Muscle fibre size and capillarity in Korean diving women

Do freedivers and spearfishermen differ in local muscle oxygen saturation and anaerobic power?

BACKGROUND

Freediving is defined as an activity where athletes repetitively dive and are exposed to long efforts with limited oxygen consumption. Therefore, anaerobic features are expected to be an important facet of diving performance. This study aimed to investigate differences in anaerobic capacity and local muscle oxygenation in spearfisherman and freedivers.

METHODS

The sample of participants included 17 male athletes (nine freedivers, and eight spearfishermen), with an average age of 37.0±8.8 years, training experience of 10.6±9.5 years, body mass of 82.5±9.5 kg and height of 184.2±5.7 cm. Anthropometric characteristics included: body mass, body height, seated height, and body fat percentage. Wingate anaerobic test was conducted, during which local muscle oxygenation was measured with a NIRS device (Moxy monitor). Wingate power outputs were measured (peak power [W/kg] and average power [W/kg]), together with muscle oxygenation variables (baseline oxygen saturation [%], desaturation slope [%/s], minimum oxygen saturation [%], half time recovery [s], and maximum oxygen saturation [%]).

RESULTS

The differences were not obtained between freedivers and spearfisherman in power outputs (peak power (9.24±2.08 spearfisherman; 10.68±1.04 freedivers; P=0.14); average power (6.85±0.95 spearfisherman; 7.44±0.60 freedivers; P=0.15) and muscle oxygenation parameters. However, analysis of effect size showed a moderate effect in training experience (0.71), PP (0.89), AP (0.75), Desat slope mVLR (0.66), half time recovery mVLR (0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

The non-existence of differences between freedivers and spearfishermen indicates similar training adaptations to the anaerobic demands. However, the results show relatively low anaerobic capacities of our divers that could serve as an incentive for the further development of these mechanisms.

Angiostatic freeze or angiogenic move? Acute cold stress prevents angiokine secretion from murine myotubes but primes primary endothelial cells for greater migratory capacity

The skeletal muscle tissue can adapt to exercise and environmental stressors with a remarkable plasticity. Prolonged cold stress exposure has been associated to increased skeletal muscle capillarization. Angioadaptation refers to the coordinated molecular and cellular processes that influence the remodeling of skeletal muscle microvasculature. Two cell types are central to angioadaptation: the myocytes, representing an important source of angiokines; and the skeletal muscle endothelial cell (SMECs), targets of these angiokines and main constituents of muscle capillaries. The influence of cold stress on skeletal muscle angioadaptation remains largely unknown, particularly with respect to myocyte-specific angiokines secretion or endothelial cell angioadaptive responses. Here, we use an in vitro model to investigate the impact of cold stress (28°C versus 37°C) on C2C12 myotubes and SMECs. Our main objectives were to evaluate: 1) the direct impact of cold stress on C2C12 cellular expression of angiokines and their release in the extracellular environment; 2) the indirect impact of cold stress on SMECs migration via these C2C12-derived angiokines; and 3) the direct effect of cold stress on SMECs angioadaptive responses, including migration, proliferation, and the activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). Cold stress reduced the secretion of angiokines in C2C12 myotubes culture media irrespective their pro-angiogenic or angiostatic nature. In SMECs, cold stress abrogated cell proliferation and reduced the activation of VEGFR2 despite a greater expression of this receptor. Finally, SMECs pre-conditioned to cold stress displayed an enhanced migratory response when migration was stimulated in rewarming conditions. Altogether our results suggest that cold stress may be overall angiostatic. However, cold stress accompanied by rewarming may be seen as a pro-angiogenic stressor for SMECs. This observation questions the potential for using pre-cooling in sport-performance or therapeutic exercise prescription to enhance skeletal muscle angioadaptive responses to exercise.

Adaptations to Post-exercise Cold Water Immersion: Friend, Foe, or Futile?

