) diet. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sedentary fathers and trained fathers (8 weeks, 3 times per week with weights secured to the animals' tails). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into 4 groups (5 animals per group): offspring from sedentary fathers, exposed to control diet (SFO-C); offspring from trained fathers, exposed to control diet (TFO-C); offspring from sedentary fathers, exposed to high-fat diet (SFO-HF); and offspring from trained fathers, exposed to high-fat diet (TFO-HF). The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 537 regulated proteins among groups. Offspring exposure to HF diet caused reduction in the abundance levels of proteins related to cell component organization, metabolic processes, and transport. Proteins related to antioxidant activity, transport, and transcription regulation were increased in TFO-C and TFO-HF as compared with the SFO-C and SFO-HF groups. Paternal RT demonstrated to be an important intervention capable of inducing significant effects on the LV proteome regardless of offspring diet due to the increase of proteins involved into LV homeostasis maintenance. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular aspects involved in transgenerational inheritance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Ivo Vieira de Sousa Neto et al.)

Cross-talk between skeletal muscle and tendon is important for tissue homeostasis. Whereas the skeletal muscle response to tendon injury has been well-studied, to the best of our knowledge the tendon response to skeletal muscle injury has been neglected. Thus, we investigated calcaneal tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling after gastrocnemius muscle injury using a rat model. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (C; animals that were not exposed to muscle injury) and harvested at different time points post gastrocnemius muscle injury (3, 14, and 28 days) for gene expression, morphological, and biomechanical analyses. At 3 days post injury, we observed mRNA-level dysregulation of signaling pathways associated with collagen I accompanied with disrupted biomechanical properties. At 14 days post injury, we found reduced collagen content histologically accompanied by invasion of blood vessels into the tendon proper and an abundance of peritendinous sheath cells. Finally, at 28 days post injury, there were signs of recovery at the gene expression level including upregulation of transcription factors related to ECM synthesis, remodeling, and repair. At this time point, tendons also presented with increased peritendinous sheath cells, decreased adipose cells, higher Young's modulus, and lower strain to failure compared to the uninjured controls and all post injury time points. In summary, we demonstrate that the calcaneal tendon undergoes extensive ECM remodeling in response to gastrocnemius muscle injury leading to altered functional properties in a rat model. Tendon plasticity in response to skeletal muscle injury merits further investigation to understand its physiological relevance and potential clinical implications.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to identify the variability of blood pressure response to a 10-week resistance training (RT) program in hypertensive and normotensive elderly women., Participants and Methods: Twenty-seven untrained hypertensive and 12 normotensive elderly women participated in the present study. A whole-body RT program was performed on two nonconsecutive days per week for 10 weeks. The responsiveness of resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was determined based on the percent decline between the pre- and post-training time points T1 and T4. The term responders were used to describe subjects who exhibited a percent SBP decline ≥-2.58% and the term nonresponders for subjects who exhibited a percent SBP decline <-2.58%, respectively., Results: Both the responders and nonresponders in the hypertensive group presented significant changes in SBP (-7.83 ± 5.70 mmHg vs 3.78 ± 7.42 mmHg), respectively. Moreover, the responders and nonresponders in the normotensive group presented significant changes in SBP as well (-8.58 ± 5.52 mmHg vs 5.71 ± 3.84 mmHg)., Conclusion: SBP presents a heterogeneous response to a controlled RT program in hypertensive and normotensive elderly women. A different modality of training and additional therapies should be used for nonresponders in order to decrease resting SBP., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflict of interest in this work.

Aging is a complex, multifactorial process characterized by the accumulation of deleterious effects, including biochemical adaptations of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity in skeletal muscles and, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in the blood circulation of young and old rats. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups ( n = 7 per group): young sedentary (YS); young trained (YT), old sedentary (OS), and old trained (OT). The stair climbing RT consisted of one training session every 2 other day, with 8-12 dynamic movements per climb. The animals were euthanized 48 h after the end of the experimental period. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was measured by zymography. There was higher active MMP-2 activity in the lateral gastrocnemius and flexor digitorum profundus muscles in the OT group when compared to the OS, YS, and YT groups ( p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, there was higher active MMP-2 activity in the medial gastrocnemius muscle in the OT group when compared to the YS and YT groups ( p ≤ 0.001). The YS group presented lower active MMP-2 activity in the soleus muscle than the YT, OS, OT groups ( p ≤ 0.001). With respect to active MMP-2/9 activity in the bloodstream, the OT group displayed significantly reduced activity ( p ≤ 0.001) when compared to YS and YT groups. In conclusion, RT up-regulates MMP-2 activity in aging muscles, while down-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the blood circulation, suggesting that it may be a useful tool for the maintenance of ECM remodeling.

