Lipids, lipoproteins, and exercise

Coronary artery calcification and high-volume physical activity: role of lower intensity vs. longer duration of exercise

AIMS

While high-volume physical activity (PA) has been linked to elevated coronary artery calcification (CAC), the role of intensity vs. duration of PA has not been investigated. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of intensity vs. duration of PA in relation to CAC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data are from 23 383 apparently healthy men who completed a PA questionnaire and underwent CAC scanning as part of a preventive examination. Self-reported PA was categorized into four groups of average intensity and weekly duration of PA [average intensity: 1, 3-5.9, 6-8.9, and 9-12 metabolic equivalents of task (METs); weekly duration: 0, > 0-<2, 2-<5, and ≥5 h/week]. Mean CAC and CAC ≥ 100 Agatston units (AU) were regressed separately on continuous or categorical average intensity and weekly duration of PA. The mean (standard deviation) age was 51.7 (8.3) years, and mean CAC was 174.8 (543.6) AU with 23.5% of men presenting with CAC ≥ 100 AU. Higher average intensity of PA was related to lower mean CAC [-3.1%/MET, 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.6, -1.6%/MET] and lower relative risk (RR) of CAC ≥ 100 AU (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.00/MET). Opposite trend was observed for the duration component wherein higher weekly duration of PA was significantly associated with greater mean CAC and RR of CAC ≥ 100 AU.

CONCLUSION

Elevated CAC was associated with lower average intensity and longer duration of PA in men, providing new insight into the complex relationship between leisure-time PA behaviours and risk of CAC.

Effects of 1,144 km of road cycling performed in 7 days: a cardiometabolic imaging study

This cardiometabolic imaging study was designed to document the adaptation of middle-aged recreational cyclists to a large exercise prescription not aiming at weight loss. Eleven middle-aged recreational male cyclists traveled 1,144 km over seven consecutive days. A comprehensive cardiometabolic profile including visceral and ectopic adiposity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging was obtained at baseline and following the exercise week. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured using maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing. During the week, heart rate was monitored to calculate individual energy expenditure. Baseline characteristics of cyclists were compared with 86 healthy males in the same age range. Cyclists presented higher baseline CRF (+9.2 mL/kg/min, P < 0.0001) and lower subcutaneous (-56.2 mL, P < 0.05) and liver (-3.3%, P < 0.05) fat compared with the reference group. Despite the large energy expenditure during the cycling week, the increase in energy intake limited decreases in body weight (-0.8 ± 0.9 kg, P < 0.05) and body mass index (-0.3 ± 0.3 kg/m2, P < 0.05). Loss of fat mass (-1.5 ± 1.0 kg, P < 0.001) and a trend toward an increased lean mass (+0.8 ± 1.2 kg, P < 0.07) were observed. Visceral adiposity (-14.1 ± 14.2 mL, P < 0.01) and waist circumference (-3.2 ± 1.7 cm, P < 0.0001) decreased, whereas subcutaneous (-2.7 ± 5.1 mL, NS), liver (-0.5 ± 0.9%, NS), and cardiac (-0.3 ± 2.3 mL, NS) fat remained unchanged. This cardiometabolic imaging study documents middle-aged recreational cyclists' subcutaneous and visceral adiposity as well as cardiac and liver fat responses to a large volume of endurance exercise despite an increase in energy intake aimed at limiting weight loss.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Even when being accompanied by a substantial increase in energy intake to compensate energy expenditure and limit weight loss, a large volume of endurance exercise performed within a short period of time is associated with a significant reduction in visceral adiposity. High cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with low levels of liver fat in middle-aged males.

Moderate-intensity Combined Training Induces Lipidomic Changes in Individuals With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

CONTEXT

Alterations in the lipid metabolism are linked to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance (IR), obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Regular exercise, particularly combined training (CT), is a well-known nonpharmacological treatment that combines aerobic (AT) and resistance (RT) training benefits. However, it is unclear whether moderate-intensity exercise without dietary intervention induces changes in lipid metabolism to promote a "healthy lipidome."

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of CT on plasma and white adipose tissue in both sexes, middle-aged individuals with normal weight, obesity (OB), and T2D using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) untargeted lipidomics approach.

METHODS

Body composition, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), strength, and biochemical markers were evaluated before and after the control/training period and correlated with lipid changes. CT consisted of 8 to 10 RT exercises, followed by 35 minutes of AT (45%-70% VO2max), 3 times a week for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

The CT significantly reduced the levels of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid side-chains (SFA/MUFA) in sphingolipids, glycerolipids (GL) and glycerophospholipids (GP) as well as reducing fat mass, circumferences and IR. Increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in GPs and GLs were also observed, along with increased fat-free mass, VO2 max, and strength (all P < .05) after training.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that 16 weeks of moderate-intensity CT remodeled the lipid metabolism in OB, and T2D individuals, even without dietary intervention, establishing a link between exercise-modulated lipid markers and mechanisms that reduce IR and obesity-related comorbidities.

Effects of arginine intake during weight training on blood variables

This experiment studied the effect of arginine intake on blood pressure and blood variables during weight training in 20 men in their 20s. The resistance exercise program was performed 3 times a week at 60% of one repetition maximum for 8 weeks. The arginine intake group consumed 1,000 mg of arginine 2 tablets per day before weight training for 8 weeks. The placebo group was instructed to consume two of placebo with water, the same as the arginine intake group. After 8 weeks, the day after the end of the resistance exercise program, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, muscle mass, and maximum muscle strength were measured. In changes in systolic blood pressure, the arginine intake group was 118.20±2.40 mmHg, showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the placebo group. Triglyceride in the arginine intake group was 112.62±2.40 mg/dL, showing a statistically significant decrease compared to the placebo group. Based on these results, arginine intake during resistance exercise is judged to have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure, and is also believed to reduce triglycerides, a blood lipid variable, so it is thought to function as a supplement during exercise.

Exploring the Molecular Adaptations, Benefits, and Future Direction of Exercise Training: Updated Insights into Cardiovascular Health

This review emphasizes the globally accepted physical activity guidelines and explores the various molecular adaptations that occur with continuous exercise. It is essential to highlight the critical roles of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and muscle mass in reducing mortality and enhancing quality of life. It has been shown in various studies that there are certainly substantial reductions in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Resistance training is also examined, which, likewise, reveals significant mortality benefits, even with minimal weekly engagement. When delving into the molecular mechanisms, it is apparent that exercise training favorably influences certain cardiovascular conditions, mostly owing to its effect on enhanced lipid metabolism, improvement in glucose regulation, ability to modulate inflammation and oxidative processes, and induction of other cardioprotective effects like improved sympathetic tone and left ventricular remodeling. Cardiovascular diseases and malignancy also share the same risk factors, which explains why exercise can also mitigate the risk of developing many types of cancers. But despite these advancements in research, cardiovascular diseases continue to be prevalent, which may suggest the need to devise other means of promoting physical activity involvement. These approaches may include a greater emphasis on the societal benefits of increased exercise adherence, facilitated by community involvement and technological advancements in fitness tracking devices. We conclude that the future directions for exercise research should emphasize the need for personalized or tailored exercise programs to make it more engaging, accessible, and inclusive for a diverse set of people.

Effect of Exercise Training on Lipoprotein Subclass Particle Concentrations and Sizes in Older Women: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that lipoprotein subclass particles are critical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Older women have increased CVD risk related to age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low and moderate doses of exercise influence lipoprotein subclasses.

METHODS

Women (60-75 years) were randomized into groups for 16 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise training at a low or moderate dose (33.6 and 58.8 kJ/kg body weight weekly, respectively). Lipoprotein subclasses were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after the training.

