Exercise-induced modulation of miR-149-5p and MMP9 in LPS-triggered diabetic myoblast ER stress: licorice glycoside E as a potential therapeutic target

Background:This study explores the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and diabetes,particularly focusing on the impact of physical exercise on ER stress mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic drugs and targets for diabetes-related sepsis.The research also incorporates traditional physical therapy perspectives,emphasizing the genomic insights gained from exercise therapy in disease management and prevention.Methods:Gene analysis was conducted on the GSE168796 and GSE94717 datasets to identify ER stress-related genes.Gene interactions and immune cell correlations were mapped using GeneCard and STRING databases.A screening of 2,456 compounds from the TCMSP database was performed to identify potential therapeutic agents,with a focus on their docking potential.Techniques such as luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA interference were used to examine the interactions between microRNA-149-5p and MMP9.Results:The study identified 2,006 differentially expressed genes and 616 miRNAs.Key genes like MMP9,TNF-α,and IL1B were linked to an immunosuppressive state.Licorice glycoside E demonstrated high affinity for MMP9,suggesting its potential effectiveness in treating diabetes.The constructed miRNA network highlighted the regulatory roles of MMP9,IL1B,IFNG,and TNF-α.Experimental evidence confirmed the binding of microRNA-149-5p to MMP9,impacting apoptosis in diabetic cells.Conclusion:The findings highlight the regulatory role of microRNA-149-5p in managing MMP9,a crucial gene in diabetes pathophysiology.Licorice glycoside E emerges as a promising treatment option for diabetes,especially targeting MMP9 affected by ER stress.The study also underscores the significance of physical exercise in modulating ER stress pathways in diabetes management,bridging traditional physical therapy and modern scientific understanding.Our study has limitations.It focuses on the microRNA-149-5p-MMP9 network in sepsis,using cell-based methods without animal or clinical trials.Despite strong in vitro findings,in vivo studies are needed to confirm licorice glycoside E’s therapeutic potential and understand the microRNA-149-5p-MMP9 dynamics in real conditions.

Treadmill exercise improves hippocampal neural plasticity and relieves cognitive deficits in a mouse model of epilepsy

Epilepsy frequently leads to cognitive dysfunction and approaches to treatment remain limited.Although regular exercise effectively improves learning and memory functions across multiple neurological diseases,its application in patients with epilepsy remains controversial.Here,we adopted a 14-day treadmill-exercise paradigm in a pilocarpine injection-induced mouse model of epilepsy.Cognitive assays confirmed the improvement of object and spatial memory after endurance training,and electrophysiological studies revealed the maintenance of hippocampal plasticity as a result of physical exercise.Investigations of the mechanisms underlying this effect revealed that exercise protected parvalbumin interneurons,probably via the suppression of neuroinflammation and improved integrity of blood-brain barrier.In summary,this work identified a previously unknown mechanism through which exercise improves cognitive rehabilitation in epilepsy.

Physical exercise and synaptic protection in human and pre-clinical models of multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis,only immunomodulato ry and immunosuppressive drugs are recognized as disease-modifying therapies.Howeve r,in recent years,several data from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggested a possible role of physical exe rcise as disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis.Current evidence is sparse and often conflicting,and the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and antinflammatory role of exercise in multiple sclerosis have not been fully elucidated.Data,mainly derived from pre-clinical studies,suggest that exe rcise could enhance longterm potentiation and thus neuroplasticity,could reduce neuroinflammation and synaptopathy,and dampen astrogliosis and microgliosis.In humans,most trials focused on direct clinical and MRI outcomes,as investigating synaptic,neuroinflammato ry,and pathological changes is not straightfo rward compared to animal models.The present review analyzed current evidence and limitations in research concerning the potential disease-modifying therapy effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis in animal models and human studies.

