Lymphocyte antioxidant response and H2O2 production after a swimming session: Gender differences

This study evaluated the gender differences in response to intense exercise on lymphocyte hydrogen peroxide production, nitric oxide handling and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity and gene expression. Fifteen males and nine females participated voluntarily in the study and performed a swimming session at 75–80% of the maximal capacity. In basal conditions females presented higher lymphocyte MnSOD activity compared to males (p<0.05). Exercise increased MnSOD activity in males (p<0.05) reaching similar values to females. MnSOD gene expression was also increased in males after exercise (p<0.05) but not in females. Nitrite concentration and iNOS gene expression significantly increased only in males after swimming (p<0.01). The exercise decreased UCP-3 gene expression in both genders (p<0.05). Lymphocyte H₂O₂ production significantly increased in males after exercise in non-stimulated and in PMA-stimulated cells (p<0.01). In conclusion, females seem to be more protected against oxidative stress induced by a swimming session. Hydrogen peroxide is mainly produced in males and this subsequently leads to increases in MnSOD gene expression and activity.     

Effects of low-intensity prolonged exercise on PGC-1 mRNA expression in rat epitrochlearis muscle

We previously reported that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) mRNA in rat epitrochlearis muscle was increased after swimming exercise training. In the present study, we demonstrated further that PGC-1 mRNA expression in the epitrochlearis muscle of 4-5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats was increased after a 6-h acute bout of low-intensity swimming exercise. With this increase, the expression level was approximately 8-fold of control and immersion group rats that stayed for 6-h in warm water, maintained at the identical temperature of the swimming barrel (35 degrees C) (p<0.01). Second, PGC-1 mRNA expression in the muscle was found to have increased 6-h after 30 10-s tetani contractions were induced by in vitro electrical stimulation. Finally, PGC-1 mRNA expression in the muscle incubated for 18-h with 0.5mM 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR: a 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator) was elevated to approximately 3-fold of the control muscle (n=6, p<0.001). AMPK activity in epitrochlearis muscle after the swimming was also found to be elevated to approximately 4-fold of the pre-exercise value (p<0.001). These results may suggest that an acute bout of low-intensity prolonged swimming exercise directly enhances the PGC-1 mRNA expression in the activated muscle during exercise, possibly through, at least in part, an AMPK-related mechanism.     

Epitoky in Nereis (Neanthes) virens (Polychaeta: Nereididae): a story about sex and death

The nereidid Nereis (Neanthes) virens undergoes drastic behavioural, morphological and physiological changes during its sexual maturation (epitoky). This metamorphosis prepares benthic worms for a brief pelagic existence devoted to mating although in N. virens only mature males leave their burrows to swarm. After spawning, individuals of both sexes die. Specific adjustments of energy metabolism pathway allowing higher muscular activity and swimming capacity remain to be eluded. This study compared atokous worms (immature) and epitokous (mature) swimming males and benthic females of N. virens to detect metabolic changes that could occur during epitoky. Epitokous males showed significantly higher electron transport system, citrate synthase and aspartate aminotransferase activities (p<0.01) and significantly lower lactate dehydrogenase activity (p<0.01) compared to atokous worms and epitokous females. There was no difference in antioxidant enzyme capacities between epitokes and atokes. Lipase and trypsin activities were significantly lower (p<0.01) in epitokous males. The enzymatic changes observed are likely related to the metabolic adjustments required to support higher swimming abilities. Maintenance of antioxidant capacities could be related to protection of germinal tissues more than long term survival, since N. virens die after spawning.     

The effect of exercise and zinc supplement on the hematological parameters in rats

