A competitive marathon race decreases neutrophil functions in athletes

A full marathon is the longest running race in official track events and is a form of acute exercise. However, no studies have examined the acute neutrophil function response to a competitive marathon race. Thirty‐six male athletes who had just completed the 42.195 km course of the 50th Beppu‐Oita Mainichi Marathon were enrolled in this study. Neutrophil oxidative burst activity, phagocytic activity and expression of CD11b and CD16 per cell were measured by flow cytometry immediately before and after the marathon. Total leukocyte/neutrophil counts increased significantly (p < 0.001), whereas total oxidative burst activity per neutrophil cell decreased significantly after the race (p < 0.001). Furthermore, total phagocytic activity per neutrophil cell also decreased after the race, although it was not significant (p = 0.08). Although CD11b expression per cell did not change, the expression of CD16 per cell significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after the race. In conclusion, a competitive marathon race decreased neutrophil functions (oxidative burst activity and phagocytic activity), which may be partly due to a decrease in CD16 expression. The increase in total neutrophil counts might reflect a compensatory response to counteract the decrease in neutrophil functions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of weight reduction on neutrophil phagocytic activity and oxidative burst activity in female judoists

This study investigated the effects of short‐term weight reduction on neutrophil functions in female judoists. Sixteen actively competing female judoists were divided into two groups. Eight who required weight reduction were de?ned as the weight reduction group, and the remaining eight were used as the control. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 8 days after the match. Phagocytic activity and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils were measured by ?ow cytometry. In the weight reduction group, the phagocytic activity per cell decreased signi?cantly at the end of weight reduction compared with the control group. The rate of neutrophils producing reactive oxygen species and the oxidative burst activity per cell increased signi?cantly at the end of weight reduction in both the control and the weight reduction groups. We concluded that weight reduction, consisting of both intense exercise and energy restriction, might possibly cause both an increase in oxidative burst activity and decrease in neutrophil phagocytic activity in female judoists. However, although exercise increased oxidative burst activity, it did not affect neutrophil phagocytic activity alone. Therefore, to avoid this problem, female judoists are recommended to keep their weight within those limits determined by their class, and which can be reduced by exercise. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of a bout of traditional and original sumo training on neutrophil immune function in amateur university sumo wrestlers

In order to examine in detail the influence on the neutrophil immune function in sumo wrestlers of performing traditional and original training we examined changes in the neutrophil immune function in 17 male amateur university sumo wrestlers (aged 20.2 ± 1.5 years), before (‘Pre’) and after the training (‘Post’) for 2.5 h under fasting conditions. Assays included blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts, serum concentration of immunoglobulins, complements, myogenic enzymes and neutrophil oxidative burst activity (OBA) and phagocytic activity (PA). Myogenic enzymes, neutrophil counts, the ratio of neutrophil counts:leukocyte counts significantly increased and immunoglobulins and complements decreased in Post compared with Pre. There was a positive correlation between the change of neutrophil counts before and after the training and the change of creatine kinase (r = 0.667, p < 0.01). The Post OBA significantly increased and PA significantly decreased compared with Pre. It was concluded that sumo training causes muscular damage and an increase in the neutrophil count as a response. In this time, although OBA increased, PA decreased after training. Compensation between PA and reactive oxygen species production may exist to maintain the overall integrity of the neutrophil immune function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Serum malondialdehyde levels,myeloperoxidase and catalase activities in patients with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Objectives

Some studies have indicated the pathophysiological importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a leukocyte-derived enzyme-generating ROS that has been proposed to exert a wide array of pro-atherogenic effects throughout all stages of the atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, MPO and catalase activities in patients with adult nephrotic syndrome.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-four patients with nephrotic syndrome and 24 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum MPO activity, catalase activity, and MDA levels were assessed.

