Can half-marathon affect overall health? The yin-yang of sport

Beet supplementation mitigates post-exercise inflammation

Objectives

This study investigated the efficacy of a mixed beet-based supplement (BEET) versus placebo (PL) in countering inflammation during recovery from 2.25 h of intensive cycling in 20 male and female cyclists. A multi-omics approach was used that included untargeted proteomics and a targeted oxylipin panel.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout at close to 70%VO2max. The BEET supplement provided 212 mg of nitrates per day, 200 mg caffeine from green tea extract, 44 mg vitamin C from Camu Camu berry, B-vitamins from quinoa sprouts (40% Daily Value for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6), and 2.5 g of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps sinensis and Inonotus obliquus. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5 h-, 3 h-, and 24 h-post-exercise.

Results

The 2.25 h cycling bout increased plasma levels of 41 of 67 oxylipins detected. BEET supplementation significantly increased plasma nitrate (NO3 -) and nitrite (NO2 -) (sum, NO3 - + NO2 -) concentrations (interaction effect, p < 0.001) and two anti-inflammatory oxylipins [18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and 4-hydroxy-docosahexanoic acid (4-HDoHE)]. The untargeted proteomics analysis identified 616 proteins (458 across all times points), and 2-way ANOVA revealed a cluster of 45 proteins that were decreased and a cluster of 21 that were increased in the BEET versus PL trials. Functional enrichment supported significant BEET-related reductions in inflammation-related proteins including several proteins related to complement activation, the acute phase response, and immune cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.

Discussion

Intake of a BEET-based supplement during a 2-week period was linked to higher plasma levels of NO3 - + NO2 -, elevated post-exercise levels of two anti-inflammatory oxylipins, and a significant decrease in a cluster of proteins involved in complement activation and inflammation. These data support that 2-weeks intake of nitrate from a mixed beet-based supplement moderated protein biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation in athletes.

A highly efficient protein corona-based proteomic analysis strategy for the discovery of pharmacodynamic biomarkers

The composition of serum is extremely complex, which complicates the discovery of new pharmacodynamic biomarkers via serum proteome for disease prediction and diagnosis. Recently, nanoparticles have been reported to efficiently reduce the proportion of high-abundance proteins and enrich low-abundance proteins in serum. Here, we synthesized a silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticle and developed a highly efficient and reproducible protein corona (PC)-based proteomic analysis strategy to improve the range of serum proteomic analysis. We identified 1,070 proteins with a median coefficient of variation of 12.56% using PC-based proteomic analysis, which was twice the number of proteins identified by direct digestion. There were also more biological processes enriched with these proteins. We applied this strategy to identify more pharmacodynamic biomarkers on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model treated with methotrexate (MTX). The bioinformatic results indicated that 485 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found in CIA rats, of which 323 DEPs recovered to near normal levels after treatment with MTX. This strategy can not only help enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of disease and drug action through serum proteomics studies, but also provide more pharmacodynamic biomarkers for disease prediction, diagnosis, and treatment.

Health status of recreational runners over 10-km up to ultra-marathon distance based on data of the NURMI Study Step 2

Endurance running is well-documented to affect health beneficially. However, data are still conflicting in terms of which race distance is associated with the maximum health effects to be obtained. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the health status of endurance runners over different race distances. A total of 245 recreational runners (141 females, 104 males) completed an online survey. Health status was assessed by measuring eight dimensions in two clusters of health-related indicators (e.g., body weight, mental health, chronic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions, medication intake) and health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking habits, supplement intake, food choice, healthcare utilization). Each dimension consisted of analytical parameters derived to a general domain score between 0 and 1. Data analysis was performed by using non-parametric ANOVA and MANOVA. There were 89 half-marathon (HM), 65 marathon/ultra-marathon (M/UM), and 91 10-km runners. 10-km runners were leaner than both the HM and M/UM runners (p ≤ 0.05). HM runners had higher health scores for six dimensions (body weight, mental health, chronic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions, medication intake, smoking habits, and health care utilization), which contributed to an average score of 77.1% (score range 62–88%) for their overall state of health. Whereas 10-km and M/UM runners had lesser but similar average scores in the overall state of health (71.7% and 72%, respectively). Race distance had a significant association with the dimension “chronic diseases and hypersensitivity reactions” (p ≤ 0.05). Despite the null significant associations between race distance and seven (out of eight) multi-item health dimensions, a tendency towards better health status (assessed by domain scores of health) among HM runners was found compared to other distance runners. However, the optimal state of health across all race distances supported the notion that endurance running contributed to overall health and well-being.