In the last decade, cold water immersion (CWI) has emerged as one of the most popular post-exercise recovery strategies utilized amongst athletes during training and competition. Following earlier research on the effects of CWI on the recovery of exercise performance and associated mechanisms, the recent focus has been on how CWI might influence adaptations to exercise. This line of enquiry stems from classical work demonstrating improved endurance and mitochondrial development in rodents exposed to repeated cold exposures. Moreover, there was strong rationale that CWI might enhance adaptations to exercise, given the discovery, and central role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in both cold- and exercise-induced oxidative adaptations. Research on adaptations to post-exercise CWI have generally indicated a mode-dependant effect, where resistance training adaptations were diminished, whilst aerobic exercise performance seems unaffected but demonstrates premise for enhancement. However, the general suitability of CWI as a recovery modality has been the focus of considerable debate, primarily given the dampening effect on hypertrophy gains. In this mini-review, we highlight the key mechanisms surrounding CWI and endurance exercise adaptations, reiterating the potential for CWI to enhance endurance performance, with support from classical and contemporary works. This review also discusses the implications and insights (with regards to endurance and strength adaptations) gathered from recent studies examining the longer-term effects of CWI on training performance and recovery. Lastly, a periodized approach to recovery is proposed, where the use of CWI may be incorporated during competition or intensified training, whilst strategically avoiding periods following training focused on improving muscle strength or hypertrophy.

Post-exercise Cold Water Immersion Effects on Physiological Adaptations to Resistance Training and the Underlying Mechanisms in Skeletal Muscle: A Narrative Review

Post-exercise cold-water immersion (CWI) is a popular recovery modality aimed at minimizing fatigue and hastening recovery following exercise. In this regard, CWI has been shown to be beneficial for accelerating post-exercise recovery of various parameters including muscle strength, muscle soreness, inflammation, muscle damage, and perceptions of fatigue. Improved recovery following an exercise session facilitated by CWI is thought to enhance the quality and training load of subsequent training sessions, thereby providing a greater training stimulus for long-term physiological adaptations. However, studies investigating the long-term effects of repeated post-exercise CWI instead suggest CWI may attenuate physiological adaptations to exercise training in a mode-specific manner. Specifically, there is evidence post-exercise CWI can attenuate improvements in physiological adaptations to resistance training, including aspects of maximal strength, power, and skeletal muscle hypertrophy, without negatively influencing endurance training adaptations. Several studies have investigated the effects of CWI on the molecular responses to resistance exercise in an attempt to identify the mechanisms by which CWI attenuates physiological adaptations to resistance training. Although evidence is limited, it appears that CWI attenuates the activation of anabolic signaling pathways and the increase in muscle protein synthesis following acute and chronic resistance exercise, which may mediate the negative effects of CWI on long-term resistance training adaptations. There are, however, a number of methodological factors that must be considered when interpreting evidence for the effects of post-exercise CWI on physiological adaptations to resistance training and the potential underlying mechanisms. This review outlines and critiques the available evidence on the effects of CWI on long-term resistance training adaptations and the underlying molecular mechanisms in skeletal muscle, and suggests potential directions for future research to further elucidate the effects of CWI on resistance training adaptations.

Physiology, pathophysiology and (mal)adaptations to chronic apnoeic training: a state-of-the-art review

Breath-hold diving is an activity that humans have engaged in since antiquity to forage for resources, provide sustenance and to support military campaigns. In modern times, breath-hold diving continues to gain popularity and recognition as both a competitive and recreational sport. The continued progression of world records is somewhat remarkable, particularly given the extreme hypoxaemic and hypercapnic conditions, and hydrostatic pressures these athletes endure. However, there is abundant literature to suggest a large inter-individual variation in the apnoeic capabilities that is thus far not fully understood. In this review, we explore developments in apnoea physiology and delineate the traits and mechanisms that potentially underpin this variation. In addition, we sought to highlight the physiological (mal)adaptations associated with consistent breath-hold training. Breath-hold divers (BHDs) are evidenced to exhibit a more pronounced diving-response than non-divers, while elite BHDs (EBHDs) also display beneficial adaptations in both blood and skeletal muscle. Importantly, these physiological characteristics are documented to be primarily influenced by training-induced stimuli. BHDs are exposed to unique physiological and environmental stressors, and as such possess an ability to withstand acute cerebrovascular and neuronal strains. Whether these characteristics are also a result of training-induced adaptations or genetic predisposition is less certain. Although the long-term effects of regular breath-hold diving activity are yet to be holistically established, preliminary evidence has posed considerations for cognitive, neurological, renal and bone health in BHDs. These areas should be explored further in longitudinal studies to more confidently ascertain the long-term health implications of extreme breath-holding activity.