This study evaluates the consequences of a session of intensive short-duration exercise and Zn supplementation on different hematological variables. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10): the first nonsupplemented, maintained at rest (R); the second nonsupplemented, undergoing exercise (E); the third supplemented with Zn, kept at rest (ZnR); and the fourth supplemented with Zn, undergoing exercise (ZnE). Zinc supplements (200 ppm) were given in drinking water. The exercise consisted of a single session of swimming until exhaustion. At rest, RBC, Hb, and Hto fell (p<0.05), whereas red cell indices, MCV, and MCH rose (p<0.05) in +ZnR compared with R; MCHC remained unchanged (ZnR vs R). After exercise, RBC, Hb, and Hto increased significantly in E and in ZnE compared with R and ZnR, respectively. In addition, RBC and Hb were lower (p<0.01) in ZnE compared with E; however, MCV and MCH were higher (p<0.05) in the group ZnE vs E. With respect to white blood cells—leukocytes (WBC), limphocytes (LYMPH), and neutrophiles (NEUT)—no significant differences were observed between groups at rest (ZnR vs R). WBC and LYMPH increased significantly in E with respect to the rest situation (E vs R), but this did not happen in supplemented animals (ZnE vs ZnR). Level of pH decreased after exercise both in E and in ZnE, but the fall was lower in the latter. We believe that a single session of swimming until exhaustion leads to an increase in RBC, Hb, and Hto without causing changes in MCV, MCH, and MCHC. On the other hand, Zn supplementation leads to an increase of MCV and MCH, although they remain within normal levels. Furthermore, this supplementation produces lower metabolic acidoses after exercise that leads to leukocyte stability.     

The effects of whole-body vibration on EMG activity of the lower body muscles in supine static bridge position

Objectives:The purpose of the current study was to firstly examine the effects of different whole-body vibration (WBV) frequencies in the lower-body muscles when applied simultaneously during a bridge exercise. Secondly, determine if there were any sex differences in the lower-body muscles of WBV during the bridge.Methods:Seven females and 7 males completed 2 familiarization and 1 test sessions. In the test session participants were randomized to complete one 30 s bout of a bridge exercise for 3 separate condition s followed by 3-min of rest. The 3 conditions (a) No-WBV (without WBV); (b) WBV-30 (30 Hz, low amplitude); (c) WBV-50 (50 Hz, low amplitude) were performed on a WBV platform. Muscle activity of the biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), gluteus maximus (Gmax), multifidus muscle (MF) muscles were measured.Results:Muscle activity was increased with WBV in the BF and ST muscles at WBV-30 and WBV-50 conditions (p<0.05) vs. no-WBV. During No-WBV and WBV-50 conditions, males had a higher biceps femoris activity compared to females for (p<0.05) 45 and 27 %, respectively; however, during all conditions females had a high level of Gmax activity (57%) than males (p<0.05).Conclusion:Additional vibration at 30 and 50 Hz during the bridge exercise could be a useful method to enhance hamstring muscle activity.     

Acute exercise stimulates macrophage function: possible role of NF-kappaB pathways

Moderate physical activity when performed on a regular basis presents a number of benefits to the whole organism, especially regarding immune system function, such as augmenting resistance to infections and to cancer growth. Although glutamine production by active muscle cells as well as neuroendocrine alterations mediated by the chronic adaptation to exercise may play a role, the entire mechanism by which exercise makes the immune system aware of challenges remains mostly uncovered. This is particularly true for the effects of an acute exercise session on immune function. In this work, circulating monocytes/macrophages from sedentary rats submitted to an acute (1 h) swimming session were tested for the ability of phagocytosing zymosan particles, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced hydrogen peroxide production, nitric oxide (NO) release (assessed by nitrate and nitrite production) and the expression of NO synthases (NOS-1, NOS-2 and NOS-3). The results showed that an exercise bout induced a 2.4-fold rise in macrophage phagocytic capacity (p = 0.0041), a 9.6-fold elevation in PMA-induced hydrogen peroxide release into the incubation media (1-h, p = 0.0022) and a 95.5%-augmentation in nitrite basal production (1-h incubation; p = 0.0220), which was associated with a marked expression of NOS-2 (the inducible NOS isoform; p = 0.0319), but not in other NOS gene products. Although NOS-2 expression is nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent, no systemic oxidative stress was found, as inferred from the data of plasma TBARS and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) to glutathione (GSH) ratio in circulating blood erythrocytes which remained constant after the acute exercise. Also, no stressful situation seemed to be faced by monocytes/macrophages, since the expression of the 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) remained unchanged. We conclude that NF-kappaB-dependent induction of NOS-2 and macrophage activation must be related to local factor(s) produced in the surroundings of monocytes/macrophages.     

Regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling respiration during exercise in rat heart: role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and uncoupling protein 2

The physiological significance of cardiac mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2)-mediated uncoupling respiration in exercise is unknown. In the current study, mitochondrial respiratory function, UCP2 mRNA level, UCP2-mediated respiration (UCR), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity were determined in rat heart with or without endurance training after an acute bout of exercise of different duration. In the untrained rats, state 4 respiration and UCR-independent respiration rates were progressively increased with exercise time and were 64 and 70% higher, respectively, than resting rate at 150 min, whereas UCR was elevated by 86% with no significant change in state 3 respiration. UCP2 mRNA level showed a 5- and 4-fold increase, respectively, after 45 and 90 min of exercise, but returned to resting level at 120 and 150 min. Mitochondrial ROS production and membrane potential (Deltapsi) increased progressively until 120 min, followed by a decrease to the resting level at 150 min. MnSOD mRNA abundance showed a 2-fold increase at 120 min but MnSOD activity did not change with exercise. Training significantly increased mitochondrial ATP synthetase activity, ADP to oxygen consumption (P/O) ratio, respiratory control ratio, and MnSOD activity, whereas exercise-induced state 4 respiration, UCR, ROS production, and Deltapsi were attenuated in the trained rats. We conclude that (1) UCP2 mRNA expression and activity in rat heart can be upregulated during prolonged exercise, which may reduce cross-membrane Deltapsi and thus ROS production; and (2) endurance training can blunt exercise-induced UCP2 and UCR, and improve mitochondrial efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation due to increased removal of ROS.     

The main neutrophil and neutrophil-related functions may compensate for each other following exercise-a finding from training in university judoists.

In order to clarify the relationship between exercise and neutrophil function, we measured three major neutrophil and neutrophil-related functions, viz. the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability and phagocytic activity (PA) of neutrophils and serum opsonic activity (SOA), simultaneously before and after a unified loading exercise under three different sets of conditions. Thirteen female collegiate judoists were examined with a unified exercise loading (2 h) immediately before and after a 64 day training period. Immediately thereafter, the athletes took part in a 6 day intensified training camp, following which the same exercise loading was repeated. Responses from circulating neutrophils were estimated by comparing the two sets of values obtained before and after the two instances of exercise loading. The parameters assessed included neutrophil count, SOA, PA and ROS production capability. ROS production increased after the exercise loading performed immediately before and after the 64 day training period just before the camp, (p < 0.01) but decreased following the exercise loading performed after the camp (p < 0.05). This suggested depressed bacteriocidal capability of the circulating neutrophils. PA decreased after the exercise loading sessions imposed prior to and after the 64 day training period (p < 0.01) but did not change in the loading session after the camp. No changes were seen in SOA produced with the loading exercise either before the 64 day exercise period or before the camp, but increased significantly following the post-camp session (p < 0.05). In conclusion, athletic training-induced changes in immune functional activities of neutrophils, such as ROS production and PA, and neutrophil-related factors, such as SOA, may compensate for each other to maintain the overall integrity of the neutrophil immune function.     

游泳训练对小鼠心肌PKCδ/P66shc蛋白表达的影响*

目的:探究不同强度的游泳训练对小鼠心肌P66shc蛋白的影响。方法:将50只昆明小鼠随机分为对照组(C组)、负重游泳组(E组)、负重游泳+药物组(ER组)、非负重游泳组(P组)、非负重游泳+药物组(PR组),10只/组。C组不运动,E组、ER组、P组、PR组进行4周游泳训练,其中E组、ER组以体重3%负荷进行负重游泳,P组、PR组无负重游泳,60 min/d,每周6次。ER组、PR组小鼠在最后2次运动前腹腔注射PKCδ抑制剂Rottlerin(0.3 mg/kg),C组、E组、P组注射同等剂量生理盐水。在训练结束24 h后取样,Western blot测定小鼠心肌PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P66shc、P-P66shc、NOX2蛋白表达;免疫共沉淀测PKCδ和P66shc;生化分析心肌及血清丙二醛(MDA)、心肌活性氧(ROS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)。结果:与C组比较,E组的PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P66shc、P-P66shc、NOX2蛋白表达均明显增加(P＜0.01),血清和心肌MDA水平、心肌ROS明显增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),心肌SOD活性降低(P＜0.01),P组的PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P-P66shc和NOX2明显增加(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),心肌SOD活性增强(P＜0.05);与E组比较,ER组PKCδ(P＜0.01)、P-PKCδ(P＜0.01)、P66shc(P＜0.05)、P-P66shc(P＜0.01)、NOX2(P＜0.05)蛋白表达明显减少,P组P66shc蛋白表达显著减少(P＜0.05),心肌MDA(P＜0.01)和ROS(P＜ 0.05)减少,SOD活性增强(P＜0.01);与P组比较,PR组的PKCδ、P-PKCδ、P-P66shc蛋白表达明显减少(P＜ 0.01),NOX2增加(P＜0.05)。结论:两种强度的游泳训练均促使小鼠心肌细胞内PKCδ蛋白及其磷酸化增加;高强度游泳训练可显著增强P66shc蛋白表达及磷酸化水平,导致ROS大量生成,抗氧化酶活性下降;低强度游泳训练增强P66shc磷酸化但不促进其蛋白表达,心肌抗氧化能力增强,产生运动适应。     