Trial registration number: ISRCTN73074080. Retrospectively registered 12th June 2015.

Physical Activity Modulates miRNAs Levels and Enhances MYOD Expression in Myoblasts

Stem cells functions are regulated by different factors and non-conding RNAs, such as microRNA. MiRNAsplay an important role in modulating the expression of genes involved in the commitment and differentiation of progenitor cells. MiRNAs are post transcriptional regulators which may be modulated by physical exercise. MiRNAs, by regulating different signaling pathways, play an important role in myogenesis as well as in muscle activity. MiRNAs quantification may be considered for evaluating physical performance or muscle recovery. With the aim to identify specific miRNAs potentially involved in myogenesis and modulated by physical activity, we investigated miRNAs expression following physical performance in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and in sera of half marathon (HM) runnners. The effect of runners sera on Myogenesis in in vitro cellular models was also explored. Therefore, we performed Microarray Analysis and Real Time PCR assays, as well as in vitro cell cultures analysis to investigate myogenic differentiation. Our data demonstrated gender-specific expression patterns of PBMC miRNAs before physical performance. In particular, miR223-3p, miR26b-5p, miR150-5p and miR15-5p expression was higher, while miR7a-5p and miR7i-5p expression was lower in females compared to males. After HM, miR152-3p, miR143-3p, miR27a-3p levels increased while miR30b-3p decreased in both females and males: circulating miRNAs mirrored these modulations. Furthermore, we also observed that the addition of post-HM participants sera to cell cultures exerted a positive effect in stimulating myogenesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that physical activity induces the modulation of myogenesis-associated miRNAs in bothfemales and males, despite the gender-associated different expression of certain miRNAs, Noteworthy, these findings might be useful for evaluating potential targets for microRNA based-therapies in diseases affecting the myogenic stem cells population.

Physical activity ameliorates the function of organs via adipose tissue in metabolic diseases

Adipose tissue is a dynamic organ in the endocrine system that can connect organs by secreting molecules and bioactive. Hence, adipose tissue really plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, energy homeostasis, and thermogenesis. Disruption of hub bioactive molecules secretion such as adipokines leads to dysregulate metabolic communication between adipose tissue and other organs in non-communicable disorders. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle may be a risk factor for adipose tissue function. Physical inactivity leads to fat tissue accumulation and promotes obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, fatty liver, osteoporosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. On the other hand, physical activity may ameliorate and protect the body against metabolic disorders, triggering thermogenesis, metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, β-oxidation, and glucose uptake. Furthermore, physical activity provides an inter-organ association and cross-talk between different tissues by improving adipose tissue function, reprogramming gene expression, modulating molecules and bioactive factors. Also, physical activity decreases chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and improves metabolic features in adipose tissue. The current review focuses on the beneficial effect of physical activity on the cardiovascular, locomotor, digestive, and nervous systems. In addition, we visualize protein-protein interactions networks between hub proteins involved in dysregulating metabolic induced by adipose tissue.

Serotonin Exposure Improves Stress Resistance, Aggregation, and Biofilm Formation in the Probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415

The role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in maintaining a healthy status is well recognized. In this bidirectional flux, the influence of host hormones on gut bacteria is crucial. However, data on commensal/probiotics are scarce since most reports analyzed the effects of human bioactive compounds on opportunistic strains, highlighting the risk of increased pathogenicity under stimulation. The present investigation examined the modifications induced by 5HT, a tryptophan-derived molecule abundant in the intestine, on the probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415. Specific phenotypic modifications concerning the probiotic potential and possible effects of treated bacteria on dendritic cells were explored together with the comparative soluble proteome evaluation. Increased resistance to bile salts and ampicillin in 5HT-stimulated conditions relate with overexpression of specific proteins (among which Zn-beta-lactamases, a Zn-transport protein and a protein involved in fatty acid incorporation into the membrane). Better auto-aggregating properties and biofilm-forming aptitude are consistent with enhanced QS peptide transport. Concerning interaction with the host, E. faecium NCIMB10415 enhanced dendritic cell maturation, but no significant differences were observed between 5HT-treated and untreated bacteria; meanwhile, after 5HT exposure, some moonlight proteins possibly involved in tissue adhesion were found in higher abundance. Finally, the finding in stimulated conditions of a higher abundance of VicR, a protein involved in two-component signal transduction system (VicK/R), suggests the existence of a possible surface receptor (VicK) for 5HT sensing in the strain studied. These overall data indicate that E. faecium NCIMB10415 modifies its physiology in response to 5HT by improving bacterial interactions and resistance to stressors.