Examining the benefits of cold exposure as a therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes

The pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are characterized by a progressive dysregulation in energy partitioning, often leading to end-organ complications. One emerging approach proposed to target this metabolic dysregulation is the application of mild cold exposure. In healthy individuals, cold exposure can increase energy expenditure and whole body glucose and fatty acid utilization. Repeated exposures can lower fasting glucose and insulin levels and improve dietary fatty acid handling, even in healthy individuals. Despite its apparent therapeutic potential, little is known regarding the effects of cold exposure in populations for which this stimulation could benefit the most. The few studies available have shown that both acute and repeated exposures to the cold can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting glycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, critical gaps remain in understanding the prolonged effects of repeated cold exposures on glucose regulation and whole body insulin sensitivity in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Much of the metabolic benefits appear to be attributable to the recruitment of shivering skeletal muscles. However, further work is required to determine whether the broader recruitment of skeletal muscles observed during cold exposure can confer metabolic benefits that surpass what has been historically observed from endurance exercise. In addition, although cold exposure offers unique cardiovascular responses for a physiological stimulus that increases energy expenditure, further work is required to determine how acute and repeated cold exposure can impact cardiovascular responses and myocardial function across a broader scope of individuals.

Skeletal muscle, haematological and splenic volume characteristics of elite breath-hold divers

Purpose

The aim of the study was to provide an evaluation of the oxygen transport, exchange and storage capacity of elite breath-hold divers (EBHD) compared with non-divers (ND).

Methods

Twenty-one healthy males’ (11 EBHD; 10 ND) resting splenic volumes were assessed by ultrasound and venous blood drawn for full blood count analysis. Percutaneous skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from the m. vastus lateralis to measure capillarisation, and fibre type-specific localisation and distribution of myoglobin and mitochondrial content using quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

Splenic volume was not different between groups. Reticulocytes, red blood cells and haemoglobin concentrations were higher (+ 24%, p < 0.05; + 9%, p < 0.05; + 3%, p < 0.05; respectively) and mean cell volume was lower (− 6.5%, p < 0.05) in the EBHD compared with ND. Haematocrit was not different between groups. Capillary density was greater (+ 19%; p < 0.05) in the EBHD. The diffusion distance (R₉₅) was lower in type I versus type II fibres for both groups (EBHD, p < 0.01; ND, p < 0.001), with a lower R₉₅ for type I fibres in the EBHD versus ND (− 13%, p < 0.05). Myoglobin content was higher in type I than type II fibres in EBHD (+ 27%; p < 0.01) and higher in the type I fibres of EBHD than ND (+ 27%; p < 0.05). No fibre type differences in myoglobin content were observed in ND. Mitochondrial content was higher in type I than type II fibres in EBHD (+ 35%; p < 0.05), with no fibre type differences in ND or between groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, EBDH demonstrate enhanced oxygen storage in both blood and skeletal muscle and a more efficient oxygen exchange capacity between blood and skeletal muscle versus ND.

Adrenomedullin administration alters vascular endothelial growth factor levels in rats in cold stress

Background: Many endogenous peptides play important regulatory roles in angiogenesis by modulating endothelial cell behavior. Adrenomedullin (AdM) is one of such factors. Angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are indistinguishable. Exposure to cold environment stimulates capillary angiogenesis. Objectives: Examine the effect of the bioactive peptide AdM on VEGF levels in rat liver, lung, brain, and heart tissues after cold stress treatment. Methods: Male wistar rats were divided into four groups as control, AdM treatment, cold stress and AdM+cold stress treated groups. In AdM-treated group, animals received intraperitoneal injection of AdM (2000 ng/kg body weight) once a day during a week. For the cold stress exposure, the rats were kept in separate cages at 10°C for a week. Results: The administration of AdM increased VEGF levels in all tissues in cold exposed rats. Conclusion: AdM may be a major regulatory factor in angiogenesis by modulating VEGF levels that is closely associated with cold exposure-related metabolic stimulation.