Results

Serum MPO activity and MDA levels were signi?cantly higher in patients with nephrotic syndrome than controls (both, P < 0.001), while catalase activity was signi?cantly lower (P < 0.001). Serum catalase activity was found to be significantly correlated with MPO activity (r = ?0.417, P = 0.003) and MDA levels (r = ?0.532, P = 0.007). The serum MDA levels were also found to be significantly correlated with MPO activity (r = 0.419, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

We concluded that serum MPO activity and oxidative stress were increased and that serum catalase activity was decreased in patients with adult nephrotic syndrome. In addition, these results indicate that increased MPO activity is associated with an oxidant–antioxidant imbalance that may contribute to atherosclerosis in patients with adult nephrotic syndrome.     

Monitoring of polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions in diabetes mellitus— a comparative study of conventional radiometric function tests and low-light imaging systems

In this study neutrophil (PMN) phagocytic capacity was investigated using a conventional radiometric ingestion assay (IN) in comparison with PMN respiratory burst activity assessed by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (LCL) in response to phorbolesters and LCL induction during phagocytosis of opsonized Staphylococous aureus (STLCL) in diabetes mellitus and healthy controls. PMN ingestion was measured with ³H-thymidine-labelled S. aureus in a kinetic radiometric assay. LCL and STLCL were assessed in a parallel detecting microtitre-plate luminometer (MTP-Reader). PMN of diabetic subjects showed a highly significant reduction of peak LCL in response to PMA as well as during phagocytosis of S. aureus (STLCL) compared to non-diabetic controls (p<0.001 respectively). PMN ingestion in diabetic patients (51.8±4.6%) was significantly reduced compared to controls (78.3±6.2%) (p<0.01). The in vitro data displayed impaired PMN oxidative burst activity at glucose concentrations ? 13.8mmol/L, whereas PMN IN was significantly reduced at glucose levels ?27.75mmol/L. The control group showed a positive correlation of peak LCL response and IN (p<0.05) but not of STCL and IN; in diabetic patients this was also true, but did not reach statistical significance. The data obtained in this study clearly demonstrated impaired PMN respiratory burst activity and markedly reduced phagocytic PMN functions in diabetic patients ex vivo and in vitro as measured by LCL and by ingestion of ³H-thymidine-labelled S. aureus suggesting inhibitory effects of elevated glucose concentrations on various PMN-functions, which might be of clinical importance concerning altered host defence.     

Changes in immune functions during a peaking period in male university soccer players

The concept of peaking ensures that athletes have trained to attain their absolute peak performance levels prior to a competition. This study investigates the effects of peaking on the functions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in university soccer players during a five‐day soccer training camp followed by two weeks of tapering. The study subjects were 22 soccer players who were members of a university soccer club. We carried out our investigation during a five‐day training camp and two weeks after the training camp (i.e. the tapering period). We measured body composition, immune‐related parameters (leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, immunoglobulins and complements), myogenic enzymes, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and neutrophil functions [reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic activity, serum opsonic activity and lymphocyte subtypes]. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts tend to increase after the training camp compared with values before the training camp, and recovered during the conditioning period, although the final values were still lower than those before the training camp. The amount of ROS production per neutrophil and level of SOD decreased significantly during the conditioning period compared with before the training camp (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Levels of Th1 cells decreased significantly during the conditioning period compared with the training camp (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the period of two weeks for the tapering period was considered insufficient to allow the athletes’ immune function to recover completely after an intensive training camp. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sleep patterns and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in female athletes are affected by the timing of exercise and match location