Clostridium cellulovorans Proteomic Responses to Butanol Stress

Combination of butanol-hyperproducing and hypertolerant phenotypes is essential for developing microbial strains suitable for industrial production of bio-butanol, one of the most promising liquid biofuels. Clostridium cellulovorans is among the microbial strains with the highest potential for direct production of n-butanol from lignocellulosic wastes, a process that would significantly reduce the cost of bio-butanol. However, butanol exhibits higher toxicity compared to ethanol and C. cellulovorans tolerance to this solvent is low. In the present investigation, comparative gel-free proteomics was used to study the response of C. cellulovorans to butanol challenge and understand the tolerance mechanisms activated in this condition. Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical fragment ion spectra Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) analysis allowed identification and quantification of differentially expressed soluble proteins. The study data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD024183. The most important response concerned modulation of protein biosynthesis, folding and degradation. Coherent with previous studies on other bacteria, several heat shock proteins (HSPs), involved in protein quality control, were up-regulated such as the chaperones GroES (Cpn10), Hsp90, and DnaJ. Globally, our data indicate that protein biosynthesis is reduced, likely not to overload HSPs. Several additional metabolic adaptations were triggered by butanol exposure such as the up-regulation of V- and F-type ATPases (involved in ATP synthesis/generation of proton motive force), enzymes involved in amino acid (e.g., arginine, lysine, methionine, and branched chain amino acids) biosynthesis and proteins involved in cell envelope re-arrangement (e.g., the products of Clocel_4136, Clocel_4137, Clocel_4144, Clocel_4162 and Clocel_4352, involved in the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids) and a redistribution of carbon flux through fermentative pathways (acetate and formate yields were increased and decreased, respectively). Based on these experimental findings, several potential gene targets for metabolic engineering strategies aimed at improving butanol tolerance in C. cellulovorans are suggested. This includes overexpression of HSPs (e.g., GroES, Hsp90, DnaJ, ClpC), RNA chaperone Hfq, V- and F-type ATPases and a number of genes whose function in C. cellulovorans is currently unknown.

Effect of 8-Day Fasting on Leukocytes Expression of Genes and Proteins Involved in Iron Metabolism in Healthy Men

The popularity of fasting and restricted food intake is increasing. While the body's adaptability to dietary insufficiency is crucial for health, molecular mechanisms of adaptive changes are not well understood. Here, we compared the effects of fasting and exercise on the expression of leukocyte genes and proteins involved in the storage, export, and acquisition of iron, an essential element with physiological roles. Healthy men participated in the study (age, 30-70 years; body weight, 60-100 kg; body mass index, 20-29.9 kg/m²). The participants performed an exercise test with a gradually increasing intensity until the individual maximum exercise capacity was reached, before and after 8-d fast. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 3 h after exercise. Gene expression was analyzed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein levels were analyzed by immunobloting. Eight days of total starvation diet affected the body composition and decreased exercise capacity. Further, fasting decreased the expression of genes associated with iron storage and export, and increased the expression of genes involved in iron acquisition. Conversely, only PCBP2 protein increased after fasting; however, an upward trend was apparent for all proteins. In conclusion, the body adapts to starvation by adjusting iron economy.

Circulating Exosomes Are Strongly Involved in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Knowledge of the host response to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 remains limited, hindering the understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic strategies. During the course of a viral infection, host cells release exosomes and other extracellular vesicles carrying viral and host components that can modulate the immune response. The present study used a shotgun proteomic approach to map the host circulating exosomes’ response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated how SARS-CoV-2 infection modulates exosome content, exosomes’ involvement in disease progression, and the potential use of plasma exosomes as biomarkers of disease severity. A proteomic analysis of patient-derived exosomes identified several molecules involved in the immune response, inflammation, and activation of the coagulation and complement pathways, which are the main mechanisms of COVID-19–associated tissue damage and multiple organ dysfunctions. In addition, several potential biomarkers—such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, complement C1r subcomponent and serum amyloid P-component—were shown to have a diagnostic feature presenting an area under the curve (AUC) of almost 1. Proteins correlating with disease severity were also detected. Moreover, for the first time, we identified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the exosomal cargo, which suggests that the virus might use the endocytosis route to spread infection. Our findings indicate circulating exosomes’ significant contribution to several processes—such as inflammation, coagulation, and immunomodulation—during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study’s data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD021144.