RESULTS

The average weekly exercise duration was 109 and 164 min, for low- and moderate-dose groups, respectively. In the low-dose group, high-density lipoprotein particle (HDL-P) concentration decreased (Δ = -1.9 ± 3.1 µmol/L, mean ± SD, p = 0.002) and mean HDL-P size increased (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.3 nm, p = 0.028). In the moderate-dose group, mean HDL-P size (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.2 nm; p = 0.024) and low-density lipoprotein particle size increased (Δ = 0.4 ± 3.9 nm; p = 0.007). Baseline body mass index, peak oxygen consumption and age were associated with changes in a few lipoprotein subclasses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of inactive older women, moderate-intensity exercise training at a dose equivalent to or even lower than the minimally recommended level by public health agencies induced changes in lipoprotein subclasses in line with reduced CVD risk. However, higher doses are encouraged for greater health benefits.

Effect of Gut Microbiota on Blood Cholesterol: A Review on Mechanisms

The gut microbiota serves as a pivotal mediator between diet and human health. Emerging evidence has shown that the gut microbiota may play an important role in cholesterol metabolism. In this review, we delve into five possible mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may influence cholesterol metabolism: (1) the gut microbiota changes the ratio of free bile acids to conjugated bile acids, with the former being eliminated into feces and the latter being reabsorbed back into the liver; (2) the gut microbiota can ferment dietary fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which are absorbed and reach the liver where SCFAs inhibit cholesterol synthesis; (3) the gut microbiota can regulate the expression of some genes related to cholesterol metabolism through their metabolites; (4) the gut microbiota can convert cholesterol to coprostanol, with the latter having a very low absorption rate; and (5) the gut microbiota could reduce blood cholesterol by inhibiting the production of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which increases cholesterol synthesis and raises blood cholesterol. In addition, this review will explore the natural constituents in foods with potential roles in cholesterol regulation, mainly through their interactions with the gut microbiota. These include polysaccharides, polyphenolic entities, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and dicaffeoylquinic acid. These findings will provide a scientific foundation for targeting hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases through the modulation of the gut microbiota.

Time to run: Late rather than early exercise training in mice remodels the gut microbiome and reduces atherosclerosis development

The metabolic and inflammatory processes that are implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases are under control of the biological clock. While skeletal muscle function exhibits circadian rhythms, it is unclear to what extent the beneficial health effects of exercise are restricted to unique time windows. We aimed to study whether the timing of exercise training differentially modulates the development of atherosclerosis and elucidate underlying mechanisms. We endurance-trained atherosclerosis-prone female APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice fed a Western-type diet, a well-established human-like model for cardiometabolic diseases, for 1 h five times a week for 4 weeks either in their early or in their late active phase on a treadmill. We monitored metabolic parameters, the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root and assessed the composition of the gut microbiota. Late, but not early, exercise training reduced fat mass by 19% and the size of early-stage atherosclerotic lesions by as much as 29% compared to sedentary animals. No correlation between cholesterol exposure and lesion size was evident, as no differences in plasma lipid levels were observed, but circulating levels of the pro-inflammatory markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were reduced with late exercise. Strikingly, we observed a time-of-day-dependent effect of exercise training on the composition of the gut microbiota as only late training increased the abundance of gut bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids with proposed anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these findings indicate that timing is a critical factor to the beneficial anti-atherosclerotic effects of exercise with a great potential to further optimize training recommendations for patients.

Clinical associations between exercise and lipoproteins

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

One of the major concerns in global health is the deteriorating control of dyslipidemia (DLD), which is a very strong modifiable risk factor for untoward cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. It serves as a foundation for atherosclerotic lesions that can be destabilized by co-inflammatory processes leading to distal clot migration and other related CVD events. There are many misconceptions regarding the management of DLD. Many health sectors advocate for weight loss without a clear-cut target to achieve better CVD outcomes. There is growing evidence that exercise training compliance regardless of weight change is a more reliable indicator of favorable outcomes. This review is intended to understand the relationship between exercise training, lipoprotein readings, and with CVD and all-cause morbidity and mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aerobic exercise training (aET) and resistance exercise training (rET) increase cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength (MusS), respectively. Regardless of weight loss, aET and rET are both known to independently reduce mortality possibly partly through improvement of lipid profiles. Of the two modes of exercise, rET has propensity for enhanced compliance because of its significant lipid and mortality-attenuating effect even with just brief exercise sessions. However, there are several studies showing that participation in both modes of exercise causes more pronounced improvements in DLD and CVD-related mortality compared with either mode of exercise training alone. In addition, Lipoprotein-a [Lp(a)] has been increasingly acknowledged to be atherogenic because of its LDL core. The close proximity of Lp(a) with macrophages triggers the development of atheromas, plaque formation, and growth. This causes a cascade of inflammatory processes that increase the development of ischemic CVD and calcific aortic valve stenosis. Although exercise training is known to reduce plasma LDL-C levels, it has no direct effect on Lp(a) levels as the latter lipoprotein is not influenced by motion nor exercise. Reviews of multiple studies lead us to infer that exercise training may potentially have an indirect impact on Lp(a) attenuation because of the ability of exercise training to inhibit Proprotein Convertase Subtisilin/Kexin type-9 (PCSK-9), as some studies using pharmacologic therapy with PCSK-9 inhibitors were able to show a concomitant decrease in Lp(a) levels.

SUMMARY

It is clear that normal-to-overweight populations who are highly active have better CVD outcomes and lipid profiles than their sedentary counterparts, and those who were underweight and unfit fared much worse. This allows us to take a more precise approach in the management of DLD rather than plainly focusing on gross weight in patients. Exercise training certainly has beneficial impact on longevity owing to its advantageous effect on lipoprotein levels and particle size. As such, reputable health societies, such as the ESC, ACC, and AHA have prescribed the ideal exercise training regimen, which have noticeable similarities. Increasing the use of wearable devices may help improve our ability to prescribe, quantify, and precisely track physical activity in our continuing efforts to combat increasing morbidity related to unhealthy lifestyles and inactivity.

Effects of 12-Week Progressive Sandbag Exercise Training on Glycemic Control and Muscle Strength in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined with Possible Sarcopenia

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a three-fold increased risk of developing sarcopenia compared to those without diabetes. The objective of this study was to investigate whether an intervention involving progressive sandbag exercises is beneficial to patients with T2DM and possible sarcopenia in terms of enhancing muscle strength and controlling blood sugar levels. Forty patients with T2DM and possible sarcopenia (age > 50 years) were recruited and randomly divided into resistance training and control groups. Resistance exercises for the upper and lower extremities were performed using sandbags (0.5 kg at the beginning to 1 kg after 1 month). Patients in the control group were asked to maintain their usual daily lifestyle. After 12 weeks, the training group were significant better than the control group in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin, the five times sit-to-stand test, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference, and the physiological domain of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. In conclusion, these simple home exercises are beneficial to patients with T2DM combined with possible sarcopenia. This approach can assist patients in controlling their levels of glycosylated hemoglobin as well as improve physical fitness and quality of life.

The effect of 5 years of team sport on elderly males' health and social capital-An interdisciplinary follow-up study

Background and Aims

Floorball training induces positive effects on health among untrained older adults. However, the effect of long-term participation (>2 years) in floorball training among elderly males has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of 5 years of floorball training on risk factors for lifestyle diseases, fitness, physical function, and social capital of elderly males and compare to a control group that continued their usual lifestyle.

