Effect of dietary fat intake and exercise on inflammatory mediators of the immune system in sedentary men and women

Dietary acid load, alternative healthy eating index score, and bacterial vaginosis: is there any association? A case-control study

Background:

Changing the dietary pattern may be an alternative treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the prevalent vaginal infection in women.

Methods:

One hundred and forty-three bacterial vaginosis-affected women diagnosed by Amsel criteria and 151 healthy controls aged 18 to 45 entered the current case-control research. To calculate the alternative healthy eating index and dietary acid load score, food consumption was recorded with an accurate and precise food frequency questionnaire. The dietary acid load was measured by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) indices. Using logistic regression models, the association between the alternative healthy eating index and dietary acid load score with bacterial vaginosis was investigated.

Results:

The last tertile of the alternative healthy eating index had a 75% decreased odds of experiencing bacterial vaginosis in the adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12–0.53, P for trend = 0.001). Besides, vegetables (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.17–0.69, P for trend = 0.003), nuts and legumes (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.23–0.87, P for trend = 0.028), and meats (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.16–0.60, P for trend = 0.001) intake was linked to a decreased bacterial vaginosis odds. However, sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice (aOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.68–7.17, P for trend < 0.001), trans fatty acids (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.18–4.43, P for trend = 0.005), and sodium (aOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.67–7.06, P for trend = 0.002) intake were directly associated with bacterial vaginosis odds. There was no evidence of a link between dietary acid load and bacterial vaginosis.

Conclusion:

According to the present study’s findings, there is no correlation between dietary acid load and the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis. However, following a plant-based dietary pattern based on the healthy eating index may lead to a lower odds of bacterial vaginosis.

Nutritional Intake and Training Load of Professional Female Football Players during a Mid-Season Microcycle

Football (soccer) is a high-intensity intermittent sport with large energy demands. In a repeated-measures design, we analysed the nutritional intake and training load of fourteen female football players (22.50 ± 4.38 y; 57.23 ± 8.61 kg; 164 ± 6.00 cm; 18.33 ± 2.48% of fat mass and 23.71 ± 2.51 kg of muscle mass) competing in the highest female Football Portuguese League across a typical mid-season microcycle. The microcycle had one match day (MD), one recovery session (two days after the MD, MD+2), three training sessions (MD-3, MD-2, MD-1) and two rest days (MD+1). Energy intake and CHO (g.kg.BW−1) intake were lower on the days before the competition (MD+2, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1 vs. MD; p < 0.05; ES: 0.60−1.30). Total distance, distance covered at high-speed running (HSRD) and the high metabolic distance load (HMLD) were lower on MD+2, MD-3 and MD-1 compared with MD (p < 0.05; ES: <0.2−5.70). The internal training load was lower in all training sessions before the competition (MD+2, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1 vs. MD; p ≤ 0.01; ES: 1.28−5.47). Despite the small sample size and a single assessment in time, the results suggest that caloric and CHO intake were below the recommendations and were not structured based on the physical requirements for training sessions or match days.

Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors

Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have linked it to environmental, social lifestyle, and occupational exposures. The majority of studies concluded that adult men are less susceptible to developing asthma than women and that women display more severe forms of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of the roles played by sex- and gender-specific factors, and the biological mechanisms involved will help develop novel and more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for sex-specific asthma management.

ACUTE EFFECT OF AEROBIC EXERCISE OF DIFFERENT INTENSITIES IN CYTOKINES OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

