The effect of regular Taekwondo exercise on Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Stroop test in undergraduate student

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Taekwondo exercise on Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the Stroop test in undergraduate students.

[Methods]

Fourteen male subjects participated in this study. They were separated into a Control group (N = 7) and an Exercise group (N = 7). Subjects participated in Taekwondo exercise training for 8 weeks. They underwent to Taekwondo exercise training for 85 minutes per day, 5 times a week at RPE of 11~15. The taekwondo exercise training comprised an aerobic exercise (20min) mode and a dynamic exercise (65min) mode. All data were analyzed by repeated measures two-way ANOVA.

[Results]

There were no significant differences in the physical characteristics of the subjects. Although weight and BMI showed a tendency to decreased in the exercise group (EG). Also, neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF, IGF-1) were not significantly different after 8 weeks in the two groups. However, BDNF and IGF-1 showed a tendency to increase in the exercise group (EG). Finally, the Stroop test (word, color) results were significantly different(p < .05) in the exercise group (EG).

[Conclusion]

These finding suggest that 8 weeks of regular Taekwondo exercise training may increase cognitive functions (Stroop test). However the training did not statistically affect neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF, IGF-1) in undergraduate students.     

Effect of high-intensity exercise and high-fat diet on lipid metabolism in the liver of rats

[Purpose]

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity exercise (Ex) and high dietary fat intake on lipid metabolism in the liver of rats.

[Methods]

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the four groups (n=10 per group) that were maintained on a normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) consisting of 30% fat (w/w), with or without exercise on a treadmill at 30 m/min and 8% grade) for 4 weeks (i.e., ND, ND+Ex, HFD, and HFD+Ex groups).

[Results]

Body weight (p<.001), total plasma cholesterol (TC) (p<.001), triglyceride (TG) (p<.05), and liver TG levels (p<.05) were increased in the HFD group relative to the ND groups, and serum glucose (p<.05), insulin (p<.05), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p<.01), and liver TG levels (p<.01) were also higher in the HFD group compared to the ND+Ex group. Plasma free fatty acid was elevated in the HFD+Ex group compared to the HFD group (p<.01). With the exception of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver was altered in the Ex groups compared to the control group (p<.05), with genes involved in lipolysis specifically up regulated in the HFD+Ex group compared to the other groups.

[Conclusion]

Vigorous exercise may increase glucose utilization and fat oxidation by activating genes in the liver that are associated with lipid metabolism compared to that in animals consuming a HFD without exercise. Therefore, high intensity exercise can be considered to counter the adverse effects of high dietary fat intake.     

Effects of combined exercise on cardiovascular risk factors and serum BDNF level in mid-aged women

[Purpose]

The purposes of this study is first to examine a positive effect of long term combined exercise including aerobic and resistance exercise on increasing level of serum BDNF, and investigate how aerobic exercise is related to improving BDNF circulation and resistance exercise improves fat oxidation in mid-aged women.

[Methods]

Initially, 30 mid-aged women, according to their exercise preference, was randomly assigned as a non-exercise group (n=7, control group; CG) and exercise group (n=23). Then, 23 exercise participants were divided by aerobic exercise group (n=15, AEG) and combination of aerobic and resistance exercise group (n=8, CEG). Prior to the experiment, all participants’maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), body composition, and blood factors were measured. Changes (Δ delta value) in body composition, fitness level, and serum BDNF level of the different groups were tested through one way ANOVA.

[Results]

For AEG and CG after 24 weeks, VO₂max and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were significantly increased. During this period, CEG had significant increase in muscular strength and decrease in triglyceride (TG) total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C (p=0.013). Continuously, serum BDNF concentration of both AEG and CEG was significantly increased (F=6.328, p=0.001) compared to CG. There, however, was no significant between-group difference.

[Conclusion]

Although there was no difference in serum BDNF level between AEG and CEG, we confirmed that CEG may have a possibility of positive changes in increase of serum BDNF level in mid-aged women.     

The effects of either resveratrol or exercise on macrophage infiltration and switching from M1 to M2 in high fat diet mice

[Purpose]

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of either resveratrol supplementation or exercise training on macrophage infiltration and switching from M1 to M2 kupffer cells in high fat diet mice.