Methods

Twenty-nine recreationally active elderly men aged 75.1 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD; range: 69-81) years with a height, body mass, and body mass index of 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 79.8 ± 10.9 kg, and 25.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2, respectively, volunteered to take part in follow-up investigations about 5 years after participating in a study on the effect of 12 weeks of floorball or petanque training. At the end of the parental study 15 subjects chose to participate in floorball training (floorball group [FG]) whereas 14 subjects (control group [CG]), resumed their usual lifestyle. FG participated in small-sided floorball training 1 h ~1.75 times/week for 5 years in a local sports club.

Results

From baseline to 5 years, FG had reduced fat percentage, android, and visceral fat, increased total and leg bone mineral density, leg extension maximal voluntary contraction, maximal walk distance in 6 min and 30 s sit-to-stand repetitions, decreased time for 5 sit-to-stand repetitions and Timed Up and Go (p < 0.05). These changes were all different from less favorable changes in CG (p < 0.05). In FG there was a decline in maximum oxygen uptake which was smaller than the decline in CG (p < 0.05). In addition, FG had developed social capital through the 5 years strengthening their social connectedness and group cohesion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both from a sociological and physiological perspective, small-sided floorball training can be considered a health-promoting activity for older men.

Effects of Acute Partial Sleep Deprivation and High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Postprandial Network Interactions

Introduction: High-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is deemed effective for cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system (ANS) health-related benefits, while ANS disturbance increases the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Postprandial lipemia and acute-partial sleep deprivation (APSD) are considered as CVD risk factors due to their respective changes in ANS. Exercising in the morning hours after APSD and have a high-fat breakfast afterwards may alter the interactions of the cardiovascular, autonomic regulation, and postprandial lipemic systems threatening individuals' health. This study examined postprandial network interactions between autonomic regulation through heart rate variability (HRV) and lipemia via low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in response to APSD and HIIE. Methods: Fifteen apparently healthy and habitually good sleepers (age 31 ± 5.2 SD yrs) completed an acute bout of an isocaloric HIIE (in form of 3:2 work-to-rest ratio at 90 and 40% of VO2 reserve) after both a reference sleep (RSX) and 3-3.5 h of acute-partial sleep deprivation (SSX) conditions. HRV time and frequency domains and LDL were evaluated in six and seven time points surrounding sleep and exercise, respectively. To identify postprandial network interactions, we constructed one correlation analysis and one physiological network for each experimental condition. To quantify the interactions within the physiological networks, we also computed the number of links (i.e., number of significant correlations). Results: We observed an irruption of negative links (i.e., negative correlations) between HRV and LDL in the SSX physiological network compared to RSX. Discussion: We recognize that a correlation analysis does not constitute a true network analysis due to the absence of analysis of a time series of the original examined physiological variables. Nonetheless, the presence of negative links in SSX reflected the impact of sleep deprivation on the autonomic regulation and lipemia and, thus, revealed the inability of HIIE to remain cardioprotective under APSD. These findings underlie the need to further investigate the effects of APSD and HIIE on the interactions among physiological systems.

The effects of high-intensity functional training on cardiometabolic risk factors and exercise enjoyment in men and women with metabolic syndrome: study protocol for a randomized, 12-week, dose-response trial

Background

Individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at a greater risk for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) than those without MetS, due to underlying endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Exercise is an effective primary and secondary prevention strategy for MetS; however, less than 25% of adults meet the minimum stated public recommendations. Barriers often identified are lack of enjoyment and lack of time. High-intensity functional training (HIFT), a time-efficient modality of exercise, has shown some potential to elicit positive affectivity and elicit increased fitness and improved glucose metabolism. However, the effects of HIFT on dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction have not been explored nor have the effects been explored in a population with MetS. Additionally, no studies have investigated the minimal dose of HIFT per week to see clinically meaningful changes in cardiometabolic health. The purpose of this study is to (1) determine the dose-response effect of HIFT on blood lipids, insulin resistance, and endothelial function and (2) determine the dose-response effect of HIFT on body composition, fitness, and perceived enjoyment and intention to continue the exercise.

Methods/design

In this randomized, dose-response trial, participants will undergo a 12-week HIFT intervention of either 1 day/week, 2 days/week, or 3 days/week of supervised, progressive exercise. Outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention will be multiple cardiometabolic markers, and fitness. Additionally, the participant’s affective response will be measured after the intervention.

Discussion

The findings of this research will provide evidence on the minimal dose of HIFT per week to see clinically meaningful improvements in the risk factors of MetS, as well as whether this modality is likely to mitigate the barriers to exercise. If an effective dose of HIFT per week is determined and if this modality is perceived positively, it may provide exercise specialists and health care providers a tool to prevent and treat MetS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05001126. August 11, 2021.

Prestroke physical activity and outcomes after intracerebral haemorrhage in comparison to ischaemic stroke: protocol for a matched cohort study (part of PAPSIGOT)

INTRODUCTION

Piling evidence suggests that a higher level of prestroke physical activity can decrease stroke severity, and reduce the risk of poststroke mortality. However, prior studies have only included ischaemic stroke cases, or a majority of such. We aim to investigate how premorbid physical activity influences admission stroke severity and poststroke mortality in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, compared with ischaemic stroke. A prespecified analysis plan counteract some inherent biases in observational studies, and promotes transparency.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a statistical analysis protocol for a matched cohort study, including all adult patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, and matched ischaemic stroke controls, treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden between 1 November 2014 and 30 June 2019. All patients have been identified in the Väststroke register, and the data file has been sent for merging with national registries. The follow-up of time for survival will be approximately 2-7 years. The sample size calculation indicates that a minimum of 628 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage is needed for power of 80% at an alpha level of 0.01. Multiple imputation by chained equations will be used to handle missing data. The entire cohort of patients with intracerebral haemorrhage will be matched with consecutive ischaemic stroke controls (1:3 ratio) using nearest neighbour propensity score matching. The association between prestroke physical activity and admission stroke severity will be evaluated using multivariable ordinal regression models, and risk for all-cause mortality will be analysed using multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models. Potential confounders include age, ethnicity, income, educational level, comorbidity, medical treatments, alcohol-related disorders, drug abuse and smoking.

ETHICS

Data collection for the Physical Activity Pre-Stroke In GOThenburg project was approved by the Regional Ethical Board on 4 May 2016. An additional application was approved by the National Ethical Review Authority on 7 July 2021.

High-Intensity Interval Training and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents and adults; nevertheless, the available evidence in children is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on improving cardiovascular risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children from 5 to 12 years old.

DATA SOURCES

We searched 5 databases, Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of HIIT interventions on cardiometabolic risk factors and CRF in children were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on body composition, cardiometabolic and CRF variables in comparison with nontraining control groups.

RESULTS

A total of 11 RCTs and 512 participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement in peak oxygen uptake (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28 to 1.12; P = 0.001], in total cholesterol [SMD = -1.09, 95% CI = -1.88 to -0.30; P = 0.007], in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD = -1.28, 95% CI = -2.34 to -0.23; P = 0.017] and triglycerides [SMD = -0.71, 95% CI = -1.15 to -0.28; P = 0.001) levels.

LIMITATIONS

Because of the small number of available RCTs, it was not possible to conduct a subgroup analysis or a linear meta-regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

HIIT is a feasible and time-efficient approach for improving CRF, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in children.

Effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on plasma markers for cholesterol absorption and synthesis in older overweight and obese men

BACKGROUND

Increased physical activity is inversely related to the risk to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). In a recent systematic review, it was reported that CVD patients had an increased cholesterol absorption and a decreased synthesis as compared with control participants. As increased physical activity levels reduce CVD risk, we hypothesized that exercise training will reduce cholesterol absorption and increase endogenous cholesterol synthesis in older overweight and obese men.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled, crossover trial was performed. Seventeen apparently healthy older overweight and obese men were randomized to start with an aerobic exercise or no-exercise control period for 8 weeks, separated by 12 weeks washout. Fasting serum total cholesterol (TC) and non-cholesterol sterol concentrations were measured at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The aerobic exercise program did not affect serum TC concentrations. In addition, exercise did not affect TC-standardized serum concentrations of sitosterol and cholestanol that are markers for cholesterol absorption. However, a trend for reduced TC-standardized campesterol concentrations, which is another validated marker for cholesterol absorption, was observed as compared with control. Lathosterol concentrations, reflecting cholesterol synthesis, did not differ between both periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks did not lower serum TC concentrations in older overweight and obese men, but a trend towards a decrease in the cholesterol absorption marker campesterol was found. The cholesterol synthesis marker lathosterol did not change.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

posted on www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03272061 on 7 September 2017.

Environmental enrichment modulates silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) activity to attenuate central presbycusis in a rat model of normal aging

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is sensory impairment in the elderly. This study aimed to identify a critical molecular mechanism that can maintain young phenotypes. We focused on the effect of exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) for 12 weeks in the central auditory pathway and limbic system of aged rats. The effects of EE were compared with the effects of dexamethasone administration. We found that in 74-week-old rats hearing function was significantly reduced and the number of neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN)-positive cells was decreased by 10-15% in the auditory cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. EE exposure did not significantly affect the number of neurons, but DX administration significantly decreased their numbers in the amygdala compared with untreated aged rats. Both treatments reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the auditory pathway and limbic system. Exposure to EE significantly increased silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) expression and activity, and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) concentration. In this study, the exposure to EE resulted in attenuated age-related hearing loss accompanied by reduction of iNOS expression and increase SIRT1 activity and NAMPT level. These data showed that EE may be a potential therapeutic to prevent ARHL.

The Effects of Exercise on Lipid Biomarkers

The World Health Organization has declared obesity to be a global epidemic that increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. The increasing ratio of time spent in sedentary activities to that spent performing physically demanding tasks increases the trends to obesity and susceptibility to these risk factors. Dyslipidemia is the foundation of atherosclerotic buildup and lipoproteins serve as cofactors to the inflammatory processes that destabilize plaques. Increasing cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength helps attenuate concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), such as LDL cholesterol, and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as reduce proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 expression. Effects of physical activity on the inflammatory pathways of atherosclerosis, specifically C-reactive protein, are more closely related to reducing the levels of adiposity in tandem with increasing fitness, than with exercise training alone. The purpose of this review is to describe the physiology of dyslipidemia and relate it to CVD and exercise therapies.

Does physical activity lower the risk for metabolic syndrome: a longitudinal study of physically active older women

Background

The associations between physical activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been mainly found in cross-sectional studies. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the relationship between meeting step-based guidelines and changes in the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This study included data from older women (baseline age 62.9 ± 4.3 years) from a 7-year longitudinal study in Central Europe. At baseline and follow-up, physical activity was measured by an accelerometer, and the risk for MetS was assessed according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. In 59 women, multivariate repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare differences in changes in the risk of MetS in groups based on meeting step-based guidelines (10,000 steps/day and 9000 steps/day for women aged <65 and ≥ 65 years, respectively).

Results

Over 7 years, steps/day increased from 10,944 ± 3560 to 11,652 ± 4865, and the risk of MetS decreased from 41 to 12% in our sample. Women who longitudinally met step-based guidelines had a significantly higher mean concentration of high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) (64.5 and 80.3 mg/dL at baseline and follow-up, respectively) and a lower concentration of triglycerides (TGs) (158.3 and 123.8 mg/dL at baseline and follow-up, respectively) at follow-up compared to baseline. Moreover, women who increased their daily steps over 7 years to the recommended steps/day value significantly decreased the concentration of TGs (158.3 mg/dL and 123.8 mg/dL at baseline and follow-up, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study might suggest that the long-term meeting of step-based guidelines or an increase in daily steps/day to achieve the recommended value could be related to a lower risk of MetS, specifically in concentrations of HDL-C and TG. These findings may help in designing interventions aiming to decrease the risk of MetS in older women.

Association of dietary pattern and physical activity with lipid-related indices among Chinese population: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectives

To explore the relationship between dietary patterns, physical activity and lipid-related indices in Chinese Population.

Methods and study design

This study included 21,472 (72.3% men) participants aged 16 to 78 years. Data of anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests and questionnaires were collected through a physical examination. Diet patterns were identified through factor analysis and five patterns were retained (“meat,” “high-energy,” “high-protein,” “healthy” and “traditional Chinese”). Physical activity was classified into low, moderate, or high. Abnormalities in lipid indices were assessed using the Adult Treatment Panel III criterion.

Results

Higher factor scores of “high-protein” pattern and “healthy” pattern were found to be related to favorable lipid indices. Quartiles 3 and 4 of “meat” pattern showed increased risks of having elevates total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Participants with higher levels of physical activity showed lowest risk of abnormal lipid profiles. All the associations were equally established among men, while most were no longer significant among women.

Conclusions

Higher physical activity level and a dietary pattern consists of high-quality protein foods, vegetables and fruits were associated with favorable lipid profiles, and these lifestyle factors were related to the risk of dyslipidemia in a sex-specific way.

The causal pathway effects of a physical activity intervention on adiposity in children: The KISS Study cluster randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Very little information on the potential mechanisms of the physical activity interventions effects on adiposity is available. We evaluated the possible mediating factors of a physical activity school-based intervention on the sum of skinfolds in children.

METHODS

This is a cluster randomized trial, secondary analysis of the KISS study. Children (n = 499) from the first and fifth grades were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. Adiposity was estimated by four skinfolds, aerobic fitness assessed by the shuttle run test, and insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and glucose collected via fasting blood samples.

RESULTS

The intervention affected aerobic fitness (0.140 SD, 95% CI 0.011 to 0.270), triglycerides (0.217 SD, 95% CI -0.409 to -0.025), cholesterol/HDL ratio (-0.191 SD, 95% CI -0.334 to -0.047), glucose (-0.330 SD, 95% CI -0.538 to -0.121), and skinfolds (-0.122 SD, 95% CI -0.189 to -0.056). No intervention effect on insulin was found. We observed that changes in aerobic fitness impacted children's triglycerides and cholesterol/HDL ratio and consecutively the glucose levels mediating 30% of the intervention effect on skinfolds.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provided evidence of the positive metabolic distress caused by a physical activity intervention on adiposity levels in children.

The effectiveness of military physical exercise on irisin concentrations and oxidative stress among male healthy volunteers

Background Irisin, a newly discovered hormone, is secreted into the circulation from skeletal muscles in response to physical exercise. The biochemical parameters related to irisin secretion have not been sufficiently investigated yet. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of exercise on the level of irisin and its correlation with biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. Materials and methods In this pre- and post-test observational study, 39 healthy male volunteers from a military training setting were followed up on between September and November 2015. The individuals who were included in this study were between 22 and 27 years old with an average age of 24. Those with inflammatory disorders or chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. The parameters were measured at the baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of intervention. Results The study found that the systolic and diastolic blood pressures substantially decreased after 8 weeks of intervention. The cholesterol-to-HDL ratio and glucose levels were significantly higher at the baseline compared to 8 weeks. Total protein and albumin were significantly higher following 4 weeks (0.25 and 0.21 g/dL) and 8 weeks (0.32 and 0.16 g/dL), respectively. Meanwhile, total globulin and irisin increased following 8 weeks of the intervention by only 0.16 g/dL and 0.41 μg/mL, respectively. The high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) decreased following 8 weeks (-0.81 μg/mL). The protein carbonyl (PC) decreased following 4 weeks by only 0.34 nmol/L. Conclusions This study demonstrated that military training enhanced irisin hormone secretion following 8 weeks of military exercise.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Polysaccharide from Green Microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Its Hypolipidemic Activity via Gut Microbiota Regulation in Rats