Aquatic exercise program-modulated oxidative stress markers in patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease.Oxidative stress,i.e.,the imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defense capacity of the body,plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease.Physical exercise can regulate oxidative stress.The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-and long-term effects of an aquatic exercise program on oxidative stress levels in patients with Parkinson's disease.The aquatic exercise program was carried out during 1 month with two sessions per week(1 hour/session).Blood samples were collected at four different time points:pre-intervention,immediately,48 hours,and 30 days after the first session of aquatic exercise program.Our results revealed that water-based programs modulated antioxidant enzyme activity,increased superoxide dismutase activity,reduced catalase activity,and increased the ratio of superoxide dismutase activity to catalase activity in patients with Parkinson's disease.Compared with pre-intervention and 48 hours after the first session of aquatic exercise program,superoxide dismutase activity was higher and catalase activity was lower immediately and 30 days after the first session.Our results demonstrated that aquatic exercise program could modulate oxidative stress,mainly by the effect of antioxidant enzyme activity.These results could better help understand the target of oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Centro Universitário Metodista IPA(approval No.1.373.911)on August 9,2019 and registered with REBEC(registration number:RBR-6 NJ4 MK).

The Impacts of Physical Exercise on Stress Coping and Well-Being in University Students in the Context of Leisure

This study aims at investigating the in-depth information regarding impacts of physical exercise on psychological well-being in university students with an emphasis on coping with stress in the context of leisure. A qualitative research, based on interview to draw findings in an inductive way, was conducted. Nine university students (N = 9) in a large mid-west university took part in a face- to face, semi-structured interviews using ten open-ended questions with respect to benefits of leisure time physical exercise. The interview on the basis of phenomenological research examined what the participants experienced with leisure time physical exercise in conjunction with stress coping and mental health. Meaningful units of themes were induced with 24 initially drawn themes. These themes were reduced to 8 comprehensive constituent themes: self-efficacy, positive emotion, mind and body, health-behaviors, self-esteem, leisure, problem-focused coping, and positive expectancy. These reduced themes were finally boiled down to 6 integrated themes: positive emotion, unity of mind and body, heightened self-esteem, leisure, problem-focused coping, and self-regulation of health behavior. This research may shed a light in illuminating potential mechanism of how regular physical exercise is conducive to enhanced health behavior as well as effective stress coping in university students in the context of leisure. In particular, this research appears to be meaningful in suggesting that regular leisure-time physical exercise can lead to an effective problem-focused coping through elicitation of positive emotion.

Shortness of breath in clinical practice: A case for left atrial function and exercise stress testing for a comprehensive diastolic heart failure workup

The symptom cluster of shortness of breath(SOB) contributes significantly to the outpatient workload of cardiology services. The workup of these patients includes blood chemistry and biomarkers, imaging and functional testing of the heart and lungs. A diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is inferred through the exclusion of systolic abnormalities, a normal pulmonary function test and normal hemoglobin, coupled with diastolic abnormalities on echocardiography. Differentiating confounders such as obesity or deconditioning in a patient with diastolic abnormalities is difficult. While the most recent guidelines provide more avenues for diagnosis, such as incorporating the left atrial size, little emphasis is given to understanding left atrial function, which contributes to at least 25% of diastolic left ventricular filling; additionally, exercise stress testing to elicit symptoms and test the dynamics of diastolic parameters, especially when access to the "gold standard" invasive tests is lacking, presents clinical translational gaps. It is thus important in diastolic heart failure work up to understand left atrial mechanics and the role of exercise testing to build a comprehensive argument for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure in a patient presenting with SOB.

