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The study was designed to investigate whether sports-induced elevation of testosterone level impacts on the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-I (GH-IGF-I) axis and body composition, especially skeletal muscle mass. The study included 12 male wrestlers aged 21.1 ± 1.7 years and 10 male nonathletes aged 21.1 ± 1.2 years. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements in the group of nonathlete men were carried out once, while for wrestlers they were carried out twice, that is, on the 1st and 14th days of the training camp. The levels of resting free testosterone (fT), cortisol (C), and human growth hormone (hGH) were significantly higher in the athletes than in nonathletes. A 2-week sports training induced a significant reduction in fT, IGF-I, and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels and a rise in C level. Increased C level and reduced fT level in the athletes’ blood caused a rise in C/fT from the level of 39.95 ± 4.97 nmol/L to 59.73 ± 10.09 nmol/L ( p < .05). A negative correlation was demonstrated between C/fT ratio and IGF-I level ( r = −0.474, p < .05), which may indicate an inhibitory impact of high C level and low fT concentration on IGF-I release in response to sports training. Sports activity induces significant changes in the C/fT ratio that can impact on the secretion of GH and IGF-I from the liver and finally on the fat-free body mass. The quantification of GH-IGF-I axis in relation to testosterone level could be a useful diagnostic tool in biochemical assessment of the regenerative ability of skeletal muscle or provide evidence of the early stages of muscle functional overload.

Abstract An active lifestyle is of key importance for reduction of obesity and inflammation, as well as circulating levels of adipokines. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the relationship of physical fitness with chronic inflammatory status, and to evaluate biomarkers useful in the analysis of adipose tissue dysfunction. Sixty-three older adults (69.6 ± 5.1 years) were allocated to a high n = 31 (women n = 23 and men n = 8 male) or low physical fitness n = 32 (women n = 29 and men n = 3) group based on gait speed values (1.4–1.8 m/s or ≤ 1.3 m/s). The gait speed correlated with hand grip strength (rs = 0.493, p = 0.0001) and with leptin level (R = -0.372, p = 0.003), which shows the benefits of physical activity on muscle strength and circulating adipokines. In low physical fitness group, 58.1% individuals had adiponectin to leptin ratio (Adpn/Lep)

IntroductionChronic low-grade inflammation is an important aspect of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The level of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or IL-1β) is a risk factor in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and is also associated with sarcopenia and frailties. The objective of this study was to assess each cytokine: IL-6, TNF, and IL-1β separately in the elderly with comorbidities against controls without diseases according to the data published in the available literature.MethodsThe electronic bibliographic PubMed database was systematically searched to select all the relevant studies published up to July 2023. The total number of the subjects involved in the meta-analysis included patients with diseases (n=8154) and controls (n=33967).ResultsThe overall concentration of IL-6 was found to be higher in patients with diseases compared to controls and the difference was statistically significant, with a p-value of

Background: Overweight and obesity in older adults increase the risk of a range of comorbidities by sustaining chronic inflammation and thus enhancing immunosenescence. This study aimed to assess whether excess body mass affected disproportion in T lymphocytes. Therefore, the study was designed to explain whether excess body mass in older individuals affected the disproportion in numbers of T lymphocytes and whether anthropometric indices and immune risk profile expressed as CD4/CD8 ratio are diagnostically useful in the analysis of immunosenescence. Materials & methods: One hundred three individuals aged 73.6 ± 3.1 years were allocated to the normal body mass (body mass index (BMI) 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, n = 39), the pre-obesity (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, n = 44) or the obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2, n = 20) group, based on WHO recommendations. Details on the subjects' medical history and lifestyle were obtained by health questionnaire. Anthropometric analysis was performed by bioelectrical impedance method, biochemical analysis was made by the automatic analyzer and ELISA immunoassays, and T and B lymphocyte counts were determined by eight-parameter flow cytometry. Additionally, visceral adiposity index, body adiposity index (BAI), and body shape index (ABSI) were evaluated based on body circumference, BMI and lipid-lipoprotein profile measurements. Results: The highest percentage of CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes (59.4 ± 12.6 %) and the lowest CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes (31.6 ± 10.0 %) were noted in patients the obesity group. The highest cut-off value of 1.9 for CD4/CD8 ratio was recorded in the normal body mass vs pre-obesity model. CD4/CD8 ratio > 2.5 was recorded in >20 % of our pre-obesity and obesity groups while 64.5 % of the normal body mass group had CD4/CD8 ratio