The aim of the current study was to analyze the influence of the timing of training and matches, and match location, on sleep pattern and nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity in female soccer players. A total of 17 female soccer players (age: 21.6 ± 2.3 years; mean ± SD) wore wrist actigraph units and heart rate (HR) monitors during night-sleep throughout 18 night-training days (NTD), 18 resting days (RD), and 6 match-days (MD; 3 away-matches [AM] and 3 home-matches [HM]) of the competitive period. Training load was quantified by session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), heart rate (HR), training impulse (TRIMP), and subjective well-being. In NTD, sleep onset time and total sleep time were significantly impaired compared to MD (+ 1:47 [0:48; 1:55] hours and ?1:35 [?1:42; ?0:57] hours, respectively; p< 0.001; mean difference ± 95% confidence interval [CI]) and RD (+ 1:31 [0:52; 1:49] hours and ?1:26 [?1:28; ?0:55] hours, respectively; p< 0.001). In AM, sleep onset time was delayed compared to HM (+ 0:36 [0:12; 0:44] hours; p< 0.001). Sleep latency was higher in NTD compared to RD (+ 4 [2; 5] min; p< 0.001), as well as after AM compared to HM (+ 5 [1; 7] min; p< 0.001). HR during sleep was significantly increased after NTD and MD compared to RD (+ 4 [1; 5] b.p.m and + 3 [1; 4] b.p.m, respectively; p< 0.001). Furthermore, HR variability decreased after NTD and MD compared to RD (e.g., lnRMSSD, ?0.09 [?0.18; ?0.08] ln[ms] and ?0.17 [?0.27; ?0.11] ln[ms], respectively; p< 0.001). Overall, the time of day for soccer practice (i.e., training at night) and match location (i.e., away matches) may cause disruption in sleep patterns and/or in autonomic cardiac activity in female soccer players. Additionally, playing official matches during the day and training at night may affect nocturnal cardiac autonomic activity by decreasing vagal-related modulation and increasing HR during sleep.     

Neutrophil integrin assay for clinical studies

The level of expression of neutrophil adhesion molecules may be a useful marker for neutrophil activation in clinical studies. We therefore determined neutrophil integrin expression under various experimental conditions using a Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) after the cells had been labelled with fluorescent conjugated antibodies to the integrin subunits CD11a, CD11b and CD18. Levels of labelled CD11b and CD18 increased after activation with the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but CD11a did not, indicating that CD11a would not be a useful marker of neutrophil activation. The baseline expression of CD11b and CD18 on unstimulated neutrophils was similar in heparin and EDTA anti-coagulated blood but the response to activation with fMLP was significantly less for the EDTA anti-coagulated samples (p < 0·01 in paired t-test). The labelling of integrins was significantly higher in unfixed whole blood samples compared to samples fixed with 1 per cent paraformaldehyde. However, the increase in labelling induced by fMLP was similar whether or not the samples were fixed after activation. Labelling of CD11b and CD18 was greater for preparations of isolated neutrophils than for neutrophils in whole blood, and the response to fMLP stimulation tended to be lower for the isolated cells. Our results indicate that heparin should be used as anti-coagulant in clinical studies utilizing whole blood if subsequent activation of neutrophils is planned (e.g. to detect in vivo priming), although EDTA may be used if baseline expression alone is to be measured. Fixation of blood samples should not affect the ability to detect neutrophil activation.     

Effect of 6 months' training on the reactive oxygen species production capacity of neutrophils and serum opsonic activity in judoists.

The effects of long-term training on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from neutrophils and serum opsonic activity (SOA) remain to date unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 6 months training on ROS production and SOA in judoists. Fifty-six judoists were enrolled this study. White blood cell counts, serum creatine kinase (CK), asparate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ROS production from neutrophils, and serum opsonic activity (SOA) using the lucigenin and luminol probes, were measured before and after daily judo exercise (2 h) in March and September. The subjects started their training from March after no exercise for three months, and continued it for 6 months (until September). In March, myogenic enzymes such as CK, ASAT, LDH and neutrophil counts increased and immunoglobulins, complements and SOA decreased after daily judo exercise. Such significant changes were not seen in September. On the other hand, ROS significantly increased after daily judo exercise in both March and September, with no significant difference in the rates of change. In conclusion, 6 month training minimized the changes in SOA as well as muscle enzymes, neutrophil counts, serum immunoglobulins and complements. This could be categorized as a long-term training effect. However, no such change was seen in ROS.     