Heart rate response and recovery during exercise predict future delirium risk——A prospective cohort study in middle-to older-aged adults

Background:Delirium is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by an abrupt decline in attention,awareness,and cognition after surgical/illness-induced stressors on the brain.There is now an increasing focus on how cardiovascular health interacts with neurocognitive disorders given their overlapping risk factors and links to subsequent dementia and mortality.One common indicator for cardiovascular health is the heart rate response/recovery(HRR)to exercise,but how this relates to future delirium is unknown.Methods:Electrocardiogram data were examined in 38,740 middle-to older-aged UK Biobank participants(mean age=58.1 years,range:40-72 years;47.3%males)who completed a standardized submaximal exercise stress test(15-s baseline,6-min exercise,and 1-min recovery)and required hospitalization during follow-up.An HRR index was derived as the product of the heart rate(HR)responses during exercise(peak/resting HRs)and recovery(peak/recovery HRs)and categorized into low/average/high groups as the bottom quartile/middle 2 quartiles/top quartile,respectively.Associations between 3 HRR groups and new-onset delirium were investigated using Cox proportional hazards models and a2-year landmark analysis to minimize reverse causation.Sociodemographic factors,lifestyle factors/physical activity,cardiovascular risk,comorbidities,cognition,and maximal workload achieved were included as covariates.Results:During a median follow-up period of 11 years,348 participants(9/1000)newly developed delirium.Compared with the high HRR group(16/1000),the risk for delirium was almost doubled in those with low HRR(hazard ratio=1.90,95%)confidence interval(95%CI):1.30-2.79,p=0.001)and average HRR(hazard ratio=1.54,95%CI:1.07-2.22,p=0.020)).Low HRR was equivalent to being 6 years older,a current smoker,or>3 additional cardiovascular disease risks.Results were robust in sensitivity analysis,but the risk appeared larger in those with better cognition and when only postoperative delirium was considered(n=147;hazard ratio=2.66,95%CI:1.46-4.85,p=0.001).Conclusion:HRR during submaximal exercise is associated with future risk for delirium.Given that HRR is potentially modifiable,it may prove useful for neurological risk stratification alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

The Effect of Aerobic Indoor Exercise Compared with Green Exercise on Different Symptoms of Depression: An Investigation of Psychological Mediators of Stress and Coping

Objectives: Considering the growing need for using a variety of new nonpharmacological methods in treating depression, this quasi experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of aerobic indoor exercise in a gym compared with green exercise in an outdoor green environment of an urban park on triple categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression and to examine its psychological mediators of perceived stress and coping strategies. Methods: Forty six female outpatients with major depressive disorder were divided into 3 conditions of indoor exercise + routine pharmacotherapy (n = 15), green exercise + routine pharmacotherapy (n = 15), and a routine pharmacotherapy alone as the control group (n = 16). The exercise used for both indoor and green exercise conditions consisted of 36 one hour sessions (three times per week) with an intensity of 50% - 70% of the maximum heart rate. The participants completed the pre- and post-intervention depression, stress and coping questionnaires including Beck Depression Inventory-II, Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Results: The findings indicated a significant decrease in the post-intervention scores of all three categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression and perceived stress in both exercise groups compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference between two exercise groups. With respect to the use of problem-focused, emotion-focused and avoidant-focused coping methods, there was no significant difference between post-intervention scores of all groups. Conclusion: In the clinical settings, both of the indoor exercise and green exercise programs can help to further improvement in all three categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression as an adjunct (or independent) treatment to the same degree, especially mediated by reducing the amount of perceived stress, but not through any significant changes in cognitive-behavioral coping strategies.

The Analysis of Wall Shear Stress Modulated by Acute Exercise in the Human Common Carotid Artery with an Elastic Tube Model

Assessment of the magnitude and pattern of wall shear stress(WSS)in vivo is the prerequisite for studying the quantitative relationship between exercise-induced WSS and arterial endothelial function.In the previous studies,the calculation of the WSS modulated by exercise training was primarily based upon the rigid tube model,which did not take non-linear effects of vessel elastic deformation into consideration.In this study,with an elastic tube model,we estimated the effect of a bout of 30-minute acute cycling exercise on the WSS and the flow rate in the common carotid artery according to the measured inner diameter,center-line blood flow velocity,heart rates and the brachial blood pressures before and after exercise training.Furthermore,the roles of exerciseinduced arterial diameter and blood flow rate in the change of WSS were also determined.The numerical results demonstrate that acute exercise significantly increases the magnitudes of blood flow rate and WSS.Moreover,the vessel elastic deformation is a non-negligible factor in the calculation of the WSS induced by exercise,which generates greater effects on the minimum WSS than the maximum WSS.Additionally,the contributions of exercise-induced variations in blood flow rate and diameter are almost identical in the change of the mean WSS.