[Methods]

C57BL/6 mice were separated into 5 groups: normal diet (ND; n = 6), high-fat diet (HD; n = 6), high-fat diet with resveratrol (HR; n = 6), high-fat diet with exercise (HE; n = 6) or high-fat diet with resveratrol and exercise (HRE; n = 6). Resveratrol supplementation mice were orally gavaged with resveratrol (25mg/kg of body weight) dissolved in 50% propylene glycol. Exercise mice ran on a treadmill at 12-20 m/min for 30-60 min/day, 5 times/week for 12 weeks.

[Results]

After 12 weeks of intervention, the liver was analyzed. F4/80 expression was evaluated by western blot while CD11c and CD163 mRNA expressions were evaluated by RT-PCR. The weights of the body and liver were significantly increased in the HD and HR group compared to the ND group (p < 0.01). However, the weights were most effectively reduced in the HE and HRE groups compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). The macrophage marker, F4/80 expression was significantly lower in the HE and HRE groups compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of the M1 macrophage marker, CD11c, in the HD group was significantly increased compared to the ND group (p < 0.01). mRNA expression of the M2 macrophage specific marker, CD163, in the HE and HRE groups were significantly increased compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of TLR4, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, which induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production, were strongly decreased in the HR, HE, and HRE groups compared to the HD group.

[Conclusion]

These results suggest that moderate exercise training inhibits macrophage infiltration and up regulation of CD163 expression. However, resveratrol supplementation is not enough to ameliorate obesity-induced macrophage infiltration and switching.     

The relationship of creatine kinase variability with body composition and muscle damage markers following eccentric muscle contractions

[Purpose]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between CK variability and body composition and muscle damage markers following eccentric exercise.

[Methods]

Total 119 healthy male subjects were recruited to perform 50 eccentric contractions consisted of 2 sets of 25 contractions. Then, blood creatine kinase (CK) activity was analyzed to divide into three groups based on their CK activity levels. Maximum isometric strength (MIS), muscle soreness (SOR) and body composition data were obtained before and after exercise.

[Results]

The results showed that high CK responders had a significant decrease in MIS (p<0.001) and greater SOR (p<0.01) following eccentric exercise compared to low CK responders. Percent body fat was also higher in high responders compared to low responders (p=0.014). Peak CK activity was significantly correlated with MIS and SOR but no correlation with % body fat, muscle mass, and body mass index.

[Conclusion]

CK variability following eccentric exercise is closely related to MIS and SOR and % body fat may be a potent factor for CK variability.     

Effects of hippotherapy on brain function,BDNF level,and physical fitness in children with ADHD

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of hippotherapy on brain function and levels of blood-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

[Methods]

The hippotherapy group (HRG) included twenty children with ADHD and the control group (CG) included 19 children. All participants’ physical fitness, fMRI brain scans, and blood BDNF levels were measured at baseline and after 32 weeks of participating in hippotherapy.

[Results]

After 32 weeks of participating in hippotherapy, the body fat of the HRG was significantly decreased (-1.12 ± 4.20%) and the body fat of the CG was increased (2.38 ± 6.35%) (p=0.049). There was no significant difference of physical fitness in both groups (p>0.05). Although there was a higher decrease in the activated insular area in the HRG (-1.59 ± 0.99) than in the CG (-1.14 ± 1.41), there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05) Also, there was a higher increase in the activated cerebellum area in the HRG (1.97 ± 1.45) than in the CG (1.92 ± 1.81). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). BDNF levels showed an increased tendency in the HRG (166.29 ± 277.52pg) compared to the CG (21.13 ± 686.33pg); otherwise, there was not any significant difference in these blood levels between the two groups (p>0.05). It can be assumed that big individual differences in the level of ADHD in the study participants might not cause any significant results, although there might be positive changes in the brain function of children with ADHD.

[Conclusion]

Therefore, this study suggests that hippotherapy training would need to be modified and developed to increase the efficacy of hippotherapy in children with ADHD.     