A bioactive polysaccharide from microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CPP) was successively prepared via DEAE-52 and G-100 columns. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that the main glycosidic bonds were composed of 1,2-linked-α-l-Fucp, 1,4-linked-α-l-Rhap, 1,4-linked-β-l-Araf, 1-linked-α-d-Glcp, 1,3-linked-β-d-GlcpA, 1,4-linked-β-d-Xylp, and 1,3,6-linked-β-d-Manp. Its molecular weight was 5.63 × 10⁶ Da. The hypolipidemic effect and intestinal flora regulation of CPP on diet-induced rats were evaluated through histopathology and biochemistry analyses. CPP could improve plasma and liver lipid metabolism and accelerate the metabolism of the cecal total bile acids and short-chain fatty acids. CPP has also upregulated the adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α and downregulated the acetyl-CoA carboxylase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, and β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA expressions. Moreover, with the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, it was revealed that the composition of intestinal flora changed drastically after treatment, such as the bloom of Coprococcus_1, Lactobacillus, and Turicibacter, whereas there was a strong reduction of the [Ruminococcus]_gauvreauii_group. The above results illustrated that CPP might be served as an effective ingredient to ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders and intestinal flora in hyperlipidemia rats.

En Balance: The Contribution of Physical Activity to the Efficacy of Spanish Diabetes Education of Hispanic Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

En Balance, a culturally sensitive diabetes education program, improves glycemic control in Hispanics with type 2 diabetes. The program emphasized diet, physical activity, and other factors important for glycemic control. However, the individual contributions of these education factors are unclear. The purpose of this study is to assess the contribution of physical activity to the success of En Balance in improving the health of Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with plasma samples collected pre- and post-3-month study. Samples from 58 (18 males and 40 females) Hispanic subjects with type 2 diabetes were analyzed for the concentration of kynurenines, known to decrease in response to exercise. After three months, health outcomes for the active group (decreased kynurenines) and the rest of the cohort were evaluated by paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

Half of the subjects had increased kynurenine levels at the end of the educational program. We found that the subjects in the active group with decreased kynurenine concentrations displayed statistically greater improvements in fasting blood glucose, A1C, cholesterol, and triglycerides despite weight loss being higher in the group with increased kynurenine concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

En Balance participants with decreased kynurenine levels had significantly improved glycemic control. These data suggest that physical activity significantly contributes to the success of the En Balance education program. This analysis indicates that diabetes public health educators should emphasize the benefit of physical activity on glycemic control even in the absence of major weight loss.

Aerobic Training in Young Men Increases the Transfer of Cholesterol to High Density Lipoprotein In Vitro: Impact of High Density Lipoprotein Size

Exercise training not only improves the plasma lipid profile but also reduces risk of developing coronary heart disease. We investigate whether plasma lipids and high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism are affected by aerobic training and whether the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels at baseline influence exercise-induced changes in HDL. Seventy-one male sedentary volunteers were evaluated and allocated in two subgroups, according to the HLD-C levels (< or >40 mg/dL). Participants underwent an 18-week aerobic training period. Blood was sampled before and after training for biochemical analysis. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, HDL diameter, and VO₂ peak were determined. Lipid transfers to HDL were determined in vitro by incubating plasma samples with a donor lipid artificial nanoemulsion. After the 18-week period of aerobic training, the VO₂ peak increased, while the mean body mass index (BMI) decreased. HDL-C concentration was higher after the training period, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C did not change. The transfer of esterified cholesterol and phospholipids was greater after exercise training, but the triacylglycerol and unesterified cholesterol transfers were unchanged. The HDL particle diameter increased after aerobic training in all participants. When the participants were separated in low-HDL and normal-HDL groups, the postaerobic exercise increment in HDL-C was higher in the low-HDL group, while the transfer of esterified cholesterol was lower. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training increases the lipid transfers to HDL, as measured by an in vitro method, which possibly contributes to the classical elevation of the HDL-C associated with training.

The association of religious affiliation with cholesterol levels among South Asians: the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study

Background

South Asians have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia, a contributing factor, may be influenced by lifestyle, which can vary by religious beliefs. Little is known about South Asian religions and associations with dyslipidemia.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses of the MASALA study (n = 889). We examined the associations between religious affiliation and cholesterol levels using multivariate linear regression models. We determined whether smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary pattern mediated these associations.

Results

Mean LDL was 112 ± 32 mg/dL, median HDL was 48 mg/dL (IQR:40–57), and median triglycerides was 118 mg/dL (IQR:88–157). Muslims had higher LDL and triglycerides, and lower HDL, while participants with no religious affiliation had lower LDL and higher HDL. The difference in HDL between Muslims and those with no religious affiliation was partly explained by alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Religion-specific tailoring of interventions designed to promote healthy lifestyle to reduce cholesterol among South Asians may be useful.

Impact of 5-week high-intensity interval training on indices of cardio metabolic health in men

PURPOSE

To compare the acute and chronic effects of high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on indices of cardio-metabolic health: (HDL-c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, heart ratio, and phase angle/PhA) in physically active men.

METHODS

Twenty active men were randomly allocated to HIIT (n = 10), or MICT (n = 10) for 5 weeks, three times per week. HIIT consisted of running 5 km with 1-min at 100% of maximal aerobic speed interspersed by 1-min passive recovery while subjects in MICT group ran continuously the same 5 km at 70% of maximal aerobic speed. Blood samples were collected at different moments during the first and last exercise session. Before and after 5 weeks of both exercise training protocols, heart ratio (during exercise session) and PhA were measured pre and post-exercise training.

RESULTS

Fasting HDL-c levels did not change after 5 weeks of HIIT or MICT. Perceptual variation of HDL pre and post training (fed state) tended to differ between HIIT and MICT (p = 0.09). All lipoproteins parameters (HDL-c, total cholesterol, triglycerides and non-HDL) were increased in post-acute exercise session compared to pre-exercise during the first and last training session, these being observed after both training protocols. PhA and heart rate measured at different times during the first and last training session were not affected in both training protocols.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that HIIT and MICT modify the post-exercise lipoprotein profile acutely. On the other hand, only HIIT tended to increase HDL-c levels chronically.

Detraining effect on overweight/obese women after high-intensity interval training in hypoxia

PURPOSE

Promising benefits on fat mass and biochemical components may be reported after applying programs of cyclic hypoxia and HIIT.

AIM

To investigate the effect of a month of detraining on cardiometabolic risk markers after active hypoxia exposure.

METHODS

Participants included 59 overweight/obese women, who started a 12-week program of 36 sessions, and were randomly divided into four groups: (a) aerobic interval training in hypoxia (AitH; FiO₂  = 17.2%; n = 13), (b) aerobic interval training in normoxia (AitN; n = 15), (c) sprint interval training in hypoxia (SitH; FiO₂  = 17.2%; n = 15), and (d) sprint interval training in normoxia (SitN; n = 18). Body composition, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline (A), after 36 training sessions (B) and after 4 weeks of detraining (C).

RESULTS

Hypoxia conditions showed a significant positive effect on waist circumference (P = 0.01), WHR (P = 0.04), and percentage of trunk fat mass (P < 0.001). The percentage of trunk fat continued to decrease significantly after training cessation in both AitH and SitH groups.

CONCLUSION

After 4 weeks of detraining with a previous 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training under cyclic normobaric hypoxia, the percentage of fat mass located in the trunk decreases significantly and this effect was not observed in the normoxia groups.