ABSTRACT Introduction: A single exercise training session promotes stimuli for changes in the immune system that are cumulatively considered adaptations to the exercise. Objective: This paper explores the acute effect of different intensities of aerobic exercise on anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory markers in apparently healthy university students. Methods: Eighteen volunteers underwent two sessions of aerobic exercise, the first at 65-70% estimated heart rate (HR), and after seven days, a second session at 80-85% HR. Before and after each session, venous blood was drawn, in order to analyze interleukin (IL) 6 and 10 in a Milliplex Kit. The participants’ level of physical activity was determined using a questionnaire. For statistical comparisons, two-way ANOVA was used for the variables hemodynamics and perceived exertion. The cytokine results were compared through the Student's t-test for repeated measurements. The exclusion criteria were the practice of physical exercise and having drunk alcohol on the day before the intervention sessions, the presence of osteomioarticular conditions, and missing one of the sessions. Results: This study showed that IL-6 was not significantly decreased when comparing the two sessions. IL-10 was significantly decreased (p=0.033) in the 65-70% HR session but not in the 80-85% HR session. The delta variation for IL-10 showed a tendency (p=0.053) towards a greater decrease in the 65-70% HR session when compared to the 80-85% HR session. There were no differences in the acute effect of exercise when comparing the levels of physical activity. Conclusion: This study highlights that two different zones of high intensity exercise can induce different inflammatory responses, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in IL-10 in the 65-70%HR zone. The study also shows that there was no difference in physical exercise response in individuals with moderate and high physical activity levels. Level of evidence III; Comparative study.

Assessment of the Dietary Intake of High-Rank Professional Male Football Players during a Preseason Training Week

A well-balanced diet is one of the main factors that may play a supportive role in enhancing acute training stimuli in optimal training adaptation. The aim of the present study was to examine the energy and macro- and micronutrient intake including and excluding supplements among top-level Polish football players during one week of the general preparatory period. In addition, the study looked at whether athletes consume carbohydrates in recommended amounts, depending on the completed training sessions. A total of 26 professional football players were included in the study. The preseason dietary intake was assessed using a 7-day estimated food record. The energy value of the diet and the amounts of the dietary ingredients were assessed using the software Dieta 6.0. The average consumption of energy, vitamin B₂, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and calcium was lower than recommendations, and average intake of sodium and potassium was higher than the norm in the diets of the athletes. The results of this study do not confirm the justification for adding protein preparations to diets of the studied players. Furthermore, football players dietary carbohydrate intake was relatively low in comparison to requirements based on training loads. Based on our results we conclude that further work is necessary to reinforce education about nutritional habits and adjust nutritional strategies to individual needs to enhance athletic performance.

The role of IL-1 in postprandial fatigue

OBJECTIVES

Cytokines such as IL-1 seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of fatigue associated with some chronic diseases and anti-inflammatory treatment has been shown to reduce these symptoms. Ingestion of a calorie rich meal leads to postprandial fatigue, and is associated with increased systemic concentrations of cytokines, which is more pronounced in obese than lean subjects. We investigated whether postprandial fatigue is regulated by IL-1, and therefore reduced by IL-1 antagonism, in lean and obese subjects.

METHODS

In a double-blind, crossover study in 8 lean and 8 obese male subjects, randomized to receive either saline (placebo) or the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra, we investigated whether postprandial fatigue was regulated by IL-1. To promote postprandial fatigue, subjects ran 30 min prior to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal. Fatigue was determined using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and blood samples were drawn at baseline and after the intervention.

RESULTS

IL-1 antagonism led to a reduction in postprandial fatigue and this effect was more pronounced in obese than lean individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that IL-1 is involved in the regulation of postprandial fatigue under physiologic conditions in lean and obese individuals. It remains to be shown whether this effect translates into clinical relevant effects.

Nutritional needs in the professional practice of swimming: a review

[Purpose]

Swimming requires developing a high aerobic and anaerobic capacity for strength and technical efficiency. The purpose of this study was to establish the nutritional requirements and dietary strategies that can optimize swimming performance.

[Methods]

Several related studies retrieved from the databases, Dialnet, Elsevier, Medline, Pubmed, and Web of Science, through keyword search strategies were reviewed.

[Results]

The recommended carbohydrate intake ranges between 6-10-12 g/kg/d, protein 2 g/kg/d, and fat should surpass 20-25% of the daily intake.