Effects of aquatic exercise and CES treatment on the changes of cognitive function,BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF of persons with intellectual disabilities

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise and CES treatment on the cognitive function by using K-WAB and BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF of persons with intellectual disabilities.

[Methods]

All subjects were 15 male with intellectual disabilities who were participating in the aquatic training program and CES treatment during 12 weeks at rehabilitation center. The subjects were divided into control group, exercise group, and exercise+CES group. Blood samples for BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF were taken from brachial vein at rest between before and after treatment.

[Results]

The results are summarized as follows: Cognitive function level increased significantly in the exercise+CES group compared to those in the exercise and control group. The changes of blood IGF-1 concentration were no significant difference among groups. The changes of blood BDNF and VEGF concentration were significantly increased in exercise group and exercise+CES group than control group. However, blood BDNF and VEGF concentration were significantly difference between exercise group and exercise+CES group.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, it can be concluded that CES treatment with exercise can amend cognitive function of persons with intellectual disabilities more effectively and increase of BDNF and VEGF by exercise can explain the cognitive function improvement of persons with intellectual disabilities.     

Serum levels of appetite-regulating hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines are ameliorated by a CLA diet and endurance exercise in rats fed a high-fat diet

[Purpose]

This study examined whether conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation and endurance exercise affect appetite-regulating hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.

[Methods]

Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into the high-fat diet sedentary group (HS, n=8), the 1.0% CLA supplemented high-fat diet sedentary group (CS, n=8), and the 1.0% CLA supplemented high-fat diet exercise group (CE, n=8). Rats in the CE group swam 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks.

[Results]

Leptin and insulin levels in the CS and CE groups were significantly lower than those in the HS group (p<0.001), whereas leptin (p<0.01) and insulin (p<0.05) levels decreased significantly in the CE compared to those in the CS group. Interleukin (IL)-1β (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.01) levels in the CS and CE groups decreased significantly compared to those in the HS group. Leptin (IL-1β: r=0.835, p<0.001), IL-6 (r=0.607, p<0.05), insulin (IL-1β: r=0.797, p<0.01), and IL-6 (r=0.827, p<0.01) levels were positively related with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

[Conclusion]

Endurance exercise may play an important role during CLA supplementation of rats on a high-fat diet.     

Resistance training inhibits the elevation of skeletal muscle derived-BDNF level concomitant with improvement of muscle strength in zucker diabetic rat

[Purpose]

In the present study, we investigated the effects of 8 weeks of progressive resistance training on the level of skeletal muscle derived BDNF as well as glucose intolerance in Zucker diabetic rats.

[Methods]

Six week-old male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Zucker lean control (ZLC) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sedentary ZLC (ZLC-Con), sedentary ZDF (ZDF-Con), and exercised ZDF (ZDF-Ex). Progressive resistance training using a ladder and tail weights was performed for 8 weeks (3 days/week).

[Results]

After 8 weeks of resistance training, substantial reduction in body weight was observed in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con. Though the skeletal muscle volume did not change, grip strength grip strength was significantly higher in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con. In the soleus, the level of BDNF was increased in ZDF-Con, but was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in ZDF-Ex, showing a training effect. Moreover, we found that there was a negative correlation (r=-0.657; p=0.004) between grip strength and BDNF level whereas there was a positive correlation (r=0.612; p=0.008) between plasma glucose level and BDNF level in skeletal muscle.

[Conclusion]

Based upon our results, we demonstrated that resistance training inhibited the elevation of skeletal muscle derived-BDNF expression concomitant with the improvement of muscle strength in zucker diabetic rats. In addition, muscle-derived BDNF might be a potential mediator for the preventive effect of resistance training on the progress of type 2 diabetes.     

The effect of exercise training and water extract from propolis intake on the antioxidant enzymes activity of skeletal muscle and liver in rat

[Purpose]

In this study, the authors have intended to investigate the effects that the exercise training and the intake of the water extract from propolis have on the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

[Methods]

For this purpose, the exercise training (70% VO₂max treadmill running exercise for 60min)of 5 times per week for six weeks and the intake (50mg/kg/day) of the water extract from propolis were performed by separating the experimental animals (SD rats, n=32) into CON(n=8) group, CON+Ex(n=8), PA(n=8), and PA+Ex(n=8).

