Exercise and vascular function in sedentary lifestyles in humans

Effects of eight-week regular high-intensity interval training and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed on total testosterone level among sedentary young males: double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alone or in combination with hemp seed on total testosterone (TT) levels, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), body composition, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity in sedentary young males.

METHODS

Randomly, 48 young sedentary males were assigned among four groups (each comprising 12 individuals) as follows: HIIT + hemp seed (HH), HIIT + placebo (AT), hemp seed only (HS), and control. For eight weeks, exercise groups had HIIT three times per week. Hemp seed groups received 2 g of powder daily. The plasma levels of TT, SHBG, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and also body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and muscle mass percentage (MM%) were measured. The analysis was based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP).

RESULTS

Based on ITT, BMI and BF% decreased, and MM% increased significantly post-intervention in HIIT groups (p < 0.05). TT increased significantly in the HH [mean difference 0.45, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7, p = 0.005] and AT [mean difference 0.37, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7, p = 0.01]. The whole hemp seed components showed a significant antioxidant potential. However, none of the SOD, CAT, and MDA indices showed significant changes post-interventions (p ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Finally, HIIT and hemp seed intake showed no significant effects on the antioxidant defense system. However, regular HIIT significantly increased TT levels and improved body composition in sedentary young males.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration code: IRCT20140907019082N10).

NADPH-oxidases as potential pharmacological targets for thrombosis and depression comorbidity

There is a complex interrelationship between the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Comorbidities of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with mental disorders, and vice versa, are prevalent. Adults with mental disorders such as anxiety and depression have a higher risk of developing CVD, and people with CVD have an increased risk of being diagnosed with mental disorders. Oxidative stress is one of the many pathways associated with the pathophysiology of brain and cardiovascular disease. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) is one of the major generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mammalian cells, as it is the enzyme that specifically produces superoxide. This review summarizes recent findings on the consequences of NOX activation in thrombosis and depression. It also discusses the therapeutic effects and pharmacological strategies of NOX inhibitors in CVD and brain disorders. A better comprehension of these processes could facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of the comorbidity of thrombosis and depression.