秋葵籽油对高强度运动所致肝损伤的保护作用

本研究考察了秋葵籽油对高强度运动所致肝损伤的保护作用及机制。研究显示,对昆明小鼠灌胃不同剂量(10 mg/kg,20 mg/kg和50 mg/kg)的秋葵籽油4周后,秋葵籽油以剂量依赖性方式提高了小鼠的力竭游泳时间(p<0.05)。秋葵籽油降低了小鼠血清乳酸和尿素氮水平,并升高了血清游离脂肪酸和肝糖原水平(p<0.05)。秋葵籽油以剂量依赖性方式提高了小鼠肝脏组织中SOD、CAT和GSH-Px活性,并抑制了MDA的合成(p<0.05)。秋葵籽油抑制了力竭游泳诱导的小鼠血清CK、AST和ALT水平及肝脏组织NO水平的升高(p<0.05)。此外,苏木精和伊红(HE)染色证实了秋葵籽油减轻了力竭游泳诱导的肝脏病理改变。因此,本研究初步结论表明,在高强度运动过程中,秋葵籽油可通过抑制乳酸和尿素氮的积累、增加脂肪动员、降低糖原消耗、减弱氧化应激损伤等多种途径来对肝脏发挥保护作用。     

Part of the series: from dietary antioxidants to regulators in cellular signalling and gene expression. Role of reactive oxygen species and (phyto)oestrogens in the modulation of adaptive response to stress

There is increasing evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only toxic but play an important role in cellular signalling and in the regulation of gene expression. We, here, discuss two examples of improved adaptive response to an altered cellular redox state. First, differences in longevity between males and females may be explained by a higher expression of antioxidant enzymes in females resulting in a lower yield of mitochondrial ROS. Oestrogens are made responsible for these phenomena. Oestradiol induces glutathione peroxidase-1 and MnSOD by processes requiring the cell surface oestrogen receptor (ER) and the activation of pathways usually involved in oxidative stress response. Second, oxygen radicals produced during moderate exercise as performed during training up-regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes in muscle cells. An increased level of these enzymes might prevent oxidative damage during exhaustive exercise and should, therefore, not be prevented by antioxidants. The relevance of these findings is discussed in the context with observations made in transgenic animals overexpressing MnSOD or catalase.     

The effects of exhaustive exercise on the activity levels of catalase in various tissues of male and female rats

The effects of exhaustive exercise on the activity levels of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) in various tissues of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated. Both the male and female rats were subdivided into an experimental group and a control group consisting of eight rats each. One group of each sex was subjected to a swimming session of 1 h (experimental group) while the other group of each sex served as sedentary control groups. The tissues investigated were liver, heart, kidney and lung. The activity levels of catalase in all the tissues investigated were significantly (P< 0.05) elevated in both male and female rats as a result of exercise. The average increase in the activity levels of catalase in the various tissues investigated for both male and female rats was 417% (males 404%; females 430%). The male and female rats exhibited comparable activity levels of catalase in all the tissues investigated. The higher activity levels of catalase as a result of exercise might be indicative of a compensatory measure to counteract the possible detrimental effects associated with oxidative stress.     