Abstract The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) focuses on the assessment of risk factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central adiposity and elevated blood pressure. Evidence suggests that markers of systemic inflammation may also be included in the definition of MetS and play some role in its pathogenesis. The study was designed to evaluate low-grade inflammation status in older adults with MetS in relation to increased body fat tissue and an attempt was made to evaluate new predictors for MetS through the analysis of the ROC Curve. Ninety-six middle-aged (69.2 ± 4.9) individuals from University of Third Age (women n = 75 and men n = 21) were allocated to two groups: without metabolic syndrome (n = 37) and with metabolic syndrome (n = 59) according to International Diabetes Federation criteria in agreement with American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute 2009. Participants’ current health status was assessed using medical records from a routine follow-up visit to a primary care physician. Statistical analysis was performed using R studio software. Depending on the normal distribution, ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test was used. The optimal threshold value for clinical stratification (cut-off value) was obtained by calculating the Youden index. The AUC was observed to be the highest for a new anthropometric index i.e. lipid accumulation product (0.820). Low-grade inflammation dominated in MetS group (BMI 28.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2, WHR 0.9 ± 0.1, FM 24.7 ± 7.9 kg) where significantly higher values of TNF-α (p = 0.027) and HGMB-1 protein (p = 0.011) were recorded.The optimal threshold values for immunological indices assessed as new predictors of the metabolic syndrome were: 93.4 for TNF-α, 88.2 for HGMB-1 protein and 1992.75 for ghrelin. High AUC values for these indices additionally confirmed their high diagnostic usefulness in MetS.

One of the theories about aging focuses on the immune response and relates to the activation of subclinical and chronic inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between inflammation and sarcopenia and to evaluate the influence of lifestyle on the inflammatory profile. Finally, therapeutic strategies to counteract the pathophysiological effect of skeletal muscle aging were also indicated. One hundred seventy-three individuals aged 71.5 ± 6.8 years were divided into two groups: sarcopenia and probable sarcopenia (n = 39) and no sarcopenia (n = 134). Sarcopenia was assessed according to the algorithm of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in the older adults 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.011) and CRP/albumin ratio (p = 0.030) as well as IL-1β (p = 0.002), cfDNA (p

Oxidative stress and inflammation accompany endothelial dysfunction that results from the excessive or uncontrolled production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in older adults. This study was designed to assess the usefulness of serum oxi-inflammatory component combinations in vascular disease prediction and prevention with regard to sex. Women (n = 145) and men (n = 50) aged 72.2 ± 7.8 years participated in this project. The females demonstrated the elevated production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) responsible for intravascular low-density lipoprotein oxidation. NO generation was enhanced in the women, but its bioavailability was reduced, which was expressed by a high 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NitroT) concentration. The relation of NO/3-NitroT (rs = 0.811, p < 0.001) in the women and NO/3-NitroT (rs = −0.611, p < 0.001) in the men showed that sex determines endothelial dysfunction. RONS generation in the women simultaneously promoted endothelial regeneration, as demonstrated by a ~1.5-fold increase in circulating progenitor cells. Inflammation-specific variables, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, the systemic immune inflammation index, and the neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, were reduced in the women and showed their diagnostic utility for clinical prognosis in vascular dysfunction, especially the C-reactive-protein-to-HDL ratio (AUC = 0.980, specificity 94.7%, sensitivity 93.3%, OR = 252, 95% CI 65–967, p < 0.001). This study is the first to have revealed sex-specific changes in the oxi-inflammatory response, which can generate the risk of cardiovascular events at an older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Interaction of physical activity and overall immune profile is very complex and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of undertaken physical activity, the exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the age-related changes in the immune system. Daily physical activity, which particularly influences immunity, declines dramatically with age. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life can attenuate or reverse immunosenescence. Methods Ninety-nine older adults (60–90 years) were recruited for the study. According to the 6-min walk test (6WMT), the Åstrand-Ryhming bike test (VO2max) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, the individuals were classified as physically active (n = 34) and inactive (n = 20) groups. The analysis of T lymphocytes between active vs. inactive participants was performed using eight-parameter flow cytometry. Results Analysis of the baseline peripheral naïve and memory T lymphocytes showed a significant relationship of lifestyle exercise with the CD4/CD8 ratio. Above 50% of physically active participants demonstrated the CD4/CD8 ratio ≥ 1 or ≤ 2.5 contrary to the inactive group who showed the ratio 1.3 m/s and VO2max > 35 mL/kg/min had a significantly higher CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocyte percentage and also a higher ratio of CD4+CD45RA+/CD4+CD45RO+. Interestingly, in active older adults with IgG CMV+ (n = 30) the count of CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocytes was higher than in the inactive group with IgG CMV+ (n = 20). Conclusion Based on the flow cytometry analysis, we concluded that lifestyle exercise could lead to rejuvenation of the immune system by increasing the percentage of naïve T lymphocytes or by reducing the tendency of the inverse CD4/CD8 ratio.

