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.     

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

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

Evidence that glutamine is involved in neutrophil function

Phosphate-dependent glutaminase (PDG) activity, a key enzyme of glutamine metabolism, was determined in neutrophils obtained from the intra-peritoneal cavity (PC) or bronchoalveolar space (BAS) after administration of 1 ml or 100 microl, respectively of saline, glycogen solution (1%) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS 0.1 mg (100 microl)(-1)). Neutrophils were obtained by lavage of both sites with 20 ml saline 24 h after the administration of the stimuli. Glycogen and LPS, depending on the site the cells were obtained from, differently modulated PDG activity. Cells from BAS stimulated by glycogen or LPS had raised PDG activity to 30.5 +/- 5.2 and 42.7 +/- 12.1 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein, respectively, when compared with saline (9.1 +/- 0.9 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein); mean +/- SEM. On the other hand, cells from PC showed different PDG activity: 52.0 +/- 12.6 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) for saline, 36.5 +/- 9.5 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) for glycogen, and 76.6 +/- 11.2 nmol min(-1) mg(-1) for LPS; mean +/- SEM. Therefore, PDG activity varies with the site from which neutrophils are obtained and the stimulus imposed. The effect of glutamine on nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production by peritoneal neutrophils, obtained after glycogen administration, cultured in the presence of LPS (0.5 microg ml(-1)) was also examined. The addition of glutamine at concentrations varying from 2 to 20 mM did not markedly affect NO production. Glutamine alone at 2 mM did not modify the production of TNF but in the presence of LPS caused a significant decrease. So, glutamine may preserve the function of neutrophils during infections and injuries.     

The effect of glutamine supplementation on the function of neutrophils from exercised rats

In a recent publication, we showed the protective effect of glutamine on neutrophil apoptosis induced by acute exercise. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a single bout of intensive exercise on rat neutrophil function and the possible effect of glutamine supplementation. An aqueous solution of glutamine was given by gavage (1 g per kg b.w.), 1 h before the exercise session. The exercise was carried out on a treadmill for 1 h at 85% VO2máx.. Neutrophils were obtained by intraperitoneal lavage with PBS. The following parameters were evaluated: phagocytosis capacity, production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen metabolites, expression of iNOS, and expression of NADPH-oxidase components (p22phox, p47phox and gp91phox). One hour of exercise at 85% VO2max. induced no change in the phagocytosis capacity and reactive oxygen species production but decreased nitric oxide production. When rats received oral glutamine supplementation, the phagocytosis capacity was significantly increased, the decrease in nitric oxide production induced by exercise was abolished and production of reactive oxygen species was raised. Glutamine supplementation presents a significant effect on neutrophil function including changes induced by exercise.     

Activity of neutrophil NADPH oxidase in iron-deficient anemia

This study was designed to measure the effects of iron supplementation on respiratory burst in iron-deficient anemia. The performance of neutrophils was evaluated by measuring the activity of NADPH oxidase in 18 patients with iron-deficient anemia before and after body iron stores are saturated. The activity of NADPH oxidase was significantly lower in pretreatment patients relative to controls (p<0.05). The activity increased after iron supplementation to levels that had no significant differences relative to controls.     

The effect of selenium sources and supplementation on neutrophil functions in dairy cows

Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient, is believed to enhance neutrophil functions. This study aimed to compare the effects of supplemented organic (Sel-Plex®) and inorganic (sodium selenite) Se on neutrophil functions in high-producing dairy cows, during the periparturient period. Twenty-five Holstein cows were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments as follows: control diet (basal diet without Se supplementation), IN 0.3 (basal diet supplemented with inorganic Se at 0.3 mg/kg dry matter (DM)), IN 0.5 (inorganic Se at 0.5 mg/kg DM), OR 0.3 (organic Se at 0.3 mg/kg DM) and OR 0.5 (organic Se at 0.5 mg/kg DM). Some evaluated parameters included neutrophil functions and plasma Se concentrations in cows and plasma Se concentrations in calves. Neutrophil phagocytosis did not significantly differ among the five groups. However, organic Se supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.01) the respiratory burst of neutrophils when compared to cows fed IN 0.3 and the control diet. In comparison to inorganic Se, neutrophil apoptosis was decreased (P < 0.01) when cows were fed organic Se or the control diets. These effects of organic Se on respiratory burst activities and apoptosis of neutrophils were in a dose-dependent manner. Calf plasma Se concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) when cows were fed OR 0.5 and IN 0.5.     

