Combined influence of dietary restriction and treadmill running on MCP-1 and the expression of oxidative stress-related mRNA in the adipose tissue in obese mice

[Purpose]

This study suggests that the negative effects of inflammation caused by obesity could be prevented through diet restriction and exercise.

[Methods]

In this study, 44 C57/BL6 male mice at about 4 weeks old (Orient bio, South Korea) were given a high fat diet for 5 weeks to make them obese. To help the mice lose weight, their dietary intake was limited and they were exercised on the treadmill for 8 weeks, and during that period, we analyzed the changes of MCP-1, ERK, Mn-SOD, HIF-1, and NOX in epididymal adipose tissue. There ND control group and obese group with high fat diet (HFD), and it is divided into four groups; HFD-ND-EX group, HFD-ND-nonEX group, HFD-DR-EX group and HFD-DR-nonEX group.

[Results]

During their progress, the mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and ERK2 decreased, as did the expression of MCP-1 contained in the nucleus by suppressing oxygen free radicals, which was observed after the exercise program. However, dietary restriction without exercise training triggered an increase in the mRNA expression of MCP-1.

[Conclusion]

To put this in perspective, combining exercise and dietary intake restriction likely prevented an influx of macrophages by reducing the number of fat cells, whereas only dietary restriction was not effective against reducing inflammation.     

Moderate exercise training is more effective than resveratrol supplementation for ameliorating lipid metabolic complication in skeletal muscle of high fat diet-induced obese mice

[Purpose]

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of moderate exercise training or resveratrol supplementation with a low fat diet on lipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle of high fat diet-induced obese mice.

[Methods]

C57BL/6J mice (5 weeks old, n = 30) were fed a high fat diet (45% fat) for 8 weeks first to make them obese. Afterward, all the mice were fed a low fat diet during 8 weeks of intervention with moderate exercise training and resveratrol supplementation. Before the intervention, the mice were separated into 3 groups: low-fat diet control (HLC; n = 10), low fat diet with resveratrol (HLR; n = 10) or low fat diet with exercise (HLE n = 10). The exercise group (HLE) performed treadmill running for 30-60 min/day at 10-22 m/min, 0% grade, 5 times/week for 8 weeks, while the resveratrol group (HLR) received a daily dose of resveratrol (10 mg/kg of body weight), 5 days/week for 8 weeks.

[Results]

Body weight was significantly reduced in HLE. Further, the lipogenesis marker SREBP and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significant reduced in HLE. However, there was no significant effect from resveratrol supplementation with a low fat diet. Taken together, exercise training with a low fat diet has the positive effect of ameliorating lipid disturbance in the skeletal muscle of high fat diet-induced obese mice.

[Conclusion]

These findings suggest that exercise training with a low fat diet is most effective to improve lipid metabolism by reducing lipogenesis and inflammation in the skeletal muscle of high fat diet-induced obese mice.     

Effect of walking exercise on abdominal fat,insulin resistance and serum cytokines in obese women

[Purpose]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 12-week walking exercise on abdominal fat, insulin resistance and serum cytokines in obese women.

[Methods]

Following baseline measurements, obese women (N = 20) who met obesity criterion of BMI at 25 kg/m² or greater were randomly assigned to the control (n = 10) or exercise groups (n = 10). Women assigned to the exercise group participated in a walking exercise (with an intensity of 50-60% of predetermined VO²max, a frequency of 3 days per week and duration of 50-70 minutes targeting 400 kcal of energy expenditure per session) for 12 weeks, while women assigned to the control group maintained their sedentary lifestyle. After the 12-week walking intervention, post-test measurements were conducted using the same procedure as the baseline measurement. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to evaluate any significant time by group interactions for the measured variables.

[Results]

With respect to body fat parameters, significant time-by-group interactions were found in the abdominal subcutaneous (p = < 0.001) and visceral adipose tissues (p = 0.011). The exercise group had significant reductions in both subcutaneous and visceral adiposity, and the control group had no significant changes in those parameters. Similarly, there were significant time by group interactions in fasting glucose (p = 0.008), HOMA-IR (p = 0.029), serum TNF-α (p = 0.027), and IL-6 (p = 0.048) such that the exercise group had significant reductions in those parameters, with no such significant changes found in the control group. The exercise group also had a significant increase in serum adiponectin (p = 0.002), whereas the control group had no significant change in the parameter.