Physical activity during pregnancy is established to derive clinically meaningful improvements in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum health outcomes. Evidence-based pre-screening tools have been developed to support the implementation of physical activity programmes, and enhance communication between health care providers, exercise professionals and pregnant women. The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (GAQ-P) and the Health Care Provider Consultation Form for Prenatal Physical Activity (HCPCF) empower pregnant women to identify whether they require additional counselling from their obstetric health care provider in terms of physical activity. However, these tools are not available in Polish. This work details the process taken to translate the GAQ-P and HCPCF into Polish. Material and Methods: We followed the translation process outlined by the Translation and Cultural Adaptation International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines between August 2022 and August 2023. We formed an expert group that included representatives of the Polish Society of Sports Medicine, The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, practitioners, and scientists in physical activity during pregnancy. We implemented 9 of the 10 steps recommended by ISOPR in the translation process. At the Cognitive Debriefing stage, we collected opinions on the Polish version of GAQ-P and HCPCF from 70 stakeholders on the clarity and cultural appropriateness of the translation. Results and Conclusions: Target users have positively evaluated the Polish version of GAQ-P and HCPCF. Thanks to the ISPOR methodology, we obtained a trustworthy, evidence-based screening tools, which can reduce the barriers for most women to be physically active during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) affects poststroke functional outcome, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity. Its level is related to the diet and nutritional status, and more specifically, it is free fatty acids (FFAs) and eicosanoids that can have an impact on the BDNF level. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential impact of FFAs and eicosanoids on the BDNF level in stroke patients. Material and Methods. Seventy-three ischemic stroke patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. Laboratory tests were performed in all subjects, including the levels of FFAs, eicosanoids, and BDNF. FFAs and inflammatory metabolites were determined by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, while BDNF was evaluated by the immune-enzymatic method (ELISA). Results. The plasma level of BDNF negatively correlated with C22:1n9 13 erucic acid, C18:3n3 linolenic acid (ALA), and lipoxin A4 15-epi-LxA4. A direct association was observed in relation to BDNF and C16:1 palmitoleic acid and C20:3n6 eicosatrienoic acid (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)). Conclusions. Saturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-9 erucic acids can affect signaling in the BDNF synthesis resulting in the decrease in BDNF. There is a beneficial effect of DGLA on the BDNF level, while the effect of ALA on BDNF can be inhibitory. Specialized proresolving lipid mediators can play a role in the BDNF metabolism. BDNF can interact with inflammation as the risk factor in the cardiovascular disorders, including stroke.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether routine blood tests and clinical characteristics can predict in-hospital mortality in COVID-19. Clinical data of 285 patients aged 59.7 ± 10.3 yrs. (males n = 189, females n = 96) were retrospectively collected from December 2020 to June 2021. Routine blood tests were recorded within the 1st hour of admission to hospital. The inflammatory variables, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), neutrophils–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the systemic inflammatory index (SII), exceeded the reference values in all patients and were significantly higher in deceased patients (n = 108) compared to survivors (n = 177). The log-rank test for comparing two survival curves showed that patients aged ≥60.5 years, with PCT ≥ 0.188 ng/mL or NLR ≥ 11.57 103/µL were at a greater risk of death. NLR demonstrated a high impact on the COVID-19 mortality (HR 1.317; 95%CI 1.004–1.728; p < 0.05), whereas CRP and SII showed no effect (HR 1.000; 95%CI 1.000–1.004; p = 0.085 and HR 1.078; 95%CI 0.865–1.344; p = 0.503, respectively). In the first Polish study including COVID-19 patients, we demonstrated that age in relation to simple parameters derived from complete blood cell count has prognostic implications in the course of COVID-19 and can identify the patients at a higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