[Conclusion]

Performance can be optimized with a hydration plan, as well as adequate periodization of supplements, such as caffeine, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, B-alanine, beetroot juice, Vitamin D, bovine colostrum, and HMB.

Nutritional interventions and the IL-6 response to exercise

IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine with a wide range of biologic effects. In response to prolonged exercise, IL-6 is synthesized by contracting skeletal muscle and released into circulation. Circulating IL-6 is thought to maintain energy status during exercise by acting as an energy sensor for contracting muscle and stimulating glucose production. If tissue damage occurs, immune cells infiltrate and secrete cytokines, including IL-6, to repair skeletal muscle damage. With adequate rest and nutrition, the IL-6 response to exercise is attenuated as skeletal muscle adapts to training. However, sustained elevations in IL-6 due to repeated bouts of unaccustomed activities or prolonged exercise with limited rest may result in untoward physiologic effects, such as accelerated muscle proteolysis and diminished nutrient absorption, and may impair normal adaptive responses to training. Recent intervention studies have explored the role of mixed meals or carbohydrate, protein, ω-3 fatty acid, or antioxidant supplementation in mitigating exercise-induced increases in IL-6. Emerging evidence suggests that sufficient energy intake before exercise is an important factor in attenuating exercise-induced IL-6 by maintaining muscle glycogen. We detail various nutritional interventions that may affect the IL-6 response to exercise in healthy human adults and provide recommendations for future research exploring the role of IL-6 in the adaptive response to exercise.-Hennigar, S. R., McClung, J. P., Pasiakos, S. M. Nutritional interventions and the IL-6 response to exercise.

Sex-specific variation in signaling pathways and gene expression patterns in human leukocytes in response to endotoxin and exercise

Background

While exercise effects on the immune system have received increasing attention in recent years, it remains unclear to what extent gender and fluctuations in sex hormones during menstrual cycle influence immunological responses to exercise.

Methods

We investigated mRNA changes induced through exhaustive exercise (half-marathon; pre-exercise and post-exercise [30 min, 3 h, 24 h] on whole blood cultures ± lipopolysaccharide [LPS] [1 h]) with a specific focus on sex differences (men vs women in luteal phase) as an extension of our previous study.

Results

Inflammation related signaling pathways, TLRs, cytosolic DNA sensing and RIG-I like receptors were differentially activated between sexes in LPS-stimulated cultures. Genes differentially regulated between sexes included TNIP-1, TNIP-3, IL-6, HIVEP1, CXCL3, CCR3, IL-8, and CD69, revealing a bias towards less anti-inflammatory gene regulation in women compared to men. In addition, several genes relevant to brain function (KMO, DDIT4, VEGFA, IGF1R, IGF2R, and FGD4) showed differential activation between sexes. Some of these genes (e.g., KMO in women, DDIT4 in both sexes) potentially constitute neuroprotective mechanisms.

Conclusions

These data reveal that the exercise-induced change in gene expression might be gender and menstrual cycle phase dependent.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0758-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Serum sCD163 levels are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and are influenced by coffee and wine consumption: results of the Di@bet.es study

OBJECTIVE

Serum levels of soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and its scavenger receptor CD163 (sCD163) have been linked to insulin resistance. We analysed the usefulness of these cytokines as biomarkers of type 2 diabetes in a Spanish cohort, together with their relationship to food consumption in the setting of the Di@bet.es study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, matched case-control study of 514 type 2 diabetes subjects and 517 controls with a Normal Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (NOGTT), using data from the Di@bet.es study. Study variables included clinical and demographic structured survey, food frequency questionnaire and physical examination. Serum concentrations of sTWEAK and sCD163 were measured by ELISA. Linear regression analysis determined which variables were related to sTWEAK and sCD163 levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odd ratios of presenting type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

sCD163 concentrations and sCD163/sTWEAK ratio were 11.0% and 15.0% higher, respectively, (P<0.001) in type 2 diabetes than in controls. Following adjustment for various confounders, the OR for presenting type 2 diabetes in subjects in the highest vs the lowest tertile of sCD163 was [(OR), 2,01 (95%CI, 1,46-2,97); P for trend <0.001]. Coffee and red wine consumption was negatively associated with serum levels of sCD163 (P = 0.0001 and; P = 0.002 for coffee and red wine intake, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

High circulating levels of sCD163 are associated with type 2 diabetes in the Spanish population. The association between coffee and red wine intake and these biomarkers deserves further study to confirm its potential role in type 2 diabetes.