Neutrophil Activation in Morbid Obesity,Chronic Activation of Acute Inflammation

Recent studies show that morbid obesity is associated with activation of the innate immune response. Neutrophil activation is a fundamental process in the innate immune response. Therefore, the activation state of neutrophils in severely obese subjects and the effect of bariatric surgery on neutrophil activation was evaluated. Neutrophil activation was assessed by measuring circulating concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and calprotectin in 37 severely obese and 9 control subjects (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). Moreover, membrane expression of CD66b on circulating neutrophils was measured using flow cytometry in a group of seven severely obese and six control subjects. Immunohistochemical detection of MPO was performed in adipose and muscle tissue. Plasma MPO and calprotectin levels were significantly increased in severely obese subjects as compared to healthy controls, 27.1 ± 10.8 vs. 17.3 ± 5.5 ng/ml (P < 0.001) and 115.5 ± 43.5 vs. 65.1 ± 23.1 ng/ml (P < 0.001) for MPO and calprotectin, respectively. In line, CD66b expression was significantly increased in severely obese individuals, 177.3 ± 43.7 vs. 129.7 ± 9.2 (mean fluorescence intensity) (P < 0.01). Bariatric surgery resulted in decreased calprotectin, but MPO plasma levels remained elevated. Adipose and muscle tissue did not contain increased numbers of MPO expressing cells in severely obese individuals. These results point out that circulating neutrophils are activated to a greater extent in severely obese subjects. Our data support the finding that the innate immune system is activated in severely obese individuals. Moreover, because neutrophils have a short life span, this indicates that the chronic inflammatory condition associated with morbid obesity is characterized by a continuous activation of the innate immune system.     

Adhesiveness for Extracellular Matrices and Lysosomal Enzyme Release from Normal and β2 Integrin-Deficient Bovine Neutrophils

The adhesiveness of control and CD18-deficient bovine neutrophils on culture plates precoated with collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin and laminin was measured to evaluate the possible factors for adherence to extracellular matrices. The release of N-acetyl-β-D -glucosaminidase (NAG_ase) from control and CD18-deficient neutrophils stimulated with complement receptor type 3 (CR3) or Fc receptor dependent stimuli was also evaluated. The adhesive activities of CD18-deficient neutrophils to collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin were significantly diminished (P < 0.05); however, similar adhesion to laminin was observed in CD18-deficient neutrophils and control neutrophils. The adhesive activity of control neutrophils on uncoated plates increased 2.5 times (P < 0.05) with the presence of PMA. The mean activities for NAG_ase release from CD18-deficient neutrophils stimulated with opsonized zymosan and aggregated bovine immunoglobulin G (Agg-IgG) were 46.7 and 82.7% that of the control neutrophils, respectively. The Agg-IgG-induced NAG_ase release from control and CD18-deficient neutrophils was eliminated by H7, a protein kinase C inhibitor. These results support that an association between CR3 and Fc receptors on neutrophils appears to play an essential role in neutrophil functions.     

A Weight Reduction Program Preserves Fat‐Free Mass but Not Metabolic Rate in Obese Adolescents

Objective: To determine the effects of a multidisciplinary weight reduction program on body composition and energy expenditure (EE) in severely obese adolescents. Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty‐six severely obese adolescents, 12 to 16 years old [mean BMI: 33.9 kg/m²; 41.5% fat mass (FM)] followed a 9‐month weight reduction program including moderate energy restriction and progressive endurance and resistance training. Body composition was assessed by DXA, basal metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry, and EE by whole‐body indirect calorimetry with the same activity program over 36‐hour periods before starting and 9 months after the weight reduction period. Results: Adolescents gained (least‐square mean ± SE) 2.9 ± 0.2 cm in height, lost 16.9 ± 1.3 kg body weight (BW), 15.2 ± 0.9 kg FM, and 1.8 ± 0.5 kg fat‐free mass (FFM) (p < 0.001). Basal metabolic rate, sleeping, sedentary, and daily EE were 8% to 14% lower 9 months after starting (p < 0.001) and still 6% to 12% lower after adjustment for FFM (p < 0.05). Energy cost of walking decreased by 22% (p < 0.001). The reduction in heart rate during sleep and sedentary activities (?10 to ?13 beats/min), and walking (?20 to ?25 beats/min) (p < 0.001) resulted from both the decrease in BW and physical training. Discussion: A weight reduction program combining moderate energy restriction and physical training in severely obese adolescents resulted in great BW and FM losses and improvement of cardiovascular fitness but did not prevent the decline in EE even after adjustment for FFM.     