Differential Impact of Acute High-Intensity Exercise on Circulating Endothelial Microparticles and Insulin Resistance between Overweight/Obese Males and Females

BackgroundAn acute bout of exercise can improve endothelial function and insulin sensitivity when measured on the day following exercise. Our aim was to compare acute high-intensity continuous exercise (HICE) to high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese men and women.MethodsInactive males (BMI = 30 ± 3, 25 ± 6 yr, n = 6) and females (BMI = 28 ± 2, 21 ± 3 yr, n = 7) participated in three experimental trials in a randomized counterbalanced crossover design: 1) No exercise control (Control); 2) HICE (20 min cycling @ just above ventilatory threshold); 3) HIIE (10 X 1-min @ ∼90% peak aerobic power). Exercise conditions were matched for external work and diet was controlled post-exercise. Fasting blood samples were obtained ∼18 hr after each condition. CD62E⁺ and CD31⁺/CD42b^- EMPs were assessed by flow cytometry and insulin resistance (IR) was estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR).ResultsThere was a significant sex X exercise interaction for CD62E+ EMPs, CD31+/CD42b- EMPs, and HOMA-IR (all P<0.05). In males, both HICE and HIIE reduced EMPs compared to Control (P≤0.05). In females, HICE increased CD62E+ EMPs (P<0.05 vs. Control) whereas CD31+/CD42b- EMPs were unaltered by either exercise type. There was a significant increase in HOMA-IR in males but a decrease in females following HIIE compared to Control (P<0.05).ConclusionsOverweight/obese males and females appear to respond differently to acute bouts of high-intensity exercise. A single session of HICE and HIIE reduced circulating EMPs measured on the morning following exercise in males but in females CD62E+ EMPs were increased following HICE. Next day HOMA-IR paradoxically increased in males but was reduced in females following HIIE. Future research is needed to investigate mechanisms responsible for potential differential responses between males and females.     

Divergent cell signaling after short-term intensified endurance training in human skeletal muscle

Endurance training represents one extreme in the continuum of skeletal muscle plasticity. The molecular signals elicited in response to acute and chronic exercise and the integration of multiple intracellular pathways are incompletely understood. We determined the effect of 10 days of intensified cycle training on signal transduction in nine inactive males in response to a 1-h acute bout of cycling at the same absolute workload (164 +/- 9 W). Muscle biopsies were taken at rest and immediately and 3 h after the acute exercise. The metabolic signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), demonstrated divergent regulation by exercise after training. AMPK phosphorylation increased in response to exercise ( approximately 16-fold; P < 0.05), which was abrogated posttraining (P < 0.01). In contrast, mTOR phosphorylation increased in response to exercise ( approximately 2-fold; P < 0.01), which was augmented posttraining (P < 0.01) in the presence of increased mTOR expression (P < 0.05). Exercise elicited divergent effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways after training, with exercise-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation being abolished (P < 0.01) and p38 MAPK maintained. Finally, calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) exercise-induced phosphorylation and activity were maintained (P < 0.01), despite increased expression ( approximately 2-fold; P < 0.05). In conclusion, 10 days of intensified endurance training attenuated AMPK, ERK1/2, and mTOR, but not CaMKII and p38 MAPK signaling, highlighting molecular pathways important for rapid functional adaptations and maintenance in response to intensified endurance exercise and training.     

Effects of estradiol benzoate and progesterone on superoxide dismutase activity in the thymus of rats

The activity of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and cytosol superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) was measured in corresponding subcellular fractions prepared from the thymi of intact and chronically gonadectomized (GX) rats of both sexes, as well as of GX male and female rats injected subcutaneously with a single dose of 5 microg estradiol benzoate (EB) and/or 2 mg progesterone (P). Animals were sacrificed 2 h or 24 h following hormone treatment. In the females, the activity of MnSOD in the thymus was stable during the estrous cycle and did not change after ovariectomy. Treatment of GX females with estradiol benzoate resulted 2 h later in a significant elevation of MnSOD activity, whereas 24 h later the activity returned back to control values. On the other hand, treatment of GX females with progesterone had no effect on the MnSOD activity. However, combined hormone treatment, in which EB injection preceded progesterone injection by one hour, enhanced the effect on MnSOD activity similar to that of estradiol benzoate alone. The activity of CuZnSOD in cycling rats was increased in proestrus, whereas removal of the ovaries kept the values at low diestrus and estrus levels. Contrary to MnSOD, CuZnSOD activity did not change after EB treatment of GX females, while progesterone increased the enzyme activity at 2 h and 24 h after hormone treatment. However, combined EB+P treatment proved to be ineffective. In the males, neither MnSOD nor CuZnSOD activity was affected by the removal of testes or by progesterone treatment of GX animals. Only EB injection to GX rats significantly increased CuZnSOD activity 24 h later.     