Whole-body cold tolerance in older Korean female divers "haenyeo" during cold air exposure: effects of repetitive cold exposure and aging

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chronic and repetitive diving in cold sea water on physiological responses to cold in older Korean female divers, Haenyeo, who have been exposed to cold water through breath-hold diving since their teens. Young and older females, who have no experience of swimming in cold sea water, were recruited as control groups: older haenyeos (N = 10, 70 ± 3 years of age), young non-diving females (N = 10, 23 ± 2 years), and older non-diving females (N = 6, 73 ± 4 years). For the test of cold exposure, all subjects were exposed to cold in an air temperature of 12 °C with 45% RH in a sitting position for 60 min. The changes in core temperature showed no significant differences between older haenyeos and the other two groups. The decreases in mean skin temperature were greater for older haenyeos than the other two groups (P < 0.01). Older haenyeos had significantly lower energy expenditure during cold exposure when compared to older non-diving females (P < 0.05). Heart rate was significantly lower in older haenyeos than that of young non-diving females (P < 0.05). Older haenyeos felt cooler at the face with lower face temperature when compared with older non-diving females. The results indicate that older haenyeos respond to cold through reducing heat loss from the skin rather than increasing metabolic rate. These responses are distinctive features from the cold defensive system of young or older non-diving females.

Divergent effects of cold water immersion versus active recovery on skeletal muscle fiber type and angiogenesis in young men

Resistance training (RT) increases muscle fiber size and induces angiogenesis to maintain capillary density. Cold water immersion (CWI), a common postexercise recovery modality, may improve acute recovery, but it attenuates muscle hypertrophy compared with active recovery (ACT). It is unknown if CWI following RT alters muscle fiber type expression or angiogenesis. Twenty-one men strength trained for 12 wk, with either 10 min of CWI ( n = 11) or ACT ( n = 10) performed following each session. Vastus lateralis biopsies were collected at rest before and after training. Type IIx myofiber percent decreased ( P = 0.013) and type IIa myofiber percent increased with training ( P = 0.012), with no difference between groups. The number of capillaries per fiber increased from pretraining in the CWI group ( P = 0.004) but not the ACT group ( P = 0.955). Expression of myosin heavy chain genes ( MYH1 and MYH2), encoding type IIx and IIa fibers, respectively, decreased in the ACT group, whereas MYH7 (encoding type I fibers) increased in the ACT group versus CWI ( P = 0.004). Myosin heavy chain IIa protein increased with training ( P = 0.012) with no difference between groups. The proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor protein decreased posttraining in the ACT group versus CWI ( P < 0.001), whereas antiangiogenic Sprouty-related, EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 protein increased with training in both groups ( P = 0.015). Expression of microRNAs that regulate muscle fiber type (miR-208b and -499a) and angiogenesis (miR-15a, -16, and -126) increased only in the ACT group ( P < 0.05). CWI recovery after each training session altered the angiogenic and fiber type-specific response to RT through regulation at the levels of microRNA, gene, and protein expression.

Cold adaptation, aging, and Korean women divers haenyeo

BACKGROUND

We have been studying the thermoregulatory responses of Korean breath-hold women divers, called haenyeo, in terms of aging and cold adaptation. During the 1960s to the 1980s, haenyeos received attention from environmental physiologists due to their unique ability to endure cold water while wearing only a thin cotton bathing suit. However, their overall cold-adaptive traits have disappeared since they began to wear wetsuits and research has waned since the 1980s. For social and economic reasons, the number of haenyeos rapidly decreased to 4005 in 2015 from 14,143 in 1970 and the average age of haenyeos is about 75 years old at present.