Athletes’ rest-activity circadian rhythm differs in accordance with the sport discipline

The correct expression of circadian rhythmicity is crucial for the body homeostasis. The rest-activity circadian rhythms (RARs) are involved in the control of the sleep-wake cycle and altered RARs could lead to a compromised health status. Many studies focused on examining sleep behavior and circadian rhythms in physically active subjects or athletes but, unexpectedly, no data on RARs are available. Therefore, we studied the existence of the RAR in athletes and the possible difference in RAR’s characteristics among sport disciplines. The study had a prospective observational design and RARs were recorded for five consecutive training days through actigraphy (Actiwatch 2 actigraph; Philips Respironics, OR, USA) in 43 athletes (mean age: 25.6 ± 3.2 years). Athletes competed in three different disciplines and had different training schedules and competition levels: professional triathletes (N = 10; 6 females and 4 males) had 2 morning (08:30–12:00) and 1 afternoon (15:00–17:00) training sessions, professional volleyball players (N = 19; 12 females and 7 males) used to train once in the morning (09:00–11:30) and once in the afternoon (15:00–18:00), and non-professional soccer players (N = 14; all males) trained always late in the evening (20:30–22:30). To determine the existence of RARs, the activity counts (A.C.) data were analyzed using the single and the population mean cosinor method; a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey–Kramer post-hoc test was used for the comparison of RAR characteristics among soccer, volleyball and triathlon athletes. Partial eta squared (?_p²) was used to determine the magnitude of the effect for significant outcomes (α = 0.05) in ANOVA. The presence of a significant RAR both for each of the 43 athletes (p < 0.001) and for the three categories of athletes (p < 0.001) was observed. RARs differed among sport disciplines: the Midline Estimating Statistic of Rhythm (MESOR) was significantly higher in triathletes (mean: 347 A.C. with 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 314–379) compared to both volleyball (mean: 188 A.C. with 95% CI: 173–203; p < 0.001) and soccer players (mean: 289 A.C. with 95% CI: 267–312; p < 0.01) with ?_p² = 0.72. Amplitude (A) values showed the same significant trend of MESOR data (ANOVA: p < 0.001; ?_p² = 0.65) while the acrophase (Φ) occurred at 18:28 for soccer players, significantly later than triathlon (15:20 h; p < 0.001) and volleyball players (16:24 h; p < 0.001) (ANOVA: p < 0.001; ?p2 = 0.84). The higher training duration and intensity reached by triathlon athletes in the morning sessions caused a phase advance of their RAR’s acrophase Φ and higher MESOR and A amplitude compared to volleyball players and triathletes. Therefore, different sport disciplines require different training schedules, training loads and intensities that translate into different RARs. Strength coaches and medical staff of professional teams should strongly consider actigraphy as a practical and powerful tool to monitor RARs, sleep behavior, and the activity levels of their athletes; highlighting potential circadian disruptions through actigraphy could be helpful to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.     

Effects of 2.5‐hour sumo training on serum opsonic activity

Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport, but the effect of actual daily training on neutrophil function is unknown. We evaluated the effect of sumo training on serum opsonic activity (SOA), which is one of the main neutrophil‐related functions. Seventeen male university sumo wrestlers participated in the study. Changes in anthropometric parameters, concentrations of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), complements (C3 and C4), myogenic enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, asparate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase), white blood cell/neutrophil counts and SOA were measured immediately before and after actual daily training for 2.5 h. Compared with the pre‐values, immunoglobulins and complements, myogenic enzymes and white blood cell/neutrophil counts significantly increased (p <0.01 for all). As for SOA, the values of the peak height and the area under the curve significantly increased after the training when assessed using lucigenin as a chemiluminigenic probe (p <0.01 for all), but showed no significant change when luminol was used as the chemiluminigenic probe. In conclusion, daily actual sumo training for 2.5 h increases SOA, thus possibly activating the reactive oxygen species production of neutrophils. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Augmented nitric oxide generation in neutrophils: Oxidative and pro-inflammatory implications in hypertension