Obesity promotes oxidative stress and exacerbates blood-brain barrier disruption after high-intensity exercise

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and high-intensity acute exercise on oxidant-antioxidant status,neurotrophic factor expression, and blood-brain barrier(BBB) disruption.Methods: Twenty-four healthy, untrained men(12 non-obese(mean 14.9% body fat) and 12 obese subjects(mean 29.8% body fat)) performed20 min of continuous submaximal aerobic exercise at 85% maximal oxygen consumption. Blood sampling was performed to examine the oxidant-antioxidant status(reactive oxygen species(ROS) and superoxide dismutase(SOD)), neurotrophic factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and nerve growth factor(NGF)), and BBB disruption(S100β and neuron-specific enolase) before and after acute exercise.Results: The obese group showed significantly higher pre-exercise serum ROS levels and significantly lower pre-exercise serum SOD levels than the non-obese group(p < 0.05). Serum ROS, SOD, BDNF, NGF, and S100β levels were significantly increased post-exercise compared with pre-exercise levels in both the non-obese and the obese groups(p < 0.05). The obese group showed significantly higher serum ROS, BDNF, NGF,and S100β levels post-exercise compared to the non-obese group(p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our study suggests that episodic vigorous exercise can increase oxidative stress and blood neurotrophic factor levels and induce disruption of the BBB. Moreover, high levels of neurotrophic factor in the blood after exercise in the obese group may be due to BBB disruption,and it is assumed that oxidative stress was the main cause of this BBB disruption.

The Effects of Accumulated Short Bouts of Mobile-Based Physical Activity Programs on Depression,Perceived Stress,and Negative Affectivity among College Students in South Korea:Quasi-Experimental Study

Regular physical activity(PA)is known to enhance multifaceted health benefits,including both physical and mental health.However,traditional in-person physical activity programs have drawbacks,including time constraints for busy people.Although evidence suggests positive impacts on mental health through mobile-based physical activity,effects of accumulated short bouts of physical activity using mobile devices are unexplored.Thus,this study aims to investigate these effects,focusing on depression,perceived stress,and negative affectivity among South Korean college students.Forty-six healthy college students were divided into the accumulated group(n=23,female=47.8%)and control group(n=23,female=47.6%).The accumulated group engaged in mobile-based physical activity,following guidelines to accumulate a minimum of two times per day and three times a week.Sessions were divided into short bouts,ensuing each bout lasted at least 10 min.The control group did not engage in any specific physical activity.The data analysis involved comparing the scores of the intervention and control groups using several statistical techniques,such as independent sample t-test,paired sample t-tests,and 2(time)×2(group)repeated measures analysis of variance.The demographic characteristics at the pre-test showed no statistically significant differences between the groups.The accumulated group had significant decreases in depression(t_(40)=2.59,p=0.013,Cohen’s D=0.84)and perceived stress(t_(40)=2.06,p=0.046,Cohen’s D=0.56)from the pre-to post-test.The control group exhibited no statistically significant differences in any variables.Furthermore,there were significant effects of time on depression scores(F1,36=4.77,p=0.036,η_(p)^(2)=0.12)while significant interaction effects were also observed for depression(F_(1,36)=6.59,p=0.015,η_(p)^(2)=0.16).This study offers informative insights into the potential advantages of mobile-based physical activity programs with accumulated periods for enhancing mental health,specifically in relation to depression.This study illuminates the current ongoing discussions on efficient approaches to encourage mobile-based physical activity and improve mental well-being,addressing various lifestyles and busy schedules.

