Does green tea extract enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise on fat loss?

Ramadan Intermittent Fasting and Plasma Volume Variations in Individuals with Different Body Weights

Background: There is increasing awareness of the physiological effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) in obese subjects. However, there are no data on the effects of RIF on plasma volume changes (ΔPV) in individuals with different body weights. Background and Objectives: This study investigated the effects of RIF on ΔPV in normal-weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adult men, and adult men with obesity (OB) and severe obesity (SO). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male subjects (32) were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (NW) (BMI < 25 kg/m2; age = 27.4 ± 3.8), overweight (OW) (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; age = 26.8 ± 3.7), obese subjects (OB) (BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2; age = 25.6 ± 2.9), and severely obesity (SO) (BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2; age = 24.0 ± 4.1). Blood samples were collected for 24 h on 4 different occasions, at T0 before the start of the Ramadan month, at T1 15 days after the start of Ramadan, at T2 one day after the end of Ramadan, and at T3 on the 21st day after the end of Ramadan to determine ΔPV. All groups completed their fasting rituals for the 30 days of Ramadan. Results: A significant group × time effect occurred for body mass (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), BMI (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), and body fat percentage (p = 0.001; ES = 0.52). Post hoc tests indicated reductions in body mass in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.12) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.31 and p = 0.02; ES = 0.23), reductions in BMI in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.52 and p = 0.005; ES = 0.48), and reductions in body fat percentage only in OB AT T1 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.31) and T2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.17). A significant group × time effect occurred for hematocrit (p = 0.02; ES = 0.34), hemoglobin (p = 0.01; ES = 0.35), and ΔPV (p = 0.02; ES = 0.18). Post hoc tests indicated increases in hematocrit in OB at T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.36) and hemoglobin in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.32) and T2 (p = 0.003; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.33). There were also increases in ΔPV in OB at T1 and T2 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.25 and p = 0.003; ES = 0.22) and in SO only at T2 (p = 0.02; ES = 0.37). Contrast analysis indicated that NW was significantly lower than the grand mean of OW, Ob, and SO for all anthropometric and PVV variables (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of RIF on ΔPV and anthropometric characters was greater in obese individuals compared to normal-weight and overweight participants, suggesting that the improvements in body composition and ΔPV produced by RIF could positively influence obesity.

The effects of green tea extract supplementation on body composition, obesity-related hormones and oxidative stress markers: a grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Research indicates that green tea extract (GTE) supplementation is beneficial for a range of conditions, including several forms of cancer, CVD and liver diseases; nevertheless, the existing evidence addressing its effects on body composition, oxidative stress and obesity-related hormones is inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of GTE supplementation on body composition (body mass (BM), body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass (FM), BMI, waist circumference (WC)), obesity-related hormones (leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) markers. We searched proper databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science, up to July 2022 to recognise published randomised controlled trials (RCT) that investigated the effects of GTE supplementation on the markers mentioned above. A random effects model was used to carry out a meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 index. Among the initial 11 286 studies identified from an electronic database search, fifty-nine studies involving 3802 participants were eligible to be included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes indicated that BM, BFP, BMI and MDA significantly reduced following GTE supplementation. In addition, GTE supplementation increased adiponectin and TAC, with no effects on FM, leptin and ghrelin. Certainty of evidence across outcomes ranged from low to high. Our results suggest that GTE supplementation can attenuate oxidative stress, BM, BMI and BFP, which are thought to negatively affect human health. Moreover, GTE as a nutraceutical dietary supplement can increase TAC and adiponectin.

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on anthropometrics and body composition indices in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Prior meta-analytic investigations over a decade ago rather inconclusively indicated that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation could improve anthropometric and body composition indices in the general adult population. More recent investigations have emerged, and an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic must be improved. Therefore, this investigation provides a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) on the impact of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition (body mass (BM), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP) and fat-free mass (FFM)) markers in adults. Online databases search, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to March 2022, were utilised to retrieve RCT examining the effect of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition markers in adults. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used as an index of statistical heterogeneity of RCT. Among the initial 8351 studies identified from electronic databases search, seventy RCT with ninety-six effect sizes involving 4159 participants were included for data analyses. The results of random-effects modelling demonstrated that CLA supplementation significantly reduced BM (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0·35, 95 % CI (-0·54, -0·15), P < 0·001), BMI (WMD: -0·15, 95 % CI (-0·24, -0·06), P = 0·001), WC (WMD: -0·62, 95% CI (-1·04, -0·20), P = 0·004), FM (WMD: -0·44, 95 % CI (-0·66, -0·23), P < 0·001), BFP (WMD: -0·77 %, 95 % CI (-1·09, -0·45), P < 0·001) and increased FFM (WMD: 0·27, 95 % CI (0·09, 0·45), P = 0·003). The high-quality subgroup showed that CLA supplementation fails to change FM and BFP. However, according to high-quality studies, CLA intake resulted in small but significant increases in FFM and decreases in BM and BMI. This meta-analysis study suggests that CLA supplementation may result in a small but significant improvement in anthropometric and body composition markers in an adult population. However, data from high-quality studies failed to show CLA's body fat-lowering properties. Moreover, it should be noted that the weight-loss properties of CLA were small and may not reach clinical importance.