A genome-wide scan for diversifying selection signatures in selected horse breeds

The genetic differentiation of the current horse population was evolutionarily created by natural or artificial selection which shaped the genomes of individual breeds in several unique ways. The availability of high throughput genotyping methods created the opportunity to study this genetic variation on a genome-wide level allowing detection of genome regions divergently selected between separate breeds as well as among different horse types sharing similar phenotypic features. In this study, we used the population differentiation index (FST) that is generally used for measuring locus-specific allele frequencies variation between populations, to detect selection signatures among six horse breeds maintained in Poland. These breeds can be classified into three major categories, including light, draft and primitive horses, selected mainly in terms of type (utility), exterior, performance, size, coat color and appearance. The analysis of the most pronounced selection signals found in this study allowed us to detect several genomic regions and genes connected with processes potentially important for breed phenotypic differentiation and associated with energy homeostasis during physical effort, heart functioning, fertility, disease resistance and motor coordination. Our results also confirmed previously described association of loci on ECA3 (spanning LCORL and NCAPG genes) and ECA11 (spanning LASP1 gene) with the regulation of body size in our draft and primitive (small size) horses. The efficiency of the applied FST-based approach was also confirmed by the identification of a robust selection signal in the blue dun colored Polish Konik horses at the locus of TBX3 gene, which was previously shown to be responsible for dun coat color dilution in other horse breeds. FST-based method showed to be efficient in detection of diversifying selection signatures in the analyzed horse breeds. Especially pronounced signals were observed at the loci responsible for fixed breed-specific features. Several candidate genes under selection were proposed in this study for traits selected in separate breeds and horse types, however, further functional and comparative studies are needed to confirm and explain their effect on the observed genetic diversity of the horse breeds.

Cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal adaptations to recreational team handball training: a randomized controlled trial with young adult untrained men

PURPOSE

The prevalence of lifestyle diseases has escalated, and effective exercise training programmes are warranted. This study tested the hypothesis that regular participation in small-sided team handball training could provide beneficial health effects on cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular parameters in young adult untrained men.

METHOD

Twenty-six untrained 20-30-year-old men were randomly allocated to either a team handball training group (HG; n = 14), which completed 1.9 ± 0.3 training sessions per week over 12 weeks, or an inactive control group (CG; n = 12). Physiological training adaptations were assessed pre- and post interventions by DXA scans, blood samples, muscle biopsies, and physical tests.

RESULTS

The average heart rate during training was equivalent to 84 ± 4% of maximal heart rate. Compared to CG, HG displayed significant increases in VO_2max (11 ± 6%), proximal femur bone mineral density (2 ± 1%), whole-body bone mineral content (2 ± 1%), intermittent endurance performance (32 ± 16%), incremental treadmill test performance (16 ± 7%) and muscle citrate synthase activity (22 ± 28%) as well as decreases in total fat mass (7 ± 7%) and total fat percentage (6 ± 7%) (all p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in muscle mass, blood pressure, resting heart rate, muscle hydroxyl-acyl-dehydrogenase activity, or blood lipids (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Participation in regular recreational team handball training was associated with positive cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular adaptations, including increased maximal oxygen uptake, increased muscle enzymatic activity, and improved bone mineralization as well as lower fat percentage. These findings suggest that recreational team handball training may be an effective health-promoting activity for young adult men.

Effects of a Short-Term Recreational Team Handball-Based Programme on Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health of 33-55-Year-Old Men: A Pilot Study

Recreational team handball is an intermittent high-intensity exercise mode with physiological demands in the range of those found to enhance health and physical fitness of sedentary adults. We examined the effects of a short-term team handball-based training programme on physical fitness and metabolic and cardiovascular health of sedentary 33-55-year-old former male team handball players. Twenty-four participants were divided into team handball (THG; n=15) and control groups (CG; n=9) and evaluated at baseline and postintervention. During 12 weeks, THG performed 2-3 60-min recreational team handball matches weekly (average: 2.2 ± 0.7), and CG maintained an inactive lifestyle. Average heart rate (HR) during matches was 80 ± 7%HRmax, with peak values of 91 ± 6%HRmax. A time-by-group interaction was shown in aerobic performance (p=0.016), postural balance (p=0.019), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (p=0.023), resting HR (p<0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.048), and fasting blood glucose (p=0.052) in favor of THG. THG improved aerobic performance (80%, p<0.001), VO2max (14%, p<0.001), and postural balance (27%, p=0.018). Decreases in resting HR (16%, p<0.001) and fasting blood glucose (7%, p=0.015) and increases in HDL cholesterol (11%, p=0.002) were found in THG. Recreational team handball practice shows positive physical fitness and health-related adaptations, with high attendance, which may contribute to the reduction of the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

Effects of high-velocity circuit resistance and treadmill training on cardiometabolic risk, blood markers, and quality of life in older adults

The presence of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) confers an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality and is associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although the effects of exercise on biomarkers, HRQoL, and future risk have been studied, no study has measured the effects on all three components. The present study compared the effects of steady-state, moderate-intensity treadmill training (TM) and high-velocity circuit resistance training (HVCRT) on biological markers, HRQoL, and overall CVD risk in adults with CMS and CVD risk factors. Thirty participants (22 females, 8 males) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HVCRT, TM, or control. Participants in the exercise groups attended training 3 days/week for a total of 12 weeks. Of the 30 participants who began the study, 24 (19 females, 5 males) were included in the final analysis. Primary outcome measures included CMS criteria, hemodynamic measures, Framingham Risk Score (FRS), and HRQoL. All variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. CMS z score significantly decreased for HVCRT (p = 0.03), while there were no significant changes for TM or control. FRS significantly decreased for HVCRT compared with TM (p = 0.03) and control (p = 0.03). Significant decreases in systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.01) for HVCRT accompanied significant increases from baseline in stroke volume (p = 0.03) and end-diastolic volume (p < 0.01). Systemic vascular resistance significantly decreased (p = 0.05) for HVCRT compared with control. Emotional well-being significantly improved following HVCRT and TM compared with control (p = 0.04; p = 0.03). HVCRT represents a novel training modality that improved factors in each of the 3 components assessed.

Reverse Cholesterol Transport: Molecular Mechanisms and the Non-medical Approach to Enhance HDL Cholesterol

Dyslipidemia (high concentrations of LDL-c and low concentrations of HDL-c) is a major cause of cardiovascular events, which are the leading cause of death in the world. On the other hand, nutrition and regular exercise can be an interesting strategy to modulate lipid profile, acting as prevention or treatment, inhibiting the risk of diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic characteristics. Additionally, the possibility of controlling different training variables, such as type, intensity and recovery interval, can be used to maximize the benefits of exercise in promoting cardiovascular health. However, the mechanisms by which exercise and nutrients act in the regulation of cholesterol and its fractions, such as reverse cholesterol transport, receptors and transcription factors involved, such as PPARs and their role related to exercise, deserve further discussion. Therefore, the objective of this review is to debate about non-medical approaches to increase HDL-c, such as nutritional and training strategies, and to discuss the central mechanisms involved in the modulation of lipid profile during exercise, as well as that can be controlled by physical trainers or sports specialists in attempt to maximize the benefits promoted by exercise. The search for papers was performed in the databases: Medline (Pubmed), Science Direct, Scopus, Sport Discus, Web of Science, Scielo and Lilacs until February 2016.

Effects of aquatic exercise on health-related physical fitness, blood fat, and immune functions of children with disabilities

The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of aquatic exercise on the health-related physical fitness, blood fat, and immune functions of children with disabilities. To achieve the aforementioned purpose, the researchers studied 10 children with grade 1 or grade 2 disabilities who do not exercise regularly. The researchers used SPSS 21.0 to calculate the averages and standard deviations of the data and performed a paired t-test to verify the differences in averages before and after an exercise. The study showed significant differences in lean body weight, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The researchers found statistically significant differences in triglyceride as well as in immunoglobulin G. The findings suggest that aquatic exercise affects the health-related physical fitness, blood fat, and immune functions of children with disabilities.