[Conclusion]

In summary, the current findings suggest that walking exercise can provide a safe and effective lifestyle strategy against abdominal obesity and serum insulin resistance markers in obese women.     

The effects of a single bout pilates exercise on mRNA expression of bone metabolic cytokines in osteopenia women

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a single bout pilates exercise on mRNA expression of bone metabolic cytokines in elderly osteopenia women.

[Methods]

We selected 11 people of elderly osteopenia women and loaded a single bout pilates exercise about RPE 10-14 level. The blood samples were collected before, immediately after and 60 minute after pilates exercise, then examined calcium metabolic markers in serum and extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from whole blood and confirmed mRNA expression of bone metabolic cytokines from PBMC. To clarify the changes during exercise, we designed repeated measure ANOVA as the control group to perform blood sampling without exercise.

[Results]

As a result, serum P showed significant interaction effect between group and time (p<.001), the pilates exercise group decreased about 9% at immediately after exercise and 13% during recovery after exercise (p<.05), while the control group showed a tendency to increase. Serum CK also showed a significant interaction between group and time (p<.05), the pilates group significantly increased at immediately after exercise and during recovery after exercise (p<.05) but the control group didn’t have changes. TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression in PBMC was significantly increased in the pilates group (p<.01, p<.05), although INF-γ mRNA expression didn’t show statistically significant difference, it tended to increase in the pilates group (NS).

[Conclusion]

These results suggested that a single bout pilates exercise of elderly osteopenia women cause hypophosphatemia with temporary muscle damage, and it leading high turnover bone metabolic state with to activate both of bone formation and bone resorption.     

Exercise training is more effective than resveratrol supplementation on alleviation of inflammation in peritoneal macrophages of high fat diet mice

[Purpose]

This study investigated the effect of exercise training and resveratrol supplementation with low fat diet on proinflammatory profiles by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation in peritoneal macrophage of high fat diet mice.

[Methods]

To accomplish the purpose of this study, C57BL/6 male mice were fed high fat diet (45% fat diet) for 8 weeks. Then these mice were divided into 3 groups; HLC (high fat diet and low fat diet for 8 weeks as the control, n=10), HLR (high fat diet and low fat diet for 8 weeks with resveratrol supplementation, n=10). HLE (high fat diet and low fat diet for 8 weeks with moderate exercise training, n=10). Resveratrol (10 mg/kg) was administrated once a day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Exercise training was performed for 8 weeks on a treadmill running for 30-60 min/day at 10-22 m/min, 0% grade, 5 days/week. After exercise training, all the peritoneal macrophage was collected and LPS (0, 0.5, 1.0 μg/ml) were used to stimulate the cells. Then peritoneal macrophage TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, IL12p70, IFN-γ, IL-10 were measured by BD cytometric bead array mouse inflammation kit.

[Results]

As a result, body weight and total cholesterol were significantly reduced in HLE compared with HLC (p<.05). Also, TNF-α and MCP-1 were decreased in HLE compared with HLC (p<.05) by LPS-stimulation (0, 0.5, 1.0 μg/ml) and IL-6, IL-12p70 and IFN-r were decreased in HLE compared with HLC (p<.05) by LPS-stimulation (1.0 μg/ml). But resveratrol supplementation did not affect the result.

[Conclusion]

These findings suggest that exercise training has beneficial effects on body weight, total cholesterol, peritoneal macrophage and proinflammatory cytokine in high fat diet mice.     

The Effects of Exercise Training in Addition to Energy Restriction on Functional Capacities and Body Composition in Obese Adults during Weight Loss: A Systematic Review

Background

Obesity is associated with impairments of physical function, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and the capacity to perform activities of daily living. This review examines the specific effects of exercise training in relation to body composition and physical function demonstrated by changes in cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength when obese adults undergo energy restriction.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing energy restriction plus exercise training to energy restriction alone. Studies published to May 2013 were included if they used multi-component methods for analysing body composition and assessed measures of fitness in obese adults.

Results

Fourteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of study characteristics prevented meta-analysis. Energy restriction plus exercise training was more effective than energy restriction alone for improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and increasing fat mass loss and preserving lean body mass, depending on the type of exercise training.

Conclusion

Adding exercise training to energy restriction for obese middle-aged and older individuals results in favourable changes to fitness and body composition. Whilst weight loss should be encouraged for obese individuals, exercise training should be included in lifestyle interventions as it offers additional benefits.     