Effect of Exhausting Exercise on Oxidative Stress in Health,Hemodialysis and Professional Sport

The aim of presented study is to compare parameters of oxidative stress in untrained volunteers, patients with chronic, non-motor related disease (dialysis patients) and professional athletes before and after exhaustive exercise. 40 subjects participated in the study: 14 healthy, untrained subjects, 12 hemodialysis patients and 14 professional rowers. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) were determined before and after exercise. Dialysis patients have increased oxidative stress at rest with highest NTBI, and show adaptation with increased values of GPx and decreased SOD. Professional athletes have low level of oxidative stress at basic circumstances with lowest NTBI, SOD, CAT and GPx as compared to untrained volunteers and dialysis patients. After strenuous exercise elevation of antioxidative enzymes is observed only in athletes, but not in untrained and dialysis patients. Due to limited antioxidative capacity, extreme physical effort is probably not recommended to dialysis patients and untrained people.

Lycopene Supplementation Attenuates Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Plasma of Humans with Cad after Intense Exercise

To investigate the effects of moderate and intense exercise (ME,IE) and lycopene (L) supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with CAD. Rehabilitation clinic.Thirty-two male volunteers with CAD (55.65 ? 2.27 years, 77.27 ? 3.95 kg, 171.9 ? 2.80 cm) were divided into four groups;ME-Placebo (n = 7), ME + L (n = 8), IE-Placebo (n = 8) and IE-L (n = 9). Blood samples (12 mL) were collected before supplementation (one cereal bars – 15 mg of syn-thetic lycopene) and exercise (45 min plus 15 min of stretching, 3/wk) and after five weeks of supplementation and 72 h after exercise. Nitrite/nitrate concentrations (NOx), lipoperoxidation (TBARS levels), protein carbonylation (PC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity were assessed in plasma. NOx decreased significantly in the ME-P, IE-P and ME-L groups at 72 h after exercise and increased in the IE-L 72 h after the last exercise session. The IE-L group demonstrated decreased TBARS at 72 h after the last exercise session. The level of PC increased only in EI-P at 72 h after the last exercise session, while only the EI-L group presented a reduction. SOD increased signifi-cantly in both placebo groups 72 h after the last exercise session and decreased in the ME-L group 72 h after in rela-tion to placebo groups. CAT increased in ME-P, IE-P and IE-L groups only at 72 h after the last exercise session. The lycopene supplementation attenuates some markers of oxidative stress associated with IE Lycopene also had dissimilar effects on some markers of oxidative stress in subjects undertaking ME versus IE.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Different Symptoms of Depression: An Investigation of Psychological Mechanisms of Stress and Coping

Objectives: Considering the growing need for encouraging greater use of a variety of non-pharmacological methods in treating depression, the aim of this quasi experimental study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on triple categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression and to investigate its psychological mediators of perceived stress and coping strategies. Methods: Forty five female outpatients with major depressive disorder were divided into three groups including exercise + usual pharmacotherapy (n = 15), psychotherapy + usual pharmacotherapy (n = 14) and a control group receiving only usual pharmacotherapy (n = 16). The exercise used was included 36 one hour session (three sessions per week) with a low to medium intensity of 50% to 70% of the maximal heart rate. The psychotherapy used in this study was the behavioral activation treatment for depression revised. The Persian version of Beck Depression Inventory-II, Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations were applied to assess the pre- and post-intervention depression, perceived stress, and coping strategies. Results: The findings indicated a significant decrease in the post-intervention scores of all three categories of affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms of depression and the perceived stress level in the adjunctive exercise and psychotherapy conditions compared with the control condition (p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the exercise and psychotherapy groups. In addition, no significant improvement was observed regarding the problem-centered, emotion-centered and avoidant-centered stress coping methods in the post-intervention scores of the exercise group compared with the control group. Conclusion: An adjunctive aerobic exercise program can be as effective as adding the psychotherapy to usual pharmacotherapy in further improvement in all three categories of depression symptoms especially mediated by reducing the amount of perceived stress, but not through any significant change in cognitive-behavioral coping strategies.