The effect of glutamine supplementation and physical exercise on neutrophil function

Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. Its primary source is skeletal muscle, from where it is released into the bloodstream and transported to a variety of tissues. Several studies have shown that glutamine is important for rat and human neutrophil function and that these cells utilize glutamine at high rates. Physical exercise has also been shown to induce considerable changes in neutrophil metabolism and function. As neutrophils represent 50-60% of the total circulating leukocyte pool and play a key role in inflammation, both physical exercise and glutamine might be expected to regulate the inflammatory process. In this review, the changes in neutrophil function induced by physical exercise and glutamine supplementation are compared.     

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.     

Effect of glutamine supplementation on exercise-induced changes in lymphocyte function

The purpose of this study was toinvestigate the possible role of glutamine in exercise-inducedimpairment of lymphocyte function. Ten male athletesparticipated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blindcrossover study. Each athlete performed bicycle exercise for 2 hat 75% of maximum O₂ consumption on 2 separate days.Glutamine or placebo supplements were given orally during and up to2 h postexercise. The trial induced postexercise neutrocytosisthat lasted at least 2 h. The total lymphocyte count increased bythe end of exercise due to increase of bothCD3⁺TCR⁺ andCD3⁺TCR⁺ T cells as well asCD3CD16⁺CD56⁺ naturalkiller (NK) cells. Concentrations of CD8⁺ andCD4⁺ T cells lacking CD28 and CD95 on their surfaceincreased more than those of cells expressing these receptors. Withinthe CD4⁺ cells, only CD45RA memory cells, butnot CD45RA⁺ naive cells, increased in response to exercise.Most lymphocyte subpopulations decreased 2 h after exercise.Glutamine supplementation abolished the postexercise decline in plasmaglutamine concentration but had no effect on lymphocyte trafficking, NKand lymphokine-activated killer cell activities, T cell proliferation,catecholamines, growth hormone, insulin, or glucose. Neutrocytosis wasless pronounced in the glutamine-supplemented group, but it is unlikelythat this finding is of any clinical significance. This study does notsupport the idea that glutamine plays a mechanistic role inexercise-induced immune changes.

     

Effects of supplementation with free glutamine and the dipeptide alanyl‐glutamine on parameters of muscle damage and inflammation in rats submitted to prolonged exercise

In this study, we investigated the effect of the supplementation with the dipeptide L ‐alanyl‐L ‐glutamine (DIP) and a solution containing L ‐glutamine and L ‐alanine on plasma levels markers of muscle damage and levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and glutamine metabolism in rats submitted to prolonged exercise. Rats were submitted to sessions of swim training for 6 weeks. Twenty‐one days prior to euthanasia, the animals were supplemented with DIP (n = 8) (1.5 g.kg^?1), a solution of free L ‐glutamine (1 g.kg^?1) and free L ‐alanine (0.61 g.kg^?1) (G&A, n = 8) or water (control (CON), n = 8). Animals were killed at rest before (R), after prolonged exercise (PE—2 h of exercise). Plasma concentrations of glutamine, glutamate, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and activity of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and muscle concentrations of glutamine and glutamate were measured. The concentrations of plasma TNF‐α, PGE2 and the activity of CK were lower in the G&A‐R and DIP‐R groups, compared to the CON‐R. Glutamine in plasma (p < 0.04) and soleus muscle (p < 0.001) was higher in the DIP‐R and G&A‐R groups relative to the CON‐R group. G&A‐PE and DIP‐PE groups exhibited lower concentrations of plasma PGE2 (p < 0.05) and TNF‐α (p < 0.05), and higher concentrations of glutamine and glutamate in soleus (p < 0.001) and gastrocnemius muscles (p < 0.05) relative to the CON‐PE group. We concluded that supplementation with free L ‐glutamine and the dipeptide LL ‐alanyl‐LL ‐glutamine represents an effective source of glutamine, which may attenuate inflammation biomarkers after periods of training and plasma levels of CK and the inflammatory response induced by prolonged exercise. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of zinc supplementation on hematological parameters in athletes