METHODS

For the past several years, we revisited and explored older haenyeos in terms of environmental physiology, beginning with questionnaire and field studies and later advancing to thermal tolerance tests in conjunction with cutaneous thermal threshold tests in a climate chamber. As control group counterparts, older non-diving females and young non-diving females were compared with older haenyeos in the controlled experiments.

RESULTS

Our findings were that older haenyeos still retain local cold tolerance on the extremities despite their aging. Finger cold tests supported more superior local cold tolerance for older haenyeos than for older non-diving females. However, thermal perception in cold reflected aging effects rather than local cold acclimatization. An interesting finding was the possibility of positive cross-adaptation which might be supported by greater heat tolerance and cutaneous warm perception thresholds of older haenyeos who adapted to cold water.

CONCLUSIONS

It was known that cold-adaptive traits of haenyeos disappeared, but we confirmed that cold-adaptive traits are still retained on the face and hands which could be interpreted by a mode switch to local adaptation from the overall adaptation to cold. Further studies on cross-adaptation between chronic cold stress and heat tolerance are needed.

Effect of repeated forearm muscle cooling on the adaptation of skeletal muscle metabolism in humans

This study aimed to investigate the effect of repeated cooling of forearm muscle on adaptation in skeletal muscle metabolism. It is hypothesized that repeated decreases of muscle temperature would increase the oxygen consumption in hypothermic skeletal muscle. Sixteen healthy males participated in this study. Their right forearm muscles were locally cooled to 25 °C by cooling pads attached to the skin. This local cooling was repeated eight times on separate days for eight participants (experimental group), whereas eight controls received no cold exposure. To evaluate adaptation in skeletal muscle metabolism, a local cooling test was conducted before and after the repeated cooling period. Change in oxy-hemoglobin content in the flexor digitorum at rest and during a 25-s isometric handgrip (10% maximal voluntary construction) was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy at every 2 °C reduction in forearm muscle temperature. The arterial blood flow was occluded for 15 s by upper arm cuff inflation at rest and during the isometric handgrip. The oxygen consumption in the flexor digitorum muscle was evaluated by a slope of the oxy-hemoglobin change during the arterial occlusion. In the experimental group, resting oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle did not show any difference between pre- and post-intervention, whereas muscle oxygen consumption during the isometric handgrip was significantly higher in post-intervention than in pre-test from thermoneutral baseline to 31 °C muscle temperature (P < 0.05). This result indicated that repeated local muscle cooling might facilitate oxidative metabolism in the skeletal muscle. In summary, skeletal muscle metabolism during submaximal isometric handgrip was facilitated after repeated local muscle cooling.

Neuromuscular function during knee extension exercise after cold water immersion

Background

Human adaptability to cold environment has been focused on in the physiological anthropology and related research area. Concerning the human acclimatization process in the natural climate, it is necessary to conduct a research assessing comprehensive effect of cold environment and physical activities in cold. This study investigated the effect of cold water immersion on the exercise performance and neuromuscular function during maximal and submaximal isometric knee extension.

Methods

Nine healthy males participated in this study. They performed maximal and submaximal (20, 40, and 60% maximal load) isometric knee extension pre- and post-immersion in 23, 26, and 34 °C water. The muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) was measured using surface electromyography (EMG). The percentages of the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) and mean power frequency (MPF) of EMG data were analyzed.

Results

The post-immersion maximal force was significantly lower in 23 °C than in 26 and 34 °C conditions (P < 0.05). The post-immersion %MVC of RF was significantly higher than pre-immersion during 60% maximal exercise in 23 and 26 °C conditions (P < 0.05). In the VL, the post-immersion %MVC was significantly higher than pre-immersion in 23 and 26 °C conditions during 20% maximal exercise and in 26 °C at 40 and 60% maximal intensities (P < 0.05). The post-immersion %MVC of VL was significantly higher in 26 °C than in 34 °C at 20 and 60% maximal load (P < 0.05). The post-immersion MPF of RF during 20% maximal intensity was significantly lower in 23 °C than in 26 and 34 °C conditions (P < 0.05), and significantly different between three water temperature conditions at 40 and 60% maximal intensities (P < 0.05). The post-immersion MPF of VL during three submaximal trials were significantly lower in 23 and 26 °C than in 34 °C conditions (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The lower shift of EMG frequency would be connected with the decrease in the nerve and muscle fibers conduction velocity. To compensate for the impairment of each muscle fibers function, more muscle fibers might be recruited to maintain the working load. This might result in the greater amplitude of EMG after the cold immersion.