Effect of a 26-month floorball training on male elderly's cardiovascular fitness, glucose control, body composition, and functional capacity

BACKGROUND

Floorball training offers a motivating and socially stimulating team activity for older adults, and 12 weeks of floorball training twice a week among men aged 65-76 years have been shown to have positive effects on a number of physiological parameters important for health. However, the effect of long-term participation in floorball training among male elderly has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of 26-month self-organized regular participation in floorball training on cardiovascular fitness, body composition, blood lipids, glucose control, and physical function among recreationally active men aged 66-78 years.

METHODS

After completing a 12-week randomized and controlled intervention with floorball and petanque training in the autumn 2014 or spring 2015, 15 subjects chose to participate in floorball training (floorball group, FG), whereas 16 subjects resumed their usual lifestyle (control group, CG). FG took part in self-organized floorball training 1.7 sessions of 40 min/week, and CG continued their normal recreationally active lifestyle during a 26-month follow-up period. At baseline and after the follow-up period subjects were tested for cardiovascular fitness, glucose control (resting blood samples), body composition dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA-scanning), and functional capacity.

RESULTS

In FG, the decline in maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) during the follow-up period was lower (242 ± 379 mL/min, p = 0.01), blood glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) increased less (-1.6 ± 2.9 mmol/L, p = 0.02), and leg bone mineral density increased more (0.03 ± 0.05 g/cm², p = 0.02) than those in CG. The effects on body mass, total lean body mass, fat mass, blood lipids, and physical function were similar in FG and CG.

CONCLUSION

Approximately twice weekly floorball sessions with 40 min/session over 26-month appear to reduce age-related decline in cardiovascular fitness and glucose control and improve leg bone mineral density, suggesting that long-term participation in floorball training can be considered as a health-enhancing activity in recreationally active male elderly.

The effects of coconut oil supplementation on the body composition and lipid profile of rats submitted to physical exercise

This study aims to verify the effects of coconut oil supplementation (COS) in the body composition and lipid profile of rats submitted to physical exercise. The animals (n=6 per group) were randomly assigned to: G1=Sedentary and Non-supplemented (Control Group), G2=Sedentary and Supplemented, G3=Exercised and Non-supplemented and G4=Exercised and Supplemented. The COS protocol used was 3 mL/Kg of body mass by gavage for 28 days. The physical exercise was the vertical jumping training for 28 days. It was determined the body mass parameters, Lee Index, blood glucose and lipid profile. The COS did not interfere with body mass, but the lean body mass was lower in G3 compared to G2. The final Lee Index classified G1 and G2 as obese (>30g/cm). The lipid profile showed total cholesterol was decreased in G3, LDL-c concentration was decreased in G2, triglycerides, VLDL-c and HDL-c concentrations were increased in G2 and G4 in relation to G1 and G3. The COS decreased LDL-c/HDL-c ratio. In conclusion, the COS associated or not to physical exercise worsen others lipid parameters, like triglycerides and VLDL-c level, showing the care with the use of lipid supplements.

Aerobic Exercise for a Duration of 90 min or Longer Per Week may Reduce the Atherogenic Index of Plasma

The correlation between the weekly duration of aerobic exercise and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is still unknown. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 27,827 middle-aged Chinese men who had health examinations in our hospital. The correlation between the duration of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and AIP was determined. The mean AIP levels were 0.1166 ± 0.34475, 0.1167 ± 0.32637, and 0.0765 ± 0.32872 in the non-exercise (PA1), occasional exercise (PA2), and frequent exercise groups (PA3), respectively. Significantly higher AIP levels were observed in the PA1 and PA2 groups than the PA3 group, while no significant difference existed between the PA1 and PA2 groups. Physical activity significantly reduced the AIP after adjustment for age, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and uric acid levels. In addition, the percentage of the population at high risk for atherosclerosis (AIP ≥ 0.21) was significantly lower in the PA3 group than the PA1 and PA2 groups. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at a weekly duration of 90 min or longer is associated with the reduction of AIP among middle-aged men in southeastern China.

Effect of vigorous physical activity on blood lipid and glucose

The aim of the study is to investigate how the participation of vigorous physical activities in the health examination contributes to blood lipid and blood glucose. A total of 56,810 workers from the Ulsan University Hospital in Ulsan, Subjects were tested for health checkups from February to November in 2016. The subject is those who does not have medical history, current ailments, and medication histories, and selected those who conducted the study of subjects tested to research. And this study did not consider their drinking and smoking. The final selected population was 11,557 and categorized as a vigorous physical activity of the health survey items. In this study, the group participated by the vigorous physical activity activities, group 1 (n= 70) had more than 6 days of vigorous physical activity, group 2 (n= 2,960) is 3 to 5 days of vigorous physical activity, the group 3 (n= 7,389) is 1 to 2 days of vigorous physical activity. The group 4 (n= 1,138) were classified as those who did not perform vigorous physical activity. To achieve the purpose of the study, the questionnaire examined blood lipid and blood glucose, using questions related to physical activity related to health examination in the Ulsan University Hospital. We obtained the mean and standard deviation for each group and conducted the one-way analysis of variance as an independent variable. Post hoc is least significant difference test and significant level is 0.05. Vigorous physical activity more than 3 days of participation had a positive affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride. But participation in vigorous physical activity did not affect blood glucose.

Serum lipid profiles in patients with acute myocardial infarction in Hakka population in southern China

BACKGROUND

Little is known about serum lipid levels comparison of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Hakka patients in southern China. To estimate the prevalence lipid profiles in Hakka patients with AMI in southern China.

METHOD

We analyzed 1382 patients with a first AMI in Hakka patients in southern China between Jan. 2015 and Dec. 2015.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were higher in nonelderly than in elderly for males. There were significant differences in TC, LDL, HDL, and TG among various age groups for both males and female patients (P < .05). TC, LDL, HDL, and TG were higher in females than males for the elderly, and the LDL levels of females were higher in 70-79,80-89 year age groups than males. The HDL level of female patients was higher than males in those 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 year age groups. Compared with males, females had higher level of TG in the 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 year age groups and had higher level of TC in the 50-59, 70-79, and 80-89 year age groups, respectively. Isolated high TG (normal LDL + normal HDL+ high TG) was most common type of combined dyslipidemia for female elderly (22.2%), female nonelderly (23.2%) and male elderly (24.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that serum lipid levels varied in age and gender in Hakka patients with acute myocardial infarction. Dyslipidemia is more prevalent in the non-elderly than in the elderly for males. Levels of TC, LDL, HDL, and TG were higher in females than males for the elderly Hakka population in southern China.

Optimizing Non-Pharmacologic Management of Hypertriglyceridemia

The cornerstone of initial management for hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is lifestyle modification. The combination of weight loss through caloric restriction, alteration in macronutrient composition and increased energy expenditure reduces TG levels by approximately 50%. The addition of cinnamon, cacao products and isocaloric substitution of 1 serving of nuts may contribute another 5-15% lowering of TG. This can be particularly beneficial in patients with HTG who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Effects of endurance training on serum lipids

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Physical activity is recommended as part of the lifestyle modification for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, however, the literature reports heterogeneous quantitative effects of exercise on serum lipids. We therefore reviewed the effects of aerobic exercise on serum lipids with special focus on the training effectiveness.