Long-term drinking of green tea combined with exercise improves hepatic steatosis and obesity in male mice induced by high-fat diet

Dietary habits and exercise play an important role in the well-being of human health. Currently, how long of drinking tea combined with exercise could efficiently ameliorate hepatic steatosis and obesity still needs to be investigated. Here, short-term and long-term green tea drinking combined with exercise were studied to improve hepatic steatosis and obesity in high-fat diet-induced (HF) mice. Our results showed that Yunkang 10 green tea (GT) combined with exercise (Ex) exhibited synergistic prevention effects on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and obesity. Especially, 22-week intervention with GT or Ex improved all symptoms of obesity, which indicated that long-term intervention exhibited profound preventive effects than the short term. Moreover, the combined intervention of 22 weeks inhibited the activation of NF-κB pathway and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which suggests that tea combined exercise may improve liver steatosis mainly by inhibiting inflammation. The key molecules for regulating lipid and glucose metabolism SCD1 were obviously downregulated, and GLU2 and PPARγ were significantly upregulated by GT and exercise in the liver of high-fat diet-induced mice. This study demonstrated that long-term intervention with GT and exercise effectively relieved hepatic steatosis and obesity complications by ameliorating hepatic inflammation, reducing lipid synthesis, and accelerating glucose transport.

Combined effects of green tea supplementation and eccentric exercise on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activity

PURPOSE

This study investigated whether combining eccentric exercise and green tea supplementation synergistically increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activity, a transcription factor responsible for coordinating endogenous antioxidant expression.

METHODS

In a double-blinded, randomized, between-subjects design, 24 males (mean [SD]; 23 [3] years, 179.6 [6.1] cm, 78.8 [10.6] kg) performed 100 drop jumps following a 6 days supplementation period with either green tea (poly)phenols (n = 12; 500 mg·d-1) or a placebo (n = 12; inulin). NRF2/antioxidant response element (ARE) binding in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion, and differential leukocyte counts were measured pre-, post-, 1 h and 24 h post-exercise.

RESULTS

Exercise did not increase NRF2/ARE binding (p = 0.12) (fold change vs rest: green tea = [post] 0.78 ± 0.45, [1 h] 1.17 ± 0.54, [24 h] 1.06 ± 0.56; placebo = [post] 1.40 ± 1.50, [1 h] 2.98 ± 3.70, [24 h] 1.04 ± 0.45). Furthermore, CAT activity (p = 0.12) and 8-OHdG excretion (p = 0.42) were unchanged in response to exercise and were not augmented by green tea supplementation (p > 0.05 for all). Exercise increased GR activity by 30% (p = 0.01), however no differences were found between supplement groups (p = 0.51). Leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations were only elevated post-exercise (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Eccentric exercise, either performed alone or in conjunction with green tea supplementation, did not significantly increase NRF2 activity in PBMCs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

osf.io/kz37g (registered: 15/09/21).