Fibromyalgia: anti-inflammatory and stress responses after acute moderate exercise

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized in part by an elevated inflammatory status, and "modified exercise" is currently proposed as being a good therapeutic help for these patients. However, the mechanisms involved in the exercise-induced benefits are still poorly understood. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a single bout of moderate cycling (45 min at 55% VO2 max) on the inflammatory (serum IL-8; chemotaxis and O2 (-) production by neutrophils; and IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 release by monocytes) and stress (cortisol; NA; and eHsp72) responses in women diagnosed with FM compared with an aged-matched control group of healthy women (HW). IL-8, NA, and eHsp72 were determined by ELISA. Cytokines released by monocytes were determined by Bio-Plex® system (LUMINEX). Cortisol was determined by electrochemoluminiscence, chemotaxis was evaluated in Boyden chambers and O2 (-) production by NBT reduction. In the FM patients, the exercise induced a decrease in the systemic concentration of IL-8, cortisol, NA, and eHsp72; as well as in the neutrophil's chemotaxis and O2 (-) production and in the inflammatory cytokine release by monocytes. This was contrary to the completely expected exercise-induced increase in all those biomarkers in HW. In conclusion, single sessions of moderate cycling can improve the inflammatory status in FM patients, reaching values close to the situation of aged-matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced decrease in the stress response of these patients.

Exercise-induced immunodepression in endurance athletes and nutritional intervention with carbohydrate, protein and fat-what is possible, what is not?

Heavily exercising endurance athletes experience extreme physiologic stress, which is associated with temporary immunodepression and higher risk of infection, particularly upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). The aim of this review is to provide a critical up-to-date review of existing evidence on the immunomodulatory potential of selected macronutrients and to evaluate their efficacy. The results of 66 placebo-controlled and/or crossover trials were compared and analysed. Among macronutrients, the most effective approach to maintain immune function in athletes is to consume ≥6% carbohydrate during prolonged exercise. Because inadequate nutrition affects almost all aspects of the immune system, a well-balanced diet is also important. Evidence of beneficial effects from other macronutrients is scarce and results are often inconsistent. Using a single nutrient may not be as effective as a mixture of several nutritional supplements. Due to limited research evidence, with the exception of carbohydrate, no explicit recommendations to reduce post-exercise URTI symptoms with single macronutrients can be derived.

A high-fat diet decreases AMPK activity in multiple tissues in the absence of hyperglycemia or systemic inflammation in rats

Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) in experimental animal models initiates a series of molecular events and outcomes, including insulin resistance and obesity, that mimic the metabolic syndrome in humans. The relationship among, and order of, the molecular events linking a diet high in fat to pathologies is often unclear. In the present study, we provide several novel insights into the relationship between a HFD and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular metabolism and whole-body energy balance. HFD substantially decreased the activities of both isoforms of AMPK in white adipose tissue, heart, and liver. These decreases in AMPK activity occurred in the absence of decreased AMPK transcription, systemic inflammation, hyperglycemia, or elevated levels of free fatty acids. The HFD-induced decrease in AMPK activity was associated with systemic insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia. In blood, >98 % of AMPK activity was localized in agranulocytes as the α1 isoform. In contrast to the solid tissues studied, AMPK activities were not altered by HFD in granulocytes or agranulocytes. We conclude that HFD-induced obesity causes a broad, non-tissue, or isoform-specific lowering of AMPK activity. Given the central position AMPK plays in whole-body energy balance, this decreased AMPK activity may play a previously unrecognized role in obesity and its associated pathologies.