The hematological effects of oral supplementation of zinc to training athletes are reported in the present study. A total of 30 subjects between 16 and 22 yr of age volunteered to participate in a 4-wk study. They were equally divided into three groups. Group 1 acted as resting controls receiving daily doses of 3 mg Zn/kg body wt. Group 2 was actively engaged in wrestling and exercised for 90–120 min, 5 d a week. Group 3 was also actively engaged in wrestling and exercised for 90–120 min, 5 d a week, but they were supplemented with 3 mg Zn/kg body wt per day. The erythrocyte, leukocyte, and thrombocyte counts and the hemoglobin values of all subjects participating in the study were measured before and after exercise at the beginning and at the end of the 4-wk study period. In all groups, there were no significant differences in the measured parameters before and after exercise. At the end of the supplementation period, the parameters of the subjects in groups 1 and 3 were significantly higher than those of group 2, both before (p<0.005) and after (p<0.05) exercise. These results suggest that zinc supplementation has a positive effect on hematological parameters in athletes.     

Zinc sulfate supplementation improves thyroid function in hypozincemic down children

In subjects affected by trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), hypothyroidism is the most common endocrinological deficit. Plasma zinc levels, which are commonly detected below the normal range in Down patients, are related to some endocrinological and immunological functions; in fact, zinc deficiency has been shown to impair immune response and growth rate. Aims of this study were to evaluate (1) the role of zinc deficiency in subclinical hypothyroidism and (2) thyroid function changes in Down children cyclically supplemented with zinc sulfate. Inverse correlations have been observed between age and triiodotironine (T3) and between zinc and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); higher TSH levels have been found in hypozincemic patients at the beginning of the study. After 6 mo of supplementation, an improvement of thyroid function (TSH levels: 3.96 ± 1.84 vs 2.64 ± 1.33 mUI/mL basally and after 6 mo, respectively) was observed in hypozincemic patients. In the second cycle of supplementation, a similar trend of TSH was observed. At the end of the study, TSH significantly decreased in treated hypozincemic subjects (4.48 ± 1.93 vs 2.96 ± 1.20 mUI/mL) and it was no longer different in comparison to normozincemic patients. We suggest zinc supplementation to the diet in hypozincemic Down children as a simple and useful therapeutic tool.     

Manganese disrupts astrocyte glutamine transporter expression and function

Glutamine (Gln) plays an important role in brain energy metabolism and as a precursor for the synthesis of neurotransmitter glutamate and GABA. Previous studies have shown that astrocytic Gln transport is impaired following manganese (Mn) exposure. The present studies were performed to identify the transport routes and the respective Gln transporters contributing to the impairment. Rat neonatal cortical primary astrocytes treated with Mn displayed a significant decrease in Gln uptake mediated by the principle Gln transporting systems, N and ASC. Moreover, systems N, ASC and L were less efficient in Gln export after Mn treatment. Mn treatment caused a significant reduction of both in mRNA expression and protein levels of SNAT3 (system N), SNAT2 (system A) and LAT2 (system L), and lowered the protein but not mRNA expression of ASCT2 (system ASC). Mn exposure did not affect the expression of the less abundant systems N transporter SNAT5 and the system L transporter LAT1, at either the mRNA or protein level. Hence, Mn-induced decrease of inward and outward Gln transport can be largely ascribed to the loss of the specific Gln transporters. Consequently, deregulation of glutamate homeostasis and its diminished availability to neurons may lead to impairment in glutamatergic neurotransmission, a phenomenon characteristic of Mn-induced neurotoxicity.     