Astaxanthin Supplementation Augments the Benefits of CrossFit Workouts on Semaphorin 3C and Other Adipokines in Males with Obesity

Regular physical activity and the use of nutritional supplements, including antioxidants, are recognized as efficacious approaches for the prevention and mitigation of obesity-related complications. This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of CrossFit training combined with astaxanthin (ASX) supplementation on some plasma adipokines in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity (BMI: 33.6 ± 1.4 kg·m-2) were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CG; n = 11), ASX supplementation group (SG; n = 11), CrossFit group (TG; n = 11), and training plus supplement group (TSG; n = 11). Participants underwent 12 weeks of supplementation with ASX or placebo (20 mg/day capsule daily), CrossFit training, or a combination of both interventions. Plasma levels of semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), apelin, chemerin, omentin1, visfatin, resistin, adiponectin, leptin, vaspin, and RBP4 were measured 72 h before the first training session and after the last training session. The plasma levels of all measured adipokines were significantly altered in SG, TG, and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The reduction of resistin was significantly higher in TSG than in SG (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of omentin1 were significantly higher in both training groups of TG and TSG than SG (p < 0.05), although such a meaningful difference was not observed between both training groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the reductions of plasma levels of vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemerin, and SEMA3C between the SG and TSG groups (p < 0.05). The study found that a 12-week intervention using ASX supplementation and CrossFit exercises resulted in significant improvements in several adipokines among male individuals with obesity. Notably, the combined approach of supplementation and training had the most pronounced results. The findings presented in this study indicate that the supplementation of ASX and participation in CrossFit exercise have the potential to be effective therapies in mitigating complications associated with obesity and enhancing metabolic health.

The effect of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the influence of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases.

METHODS

Thirteen studies including 463 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases when compared with controls. Subgroup analysis showed that exercise training resulted in decreases in serum concentrations of chemerin in men, however, this was not significant in women. Moreover, subgroup analyses based on the type of exercise did not reveal differential effects on serum concentrations of chemerin.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training may produce improvements in serum concentrations of chemerin in patients with metabolic diseases. Further longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and obesity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of 43 clinical trials

CONTEXT

Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders in individuals with overweight and obesity.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression evaluated the effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity.

METHODS

Studies published up to January 2021 were identified through four databases. Forty-three studies including 1271 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. Subgroup analysis showed that all types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, and combined training) interventions but not high-intensity interval training decreased serum concentrations of chemerin. Subgroup analysis based on baseline body mass index (BMI), gender, and intervention duration showed significant declines in serum concentrations of chemerin. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage (BFP) with serum concentrations of chemerin.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training may decrease serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. The chemerin-lowering effects of exercise might be related to declines in BFP. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Tea's anti-obesity properties, cardiometabolic health-promoting potentials, bioactive compounds, and adverse effects: A review focusing on white and green teas

Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world. Morocco, Japan, and China have consumed green tea for centuries. White tea, which is a variety of green teas, is very popular in China and is highly revered for its taste. Presently, both teas are consumed in other countries around the world, even as functional ingredients, and novel research is constantly being conducted in these areas. We provide an update on the health benefits of white and green teas in this review, based on recent research done to present. After a general introduction, we focused on tea's anti-obesity and human health-promoting potential, adverse effects, and new approaches to tea and its bioactive compounds. It has been found that the health benefits of tea are due to its bioactive components, mainly phenolic compounds. Of these, catechins are the most abundant. This beverage (or its extracts) has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could contribute to body weight control and the improvement of several chronic diseases. However, some studies have mentioned the possibility of toxic effects; therefore, reducing tea consumption is a good idea, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, new evidence will provide insight into the possible effects of tea on the human gut microbiota, and even on the viruses responsible for SARS-CoV-2. A beverage such as this may favor beneficial gut microbes, which may have important implications due to the influence of gut microbiota on human health.

Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment-A Review

Human skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis are incredibly variable, and are impacted by genetics, UV exposure, and some drugs. Patients' physical appearance, psychological health, and social functioning are all impacted by a sizable number of skin conditions that cause pigmentary abnormalities. Hyperpigmentation, where pigment appears to overflow, and hypopigmentation, where pigment is reduced, are the two major classifications of skin pigmentation. Albinism, melasma, vitiligo, Addison's disease, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be brought on by eczema, acne vulgaris, and drug interactions, are the most common skin pigmentation disorders in clinical practice. Anti-inflammatory medications, antioxidants, and medications that inhibit tyrosinase, which prevents the production of melanin, are all possible treatments for pigmentation problems. Skin pigmentation can be treated orally and topically with medications, herbal remedies, and cosmetic products, but a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any new medicine or treatment plan. This review article explores the numerous types of pigmentation problems, their causes, and treatments, as well as the 25 plants, 4 marine species, and 17 topical and oral medications now on the market that have been clinically tested to treat skin diseases.