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.     

Exercise Training suppresses vascular fibrosis in aging obesity induced rats

[Purpose]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training (ET) on vascular fibrosis in aging model rats with diet-induced obesity.

[Methods]

Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: Aging control (A-C), A-C with high fat diet (AHF), AHF with ET (AHF + ET). Aging was induced by D-galactose (D-gal) and obesity was induced by HFD (60% fat) for 9 weeks. The experimental rats performed swimming (60 min/day, 5 days/week) for 8 weeks. All rat aorta samples were harvested for RT-PCR and morphologic analyses.

[Results]

The exercise training significantly decreased levels of AT-1, TGF-ß and Coll-1 gene expression compared to AHF group. The AHF + ET group showed a reduced collagen accumulation in the aorta media compared to AHF group.

[Conclusion]

These results suggest that ET could protect the aging obesity aorta against down-regulation of fibrotic factors (AT-1, TGF-ß and Coll-1 gene) and fibrosis by inhibition of collagen accumulation in the aorta media.     

Silkworm pupae powder ingestion increases fat metabolism in swim-trained rats

[Purpose]

Many researchers are trying to solve the metabolic syndrome by utilizing a variety of nutritional control and exercise. Of those, silkworm pupae peptides are known to inhibit the synthesis of fat. Therefore, we examine the effect of fat metabolism by supplying silkworm pupae (SP) for 5-week in swim-trained rats.

[Methods]

Animals were divided into four groups as a group (n = 32) fed a normal diet (CO) with exercise training (CE); a group fed a silkworm pupa diet (SPC) with an exercise training (SPE), respectively.

[Results]

Abdominal fat pads (abdominal and epididymal) weight were lowest in SPE. The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol concentrations were lower in the SP and the SPE. HDL-cholesterol, however, was not different between groups. Liver AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) was increased in the CE and the SPE. Liver PPAR-α (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha) was increased in the SPC and SPE. L-FABP (liver fatty acids binding protein) was increased by SP ingestion. Liver CPT-1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1) protein expression was increased by exercise training only.

[Conclusion]

In the present study showed that the silkworm pupae intake and/or swimming exercise training activates fat metabolism to reduce the concentration of serum lipids. Thus, the silkworm pupae intake leads to a reduction in fat storage, this is considered to be effective in the inhibition of the metabolic syndrome.     

The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Endothelial Function in Physically Inactive Lean and Obese Adults

Purpose

To examine the effects of exercise intensity on acute changes in endothelial function in lean and obese adults.

Methods

Sixteen lean (BMI <25, age 23±3 yr) and 10 obese (BMI >30, age 26±6 yr) physically inactive adults were studied during 3 randomized admissions [control (C, no exercise), moderate-intensity exercise (M, @ lactate threshold (LT)) and high-intensity exercise (H, midway between LT and VO₂peak) (30 min)]. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) at baseline and 1, 2, and 4 h post-exercise.

Results

RM ANCOVA revealed significant main effects for group, time, and group x condition interaction (p<0.05). A diurnal increase in FMD was observed in lean but not obese subjects. Lean subjects exhibited greater increases in FMD than obese subjects (p = 0.0005). In the obese group a trend was observed for increases in FMD at 2- and 4-hr after M (p = 0.08). For lean subjects, FMD was significantly elevated at all time points after H. The increase in FMD after H in lean subjects (3.2±0.5%) was greater than after both C (1.7±0.4%, p = 0.015) and M (1.4±0.4%, p = 0.002). FMD responses of lean and obese subjects significantly differed after C and H, but not after M.

Conclusion

In lean young adults, high-intensity exercise acutely enhances endothelial function, while moderate-intensity exercise has no significant effect above that seen in the absence of exercise. The FMD response of obese adults is blunted compared to lean adults. Diurnal variation should be considered when examining the effects of acute exercise on FMD.     

Twenty-Four Hour Total and Dietary Fat Oxidation in Lean,Obese and Reduced-Obese Adults with and without a Bout of Exercise

Background

It has been hypothesized that obese and reduced-obese individuals have decreased oxidative capacity, which contributes to weight gain and regain. Recent data have challenged this concept.

Objective

To determine (1) whether total and dietary fat oxidation are decreased in obese and reduced-obese adults compared to lean but increase in response to an acute exercise bout and (2) whether regular physical activity attenuates these metabolic alterations.