Four-week cold acclimation in adult humans shifts uncoupling thermogenesis from skeletal muscles to brown adipose tissue

KEY POINTS

Muscle-derived thermogenesis during acute cold exposure in humans consists of a combination of cold-induced increases in skeletal muscle proton leak and shivering. Daily cold exposure results in an increase in brown adipose tissue oxidative capacity coupled with a decrease in the cold-induced skeletal muscle proton leak and shivering intensity. Improved coupling between electromyography-determined muscle activity and whole-body heat production following cold acclimation suggests a maintenance of ATPase-dependent thermogenesis and decrease in skeletal muscle ATPase independent thermogenesis. Although daily cold exposure did not change the fibre composition of the vastus lateralis, the fibre composition was a strong predictor of the shivering pattern evoked during acute cold exposure.

ABSTRACT

We previously showed that 4 weeks of daily cold exposure in humans can increase brown adipose tissue (BAT) volume by 45% and oxidative metabolism by 182%. Surprisingly, we did not find a reciprocal reduction in shivering intensity when exposed to a mild cold (18°C). The present study aimed to determine whether changes in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism or shivering activity could account for these unexpected findings. Nine men participated in a 4 week cold acclimation intervention (10°C water circulating in liquid-conditioned suit, 2 h day^-1 , 5 days week^-1 ). Shivering intensity and pattern were measured continuously during controlled cold exposure (150 min at 4 °C) before and after the acclimation. Muscle biopsies from the m. vastus lateralis were obtained to measure oxygen consumption rate and proton leak of permeabilized muscle fibres. Cold acclimation elicited a modest 21% (P < 0.05) decrease in whole-body and m. vastus lateralis shivering intensity. Furthermore, cold acclimation abolished the acute cold-induced increase in proton leak. Although daily cold exposure did not change the fibre composition of the m. vastus lateralis, fibre composition was a strong predictor of the shivering pattern evoked during acute cold. We conclude that muscle-derived thermogenesis during acute cold exposure in humans is not only limited to shivering, but also includes cold-induced increases in proton leak. The efficiency of muscle oxidative phosphorylation improves with cold acclimation, suggesting that reduced muscle thermogenesis occurs through decreased proton leak, in addition to decreased shivering intensity as BAT capacity and activity increase. These changes occur with no net difference in whole-body thermogenesis.

Passive and post-exercise cold-water immersion augments PGC-1α and VEGF expression in human skeletal muscle

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that both post-exercise and passive cold water immersion (CWI) increases PGC-1α and VEGF mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle.

Method

Study 1 Nine males completed an intermittent running protocol (8 × 3-min bouts at 90 % \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} \hbox{max}$$\end{document}V˙O2max, interspersed with 3-min active recovery (1.5-min at 25 % and 1.5-min at 50 % \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} \hbox{max}$$\end{document}V˙O2max) before undergoing CWI (10 min at 8 °C) or seated rest (CONT) in a counterbalanced, randomised manner. Study 2 Ten males underwent an identical CWI protocol under passive conditions.

Results

Study 1 PGC-1α mRNA increased in CONT (~3.4-fold; P < 0.001) and CWI (~5.9-fold; P < 0.001) at 3 h post-exercise with a greater increase observed in CWI (P < 0.001). VEGFtotal mRNA increased after CWI only (~2.4-fold) compared with CONT (~1.1-fold) at 3 h post-exercise (P < 0.01). Study 2 Following CWI, PGC-1α mRNA expression was significantly increased ~1.3-fold (P = 0.001) and 1.4-fold (P = 0.0004) at 3 and 6 h, respectively. Similarly, VEGF165 mRNA was significantly increased in CWI ~1.9-fold (P = 0.03) and 2.2-fold (P = 0.009) at 3 and 6 h post-immersion.