Acute exhaustive exercise regulates IL-2, IL-4 and MyoD in skeletal muscle but not adipose tissue in rats

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exhaustive exercise on proteins associated with muscle damage and regeneration, including IL-2, IL-4 and MyoD, in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles and mesenteric (MEAT) and retroperitoneal adipose tissues (RPAT).

Methods

Rats were killed by decapitation immediately (E0 group, n = 6), 2 (E2 group, n = 6) or 6 (E6 group, n = 6) hours after the exhaustion protocol, which consisted of running on a treadmill at approximately 70% of VO_2max for fifty minutes and then at an elevated rate that increased at one m/min every minute, until exhaustion.

Results

The control group (C group, n = 6) was not subjected to exercise. IL-2 protein expression increased at E0 in the soleus and EDL; at E2, this cytokine returned to control levels in both tissues. In the soleus, IL-2 protein expression was lower than that in the control at E6. IL-4 protein levels increased in EDL at E6, but the opposite result was observed in the soleus. MyoD expression increased at E6 in EDL.

Conclusion

Exhaustive exercise was unable to modify IL-2 and IL-4 levels in MEAT and RPAT. The results show that exhaustive exercise has different effects depending on which muscle is analysed.

Blood lipids and adipokines concentrations during a 6-month nutritional and physical activity intervention for metabolic syndrome treatment

Background

To report changes in body weight, total and central fat mass, metabolic, hormonal and inflammatory parameters in overweight people who participated in a six months weight loss intervention associating diet management and exercise.

Subjects and Methods

Fourteen subjects (10 M, 4 F, mean age 62.9 ± 6.9 years, BMI 30.4+/- 3.8 kg/m²) presenting the characteristics of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) were included in the survey. They followed a three weeks (D0 to D20) cure in a medical establishment and a six months (D20 to M3 and M6) follow up at home. During the cure, they receive a balanced diet corresponding to 500 Kcal deficit vs their dayly energy expenditure (DEE) and they exercised 2 to 3 hours per day.

At D0, D20, M3 and M6, body composition (lean mass, total and central fat mass) was analyzed with DEXA, blood pressure was taken and blood was collected to evaluate glycaemia, triglycerides, total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, insulin, leptin and adiponectin levels, CRP and pro-inflammatory interleukines IL1, IL.6 and TNFalpha.

Results

All parameters listed above except the cytokine were improved at D20, so that 4 subjects among 14 still presented the MS. After returning to home, these parameters remained stable.

Conclusion

The efficacy of therapeutic lifestyle modifications with education and exercise and diet was demonstrated, but the compliance to the new healthy lifestyle initiated during the cure was not optimal.

Diet, exercise and gut mucosal immunity

Diet and exercise are primary strategies recommended for the control of the obesity epidemic. Considerable attention is being paid to the effect of both on the immune system. However, little research has been done on the effect of diet, nutrients or exercise on the mucosal immune system. The gastrointestinal tract (gut) is not only responsible for the entry of nutrients into the organism, but also for triggering the primary immune response to orally ingested antigens. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue contains a large amount of immune cells, disseminated all along the intestine in Peyer's patches and lamina propria. Specific nutrients or their combinations, as well as the microflora, are capable of modulating the immune system through cell activation, production of signalling molecules or gene expression. We have observed an increase in T-cells as well as a decrease in B-cells from Peyer's patches, induced by diets high in fats or carbohydrates in Balb/c mice. It has also been demonstrated that exercise modulates the immune system, where moderate levels may improve its function by increasing the proliferation of lymphocytes from various sites, including gut-associated lymphoid tissue, whereas exhaustive acute exercise may cause immunosuppression. High-fat diets combined with exercise are able to induce an increase in CD3+ lymphocytes due to increased CD8+ cells and a decrease in B-cells. Explanations and consequences of the effects of diet and exercise on the gut mucosal immunity are still being explored.