The effect of green tea supplementation on the anthropometric outcomes in overweight and obese women: a time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Inconsistencies are evident within the literature regarding the role of Green Tea (GT) supplementation on women living with obesity. To address this, we conducted to determine the impact of GT supplementation on the weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) in overweight and obese women using time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis searched electronic Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed/Medline databases from inception to December 1^st, 2022. Data were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 2061 references were identified, and 15 articles with 16 RCT arms on body weight, 17 RCT arms on BMI, and 7 RCT arms on WC were included in the meta-analysis. GT supplementation significantly decreases body weight (WMD: -1.23 kg, 95% CI: -2.13 to -0.33, p = 0.007), BMI (WMD: -0.47 kg/m², 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.07, p = 0.020) and WC (WMD: -3.46 cm, 95% CI: -6.75 to -0.16, p = 0.040). In subgroup analyses, GT consumption demonstrated lowered body weight with dosaes ≥1000 mg/day (WMD: -1.38 kg), in the RCTs, which lasted ≥8 wk (WMD: -1.24 kg). The non-linear dose-response assessment detected a negative correlation between the changes in body weight and BMI in green tea consumption of more than 1000 (mg/day). The GT supplementation reduced the weight, BMI, and WC in overweight and obese women. In clinical practice, healthcare professionals can recommend using GT with dosages ≥ 1000mg/day and duration ≥ 8 wk in obese women.

The Preventive Mechanisms of Bioactive Food Compounds against Obesity-Induced Inflammation

Dietary patterns are promising strategies for preventing and treating obesity and its coexisting inflammatory processes. Bioactive food compounds have received considerable attention due to their actions against obesity-induced inflammation, with limited harmful side effects. They are perceived as food ingredients or dietary supplements other than those necessary to meet basic human nutritional needs and are responsible for positive changes in the state of health. These include polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, and probiotics. Although the exact mechanisms of bioactive food compounds' action are still poorly understood, studies have indicated that they involve the modulation of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and hormones; regulate gene expression in adipose tissue; and modify the signaling pathways responsible for the inflammatory response. Targeting the consumption and/or supplementation of foods with anti-inflammatory potential may represent a new approach to obesity-induced inflammation treatment. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to evaluate strategies for bioactive food compound intake, especially times and doses. Moreover, worldwide education about the advantages of bioactive food compound consumption is warranted to limit the consequences of unhealthy dietary patterns. This work presents a review and synthesis of recent data on the preventive mechanisms of bioactive food compounds in the context of obesity-induced inflammation.

The association between diet quality index-international and inflammatory markers in Iranian overweight and obese women

Objectives

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether there is a link between the diet quality index (DQI) and markers of systemic inflammation in Iranian overweight and obese women.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 200 Iranian overweight and obese women aged 18-48 years. The DQI-international (DQI-I) comprises four main components: variety, adequacy, moderation, and overall balance. Blood samples were collected in a fasted state to measure inflammatory markers.

Results

After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, total energy intake, economic status, education, supplement intake, age of starting obesity, and history of body mass loss, a marginally significant negative association was observed between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the DQI-I (β: -0.015, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.000; p = 0.061). The results after adjustment showed that DQI-I has a negative association with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations (β: -0.031, 95% CI: -0.104, -0.031; p = 0.023). Furthermore, negative associations were observed between the adequacy component and levels of HOMA-IR (β: -0.025, 95% CI: -0.100, 0.047, p = 0.050) and hs-CRP (β: -0.615, 95% CI: -1.191, -0.020; p = 0.045). In addition, negative associations were found between transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and balance score (β: -6.270, 95% CI: -39.211, -3.661, p = 0.020), as well as HOMA-IR (β: -0.080, 95% CI: -0.202, -0.000, p = 0.041) and chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (β: -0.562, 95% CI: -11.414, -0.282, p = 0.021), with the various component. A marginally significant negative association between galectin 3 (Gal-3) and moderation score (β: -0.451, 95% CI: -1.171, 0.060, p = 0.060) was found. In addition, a marginally significant inverse association was also established between hs-CRP and variety score (β: -0.311, 95% CI: -0.970, 0.001, p = 0.052). The Receiver Operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that DQI-I might better predict HOMA-IR with a cut point of 3.13 (AUC = 0.698, 0.511-0.699, p = 0.050).

Conclusion

These findings showed that a higher adherence to diet quality and its components could probably be related to lowering the inflammatory markers considerably in overweight and obese women.