Gonadectomy impairs lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage function in male and female rats. Correlation with key enzyme activities of glucose and glutamine metabolism

The effect of gonadectomy on lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage function (hydrogen peroxide production and phagocytosis capacity) of male and female rats was examined and the results correlated with the activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase and phosphate-dependent glutaminase. Also, the reversion of the changes by the treatment with oestrogen or progesterone or a combination of both was addressed. Taken as a whole, ovariectomy reduced hydrogen peroxide production and phagocytosis capacity by macrophages and also lymphocyte proliferation. Castration of male rats reduced the proliferation of lymphocytes and raised macrophage phagocytosis capacity. The effects on macrophage function were correlated with changes in glucose metabolism, particularly, in the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

植物谷氨酰胺合成酶研究进展及其应用前景

氮素是制约作物产量的主要营养元素之一,谷氨酰胺合成酶(Glutamine synthase,GS;EC 6.3.1.2)是氮素代谢途径中的关键酶。目前,拟南芥、水稻、小麦和玉米等植物中的GS成员均已被分离鉴定。研究表明,超表达GS能够提高植物对氮素的利用效率,从而在植株的生长发育特别是产量形成过程中发挥重要作用,但是其功能在不同植物上并不完全一致,可能与GS基因受到转录和翻译后等水平的调控有关。以下综述了植物GS基因分类、QTL定位、对氮素代谢响应、组织表达特异性、生物学功能及其分子调控机制等方面的研究进展,并展望了植物GS基因的应用前景,以期为利用GS基因来提高植物氮素利用效率提供具有参考价值的信息。     

The acute response of neutrophil function to a bout of judo training

Intensive exercise training decreases neutrophil functions in athletes. However, no studies to date have investigated the effect of irregular‐interval training, such as is associated with judo training programmes, on neutrophil functions. The purpose of this study was to examine such effects. Thirty‐seven male college judoists participated in this study. Neutrophil oxidative burst activity, phagocytic activity and expression of CD11b and CD16 per cell were measured by ?ow cytometry before and after judo training. Total neutrophil counts increased signi?cantly from 2.98 ± 0.82 to 7.95 ± 1.80 × 10³/µL (p < 0.001). The proportion of neutrophils producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased signi?cantly (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the phagocytic activity decreased after training, as shown by a decrease in the amount of ingested opsonized zymosan per cell (p < 0.001), possibly as a compensatory effect for the increased numbers of ROS‐producing neutrophils. Expression of CD11b and CD16 per cell decreased by 20% and 30%, respectively, after judo training. In conclusion, judo training induced a decrease in phagocytic activity through the lowered expression of CD11b and CD16 on the surface of neutrophils, and increased the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on rat neutrophil functions in adjuvant arthritis

Neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and various inflammatory conditions, by accumulation and liberation of active proteolytic enzymes. The effect of milk extract of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nuts (SA) at a dosage of 150 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1) for 14 days on adjuvant arthritis was studied to gain some insight into this intriguing disease in relation to neutrophil functions. The decreased phagocytic function of neutrophils (phagocytic index and avidity index) found in adjuvant arthritis was significantly increased by the administration of the drug SA. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, H2O2 and myeloperoxidase), lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase and cathepsin D) and increased accumulation of neutrophils in the joints observed in adjuvant arthritic animals were reverted back to near normal levels by treatment with SA. The results of this study indicate that SA can be considered to be a good therapeutic agent for inflammation and arthritis.     