Abstract

The present study explores expression of NOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, NOS catalysis and NO mediated modulation of oxidative response and apoptosis in neutrophils from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Neutrophils from SHR showed ～3-fold increments in iNOS expression, 1.5-fold increments in nOS expression and calcium independent NOS catalysis, whereas GTPCH expression was unaltered. Although phagocytic potential was comparable, neutrophils from SHR demonstrated augmented oxidative burst, which was reduced by NOS inhibition or in the presence of NO scavenger. SHR neutrophils also exhibited enhanced MPO catalysis and [Ca²⁺]_i levels. Levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were comparable, but IL-1β and CRP levels in SHR plasma were (p<0.05) elevated. This study evidenced significantly enhanced expression of IL-1β in SHR neutrophils whereas those of TNF-α and IFN-γ were unaltered. Moreover neutrophils from SHR exhibited (p<0.01) delayed apoptotic response and sustained NO generation, as evident from elevated nitrite levels in neutrophil culture supernatant above the control levels. Results obtained indicate an augmented NO generation from neutrophils during hypertension which might fortify their attribute to the oxidative and inflammatory stress in SHR, emphasizing the importance of neutrophils in hypertension.     

Seasonal variation in in vitro immune activity of milk leukocytes in elite and non-elite crossbred cows of Indian sub-tropical semi-arid climate

Immunity of mammary gland in terms of in vitro activity of milk leukocytes has been evaluated during hot-humid, summer, and winter season in elite (n = 10) and non-elite (n = 10) crossbred cows. Milk samples were collected from all the cows throughout the year at 15-day interval. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and differential leukocyte counts (DLC) were evaluated microscopically. Milk neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes were isolated and cultured in vitro. In vitro PI of milk neutrophils and macrophages was evaluated by colorimetric NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) reductive assay. Mitogen-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response was measured by colorimetric MTT (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay. Milk SCC was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in elite cows compared to non-elite cows irrespective of season. There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in milk SCC during hot-humid season compared to winter season in both the group of the cows. There was no significant difference between group and season in terms of DLC. In vitro phagocytic index of elite cows was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than non-elite cows. The phagocytic index was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased in summer and hot-humid season compared to winter season in both the group of animals. Macrophages isolated from elite cows having significantly (p < 0.01) lower phagocytic index than non-elite cows which significantly (p < 0.01) decreased during summer and hot-humid season compared to winter. In vitro milk lymphocyte proliferative response was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in elite cows. Activity of B-lymphocytes decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during summer and hot-humid season than winter, but activity of T-lymphocytes remains unaltered during different seasons. In conclusion, the mammary immunity in terms of in vitro activity of milk leukocytes is compromised during summer and hot-humid season in elite crossbred cows; therefore, better care and management should be taken in high-yielding cows during summer and hot-humid season to minimize intramammary infections.     

Influence of a 3‐month training program on muscular damage and neutrophil function in male university freshman judoists

We studied the effects of a high intensity and high frequency 3‐month training program on muscle damage and neutrophil function in male judoists. The study included 15 male judoists who started intensive judo training program after a 6‐month break. Creatine kinase (CK), neutrophil counts and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability as well as phagocytic activity (PA) of neutrophils were measured at 2 stages; entering university (pre‐training) and after 3‐month training (post‐training). At both points, we investigated parameters three times: just before, immediately after and 24 h after a 2‐h practice session. Practice‐mediated change in CK was lower at post‐training than at pre‐training. Neutrophil count significantly increased after 2‐h practice but recovered 24 h later whereas it showed no subsequent and further increased at 24 h post‐practice. Although neutrophil ROS production capability and PA both decreased (breakdown) after practice session, ROS production capability increased and PA decreased (well‐adapted) at the post‐training. Long‐term training strengthened muscular function and improved neutrophil reaction against practice‐mediated stress. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of dehydration on immune functions after a judo practice session