[Results]

As a result, the following conclusions were obtained: The concentration of the blood glucose and insulin of the CON+Ex group and PA+Ex group which are the exercise parallel group were significantly decreased in comparison with the control group, whereas if comparing the glycogen concentration in skeletal muscle and liver tissue between the exercise parallel group and the CON group, the former showed significantly high value in comparison with the latter (p < .05). In the case of the activity of the antioxidant enzyme in the skeletal muscle and the liver tissue, the activities of SOD, GPX and CAT in the gastrocnemius muscle tissue of the experimental animals showed significantly high value in PA+Ex group in comparison with other experimental groups (p < .05). In addition, the SOD activity in the liver tissue showed that only PA+Ex group was significantly increased, whereas GDX activity showed significantly higher value in CON+Ex group and PA group than CON group (p < .05). However, the activity of CAT in the liver tissue showed that there is no difference between the experimental groups. As a result that measured the concentration of MDA in order to evaluate the damage level of the tissue by oxygen free radicals, the difference between the groups in the liver tissue was not shown, while it was shown that only PA+Ex group in the skeletal muscle tissue was significantly decreased in comparison with other experimental groups (p < .05).

[Conclusion]

Taken together the above findings, it is considered that the parallel treatment of the exercise training and the water extract from propolis can not only increase the use of glycogen of the skeletal muscle and liver tissue, but also it can give the effect to suppress the creation of active oxygen by inducing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme in the body, and in the future, the possibility as the exercise supplements and the antioxidant of the water-soluble propolis are expected.     

Roles of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on sex difference in insulin resistance in late elementary years

[Purpose]

Little is known about the potential role of lifestyle factors in sex differences in insulin resistance in late elementary school children.

[Methods]

In this cross-sectional study, we compared sex differences in Tanner scales, body fat, physical activity (PA) and fitness, and insulin resistance markers in elementary school children (boys, n = 69 and girls, n = 81) aged 12-13 years. Body composition was assessed with a standardized protocol. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured as oxygen consumption during an incremental treadmill exercise. Fasting blood samples were collected for blood chemistry assays including lipids, glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, and adiponectin. Daily PA was measured with an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days, and they were classified as low-, moderate-, and vigorous-PA. Independent t-tests were used to compare mean differences in the measured variables between boys and girls. There were significant sex differences in Tanner scales, body mass index, percent body fat, and waist circumference (WC).

[Results]

Girls had significantly higher values in Tanner scales (p < 0.001) and percent body fat (p < 0.001) than boys. Boys had significantly higher values in body mass index (p = 0.019) and waist circumference (p < 0.001) than girls. Boys also had significantly higher values in VO_2max (p < 0.001) and low (p < 0.001), moderate (p < 0.001), and vigorous (p < 0.001) PAs. With respect to metabolic risk factors, girls had significantly higher serum levels of triglycerides (p = 0.005), insulin (p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.015) than boys.

[Conclusion]

In summary, the current findings of the study showed that the increased risk for insulin resistance in girls over boys is associated with higher Tanner scale and percent body fat in conjunction with poor cardiorespiratory fitness and physical inactivity, suggesting that exercise intervention to promote physical activity and fitness is imperative for general health promotion of school children, with a special focus on girls.     

Chronic Exercise Increases Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels,Pancreatic Islet Size,and Insulin Tolerance in a TrkB-Dependent Manner

Background

Physical exercise improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) enhances insulin activity in diabetic rodents. Because physical exercise modifies BDNF production, this study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exercise on plasma BDNF levels and the possible effects on insulin tolerance modification in healthy rats.

Methods

Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control (sedentary, C); moderate- intensity training (MIT); MIT plus K252A TrkB blocker (MITK); high-intensity training (HIT); and HIT plus K252a (HITK). Training comprised 8 weeks of treadmill running. Plasma BDNF levels (ELISA assay), glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and immunohistochemistry for insulin and the pancreatic islet area were evaluated in all groups. In addition, Bdnf mRNA expression in the skeletal muscle was measured.