THE EFFECTS OF EXHAUSTIVE EXERCISE ON THE ACTIVITY LEVELS OF CATALASE IN VARIOUS TISSUES OF MALE AND FEMALE RATS

The effects of exhaustive exercise on the activity levels of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) in various tissues of male and female Sprague—Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated. Both the male and female rats were subdivided into an experimental group and a control group consisting of eight rats each. One group of each sex was subjected to a swimming session of 1h (experimental group) while the other group of each sex served as sedentary control groups. The tissues investigated were liver, heart, kidney and lung. The activity levels of catalase in all the tissues investigated were significantly (P< 0.05) elevated in both male and female rats as a result of exercise. The average increase in the activity levels of catalase in the various tissues investigated for both male and female rats was 417% (males 404%; females 430%). The male and female rats exhibited comparable activity levels of catalase in all the tissues investigated. The higher activity levels of catalase as a result of exercise might be indicative of a compensatory measure to counteract the possible detrimental effects associated with oxidative stress.     

Role of alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptors in rat monocyte/macrophage function at rest and acute exercise

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that a single bout of moderate exercise stimulates macrophage function, increasing phagocytic capacity, and production of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO˙) through nuclear factor kappa B activation. In this work, we investigated the role of α- and β-adrenoreceptors on the function of monocyte/macrophages during rest and exercise. Adult male Wistar rats were i.p. administered (100 μL/100 g) with specific adrenergic antagonists before an acute moderate exercise bout: prazosin (α₁-specific antagonist 2 mg/kg), propranolol (unspecific β_1/β₂ antagonist 10 mg/kg), double blockade (α₁ and β_1/β₂), or phosphate-buffered saline (control). Acute exercise consisted in a single swimming session of moderate intensity (5 % body weight overload on the chest) for 60 min. Control groups (rest) received the same antagonists and were killed 60 min after drug administration. Exercise increased phagocytic capacity (1.7-fold, p?<?0.05), NO˙ production (5.24 fold, p?<?0.001), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) expression (by 58.1 %), thus suggesting macrophage activation. The β-adrenoreceptor blockade did not change this behavior. In resting animals, α₁ antagonist, as well as the double (α₁/β) blockade, however, further increased phagocytic capacity (by up to 261 %, p?<?0.001), NO˙ production (by up to 328 %, p?<?0.001), and the expressions of NOS2 (by 182 %, p?<?0.001) and HSP70 (by 42.5 %, p?<?0.01) suggesting a tonic inhibitory effect of α₁ stimulation on macrophage activation. In exercised animals, α₁-blockade showed similar enhancing effect on phagocytic indices and expressions of NOS and HSP70, particularly in double-blocked groups, although NO˙ production was found to be reduced in exercised animals submitted to both α- and β-blockade. Redox (glutathione) status and lipoperoxidation were evaluated in all test groups and approximately paralleled macrophage NO˙ production. We suggest the prevalence of a peripheral α₁-adrenoreceptor inhibitory tonus that limits macrophage responsiveness but operates differently after physical exercise.     

Effects of 20 days horizontal bed rest on mechanical efficiency during steady state exercise at mild-moderate work intensities in young subjects

Delta efficiency(DE) at mild-moderate (31%-56% of maximum oxygen uptake) bicycle exercise in the upright sitting and in the supine position was measured in 10 young males and 5 females before and after 20 days bed rest (BR). Total muscle mass in the both legs(TMML) were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. After BR, oxygen uptake decreased at all intensities during upright exercise and at 100 W during supine exercise (p<0.05) in the males but cardiac output (acetylene rebreathing) was almost unchanged. As defined as increase in work over the corresponding increase in energy liberation, DE significantly increased by 20.1% during upright exercise and 18.4% during supine exercise in males, but unchanged in females. TMML was decreased in both males and females. The differences in DE between males and females could not be explained in the present study. One possibility might be that the decreased DE was due to a simultaneous decrease in slow twitch muscle fiber content which might be responsible for the decreased TMML induced by BR in the males.     