We investigated the effects of dehydration after a judo practice session on player muscle and immune functions. Subjects included 25 female university judoists. Investigations were performed before and after 2.5 h of regular judo practice. Body composition, serum enzymes (myogenic enzymes, immunoglobulins and complements), neutrophils counts, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability, and phagocytic activity (PA) were measured. Subjects were divided into two groups according to level of dehydration after practice (mild dehydration and severe dehydration groups) and results were compared. Creatine kinase was found to increase significantly after practice. In addition, neutrophil count also increased significantly after practice in both groups. The changing ratios of IgA, IgG and C3 observed in the mild dehydration group were significantly higher than those in the severe dehydration group. In the severe dehydration group, post‐practice PA/neutrophil had decreased significantly. Significant positive correlations were found between severity of dehydration and changing ratios of IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4 and ROS production capabilities, whereas no significant association was seen with PA and/or serum SOD activity. These results suggest that dehydration resulted in immunosuppression, including decreased neutrophil function. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of glutamine supplementation on neutrophil function in male judoists

Glutamine is an important amino acid for immune function. Though high intensity and prolonged exercise decreases plasma glutamine concentration and causes immune suppression, the relationship between neutrophil functions and glutamine has not yet been found. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of glutamine supplementation on neutrophil function. Twenty‐six male university judoists were recruited. Subjects were classified into glutamine and control groups. The glutamine group ingested 3000 mg of glutamine per day and the control group ingested placebo for 2 weeks. Examinations were performed at the start of preunified loading exercise (pre‐ULE), then 1 and 2 weeks after ULE (post‐ULE). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic activity, serum opsonic activity and serum myogenic enzymes were measured. Differences between the levels obtained in pre‐ULE and post‐ULE for the two groups were compared. In the glutamine group, ROS production activity increased 1 week after ULE, whereas it was not observed in the control group (P < 0.001). Though myogenic enzymes increased significantly after ULE (P < 0.001), the glutamine group remained unchanged by supplementation during ULE. Glutamine supplementation has prevented excessive muscle damage and suppression of neutrophil function, especially in ROS production activity, even during an intensive training period. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Infradian rhythm in hematology,cell mediated immunity and serum micronutrient concentration around peripartum periods in high yielding crossbred cows before and after micronutrient supplementation

Alteration in hematology and cell-mediated immunity around peripartum periods before and after micronutrient supplementation was studied in this investigation. Twelve (12) high-yielding cross-bred cows in advanced pregnancy were selected for the experiment and divided into two equal groups viz. supplemented (n = 6) and unsupplemented (n = 6). Supplemented animals were provided with a micronutrient mixture (@ 25 g per cow) as per the recommendation of NRC over the normal feeding. Unsupplemented group of cows were kept as control with standard farm feeding management. Blood samples (15 ml/cow) were collected from all the animals during days 30th, 15th, and 7th before calving, on the day of calving, and during days 7th, 15th, and 30th after calving and analyzed for hematology viz. hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte counts (TEC), total leukocyte counts, and differential leukocyte counts. In vitro phagocytic index (PI) of neutrophils and lymphocyte proliferation response (LPR) were also evaluated. Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese, and selenium (Se) concentrations in serum were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Hb concentration was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in supplemented group compared to the unsupplemented group of cows. There were no significant differences in Hb concentration during different days of peripartum in both the group of cows. There was a significantly (p < 0.001) higher TEC in supplemented group compared to unsupplemented group of cows, though it did not vary significantly between different days of peripartum in both the group of cows. There was a significantly (p < 0.001) higher PI in supplemented group compared to the unsupplemented group of cows. In both the groups, the PI of blood neutrophils was significantly (p < 0.001) lower during calving. The LPR did not differ significantly between the groups, but it differed significantly (p < 0.01) between different days of peripartum and was lowest on the day of calving in both the groups. The Cu, Zn, and SE concentration was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in supplemented group compared to the unsupplemented group of cows, but remained unaltered throughout the peripartum period. The study indicated that there was a marked immune depression around peripartum (15 days precalving to 15 days postcalving) in terms of in vitro phagocytic activity of blood neutrophils and in vitro LPR. Supplementation of micronutrients improves the hematological status as well as immune status, so it was recommended to supplement these micronutrients for better productivity and disease resistance in high-yielding cross-bred cows around peripartum.