The aim of the study was to determine the acute systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) responses following two intense training sessions (24 hours apart). Nine male extreme conditioning program (ECP) practitioners with more than 6 months of experience (age 26.7 ± 6.6 years; body mass 78.8 ± 13.2 kg; body fat 13.5 ± 6.2 %) completed two experimental ECP sessions. Cardiovascular variables were measured before, immediately after and every 15 min during a 45 min recovery following each experimental session. Compared with pre-exercise data, our results showed a SBP decrease at 30 min post exercise session 1 (P≤0.05) and at 45 min following exercise session 2. DBP decreased (P≤0.05) at 15 min and 30 min following exercise session 1 and at 30 min after the exercise session 2, respectively. HR remained significantly higher (P≤0.05) 45 min following the first and second exercise session compared with pre-exercise values. Exercise session 1 induced a higher increase in HR (86 ± 11% of HR max versus 82 ± 12% of HR max , p = 0.01) and RPE (8.8 ± 1.2 versus 8.0 ± 1.2, p = 0.02) when compared to exercise session 2. In conclusion, post-exercise hypotension occurs following strenuous exercise sessions, regardless of the session design, which may have an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Studies are conflicting to whether low volume resistance training (RT) is as effective as high-volume RT protocols with respect to promoting morphological and molecular adaptations. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare, using a climbing a vertical ladder, the effects of 8 weeks, 3 times per week, resistance training with 4 sets (RT4), resistance training with 8 sets (RT8) and without resistance training control (CON) on gastrocnemius muscle proteome using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and cross sectional area (CSA) of rats. Fifty-two proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS, with 39 in common between the three groups, two in common between RT8 and CON, one in common between RT8 and RT4, four exclusive in the CON, one in the RT8, and four in the RT4. The RT8 group had a reduced abundance of 12 proteins, mostly involved in muscle protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, anti-oxidant defense, and oxygen transport. Otherwise one protein involved with energy transduction as compared with CON group showed high abundance. There was no qualitative protein abundance difference between RT4 and CON groups. These results revealed that high volume RT induced undesirable disturbances on skeletal muscle proteins, while lower volume RT resulted in similar gains in skeletal muscle hypertrophy without impairment of proteome. The CSA was significantly higher in RT8 group when compared to RT4 group, which was significantly higher than CON group. However, no differences were found between trained groups when the gastrocnemius CSA were normalized by the total body weight.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes on MMP activity in skeletal muscle, visceral adipose tissue and circulation. 21 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=7 per group): sedentary control (SC); RT with 4 ladder climbs (RT-4; 50, 75, 90 and 100% of their maximal carrying capacity) and RT with 8 ladder climbs (RT-8 with 2 sets for each load). The 8-week RT consisted of climbing a 1.1-m vertical ladder with weights secured to the animals' tails. MMP-2 and -9 activity were analyzed by zymography. RT-8 displayed higher active MMP-2 activity as compared with SC and RT-4 in skeletal muscle (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups for pro and intermediate-MMP-2 activity in visceral adipose tissue, while RT-8 presented lower active MMP-2 activity as compared with SC (p<0.05). Plasma pro and active MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was lower in RT-8 as compared with RT-4 (p<0.05). These results suggest that higher volume RT up-regulates MMP-2 activity in skeletal muscle, while down-regulating MMP-2 in visceral adipose tissue. Moreover, it induces a decrease of MMP-2, 9 activity in circulation. Different tissue and circulatory MMP responses to RT may result in specific remodeling., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objective: The present study aimed to determine whether Irisin levels are correlated with body composition changes following 16 weeks of resistance training (RT) in older women with and without obesity. Design, Setting, Participants, Intervention: We recruited 49 inactive women (n = 23, non-obese: < 41.0% and n = 26, obese: ≥ 41.0% of body fat) aged 61-68 years to perform 16-week of RT consisting of 10 exercises (three sets of 10 exercises, 6-12 repetitions maximum and 1-min and 30-s rest intervals between sets and exercises, respectively) with two sessions per week., Measurements: Before and after the intervention period, blood samples were collected to determine Irisin levels and body composition (percentage body fat and fat-free mass) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry., Results: Circulating Irisin displayed a decrease for the non-obese group as compared with pre-intervention and obese group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively), with no change for the obese group (p = 0.79). In addition, fat mass displayed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) following the training period only for the obese group. Furthermore, there was no association between changes in circulating Irisin with body mass index, body fat, fat-free mass and muscle