Neopterin (NPT), a pyrazino-pyrimidine compound mainly produced by activated macrophages, has been regarded as a proinflammatory and proatherosclerotic agent. The study was designed to evaluate NPT level and its interaction with conventional peripheral artery disease (PAD) biomarkers and vascular regenerative potential in severe PAD. The study included 59 patients (females n = 17, males n = 42) aged 67.0 ± 8.2 years classified into two groups based on ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements (ABI ≤ 0.9 n = 43, ABI ≤ 0.5 n = 16). A total of 60 subjects aged 70.4 ± 5.5 years (females n = 42, males n = 18) with ABI > 0.9 constituted a reference group. NPT concentration reached values above 10 nmol/L in patients with PAD, which differed significantly from reference group (8.15 ± 1.33 nmol/L). High levels of CRP > 5 mg/L, TC > 200 mg/dL as well as lipoproteins LDL > 100 mg/dL and non-HDL > 130 mg/dL were found in the same group, indicating the relationship between NPT and conventional atherogenic markers. The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) tended toward lower values in patients with ABI ≤ 0.5 when compared to reference group, and inversely correlated with NPT. These findings indicate a crucial role of NPT in atheromatous process and its usefulness in monitoring PAD severity. However, the role of NPT in chronic PAD needs further studies including relatively high number of subjects.

Aseptic vascular inflammation can be caused by high levels of various inflammatory and apoptotic factors such as tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), nitric oxide (NO), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-Nitro), and free and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) generated during intense exercise. Endothelial dysfunction resulting from enhanced inflammation has been implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of the study was to observe the effects of high volume of exercise training on inflammatory mediators and their interaction with conventional CVD risk factors. Blood samples were collected from highly-trained men ( n = 16, 21.8 ± 4.0 years) as well as from nonactive men ( n = 20, 21.1 ± 1.1 years). NO concentration did not differ between groups while TNFα, 3-Nitro, oxLDL, and CRP levels were significantly higher in athletes compared to nonathletes. TNFα reached even 7-fold higher level in athletes and was highly correlated with CVD risk factor such as TG, lipoproteins LDL and HDL as well as CRP. Approximately 50% of physically active men demonstrated a 20% increase in non-HDL caused by high levels of TC and LDL. These findings suggest that athletes with a high exercise volume demonstrate increased levels of circulating biomarkers of vascular inflammation and may be more likely to have CVD.

Regular exercise plays an important preventive and therapeutic role in heart and vascular diseases, and beneficially affects brain function. In blood, the effects of exercise appear to be very complex and could include protection of vascular endothelial cells via neurotrophic factors and decreased oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to identify the age-related changes in peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its relationship to oxidative damage and conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers, such as atherogenic index, C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), in active and inactive men. Seventeen elderly males (61-80 years) and 17 young males (20-24 years) participated in this study. According to the 6-min Åstrand-Rhyming bike test, the subjects were classified into active and inactive groups. The young and elderly active men had a significantly better lipoprotein profile and antioxidant status, as well as reduced oxidative damage and inflammatory state. The active young and elderly men had significantly higher plasma BDNF levels compared to their inactive peers. BDNF was correlated with VO2max (r=0.765, P