Principal Findings

Chronic treadmill exercise significantly increased plasma BDNF levels and insulin tolerance, and both effects were attenuated by TrkB blocking. In the MIT and HIT groups, a significant TrkB-dependent pancreatic islet enlargement was observed. MIT rats exhibited increased liver glycogen levels following insulin administration in a TrkB-independent manner.

Conclusions/Significance

Chronic physical exercise exerted remarkable effects on insulin regulation by inducing significant increases in the pancreatic islet size and insulin sensitivity in a TrkB-dependent manner. A threshold for the induction of BNDF in response to physical exercise exists in certain muscle groups. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first results to reveal a role for TrkB in the chronic exercise-mediated insulin regulation in healthy rats.     

Effect of a 12-week walking exercise program on body composition and immune cell count in patients with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week walking exercise program on body composition and immune cell count in patients with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Twenty patients (age, 47.8 ± 3.12) participated in the study. Body composition (weight, body mass index, muscle weight, body fat mass, and percent body fat) and the cell counts for immune cells (white blood corpuscles, lymphocytes, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells) were measured before and after the 12-week walking exercise program. SPSS 17.0 statistical software was used. The two-way repeated ANOVA with post hoc was used to determine the difference between time and interaction.

Results

There were significant reductions in the weight (p < .05), BMI (p < .01), and percent body fat (p < .05) after the 12-week walking exercise program. However, the immune cell counts did not change significantly.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the 12-week walking exercise program had an effect on the balances among weight, BMI and percent body fat in patients with breast cancer.     

Effect of energy drink dose on exercise capacity,heart rate recovery and heart rate variability after high-intensity exercise

[Purpose]

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of exercise capacity, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability after high-intensity exercise on caffeine concentration of energy drink.

[Methods]

The volunteers for this study were 15 male university student. 15 subjects were taken basic physical examinations such as height, weight and BMI before the experiment. Primary tests were examined of VO₂max per weight of each subjects by graded exercise test using Bruce protocol. Each of five subject was divided 3 groups (CON, ECGⅠ, ECGⅡ) by matched method based on weight and VO₂max per weight what gained of primary test for minimize the differences of exercise capacity and ingestion of each groups. For the secondary tests, the groups of subjects were taken their materials before and after exercise as a blind test. After the ingestion, subjects were experimented on exercise test of VO₂max 80% by treadmill until the all-out. Heart rate was measured by 1minute interval, and respiratory variables were analyzed VO2, VE, VT, RR and so on by automatic respiratory analyzer. And exercise exhaustion time was determined by stopwatch. Moreover, HRV was measured after exercise and recovery 3 min.

[Results]

Among the intake groups, ECGⅡ was showed the longest of exercise exhaustion time more than CON group (p = .05). Result of heart rate during exercise according to intake groups, there was significant differences of each time (p < .001), however, not significant differences of each groups and group verse time (p > .05). Result of RPE during exercise according to intake groups, there was significant differences of each time (p < .001), however, not significant differences of each groups and group verse time (p > .05).

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, EDGⅡ showed the significant increase of exercise exhaustion time more than CON group (p=.05) and not significant differences in HR, RPE, RER, HRV, HRR, blood pressure (p > .05). Therefore, 2.5 mg/kg^-1 ingestion of energy drink might be positive effect to increase exercise performance capacity without side-effect in cardiovascular disease.     

The effect of exercise on expression of myokine and angiogenesis mRNA in skeletal muscle of high fat diet induced obese rat

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regular treadmill exercise on the mRNA expressions of myokines and angiogenesis factors in the skeletal muscle of obese rats.

[Methods]

Thirty two male Sprague-Dawley rats (4weeks old) were divided into the CO (control) and HF (high fat diet) groups. Obesity was induced in the HF group by consumption of 45% high-fat diet for 15 weeks. These groups were further subdivided into training groups (COT and HFT); the training groups conducted moderate intensity treadmill training for 8 weeks. Soleus muscles were excised and analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR.