strength. There was an increase in muscle strength (p < 0.05), regardless of obesity status., Conclusion: The modulation of body composition and muscle strength induced by 16-week of resistance training in older women with and without obesity is not associated with changes in circulating Irisin levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background and Aim: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is extensively practiced by combat sports athletes, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but its effects on performance are not well established with different magnitudes of RWL, including those higher than 5% of total body weight. The aim of the present study was to follow MMA athletes during RWL with subsequent weight regain to evaluate the responses of isometric strength, power, cognition and salivary nitrite ( NO 2 - ) content., Methods: Two professional male MMA fighters, same age, competing in the same weight category underwent two magnitudes of RWL before a simulated competition period. Anthropometric measures, records of nutritional status, training, voluntary dehydration strategies, salivary samples, cognition response, isometric strength and muscular power were obtained: (I) 7 days before combat, (II) at the weigh-in moment, and (III) in the combat day., Results and Conclusions: Athlete 1 lost 7.2 kg (9.1% of total bodyweight) and Athlete 2 lost 4.0 kg (5.3% of total bodyweight). Athlete 1 had a lower and misbalanced caloric ingestion (708 ± 428 kcal), ingested 6 L of water during the first 5 days of RWL, underwent 2 days of fasting, water and sodium restriction before weigh-in. Athlete 2 was supervised by a nutritionist, had a balanced diet (1600 ± 0 kcal), ingested 2 L of water during the first 6 days of RWL, underwent only 1 day of fasting and water restriction, and did not restrict sodium. As expected, there was a negative effect of RWL in the evaluated parameters at the weigh-in moment, while in the combat day, salivary NO 2 - ) content., Methods: Two professional male MMA fighters, same age, competing in the same weight category underwent two magnitudes of RWL before a simulated competition period. Anthropometric measures, records of nutritional status, training, voluntary dehydration strategies, salivary samples, cognition response, isometric strength and muscular power were obtained: (I) 7 days before combat, (II) at the weigh-in moment, and (III) in the combat day., Results and Conclusions: Athlete 1 lost 7.2 kg (9.1% of total bodyweight) and Athlete 2 lost 4.0 kg (5.3% of total bodyweight). Athlete 1 had a lower and misbalanced caloric ingestion (708 ± 428 kcal), ingested 6 L of water during the first 5 days of RWL, underwent 2 days of fasting, water and sodium restriction before weigh-in. Athlete 2 was supervised by a nutritionist, had a balanced diet (1600 ± 0 kcal), ingested 2 L of water during the first 6 days of RWL, underwent only 1 day of fasting and water restriction, and did not restrict sodium. As expected, there was a negative effect of RWL in the evaluated parameters at the weigh-in moment, while in the combat day, salivary NO 2 - was not completely reestablished at baseline levels (decreased by 35.9% in Athlete 1 and, 25.2% in Athlete 2, as compared with 7 days before). The athlete who underwent a lower weight loss (5.3%) presented better recovery of cognition and upper limbs power on the combat day as compared with the athlete who lost 9.1% of body weight. Although we cannot precisely conclude, this case report led us to believe that the recovery period between weigh-in and competition may be insufficient for total reestablishment of salivary NO 2 - after RWL, and higher amounts of RWLhave negative impacts on average power and cognition when compared with lower RWL. Relevance for patients : Scientific aspects related with performance in MMA athletes brought to light the absence of studies investigating the recovery of isometric strength, power, cognition and salivary NO 2 - during RWL with subsequent weight regain. This study revealed that athletes from the same categories can adopt different magnitudes of weight loss, and that this procedure impacts several important measures, for example, the reduction of salivary NO 2 - is associated with the lower O 2 transport capacity, decreasing muscle performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Background: Deregulation of glycemic and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1) levels accelerate the progression of cardiovascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HbA1 and changes in blood pressure of children and adolescents with T1DM., Methods: A total of 60 children and adolescents were recruited and allocated into two groups (prehypertension and control group). Blood pressure and HbA1 were measured by the oscillometric method and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively., Results: The prehypertensive group had (P < 0.05) higher disease duration, body weight, Z score for body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and a higher HbA1 when compared with the control children and adolescents. Multiple regression to predict alterations in DBP from HbA1 adjusted for age, disease duration, and body mass index demonstrated a positive relationship with DBP (P < 0.05). A 1 % increase in HbA1 was associated with 1.73 mmHg increase in DBP., Conclusions: High levels of HbA1 may be associated with increased blood pressure in T1DM. A tight control of HbA1 levels may provide long-term cardiovascular protection in children and adolescents with T1DM.