Facial Fat Fitness: A New Paradigm to Understand Facial Aging and Aesthetics

Traditionally, facial adipose tissue has been perceived and treated as a homogenous volume-occupying subcutaneous depot. However, recent research from across disciplines is converging to reveal a far more anatomically organized and functionally dynamic role of facial adipose tissue. In this narrative review, we will discuss new insights into adipocyte function and facial adipose anatomy that have far-reaching implications for the practice of aesthetic facial plastic surgery. These concepts are synthesized into a "facial fat fitness" model which can be used to explain clinical observations in facial aging and aesthetic surgery. Fat fitness relates to the quality of facial adipose tissue, as opposed to quantity, and describes whether adipose tissue is in a predominantly healthy hyperplastic or unhealthy hypertrophic state. Fat fitness is modulated by lifestyle factors, and may be impacted positively or negatively by facial aesthetic treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415 responds to norepinephrine by altering protein profiles and phenotypic characters

The long-term established symbiosis between gut microbiota and humans is based upon a dynamic equilibrium that, if unbalanced, could lead to the development of diseases. Despite the huge amount of data concerning the microbiota-gut-brain-axis, little information is available on what happens at the molecular level in bacteria, when exposed to human signals. In the present study, the physiological effects exerted by norepinephrine (NE), a human hormone present in significant amounts in the host gut, were analyzed using the commensal/probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium NCIMB10415 as a target. The aim was to compare the protein profiles of treated and untreated bacteria and relating these proteome patterns to some phenotypic modifications important for bacteria-host interaction. Actually, to date, only pathogens have been considered. Combining a gel-free/label-free proteomic analysis with the evaluation of bile salts resistance, biofilm formation and autoaggregation ability (as well as with the bacterial growth kinetics), allowed to detect changes induced by NE treatment on all the tested probiotic properties. Furthermore, exposure to the bioactive molecule increased the abundance of proteins related to stress response and to host-microbe interaction, such as moonlight proteins involved in adhesion and immune stimulation. The results of this investigation demonstrated that, not only pathogens, but also commensal gut bacteria are affected by host-derived hormones, underlining the importance of a correct cross-signalling in the maintenance of gut homeostasis. SIGNIFICANCE: The crucial role played by the human gut microbiota in ensuring host homeostasis and health is definitively ascertained as suggested by the holobiome concept. The present research was intended to shed light on the endocrinological perturbations possibly affecting microbiota. The microbial model used in this study belongs to Enterococcus faecium species, whose controversial role as gut commensal and opportunistic pathogen in the gut ecosystem is well recognized. The results obtained in the present investigation clearly demonstrate that E. faecium NCIMB10415 can sense and respond to norepinephrine, a human hormone abundant at the gut level, by changing protein profiles and physiology, inducing changes that could favor survival and colonization of the host tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first proteomic report concerning the impact of a human hormone on a commensal/probiotic bacterium, since previous research has focused on exploring the effects of neuroendocrine molecules on growth and virulence of pathogenic species.

Effects of physical exercise on the prevention of stem cells senescence

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining wellbeing; physical inactivity, on the contrary, is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most important risk factors for global mortality. During physical exercise different growth factors, cytokines and hormones are released, which affect positively the functions of heart, bone, brain and skeletal muscle. It has been reported that physical activity is able to stimulate tissue remodeling. Therefore, in this scenario, it is important to deepen the topic of physical activity-induced effects on stem cells.

Molecular and Lifestyle Factors Modulating Obesity Disease

Obesity adversely affects bone health by means of multiple mechanisms, e.g., alterations in bone-regulating hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Substantial evidence supports the relationship between adiposity and bone disorders in overweight/obese individuals. It is well known that the balance between mutually exclusive differentiation of progenitor cells into osteoblasts or adipocytes is controlled by different agents, including growth factors, hormones, genetic and epigenetic factors. Furthermore, an association between vitamin D deficiency and obesity has been reported. On the other hand, regular physical activity plays a key role in weight control, in the reduction of obesity-associated risks and promotes osteogenesis. The aim of this review is to highlight relevant cellular and molecular aspects for over-weight containment. In this context, the modulation of progenitor cells during differentiation as well as the role of epigenetics and microbiota in obesity disease will be discussed. Furthermore, lifestyle changes including an optimized diet as well as targeted physical activity will be suggested as strategies for the treatment of obesity disease.