[Results]

mRNA expression of myokines, such as PGC-1α, IL-6, and IL-15, in the COT and HFT groups (which conducted regular exercise), were higher as compared with the CO and HF groups (p < 0.05). Also, the levels in the HF group were significantly lower when compared with CO group (p < 0.05). Expression of angiogenesis mRNA, namely mTOR, VEGF, and FLT1, were significantly lower in the HF group, as compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). In addition, COT group had a higher expression of mTORC1, mTORC2, VEGF and FLT mRNA, than the CO group (p < 0.05); the HFT group also had higher expressions of mTOR, VEGF and FLT1 mRNA than the HF group (p < 0.05).

[Conclusion]

These results indicate that mRNA expression of myokines was increased through the activity of muscle contraction, and it also promoted the mRNA expression of angiogenesis due to activation of mTOR. Thus, we conclude that not only under normal health conditions, but in obesity and excess nutritional circumstances also, regular exercise seems to act positively on the glycemic control and insulin sensitivity through the angiogenesis signaling pathway.     

Effects of active drinking practices on fluid consumption and sweat rate while exercising in a hot environment

[Purpose]

To examine the effects of active drinking practices on fluid consumption and sweat rate while exercising in a hot environment.

[Methods]

Nine men completed two experiments. Each consisted of 3 phases: pre-testing (pre), training period, and post-testing (post). During testing, the subjects ran on a treadmill at a moderate intensity for 90 min at 39 ± 1℃ followed by a 3-h recovery. They drank ad libitum. During training, they ran for 90 min for 7 days while either drinking actively (AH, 150% of weight loss) or passively (PH, 50% of weight loss).

[Results]

The actual volume consumed in training was three times greater during AH than during PH. In post during AH, the volume of drinking was two times greater than pre (1592 ± 953 and 855 ± 551 mL, respectively; p < 0.05). No difference in volume consumption during PH between pre and post was found. The sweat loss during exercise was greater in post (1377 ± 956 mL) than in pre (558 ± 642 mL) during AH (p < 0.05), but not during PH. Rectal temperature and heart rate decreased after training. Serum osmolality following exercise were not different than the baseline or between the conditions.

[Conclusion]

Active drinking practices while exercising in a hot environment induced greater voluntary fluid intake and sweat loss.     

Differences of energy intake and energy expenditure of elite Taekwondo players receiving summer vs. winter intensive training

[Purpose]

This study aimed to evaluate the energy expenditure and energy intake as an experiment of energy balance of elite Taekwondo players receiving summer vs. winter intensive training.

[Methods]

The summer training group (STG, n = 15) and the winter training group (WTG, n = 18) wore an accelerometer for the measurement of energy expenditure and maintained a daily dietary record for measurement of energy intake, for seven consecutive days during summer or winter intensive training.

[Results]

The total energy expenditure (TEE) (834.1 kcal, p < .001), the total counts (1,867 counts, p = .038), and the energy expenditure during moderate (384.6 kcal, p < .001) and vigorous activity (351.8 kcal, p < .001) were significantly lower in the STG than in the WTG. On the other hand, the macronutrient intake showed that intake of energy (902.7 kcal, p < .001), carbohydrates (82.6g, p < .001), and protein (93.9g, p < .001) in the STG were significantly lower than those of the WTG. When comparing TEE and total energy intake, the STG consumed 902.7 kcal less as energy than the WTG, while the STG performed 834.1 kcal more as TEE than that of the WTG.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, both of the summer and winter intensive training are not proper for energy balance condition. Therefore, to promote the optimal energy balance during the summer or winter intensive training period, a training and sports nutrition program based on the amount of energy expenditure and energy intake for Taekwondo players should be considered.     

Genetic associations of body composition,flexibility and injury risk with ACE,ACTN3 and COL5A1 polymorphisms in Korean ballerinas

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to exam the association of body composition, flexibility, and injury risk to genetic polymorphisms including ACE ID, ACTN3 RX, and COL5A1 polymorphisms in ballet dancers in Korea.

[Methods]

For the purpose of this study, elite ballerinas (n = 97) and normal female adults (n = 203) aged 18 to 39 were recruited and these participants were tested for body weight, height, body fat, fat free mass, flexibility, injury risks on the joints and gene polymorphisms (ACE, ACTN3, COL5A1 polymorphism).