Conclusions

Data confirm post-exercise CWI augments the acute exercise-induced expression of PGC-1α mRNA in human skeletal muscle compared to exercise per se. Additionally CWI per se mediates the activation of PGC-1α and VEGF mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle. Cold water may therefore enhance the adaptive response to acute exercise.

The oxygen-conserving potential of the diving response: A kinetic-based analysis

We investigated the oxygen-conserving potential of the human diving response by comparing trained breath-hold divers (BHDs) to non-divers (NDs) during simulated dynamic breath-holding (BH). Changes in haemodynamics [heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO)] and peripheral muscle oxygenation [oxyhaemoglobin ([HbO₂]), deoxyhaemoglobin ([HHb]), total haemoglobin ([tHb]), tissue saturation index (TSI)] and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were continuously recorded during simulated dynamic BH. BHDs showed a breaking point in HR kinetics at mid-BH immediately preceding a more pronounced drop in HR (-0.86 bpm.%^-1) while HR kinetics in NDs steadily decreased throughout BH (-0.47 bpm.%^-1). By contrast, SV remained unchanged during BH in both groups (all P > 0.05). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) results (mean ± SD) expressed as percentage changes from the initial values showed a lower [HHb] increase for BHDs than for NDs at the cessation of BH (+24.0 ± 10.1 vs. +39.2 ± 9.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). As a result, BHDs showed a [tHb] drop that NDs did not at the end of BH (-7.3 ± 3.2 vs. -3.0 ± 4.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). The most striking finding of the present study was that BHDs presented an increase in oxygen-conserving efficiency due to substantial shifts in both cardiac and peripheral haemodynamics during simulated BH. In addition, the kinetic-based approach we used provides further credence to the concept of an "oxygen-conserving breaking point" in the human diving response.

Histological Changes in Skeletal Muscle During Death by Drowning: An Experimental Study

A diagnosis of drowning is a challenge in legal medicine as there is generally a lack of pathognomonic findings indicative of drowning. This article investigates whether the skeletal muscle undergoes structural changes during death by drowning. Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into 3 equal groups according to the cause of death: drowning, exsanguination, and cervical dislocation. Immediately after death, samples of the masseter, sternohyoid, diaphragm, anterior tibial, soleus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles were obtained and examined by light and electron microscopy.In the drowning group, all muscles except the masseter displayed scattered evidence of fiber degeneration, and modified Gomori trichrome staining revealed structural changes in the form of abnormal clumps of red material and ragged red fibers. Under the electron microscope, there was myofibrillar disruption and large masses of abnormal mitochondria. In the exsanguination group, modified Gomori trichrome staining disclosed structural changes and mitochondrial abnormalities were apparent under light microscopy; however, there was no evidence of degeneration. No alterations were observed in the cervical dislocation group.As far as we know, this is the first time that these histological findings are described in death by drowning and are consistent with rhabdomyolysis and intense anoxia of skeletal muscle.

Maintaining thermogenesis in cold exposed humans: relying on multiple metabolic pathways

In cold exposed humans, increasing thermogenic rate is essential to prevent decreases in core temperature. This review describes the metabolic requirements of thermogenic pathways, mainly shivering thermogenesis, the largest contributor of heat. Research has shown that thermogenesis is sustained from a combination of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The mixture of fuels is influenced by shivering intensity and pattern as well as by modifications in energy reserves and nutritional status. To date, there are no indications that differences in the types of fuel being used can alter shivering and overall heat production. We also bring forth the potential contribution of nonshivering thermogenesis in adult humans via the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and explore some means to stimulate the activity of this highly thermogenic tissue. Clearly, the potential role of BAT, especially in young lean adults, can no longer be ignored. However, much work remains to clearly identify the quantitative nature of this tissue's contribution to total thermogenic rate and influence on shivering thermogenesis. Identifying ways to potentiate the effects of BAT via cold acclimation and/or the ingestion of compounds that stimulate the thermogenic process may have important implications in cold endurance and survival.