Design

We measured 24-hr total (whole-room calorimetry) and dietary fat (¹⁴C-oleate) oxidation in Sedentary Lean (BMI = 21.5±1.6; n = 10), Sedentary Obese (BMI = 33.6±2.5; n = 9), Sedentary Reduced-Obese (RED-SED; BMI = 26.9±3.7; n = 7) and in Physically Active Reduced-Obese (RED-EX; BMI = 27.3±2.8; n = 12) men and women with or without an acute exercise bout where energy expended during exercise was not replaced.

Results

Although Red-SED and Red-EX had a similar level of fatness, aerobic capacity and metabolic profiles were better in Red-EX only compared to Obese subjects. No significant between-group differences were seen in 24-hr respiratory quotient (RQ, Lean: 0.831±0.044, Obese: 0.852±0.023, Red-SED: 0.864±0.037, Red-EX: 0.842±0.039), total and dietary fat oxidation. A single bout of exercise increased total (+27.8%, p<0.0001) and dietary (+6.6%, p = 0.048) fat oxidation across groups. Although exercise did not impact RQ during the day, it decreased RQ during sleep (p = 0.01) in all groups. Red-EX oxidized more fat overnight than Red-SED subjects under both resting (p = 0.036) and negative energy balance (p = 0.003) conditions, even after adjustment for fat-free mass.

Conclusion

Obese and reduced-obese individuals oxidize as much fat as lean both under eucaloric and negative energy balance conditions, which does not support the hypothesis of reduced oxidative capacity in these groups. Reduced-obese individuals who exercise regularly have markers of metabolic health similar to those seen in lean adults. Both the acute and chronic effects of exercise were primarily observed at night suggesting an important role of sleep in the regulation of lipid metabolism.     

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.     

Exercise,but not quercetin,ameliorates inflammation,mitochondrial biogenesis,and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle after strenuous exercise by high-fat diet mice

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether moderate exercise and quercetin intake with a low fat diet contribute to inflammatory cytokine production, mitochondrial biogenesis, and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle after strenuous exercise by high-fat diet mice.

[Methods]

Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: (1) High-fat for 12 weeks and low-fat diet control (C; n = 6); (2) high-fat diet for 12 weeks and low-fat diet with quercetin (Q; n = 4); (3) high-fat diet for 12 weeks and low-fat diet with exercise (E; n = 4); or (4) high-fat diet for 12 weeks and low-fat diet with exercise and quercetin (EQ; n = 5). Quercetin (10 mg/kg) was administered once per day, 5 day/week for 8 weeks. Exercise training was performed at moderate intensity for 8 weeks, 5 days/week for 30–60 min/day. Mice were subjected to a strenuous exercise bout of 60 min at a speed of 25 m/min (VO₂ max 85%) conducted as an exercise-induced fatigue just before sacrifice.

[Results]

As results, body weights were significantly different among the groups. Exercise training significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines after strenuous exercise in skeletal muscle of high-fat diet mice. Exercise training increased Tfam mRNA in the soleus muscle after strenuous exercise. Exercise training significantly decreased lipogenesis markers in skeletal muscle of obese mice after strenuous exercise. Moderate exercise significantly increased lipolysis markers in the tibialis anterior muscle.

[Conclusion]

These findings suggest that exercise training reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and improved mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. However quercetin supplementation did not affect these parameters. Thus, long-term moderate exercise training has positive effects on obesity.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Six week swimming followed by acute uptakes of ginsenoside Rg1 may affect aerobic capacity of SD rats

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of six-weeks of endurance swim training and short-term intake of Rg1 on the expression of related proteins as well as improvement of aerobic exercise capacity in 8-week-old male SD rats.

[Methods]

The groups were divided into placebo (NP, n=6), Rg1 (NRG, n=6), exercise+placebo (EP, n=7), and exercise+Rg1 (ERG, n=7). On completion of the 6-week swimming exercise, Rg1-intake groups were treated with acute uptakes (3 times within 24hrs) of Rg1. After the treatment, all groups were subjected to a swim to exhaustion test, and then the mass of muscle tissue, mRNA expression level and activity of citrate synthase (CS) were analyzed on plantaris.