Genetic effects on postprandial variations of inflammatory markers in healthy individuals

Circulating levels of inflammatory markers predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mediated perhaps in part by dietary fat intake, through mechanisms only partially understood. To evaluate post-fat load changes in inflammatory markers and genetic influences on these changes, we administered a standardized high-fat meal to 838 related Amish subjects as part of the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study and measured a panel of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9 (MMP-1 and MMP-9), and white blood cell (WBC) count, before and 4 h after fat challenge (CRP prechallenge only). Heritabilities (h(2) +/- s.d.) of basal inflammatory levels ranged from 16 +/- 8% for MMP-9 (P = 0.02) to 90 +/- 7% for MMP-1 (P < 0.0001). Post-fat load, circulating levels of WBC, MMP-1, and MMP-9 increased by 16, 32, and 43% (all P < 0.0001), with no significant changes in IL-1beta. Postprandial changes over the 4-h period were modestly heritable for WBC (age- and sex-adjusted h(2) = 14 +/- 9%, P = 0.04), but the larger MMP-1 and MMP-9 changes appeared to be independent of additive genetic effects. These results reveal that a high-fat meal induces a considerable inflammatory response. Genetic factors appear to play a significant role influencing basal inflammatory levels but to have minimal influence on post-fat intake inflammatory changes.

Assessment of dietary fat intake and innate immune activation as risk factors for impaired lung function

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Preservation of lung health with aging is an important health issue in the general population, as loss of lung function with aging can lead to the development of obstructive lung disease and is a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Inflammation is increasingly linked to loss of lung function and evidence suggests that consumption of dietary fat exacerbates inflammation. We aimed to determine the association between dietary fat intake and lung function in older people.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Participants from the Hunter community study, a population-based cohort, were recruited during 2004 and 2005. Participants received a clinical assessment, including spirometry, and provided a blood sample. Diets were analyzed using food-frequency questionnaires. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein was measured by Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Using backward stepwise linear regression, %energy from dietary fat, age and plasma IL-6 were considered as negative predictors of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) in men. Also in men, % energy intake from dietary fat, age, body mass index and IL-6 were negative predictors of %predicted forced vital capacity (FVC). Smoking and age were negative predictors of FEV(1)/FVC. In women, plasma IL-6 and age were negative predictors of %FVC, whereas obesity was positively associated with FEV(1)/FVC.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased proportion of fat in the diet is associated with the reduced lung function in older men. Dietary-fat induced innate immune activation and IL-6 release may contribute to this effect. Dietary interventions involving fat restriction should be further investigated as means of preserving lung function with aging.

Haematological, inflammatory, and immunological responses in elite judo athletes maintaining high training loads during Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and fluid intake from dawn to sunset for 1 month. These behavioural changes that accompany Ramadan may impact upon Muslim athletes who continue to train intensely. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the haematological, inflammatory, and immunological measures in elite judo athletes maintaining their usual high training loads. Haematological markers of inflammation, hormones, and immune status were studied in 15 elite male judo athletes before, during, and after Ramadan. The RIF produced small but significant changes in inflammatory, hormonal, and immunological profiles in judo athletes. Serum C-reactive protein increased from 2.93 +/- 0.26 mg.L-1 pre-Ramadan to 4.60 +/- 0.51 mg.L-1 at the end of Ramadan. Haptoglobin and antitrypsin also significantly increased at different phases during Ramadan, whereas homocysteine and prealbumin remained relatively unchanged. Albumin decreased slightly by mid-Ramadan, then recovered. Immunoglobulin Aincreased from 1.87 +/- 0.56 g.L-1 before Ramadan to 2.49 +/- 0.75 g.L-1 at the end, and remained high 3 weeks after. There were no changes in the leucocyte cell counts throughout the study. The mean blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine increased significantly during RIF. Most of these changes were within the normal ranges. These results suggest that athletes who continue to train intensely during Ramadan are liable to experience a myriad of small fluctuations in hormones, immunoglobulins, antioxidants, and inflammatory responses.