有氧运动对2型糖尿病大鼠骨骼肌ERK1/2活性的影响

目的：观察有氧运动对2型糖尿病大鼠骨骼肌细胞外信号调节激酶（ERK1/2）活性的影响,探讨有氧运动对2型糖尿病的预防和调控机制。方法：将75只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组（CON）、糖尿病对照1组（DC1）、糖尿病运动1组（DE1）、糖尿病对照2组（DC2）、糖尿病运动2组（DE2）5组（n=15）。正常对照组用普通饲料喂养,糖尿病组用高脂高糖配方饲料喂养。经过8周高脂高糖喂养后,糖尿病2组大鼠腹腔内注射链脲佐菌素（STZ）,诱发2型糖尿病;糖尿病运动1组游泳的最后1周初和糖尿病对照1组同时注射STZ,注射剂量为35 mg/kg,3 d后尾部取血测血糖≥ 16.7 mmol/L为造模成功。运动干预8周后,测定大鼠血清胰岛素、骨骼肌中ERK1/2蛋白表达等指标。结果：①与正常对照组比较,糖尿病各对照组血液中总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL-C）、游离脂肪酸（FFA）显著升高（P<0.05,P<0.01）,空腹血糖（FBG）、胰岛素（FIN）含量和胰岛素抵抗指数（HOMA-IR）显著升高（P<0.01）,ERK1/2磷酸化的蛋白表达显著下降（P<0.05）,糖尿病对照2组ERK1/2蛋白含量显著下降（P<0.05）;②8周游泳运动后,与糖尿病对照组比较,糖尿病运动组血液中TC、TG、FFA、LDL-C显著下降（P<0.05）,FBG、FIN、HOMA-IR显著下降（P<0.05,P<0.01）,ERK1/2磷酸化蛋白表达显著升高（P<0.05）。结论：长时间有氧运动,增加了骨骼肌ERK1/2磷酸化水平,改善了2型糖尿病大鼠胰岛素抵抗的状况,降低血糖。这可能是改善糖代谢紊乱,提高胰岛素敏感性的机制之一。     

Superoxide dismutase in gastric adenocarcinoma: is it a clinical biomarker in the development of cancer?

Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of gastric malignancies is well known. Many human tumours have shown significant changes in the activity and expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which might be correlated with clinical-pathological parameters for the prognosis of human carcinoma. The aim of this study is the detection of MnSOD and CuZnSOD activity and their expression in gastric adenocarcinoma and healthy tissues. Gastric samples (adenocarcinoma and healthy tissues) harvested during endoscopy or resected during surgery were used to determine MnSOD and CuZnSOD activity and expression by spectrophotometric and Western blotting assays. The total SOD activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in healthy mucosa with respect to gastric adenocarcinomas. No differences were found in MnSOD activity and, on the contrary, CuZnSOD activity was significantly lower (p<0.001) in cancer samples with respect to normal mucosa. The rate of MnSOD/CuZnSOD activity in adenocarcinoma was over ninefold higher than that registered in healthy tissues (p<0.05). Moreover, in adenocarcinoma MnSOD activity represented the 83% of total SOD with respect to healthy tissues where the ratio was 52% (p<0.001). On the contrary, in cancer tissues, CuZnSOD activity accounted for only 17% of the total SOD (p<0.001 if compared with the values recorded in normal mucosa). After immunoblotting, MnSOD was more expressed in adenocarcinoma with respect to normal mucosa (p<0.001), while CuZnSOD was similarly expressed in adenocarcinoma and healthy tissues. The SOD activity assay might provide a specific and sensitive method of analysis that allows the differentiation of healthy tissue from tumour tissue. The MnSOD to CuZnSOD activity ratio, and the ratio between these two isoforms and total SOD, presented in this preliminary study might be considered in the identification of cancerous from healthy control tissue.