Physical Activity Prevents Cartilage Degradation: A Metabolomics Study Pinpoints the Involvement of Vitamin B6

Osteoarthritis (OA) is predominantly characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, the connective tissue produced by chondrocytes, due to an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes. In addition, physical activity (PA) is recognized as an important tool for counteracting OA. To evaluate PA effects on the chondrocyte lineage, we analyzed the expression of SOX9, COL2A1, and COMP in circulating progenitor cells following a half marathon (HM) performance. Therefore, we studied in-depth the involvement of metabolites affecting chondrocyte lineage, and we compared the metabolomic profile associated with PA by analyzing runners’ sera before and after HM performance. Interestingly, this study highlighted that metabolites involved in vitamin B6 salvage, such as pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate, were highly modulated. To evaluate the effects of vitamin B6 in cartilage cells, we treated differentiated mesenchymal stem cells and the SW1353 chondrosarcoma cell line with vitamin B6 in the presence of IL1β, the inflammatory cytokine involved in OA. Our study describes, for the first time, the modulation of the vitamin B6 salvage pathway following PA and suggests a protective role of PA in OA through modulation of this pathway.

Increased Gene Expression of RUNX2 and SOX9 in Mesenchymal Circulating Progenitors Is Associated with Autophagy during Physical Activity

Lack of physical exercise is considered an important risk factor for chronic diseases. On the contrary, physical exercise reduces the morbidity rates of obesity, diabetes, bone disease, and hypertension. In order to gain novel molecular and cellular clues, we analyzed the effects of physical exercise on differentiation of mesenchymal circulating progenitor cells (M-CPCs) obtained from runners. We also investigated autophagy and telomerase-related gene expression to evaluate the involvement of specific cellular functions in the differentiation process. We performed cellular and molecular analyses in M-CPCs, obtained by a depletion method, of 22 subjects before (PRE RUN) and after (POST RUN) a half marathon performance. In order to prove our findings, we performed also in vitro analyses by testing the effects of runners' sera on a human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem (hBM-MSC) cell line. PCR array analyses of PRE RUN versus POST RUN M-CPC total RNAs put in evidence several genes which appeared to be modulated by physical activity. Our results showed that physical exercise promotes differentiation. Osteogenesis-related genes as RUNX2, MSX1, and SPP1 appeared to be upregulated after the run; data showed also increased levels of BMP2 and BMP6 expressions. SOX9, COL2A1, and COMP gene enhanced expression suggested the induction of chondrocytic differentiation as well. The expression of telomerase-associated genes and of two autophagy-related genes, ATG3 and ULK1, was also affected and correlated positively with MSC differentiation. These data highlight an attractive cellular scenario, outlining the role of autophagic response to physical exercise and suggesting new insights into the benefits of physical exercise in counteracting chronic degenerative conditions.

Do the benefits of participation in sport and exercise outweigh the negatives? An academic review

Public health campaigns promote regular exercise and physical activity. These campaigns are founded on global recommendations that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise is required, on a weekly basis, to maximise physical and mental health. However, participation in all forms of sports and physical activity has inherent risks that need to be considered by both health practitioners making activity recommendations and the people participating. This review examines biological, psychological and social benefits and harms of the three highest participation physical activities: walking/running, multidirectional sports and resistance exercise. While the remaining evidence indicates that the positives do outweigh the negatives, it demonstrates that moderate amounts of exercise provide the most optimal balance and that potential harms are typically associated with low or high participation.

Physical Exercise Modulates miR-21-5p, miR-129-5p, miR-378-5p, and miR-188-5p Expression in Progenitor Cells Promoting Osteogenesis

Physical exercise is known to promote beneficial effects on overall health, counteracting risks related to degenerative diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs affecting the expression of a cell’s transcriptome, can be modulated by different stimuli. Yet, the molecular effects on osteogenic differentiation triggered by miRNAs upon physical exercise are not completely understood. In this study, we recruited 20 male amateur runners participating in a half marathon. Runners’ sera, collected before (PRE RUN) and after (POST RUN) the run, were added to cultured human mesenchymal stromal cells. We then investigated their effects on the modulation of selected miRNAs and the consequential effects on osteogenic differentiation. Our results showed an increased expression of miRNAs promoting osteogenic differentiation (miR-21-5p, miR-129-5p, and miR-378-5p) and a reduced expression of miRNAs involved in the adipogenic differentiation of progenitor cells (miR-188-5p). In addition, we observed the downregulation of PTEN and SMAD7 expression along with increased AKT/pAKT and SMAD4 protein levels in MSCs treated with POST RUN sera. The consequent upregulation of RUNX2 expression was also proven, highlighting the molecular mechanisms by which miR-21-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, our work proposes novel data, which demonstrate how miRNAs may regulate the osteogenic commitment of progenitor cells in response to physical exercise.