Effect of chronic supplementation with shark liver oil on immune responses of exercise-trained rats

Previous studies have reported that chronic supplementation with shark liver oil (SLO) improves immune response of lymphocyte, macrophage and neutrophil in animal models and humans. In a similar manner, exercise training also stimulates the immune system. However, we are not aware of any study about the association of exercise and SLO supplementation on immune response. Thus, our main goal was to investigate the effect of chronic supplementation with SLO on immune responses of exercise-trained rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary with no supplementation (SED, n = 20), sedentary with SLO supplementation (SEDslo, n = 20), exercised (EX, n = 17) and exercised supplemented with SLO (EXslo, n = 19). Rats swam for 6 weeks, 1.5 h/day, in water at 32 +/- 1 degrees C, with a load of 6.0% body weight attached to the thorax of rat. Animals were killed 48 h after the last exercise session. SLO supplementation did not change phagocytosis, lysosomal volume, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide production by peritoneal macrophages and blood neutrophils. Thymus and spleen lymphocyte proliferation were significantly higher in SEDslo, EX, and EXslo groups compared with SED group (P < 0.05). Gut-associated lymphocyte proliferation, on the other hand, was similar between the four experimental groups. Our findings show that SLO and EX indeed are able to increase lymphocyte proliferation, but their association did not induce further stimulation in the adaptive immune response and also did not modify innate immunity.

Eccentric training impairs NF-kappaB activation and over-expression of inflammation-related genes induced by acute eccentric exercise in the elderly

The present study was aimed to investigate in elderly humans changes in NF-kappaB activation and in the expression of the inflammation-related genes inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by acute eccentric exercise and by submaximal eccentric training. Eleven subjects, aged 66-75 years, carried out 2 bouts of eccentric exercise separated by 8 weeks of training. Following the first bout, NF-kappaB activation, and protein level of p50/p65 subunits, phospho-IkappaBalpha and phospho-IKKalpha increased, while IkappaBalpha protein level was significantly reduced. This was accompanied by a significant increase in iNOS, COX-2 and IL-6 mRNA protein level and protein content. Changes were significantly attenuated following the second exercise bout. In conclusion, acute eccentric exercise increases NF-kappaB activation and the expression of several inflammation-related genes in PBMC from elderly individuals. Regular eccentric training might be an effective method of preventing undesirable inflammatory responses induced by eccentric exercise.

Dietary intake of selected nutrients affects bacterial vaginosis in women

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition of altered vaginal flora, is associated with various adverse reproductive health outcomes. We evaluated the association between diet and the presence of BV in a subset of 1521 women (86% African-American) from a larger study of vaginal flora. Participants completed the Block Food Questionnaire and clinical assessments and self-report measures of sexual and hygiene behavior. A total of 42% of the women were classified as having BV (Nugent score > or = 7). Severe BV (Nugent score > or = 9 and vaginal pH > or = 5) was present in 14.9% of the women. BV was associated [adjusted OR (AOR)] with increased dietary fat (1.5, 1.1-2.4) after adjusting for other energy nutrients and behavioral and demographic covariates. Severe BV was associated with total fat (2.3, 1.3-4.3), saturated fat (2.1, 1.2-3.9), and monounsaturated fat (2.2, 1.2-4.1). Energy intake was only marginally associated (P = 0.05) with BV (1.4, 1.0-1.8). There were significant inverse associations between severe BV and intakes of folate (0.4, 0.2-0.8), vitamin E (0.4, 0.2-0.8), and calcium (0.4, 0.3-0.7). We conclude that increased dietary fat intake is associated with increased risk of BV and severe BV, whereas increased intake of folate, vitamin A, and calcium may decrease the risk of severe BV.