[Results]

There were no differences in the effect of 6-week swimming exercise and short-term intake of Rg1 on body weight and muscle mass between groups. Although the CS mRNA expression was elevated in the exercise group and combined treatment group, there was no significant difference in CS activity. Acute uptakes of Rg1 did not affect swimming time to exhaustion, but it was increased by 235% and 314% by the 6-weeks of exercise and combined treatment of exercise and Rg1, respectively, which suggests that the combined treatment increased the effect on the capacity of aerobic exercise.

[Conclusion]

Based on these results, it was confirmed that even a short-term treatment of Rg1 can give an additive effect for improvement of exercise function, and additional studies are needed for the mechanisms and modes of its working.     

Relationship of C5L2 Receptor to Skeletal Muscle Substrate Utilization

Objective

To investigate the role of Acylation Stimulating Protein (ASP) receptor C5L2 in skeletal muscle fatty acid accumulation and metabolism as well as insulin sensitivity in both mice and human models of diet-induced insulin resistance.

Design and Methods

Male wildtype (WT) and C5L2 knockout (KO) mice were fed a low (LFD) or a high (HFD) fat diet for 10 weeks. Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) accumulation (by oil red O staining) and beta-oxidation HADH enzyme activity were determined in skeletal muscle. Mitochondria were isolated from hindleg muscles for high-resolution respirometry. Muscle C5L2 protein content was also determined in obese type 2 diabetics and age- and BMI matched men.

Results

IMCL levels were increased by six-fold in C5L2KO-HFD compared to WT-HFD mice (p<0.05) and plasma insulin levels were markedly increased in C5L2KO-HFD mice (twofold, p<0.05). Muscle HADH activity was elevated in C5L2KO-LFD mice (+75%, p<0.001 vs. WT-LFD) and C5L2KO-HFD displayed increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidative capacity compared to WT-HFD mice (+23%, p<0.05). In human subjects, C5L2 protein content was reduced (−48%, p<0.01) in type 2 diabetic patients when compared to obese controls. Further, exercise training increased C5L2 (+45%, p = 0.0019) and ASP (+80%, p<0.001) in obese insulin-resistant men.

Conclusion

The results suggest that insulin sensitivity may be permissive for coupling of C5L2 levels to lipid storage and utilization.     

Changes of bone metabolism based on the different interventions with exercise type or additional intake material in ovariectomized rats

[Purpose]

This study is aimed at providing clear guidance on treatment and prevention of osteoporosis by comparing and analyzing some well-known methods out of drug and exercise therapies.

[Methods]

For this purpose, eight-week experiments (drug therapy and exercise therapy) were carried out by using rats whose menopause was induced by the removal of an ovary. In the treatment of the drug therapy, the effects of soy protein, one of the well-known alendronate and estrogen replacement therapy, were compared and analyzed. In the treatment of the exercise therapy, endurance exercise using a treadmill and resistance exercise through climbing a special cage were compared and analyzed. Based on these results, this study will be able to suggest the most appropriate way to deal with osteoporosis which requires long-term treatment. Sixty eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley female rats had a week to adapt to the new environment. After that, they were randomly divided into four groups (Sham-Sedentary; SS, ovariectomized-control; OC, ovariectomized-soy protein; OS: ovariectomized-alendronate; OA, ovariectomized-endurance exercise; OE, ovariectomized-resistance exercise; OR) before having an operation for the removal of an ovary. After surgery, the rats convalesced for a week. Alendronate (0.4mg / kg of body weight) and isoflavones (200g / 1 kg of feed) were given to two groups respectively for eight weeks. The rats in the other two groups performed resistance exercise (climbing) and endurance exercise (20 m/min; 60min/day) five days a week for eight weeks.

[Results]

Ovariectomy increased the body weight and body fat like menopause did. Soy protein and alendronate intake for eight weeks had no effect on body weight but reduced the body fat increased by ovariectomy to the level of the SS group. The menopause induced by ovariectomy did not affect total bone density and bone mass as well as bone density in specific areas of the body. Soy protein and alendronate intake for eight weeks did not significantly affect them either. However, the eight-week treatment with soy protein and alendronate significantly reduced the level of osteocalcin in blood. Resistance exercise more noticeably increased body weight and bone mass than running on the low-intensity treadmill but serum osteocalcin levels were notably increased in both cases.

[Conclusion]

These results show that soy protein which is natural produce and low-intensity, regular endurance exercise also have an effect on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis caused by menopause.