METHODS

Data regarding effects of endurance training (ET) on total Cholesterol (TC), LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated in a selective literature search. To account for the observed heterogeneity of the training interventions, studies were analyzed according to effectiveness (duration, intensity, frequency) of training.

RESULTS

Unselected training intervention studies did not exert significant effects on serum LDL-C but showed minor positive effects on HDL-C and TG. Effective endurance training - defined as endurance training performed by an intensity of 65-75% of the heart rate reserve (corresponding to 75-85% maximum heart rate or 65-80% VO_2max) for a duration of 40-50min per training unit on 3-4days/week over a period of 26-40weeks showed improvement of serum lipids. Effective training lowered TC by -3.75% (p=0.0006), LDL-C by -4.76% (p=0.0015), TG by -8.24% (p=0.0004) and increased HDL-C by +4.43% (p=0.0061).

CONCLUSION

The analysis suggests that a minimum exercise threshold is necessary to produce effects on serum lipids. Overall, the quantitative effect of physical activity on serum lipids is small.

Effects of exergaming on cardiovascular risk factors and adipokine levels in women

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exergaming on the cardiovascular risk factors and adipokine levels of women engaged in the music video game Just Dance using the Xbox 360 Kinect console. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, FFA, CRP, TNF-α, Il-1β, IL-6, leptin, and resistin were measured in sedentary women before and 1 month after the practice of exergaming. We also evaluated anthropometric parameters. Our results indicate that total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were reduced by 64, 29, and 12%, respectively. HDL levels were not altered in the conditions of this study. A significant decrease was also found in the concentrations of TNF-α (57%), CRP (84.7%), resistin (68.4%), leptin (35%), FFA (90%), body mass index (10.5%), fat percentage (10.9%), weight (5.6%), abdominal circumference (2.3%), hip circumference (2.5%), and waist circumference (1.9%) after the training period. We concluded that exergaming was successful in reducing body fat, serum adipokine levels, and lipid profiles, thus reducing cardiovascular risks for women.

Lipid profiles and determinants of total cholesterol and hypercholesterolaemia among 25-74 year-old urban and rural citizens of the Yangon Region, Myanmar: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The first is to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia (hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level), as well as the mean levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL, in the urban and rural Yangon Region, Myanmar. The second is to investigate the association between urban-rural location and total cholesterol.

DESIGN

Two cross-sectional studies using the WHO STEPS methodology.

SETTING

Both the urban and rural areas of the Yangon Region, Myanmar.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1370 men and women aged 25-74 years participated based on a multistage cluster sampling. Physically and mentally ill people, monks, nuns, soldiers and institutionalised people were excluded.

RESULTS

Compared with rural counterparts, urban dwellers had a significantly higher age-standardised prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia (50.7% vs 41.6%; p=0.042) and a low HDL level (60.6% vs 44.4%; p=0.001). No urban-rural differences were found in the prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia and high LDL. Men had a higher age-standardised prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia than women (25.1% vs 14.8%; p<0.001), while the opposite pattern was found in the prevalence of a high LDL (11.3% vs 16.3%; p=0.018) and low HDL level (35.3% vs 70.1%; p<0.001).Compared with rural inhabitants, urban dwellers had higher age-standardised mean levels of total cholesterol (5.31 mmol/L, SE: 0.044 vs 5.05 mmol/L, 0.068; p=0.009), triglyceride (1.65 mmol/L, 0.049 vs 1.38 mmol/L, 0.078; p=0.017), LDL (3.44 mmol/L, 0.019 vs 3.16 mmol/L, 0.058; p=0.001) and lower age-standardised mean levels of HDL (1.11 mmol/L, 0.010 vs 1.25 mmol/L, 0.012; p<0.001). In linear regression, the total cholesterol was significantly associated with an urban location among men, but not among women.

CONCLUSION

The mean level of total cholesterol and the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia were alarmingly high in men and women in both the urban and rural areas of Yangon Region, Myanmar. Preventive measures to reduce cholesterol levels in the population are therefore needed.

Effect of small-sided team sport training and protein intake on muscle mass, physical function and markers of health in older untrained adults: A randomized trial

The effect of small-sided team sport training and protein intake on muscle mass, physical function, and adaptations important for health in untrained older adults was examined. Forty-eight untrained older (72±6 (±standard deviation, SD) years men and women were divided into either a team sport group ingesting a drink high in protein (18 g) immediately and 3 h after each training session (TS-HP, n = 13), a team sport group ingesting an isocaloric drink with low protein content (3 g; TS-LP, n = 18), or a control group continuing their normal activities (CON, n = 17). The team sport training was performed as ~20 min of small-sided ball games twice a week over 12 weeks. After the intervention period, leg muscle mass was 0.6 kg higher (P = 0.047) in TS-HP, with no effect in TS-LP. In TS-HP, number of sit-to-stand repetitions increased (1.2±0.6, P = 0.054), time to perform 2.45 m up-and-go was lower (0.7±0.3 s, P = 0.03) and number of arm curl repetitions increased (3.5±1.2, P = 0.01), whereas in TS-LP only number of repetitions in sit-to-stand was higher (1.6±0.6, P = 0.01). In TS-LP, reductions were observed in total and abdominal fat mass (1.2±0.5 and 0.4±0.2 kg, P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively), heart rate at rest (9±3 bpm, P = 0.002) and plasma C-reactive protein (1.8±0.8 mmol/L, P = 0.03), with no effects in TS-HP. Thus, team sport training improves functional capacity of untrained older adults and increases leg muscle mass only when ingesting proteins after training. Furthermore, team sport training followed by intake of drink with low protein content does lower fat mass, heart rate at rest and level of systemic inflammation.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03120143

Effects of aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoproteins

Dyslipidemia is the risk of cardiovascular disease, and their relationship is clear. Lowering serum cholesterol can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. At present, the main treatment is taking medicine, however, drug treatment has its limitations. Exercise not only has a positive effect on individuals with dyslipidemia, but can also help improve lipids profile. This review is intending to provide information on the effects of exercise training on both tranditional lipids, for example, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and new lipids and lipoproteins such as non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and postprandial lipoprotein. The mechanisms of aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoproteins are also briefly described.

Lipid transfers to HDL are diminished in long-term bedridden patients: association with low HDL-cholesterol and increased inflammatory markers

Plasma lipids have been extensively studied in sedentary and in subjects practicing exercise training, but not in extreme inactivity as occurs in bedridden patients. This is important for the care of bedridden patients and understanding the overall plasma lipid regulation. Here, we investigated plasma lipids, lipid transfers to HDL and inflammatory markers in bedridden patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from 23 clinically stable bedridden patients under long-term care (>90 days) and 26 normolipidemic sedentary subjects, paired for age and gender. In vitro transfer of four lipids to HDL was performed by incubating plasma with donor nanoparticles containing radioactive lipids. Total (193 ± 36 vs 160 ± 43, p = 0.005), LDL (124 ± 3 vs 96 ± 33 p = 0.003) and HDL-cholesterol (45 ± 10 vs 36 ± 13, p = 0.008), apolipoprotein A-I (134 ± 20 vs 111 ± 24, p = 0.001) and oxidized LDL (53 ± 13 vs 43 ± 12, p = 0.011) were lower in bedridden patients, whereas triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, CETP and LCAT were equal in both groups. Transfers of all lipids, namely unesterified cholesterol, cholesterol esters, triglycerides and phospholipids, to HDL were lower in bedridden patients, probably due to their lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, HGF and NGF were higher in bedridden patients compared to sedentary subjects. In conclusion, inactivity had great impact on HDL, by lowering HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I and thereby cholesterol transfers to the lipoprotein, which suggests that inactivity may deteriorate HDL protection beyond the ordinary sedentary condition.