Metabolic syndrome, inflammation and atherosclerosis

The inflammatory component of atherogenesis has been increasingly recognized over the last decade. Inflammation participates in all stages of atherosclerosis, not only during initiation and during evolution of lesions, but also with precipitation of acute thrombotic complications. The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk for development of both cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes in humans. Central obesity and insulin resistance are thought to represent common underlying factors of the syndrome, which features a chronic low-grade inflammatory state. Diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome occurs using defined threshold values for waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose and dyslipidemia. The metabolic syndrome appears to affect a significant proportion of the population. Therapeutic approaches that reduce the levels of proinflammatory biomarkers and address traditional risk factors are particularly important in preventing cardiovascular disease and, potentially, diabetes. The primary management of metabolic syndrome involves healthy lifestyle promotion through moderate calorie restriction, moderate increase in physical activity and change in dietary composition. Treatment of individual components aims to control atherogenic dyslipidemia using fibrates and statins, elevated blood pressure, and hyperglycemia. While no single treatment for the metabolic syndrome as a whole yet exists, emerging therapies offer potential as future therapeutic approaches.

C-Reactive Protein in Nipple Aspirate Fluid

BACKGROUND

Proteins expressed in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) have been associated with breast cancer risk and may serve to detect inflammatory or premalignant states. Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome are associated with increased rates of breast cancer and are systemic markers of chronic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if one NAF protein, C-reactive protein (CRP), associated elsewhere in the human with cancer, relates to reproductive, nutrition, and body composition and activity factors.

METHODS

Women (n = 59) aged 30 to 64 years from the midwestern United States and Kenya were evaluated regarding the relation between reproductive (age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding indices), nutrition (serum lipids, serum, or NAF carotenoid), body composition and activity (activity, waist-hip ratio, fat percentage (% fat), and body mass index [BMI]) factors and CRP in NAF.

RESULTS

Age at first pregnancy (p < .05), gravidity (p < .05), wean time from breast-feeding last baby (p < .05), serum triglycerides (p = .01), % fat (p < .05), and BMI (p < .05) were related significantly to CRP levels in NAF. A model derived from selective women's reproductive, nutritional, and body composition and activity factors significantly (p < .05) accounted for the variance in breast microenvironment inflammation as measured by CRP in NAFs.

DISCUSSION

Detecting CRP in NAF may indicate local mammary inflammation, which has been associated with carcinogenesis. Specific NAF risk modeling that addresses reproductive, nutritional, and body composition and activity factors may be used for further advances in the prevention of breast cancer and the early detection and treatment of the disease.

Influence of gender, menstrual phase, and oral contraceptive use on immunological changes in response to prolonged cycling

This study determined the influence of gender, menstrual phase (MP), and oral contraceptive (OC) use on immunological changes in response to endurance exercise. Twelve women and 11 men similar in age, aerobic power, and activity level cycled for 90 min at 65% maximal aerobic power. Women were OC users (n = 6) or nonusers (NOC) and cycled during the follicular (Fol) and the luteal (Lut) phases. Venous blood was collected before and after exercise to determine leukocyte counts, IL-6 concentrations, and cortisol. Higher resting levels of neutrophils (approximately 1.5-fold) and cortisol (approximately 2.5-fold) were found in OC vs. NOC and men. Exercise-induced immune cell count and IL-6 changes were similar between men and NOC, except for an approximately 38% greater lymphocyte response in NOC vs. men (P = 0.07). Neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte responses to exercise during Lut in OC were greater than during Fol and also greater than the responses in men (P < or = 0.003). Changes in immune cell counts were consistently greater during Lut in OC vs. NOC, regardless of MP, but only neutrophil responses reached statistical significance (P = 0.01). The exercise-induced change in IL-6 was approximately 80% greater in NOC vs. OC during Fol (P = 0.06), but it was similar between these groups during Lut. Cortisol changes with exercise were not different between groups or MP. These results highlight the necessity to control for gender, and in particular OC use, when designing studies evaluating exercise and immunology.