[Results]

As results, the ACE DD genotype in ballerinas was associated with higher body fat and percentage of body fat than the ACE II and ID genotypes (p < 0.05). In the study on the ACTN3 polymorphism and ballerinas, the XX genotype in ballerinas had lower body weight and lower fat-free mass than the RR and RX genotype (p < 0.005). Also, the means of sit and reach test for flexibility was lower in the ACTN3 XX genotype of ballerinas than the RR and RX genotype of ballerinas (p < 0.05). Among the sports injuries, the ankle injury of the XX-genotyped ballerinas was in significantly more prevalence than the RR and XX-genotyped ballerinas (p < 0.05). According to the odd ratio analysis, XX-genotyped ballerinas have the injury risk on the ankle about 4.7 (95% CI: 1.6~13.4, p < 0.05) times more than the RR and RX-genotyped ballerinas. Meanwhile, the COL5A1 polymorphism in ballerinas has no association with any factors including flexibility and injury risks.

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, ACE polymorphism and ACTN3 polymorphism were associated with ballerinas'' performance capacity; COL5A1 was not associated with any factors of performance of Ballerinas. The results suggested that the ACE DD genotype is associated with high body fat, the ACTN3 XX genotype is associated with low fat-free mass, low flexibility, and higher risk of ankle-joint injury.     

Serum and Lymphocytic Neurotrophins Profiles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Case-Control Study

Background

Neurotrophins play a central role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. However, neurotrophins can also modulate B and T cell proliferation and activation, especially via autocrine loops. We hypothesized that both serum and lymphocytic neurotrophin levels may be deregulated in systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may reflect clinical symptoms of the disease.

Methods

Neurotrophins in the serum (ELISA tests) and lymphocytes (flow cytometry) were measured in 26 SLE patients and 26 control subjects. Th1 (interferon-γ) and Th2 (IL-10) profiles and serum concentration of BAFF were assessed by ELISA in the SLE and control subjects.

Findings

We have demonstrated that both NGF and BDNF serum levels are higher in SLE patients than healthy controls (p=0.003 and p<0.001), independently of Th1 or Th2 profiles. Enhanced serum NT-3 levels (p=0.003) were only found in severe lupus flares (i.e. SLEDAI ≥ 10) and significantly correlated with complement activation (decreased CH 50, Γ=-0.28, p=0.03). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between serum NGF levels and the number of circulating T regulatory cells (Γ=0.48, p=0.01). In circulating B cells, production of both NGF and BDNF was greater in SLE patients than in healthy controls. In particular, the number of NGF-secreting B cells correlated with decreased complement levels (p=0.05). One month after SLE flare treatment, BDNF levels decreased; in contrast, NGF and NT-3 levels remained unchanged.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that serum and B cell levels of both NGF and BDNF are increased in SLE, suggesting that the neurotrophin production pathway is deregulated in this disease. These results must be confirmed in a larger study with naive SLE patients, in order to avoid the potential confounding influence of prior immune-modulating treatments on neurotrophin levels.     

Accuracy of predicted resting metabolic rate and relationship between resting metabolic rate and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese men

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study is to examine that not only the relationship of the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and cardiorespiratory fitness(VO2peak), but also the comparison between measured and predicted results of RMR in obese men.

[Methods]

60 obese men (body fat>32%) were recruited for this study. They did not participate in regular exercising programs at least 6 months. The RMR was measured with indirect calorimetry and predicted RMR using Herris-Benedicte equation. The cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by directly measuring the oxygen consumption (VO2peak) during the exercise on the treadmill.

[Results]

The significance for the difference between the measured results and predicted result of RMR were tested by paired t-test. Correlation of measured date was obtained by Pearson correlation coefficient. The value of predicted RMR and measured RMR were significantly different in these obese subjects. (p < 0.001). The difference between RMR cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiorespiratory fitness showed significant correlation (r=0.67, p < 0.05).

[Conclusion]

The current formulas of predicted RMR have limited the evaluation of measured RMR for Korean obese men. Therefore, this study suggests that new formula should be designed for Korean in order to obtain more accurate results in obese.