Effect of supplementation on the performance of grazing Belgian Blue double-muscled heifers

Six experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of a feed supplement on the performance of grazing Belgian Blue double-muscled (BBDM) heifers with an initial weight and age of 195 ± 43 kg and 190 ± 52 days. Treatments included were: Exp. 1: supplementation with beet pulp (BP): 2 kg/day per head v. ad libitum intake; Exp. 2: supplementation ad libitum with BP v. a mixture of BP and soybean meal (SBM; BP/SBM ratio of 80/20; FW (fresh weight) basis); Exp. 3: supplementation with 4 kg/day per head of a mixture of BP/SBM (80/20; FW basis) v. BP/formaldehyde-treated SBM (BP/FSBM); Exp. 4: supplementation with 4 kg/day per head of a mixture with a similar protein content (125 g DVE per kg dry matter (DM)), consisting of 80/20 BP/SBM v. 92/8 BP/FSBM; Exp. 5: supplementation with 3 kg/day per head of a mixture of BP/SBM (80/20; FW basis) v. BP/DDGS (dried distillers grains and solubles; 70/30, FW basis); and Exp. 6: supplementation with 3 kg/day per head of 80/20 BP/SBM v. maize silage (MS) and SBM, on the basis of a similar protein concentration in the DM as the 80/20 BP/SBM supplement, and fed at a similar amount of DM as in the BP/SBM group. Supplementing BP ad libitum did not affect daily gain (0.54 v. 0.48 kg) and partial feed conversion (3.62 kg on average) compared with 2 kg/day. Supplying SBM besides BP increased growth rate compared with BP (0.87 v. 0.62 kg/day; P < 0.001), but partial feed conversion was similar. Supplying FSBM did not affect growth rate and partial feed conversion (P > 0.10), but blood urea levels were reduced by FSBM (P < 0.05). DDGS tended to increase growth rate (0.77 v. 0.59 kg/day; P < 0.10) compared with BP/SBM, without effect on partial feed conversion. Replacing BP by MS did not affect daily gain, but partial feed conversion tended to be higher (3.21 v. 3.60 kg/kg body weight (BW) gain; P = 0.062). Increasing the supplement (80/20 BP/SBM) level from 3 to 4 kg daily, corresponding to 1.02% and 1.18% of the mean BW, respectively, resulted in a tendency (P = 0.121) for an increased growth rate. Grazing BBDM heifers of <1 year of age necessitate extra protein besides an energy supplement to improve their performance. DDGS can replace SBM and BP can be replaced by MS.     

Effect of nectar supplementation on male and female components of pollination success in the deceptive orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina

Many orchids lack floral nectar rewards and therefore rely on deception to attract pollinators. To determine the effect that a mutation for nectar production would have on overall pollination success of the deceptive orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina, we recorded pollen deposition and removal in flowers of plants that had either been supplemented with an artificial nectar solution or left unmanipulated as controls. Nectar supplementation resulted in significant increases in the proportion of flowers pollinated, regardless of morph colour and the density of plants supplemented in the population. However, nectar supplementation had a significant positive effect on pollinaria removal only for the yellow morph in one experiment in which a low proportion of plants were supplemented. Thus a mutation for nectar production would have a positive effect on overall pollination success in D. sambucina, particularly the female component. The observed patterns are discussed in relation to other factors, such as cross-pollination and the reallocation of nectar resources for other plant functions, which are traditionally considered to shape the rewardless strategies of orchids.     

Effects of medium glutamine,glutamate, and ammonia on glutamine synthetase activity in cultured mouse astroglial cells

Mouse astroglial cells were grown during the last week of culture in either glutamine-free or glutamine-containing medium. The addition of cortisol to the glutamine-containing medium resulted in a doubling of astroglial glutamine synthetase (GS) activity. Withdrawal of glutamine from the medium resulted in a 50% elevation of GS and addition of cortisol to such a medium resulted in a further increase in GS which was not additive to glutamine withdrawal. Both in glutamine-free and glutamine-containing medium, the addition of glutamate resulted in a depression of both basal and cortisol induced GS activity. The simultaneous addition of ammonia plus glutamate to the culture medium ameliorated the glutamate mediated depressive effects on cortisol induced but not basal GS activity. Glutamine withdrawal from the culture medium resulted in an astroglial protein deficit. The addition of ammonia to the medium considerably reduced this deficit and the addition of glutamate completely eliminated this protein deficit.