2D and 3D Analysis of Magnetocardiographic Data in the Evaluation of the Ventricular Repolarization Changes under Exercise Stress Test in Patients with CAD

Objective: Non-invasive methods of evaluation of electrical activity of the heart are still the most important functional diagnostics methods in coronary artery disease (CAD) detection. It has been shown that magnetocardiography (MCG) appears to be rather sensitive in diagnostics of chronic CAD even in the patients at rest with unchanged ECG. The objective of present paper is to investigate the influence of non-invasive tests with a physical exerciseon MCG parameters in the patients with chronic CAD. Materials and Methods: In total, 10 patients were examined (mean age 41 ± 5 years) suffering from chronic stable angina (CAD). CAD was diagnosed by clinical evidences, bicycle ergometria positive data and coronary angiography (stenosis > 70% in at least onr main coronary angiography). The control group consisted of 14 healthy volunteers. MCG mapping was performed by means of a 7-channel SQUID-magnetometer installed in an unshielded room. The MCG examination was conducted twice, whilst patients were at rest and after exercise on the bicycle (in healthy persons it was conducted immediately after exercise and in the patients, after the ST depression and/or chest pain had disappeared). The homogeneity and electric motive force (EMF) direction disturbances on magnetic field distribution maps on an extent of ST-T interval have been evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences between groups examined based both on 2D and 3D quantitative criteria were demonstrated. Conclusion: The application of a set of MCG criteria based on the analysis both of ventricular depolarization and repolarization will enable a greater degree of accuracy for the results of the exercise stress test, especially in doubtful cases.

Femoral neck stress fractures after trampoline exercise:A case report

BACKGROUND Femoral neck stress fractures(FNSFs)are commonly found in long-distance running athletes.For FNSFs,early diagnosis and proper treatment are important.The objective of this study was to report FNSFs that occurred after excessive exercise using trampoline in middle-aged women.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 43-year-old woman who exercised jumping on a trampoline for 6 wk for 1-3 h a day to diet.Exercise includes repeated flexion-extension of the hip joint.The patient was admitted to the hospital due to sudden bilateral groin pain that occurred suddenly during a trampoline exercise.Hip magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed bilateral FNSFs.After 2 wk of follow-up with conservative treatment,the pain slightly decreased.However,it did not disappear completely.It was determined that it was difficult to control symptoms only by conservation treatment.Thus,closed reduction and internal fixation using a cannulated screw were performed for the more painful left hip joint.After operation,the pain was improved.Walking using crutches was possible.Followup MRI showed that the right femoral head signal was decreased compared to the left femoral head signal.Therefore,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and conservative treatment were provided.CONCLUSION In middle-aged people,excessive trampoline exercise can repeat hip flexion and extension for a short period of time,leading to FNSFs.

Exercise stress echocardiography:Where are we now?

Exercise stress echocardiography(ESE)is a widely used diagnostic test in cardiology departments.ESE is mainly used to study patients with coronary artery disease;however,it has increasingly been used in other clinical scenarios including valve pathology,congenital heart disease,hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies,athlete evaluations,diastolic function evaluation,and pulmonary circulation study.In our laboratories,we use an established methodology in which cardiac function is evaluated while exercising on a treadmill.After completing the exercise regimen,patients remain in a standing position or lie down on the left lateral decubitus,depending on the clinical questions to be answered for further evaluation.This method increases the quality and quantity of information obtained.Here,we present the various methods of exercise stress echocardiography and our experience in many clinical arenas in detail.We also present alternatives to ESE that may be used and their advantages and disadvantages.We review recent advances in ESE and future directions for this established method in the study of cardiac patients and underline the advantage of using a diagnostic tool that is radiation-free.