Changes in Serum Iron and Leukocyte mRNA Levels of Genes Involved in Iron Metabolism in Amateur Marathon Runners-Effect of the Running Pace

Iron is essential for physical activity due to its role in energy production pathways and oxygen transportation via hemoglobin and myoglobin. Changes in iron-related biochemical parameters after physical exercise in athletes are of substantial research interest, but molecular mechanisms such as gene expression are still rarely tested in sports. In this paper, we evaluated the mRNA levels of genes related to iron metabolism (PCBP1, PCBP2, FTL, FTH, and TFRC) in leukocytes of 24 amateur runners at four time points: before, immediately after, 3 h after, and 24 h after a marathon. We measured blood morphology as well as serum concentrations of iron, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Our results showed significant changes in gene expression (except for TFRC), serum iron, CRP, and morphology after the marathon. However, the alterations in mRNA and protein levels occurred at different time points (immediately and 3 h post-run, respectively). The levels of circulating ferritin remained stable, whereas the number of transcripts in leukocytes differed significantly. We also showed that running pace might influence mRNA expression. Our results indicated that changes in the mRNA of genes involved in iron metabolism occurred independently of serum iron and ferritin concentrations.

Sialylated isoforms of apolipoprotein C-III and plasma lipids in subjects with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III), a key regulator of plasma triglyceride (TG), is present in three isoforms, i.e. non-sialylated (ApoC-III0), monosialylated (ApoC-III1) and disialylated (ApoC-III2). We aimed at quantifying the distribution of the ApoC-III glycoforms in patients with angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease (CAD) according to levels of total ApoC-III plasma concentration.

METHODS

ApoC-III glycoforms were quantified by a specifically developed, high-resolution, mass spectrometry method in unrelated CAD patients. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was estimated by a fluorescence-based method.

RESULTS

In 101 statin-treated CAD patients, the absolute concentrations of the three glycoforms similarly increased across ApoC-III quartiles, but the proportion of ApoC-III1 rose whereas that of ApoC-III0 decreased progressively by increasing total ApoC-III concentrations. The proportion of ApoC-III2 was quite constant throughout the whole range of total ApoC-III. A higher proportion of ApoC-III1 reflected an unfavorable lipid profile characterized by high levels of TG, total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, ApoE and reduced ApoA-I. The correlations between ApoC-III glycoforms and TG were confirmed in 50 statin-free CAD patients. High concentration of total ApoC-III was associated with low LPL activity, while no correlation was found for the relative proportion of glycoforms.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific patterns of ApoC-III glycoforms are present across different total ApoC-III concentrations in CAD patients. The inhibitory effect of ApoC-III on LPL appears related to total ApoC-III concentration, but not to the relative proportion of ApoC-III glycoforms.

Vitamin D Daily versus Monthly Administration: Bone Turnover and Adipose Tissue Influences

Vitamin D is involved in bone metabolism and in many various extra-skeletal diseases such as malabsorption syndromes, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, and autoimmune and neurological diseases. However, data on the optimal route of administration are not consistent. The aims of our study were to analyze not only the influence of daily vs. monthly administration of vitamin D on bone metabolism and bone turnover, but also the effects of different routes of administration on fat mass in a cohort of adults with low levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 at baseline. We analyzed 44 patients with hypovitaminosis at baseline and after six months of two different regimens of administration: seven drops (1750 IU)/day vs. 50,000 IU/month. We found that the two regimens were equivalent; 36 out of 44 patients reached the normal range of vitamin D after six months of treatment. Interestingly, the main determinant of vitamin D at baseline was the waist circumference. In addition, 22 patients treated by monthly regimen were evaluated after 18 months of treatment. At the end of follow-up, patients showed normal levels of vitamin D, with increased calcium levels and decreased bone turnover. Waist circumference also decreased. Our results support the efficacy of vitamin D3 given monthly both for correcting hypovitaminosis and for maintaining vitamin D levels. The relationship between serum 25(OH)vitamin D3 concentration and waist circumference supports vitamin D having a protective role in the current setting, since waist size is directly associated with the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.