Background: Obesity, defined by an excess amount of body fat or a percent body fat higher than 30 % for women is a complex chronic disorder with multifactorial etiology and is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation, which results in elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines., Aims: The aim of this study was to compare muscle strength between high and low pro-inflammatory status in obese elderly women and to verify the relationship of IL-6 with muscle strength and fat-free mass., Methods: Eighty-nine elderly women (age 69.47 ± 6.07 years; body mass 64.70 ± 12.04 kg; height 1.52 ± 0.06 m; body mass index 27.78 ± 4.75 kg/m(2)) were divided into two groups: high and low inflammatory status for IL-6. Lower limb muscle strength was tested using bilateral leg extension with the ten repetitions maximum test, IL-6 was measured by ELISA and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry., Results: Women classified from the high pro-inflammatory status presented lower relative muscle strength (P = 0.056) when compared with the low inflammatory status group, with no differences for absolute muscle strength (P = 0.18). There was a significant negative correlation of IL-6 with relative muscle strength (P = 0.03, R = -0.22) and a considerable trend toward significance (P = 0.06, R = -0.19) and negative association with fat-free mass (P = 0.84, R = -0.02)., Conclusions: This study provides insights that a high pro-inflammatory status in sedentary obese elderly women might impair muscle strength and negatively affect fat-free mass. Thus, elderly women classified with high pro-inflammatory status for IL-6 should receive further health care attention to prevent this deleterious condition.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of leucine treatment (0.30 mM) on muscle weight and signaling of myoproteins related to synthesis and degradation pathways of soleus muscle following seven days of complete sciatic nerve lesion. Wistar rats (n = 24) of 3-4 months of age (192 ± 23 g) were used. The animals were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (n = 6/group): control, treated with leucine (L), denervated (D) and denervated treated with leucine (DL). Dependent measures were proteins levels of AKT, AMPK, mTOR, and ACC performed by Western blot. Leucine induced a reduction in the phosphorylation of AMPK (p < 0.05) by 16% in the L and by 68% in the DL groups as compared with control group. Denervation increased AMPK by 24% in the D group as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). AKT was also modulated by denervation and leucine treatment, highlighted by the elevation of AKT phosphorylation in the D (65%), L (98%) and DL (146%) groups as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). AKT phosphorylation was 49% higher in the D group as compared with the DL group. Furthermore, denervation decreased mTOR phosphorylation by 29% in the D group as compared with the control group. However, leucine treatment induced an increase of 49% in the phosphorylation of mTOR in the L group as compared with the control group, and an increase of 154% in the DL as compared with the D group (p < 0.05). ACC phosphorylation was 20% greater in the D group than the control group. Furthermore, ACC in the soleus was 22% lower in the in the L group and 50% lower in the DL group than the respective control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, leucine treatment minimized the deleterious effects of denervation on rat soleus muscle by increasing anabolic (AKT and mTOR) and decreasing catabolic (AMPK) pathways. These results may be interesting for muscle recovery following acute denervation, which may contribute to musculoskeletal rehabilitation after denervation.