Autonomic Function in Individuals with Slow Heart Rate Response following an Exercise Stress Test

Objective: To examine the autonomic function using HRV measures in apparently healthy individuals undergoing exercise stress test (EST) and demonstrating slow HRR response. Methods: HRV was measured with 12 lead ECGs during graded EST and analyzed via a post-processing method. Autonomic function was determined by Power Spectral Analysis of the very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and the ratio of LF/HF. We correlated HRV indices with resting, exercise, and recovery data. Results: No differences were found in anthropometric measurements, peak EST HR, and METS between individuals with slow HRR (below 18 b/min) compared with controls (HRR > 18 b/min). Only the VLF component of the HRV indices was statistically different (p = 0.03) at one-minute post-exercise compared with controls. Additionally, a significant correlation between HRR and resting LF and HF indices was found in the individuals with slow HRR but not in the controls. Conclusion: In apparently healthy individuals with slow HRR post-EST, autonomic function did not demonstrate any differences at any phase of the EST, including at one minute of recovery. However, a significant correlation was found between resting LF and HF powers and HRR in individuals with slow vagal reactivation post-exercise. The clinical and prognostic implications of such observation deserve further investigation.

Chronic exercise training versus acute endurance exercise in reducing neurotoxicity in rats exposed to lead acetate

After intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg lead acetate, rats received 8 weeks of treadmill exercise （15-22 m/min, 25-64 minutes） and/or treadmill exercise at 1.6 km/h until exhaustion. The markers related to neurotoxicity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. 8 weeks of treadmill exercise significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus （P = 0.04） and plasma level of total antioxidant capacity of rats exposed to lead acetate （P 〈 0.001）, and significantly decreased plasma level of malondialdehyde （P 〈 0.001）. Acute exercise only decreased the hippocampal malondialdehyde level （P = 0.09） and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the hippocampus （P = 0.66）. Acute exercise also enhanced the total antioxidant capacity in rats exposed to lead acetate, insignificantly （P = 0.99）, These findings suggest that chronic treadmill exercise can significantly decrease neurotoxicity and alleviate oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. However, acute endurance exercise was not associated with these beneficial effects.

Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography

BACKGROUND Obesity is a major health problem due to its high prevalence. The relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease is unclear. Some studies agree that certain conditions associated with obesity, such as physical inactivity or cardiovascular risk factors, are responsible for cardiovascular risk excess among obese people. Carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques(CP) have been associated with cardiovascular adverse events in healthy populations, and recent data suggest a higher prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in obese and metabolically unhealthy patients. However, there are no studies correlating subclinical atherosclerosis and adverse events(AE) in obese subjects.AIM To determine the association between carotid disease and AE in obese patients with negative exercise echocardiography(EE).METHODS From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010, 2000 consecutive patients with a suspicion of coronary artery disease were submitted for EE and carotid ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria included previous vascular disease, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, positive EE, significant valvular heart disease and inferior to submaximal EE. An AE was defined as all-cause mortality,myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as CP presence according to Manheim and the American Society of Echocardiography Consensus.RESULTS Of the 652 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 226(34.7%) had body mass indexes ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 76 of them(33.6%) had CP. During a mean follow-up time of 8.2(2.1) years, 27 AE were found(11.9%). Mean event-free survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 99.1%(0.6), 95.1%(1.4) and 86.5%(2.7), respectively. In univariate analysis, CP predicted AE [hazard ratio(HR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.17-5.46; P = 0.019]. In multivariable analysis, the presence of CP remained a predictor of AE(HR 2.26, 95%CI 1.04-4.95, P = 0.041). Other predictors identified were glomerular filtration rate(HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96-0.99; P= 0.023), peak metabolic equivalents(HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.70–0.99, P = 0.034) and moderate mitral regurgitation(HR 5.02, 95%CI 1.42–17.75, P = 0.012).CONCLUSION Subclinical atherosclerosis defined by CP predicts AE in obese patients with negative EE. These patients could benefit from aggressive prevention measures.