Modified ventilatory response characteristics to exercise in breath-hold divers

Specific adjustments to repeated extreme apnea are not fully known and understood. While a blunted ventilatory chemosensitivity to CO2 is described for elite breath-hold divers (BHDs) at rest, it is unclear whether specific adaptations affect their response to dynamic exercise. Eight elite BHDs with a previously validated decrease in CO2 chemosensitivity, 8 scuba divers (SCDs), and 8 matched control subjects were included in a study where markers of ventilatory response, Fowler's dead space, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and blood lactate concentrations during cycle exercise were measured. Maximal power output did not differ between the groups, but lactate threshold (θL) appeared at a significantly lowered respiratory compensation point (RCP) and at a higher VO2 for the BHDs. End-tidal (petCO2) and estimated arterial pCO2 (paCO2) were significantly higher in BHDs at θL, the RCP, and maximum exhaustion. BHDs showed a significantly (P < .01) slower breathing pattern in relation to a given tidal volume at a specific work rate. In summary, BHDs presented signs of a metabolic shift from aerobic to anaerobic energy supply, decreased chemosensitivity during exercise, and a distinct ventilatory-response pattern during cycle exercise that differs from SCDs and controls.

Effects of cold-water immersion on VEGF mRNA and protein expression in heart and skeletal muscles of rats

AIM

The effects of cold exposure on gene and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in heart and skeletal muscles, were studied in male adult Wistar rats.

METHODS

Cold immersion was accomplished by submerging the rats in shoulder-deep water maintained at approximately 18 degrees C, either acutely (1 h) or chronically (1 h day(-1), 5 days week(-1) for 20 weeks). The expressions of VEGF mRNA and protein in heart, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were examined by Northern and Western blotting and competitive-polymerase chain reaction techniques.

RESULTS

The expressions of VEGF mRNA and protein were markedly increased in cardiac muscle of the cold-immersed group, particularly in the 1-hour exposure group, whereas VEGF mRNA and protein in gastrocnemius were decreased significantly after an acute exposure. Although the protein level in gastrocnemius remained low in the chronically exposed group, the expression of mRNA of VEGF(165) with chronic exposure in this group returned to the control level and that of VEGF(206) was 15% greater than that in controls. The expression of mRNA for VEGF(165) in soleus was also lowered by acute cold exposure, although that for VEGF(206) was stable. However, VEGF protein was increased by 50%. After 20 weeks, all of these parameters were increased over the levels found in the controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the VEGF gene may be a major regulatory factor in cardiac and skeletal muscle adaptation to the cold environment stimulating angiogenesis and thermogenesis.

Effects of 20-Week Intermittent Cold-Water-Immersion on Phenotype and Myonuclei in Single Fibers of Rat Hindlimb Muscles

The effects of 20 weeks of intermittent cold-water-immersion on myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression,cross-sectional area (CSA), myonuclear number, and myonuclear domain size in isolated single fiber of soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were studied in male Wistar rats. Cold exposure was accomplished by submerging the rats in shoulder-deep water, maintained at approximately 18 degrees C, for 1 hour/day, 5 days/week and for 20 weeks. Cold exposure resulted in a significant inhibition of body and soleus muscle weight gain. The percent type IIa MHC fibers of EDL muscle was increased, whereas that of type IIa + b MHC fibers was less in cold-exposed group than controls (p < 0.05). The mean CSA and myonuclear number in type I MHC fibers of soleus muscle in cold-exposed group were significantly less than controls. Myonuclear domain in type IIa fibers of EDL in the cold-exposed group was greater than controls (p < 0.05). It is suggested that prolonged cold exposure causes the fiber-type-specific adaptation in rat hindlimb muscles. It is further indicated that cold-exposure-related modulation of myonuclear number was closely related to reduction of fiber CSA, not the shift of fiber phenotype.