Effects of green tea supplementation on serum concentrations of adiponectin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

A decrease in adiponectin concentration is associated with obesity-related diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the effects of green tea supplementation on serum concentrations of adiponectin in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Scopus to find articles related to the effects of the green tea supplementation on adiponectin concentrations in T2DM patients, up to June 2019. Meta-analyses were performed using both the random and fixed effects model where appropriate.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 1010 publications. Data were pooled from five trials including 333 patients with T2DM. A meta-analysis of five RCTs demonstrated that green tea supplementation significantly increased adiponectin concentrations compared to control groups.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis revealed that green tea supplementation increased adiponectin concentrations in patients with T2DM.

The Effects of 12 Weeks of Concurrent and Combined Training on Inflammatory Markers, Muscular Performance, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Overweight and Obese Males

Aim: Previous studies have focused on the order of endurance and resistance training when performing concurrent training (CT). However, no study has compared the effects of combined training with CT orders on inflammatory markers, muscular performance, and body composition in overweight and obese males. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of CT and combined training on the aforementioned markers in overweight and obese males. Methods: Sixty middle-aged overweight and obese males (age 51 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned into one of four groups: endurance followed by resistance training (ER; n = 15), resistance followed by endurance training (RE; n = 15), combined resistance and endurance training (COM), or control (CON; n = 15). Anthropometric, body composition, inflammatory marker, and muscular performance measurements were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: FFM remained unchanged in all three intervention groups (p > 0.05). Reductions in FM in the RE group were significantly greater than in CON (p = 0.038). The increases in serum concentrations of adiponectin in the RE group were significantly greater than in all other groups (p < 0.05). Increased serum concentrations of CTRP3 in all intervention groups were significantly greater than the CON group (p < 0.05); moreover, the increases in the RE group were significantly greater than CON (p < 0.001). Regarding CTRP5, the increase in RE was significantly greater than COM (p = 0.014). The RE group experienced significantly greater increases in CTRP9 than all other groups (p < 0.05), and the decreases in serum concentrations of CRP and TNF-α were significantly greater in the RE group compared to CON and ER (p < 0.05). Vo2max in the ER group was significantly greater than COM (p = 0.009), and all interventions resulted in higher gains compared to CON (p < 0.05). The increases in leg press strength, chest press strength, lower-body power, and upper-body power in the RE group were significantly greater than in the COM group (p < 0.05). In addition, the increases in chest press strength in the ER group were significantly greater than COM (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Regardless of training order, CT improved inflammatory markers, body composition, power, and VO2max. Notably, our analysis indicated significantly greater improvements in adiponectin, CTRP5, CTRP9, CRP, and TNF-α levels when RT preceded ET in CT sessions compared to other exercise training sequences. These findings suggested that the order of exercise training may have a significant impact on the effectiveness of CT on inflammatory markers, which has potential implications for exercise prescription and optimization of health-related training outcomes.

The Use of Some Polyphenols in the Modulation of Muscle Damage and Inflammation Induced by Physical Exercise: A Review

Food bioactive compounds (FBC) comprise a vast class of substances, including polyphenols, with different chemical structures, and they exert physiological effects on individuals who consume them, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The primary food sources of the compounds are fruits, vegetables, wines, teas, seasonings, and spices, and there are still no daily recommendations for their intake. Depending on the intensity and volume, physical exercise can stimulate oxidative stress and muscle inflammation to generate muscle recovery. However, little is known about the role that polyphenols may have in the process of injury, inflammation, and muscle regeneration. This review aimed to relate the effects of supplementation with mentation with some polyphenols in oxidative stress and post-exercise inflammatory markers. The consulted papers suggest that supplementation with 74 to 900 mg of cocoa, 250 to 1000 mg of green tea extract for around 4 weeks, and 90 mg for up to 5 days of curcumin can attenuate cell damage and inflammation of stress markers of oxidative stress during and after exercise. However, regarding anthocyanins, quercetins, and resveratrol, the results are conflicting. Based on these findings, the new reflection that was made is the possible impact of supplementation associating several FBCs simultaneously. Finally, the benefits discussed here do not consider the existing divergences in the literature. Some contradictions are inherent in the few studies carried out so far. Methodological limitations, such as supplementation time, doses used, forms of supplementation, different exercise protocols, and collection times, create barriers to knowledge consolidation and must be overcome.

Effects of green tea catechins and exercise training on body composition parameters

The impact of phytochemicals, as green tea catechins, on body composition measures has become a relevant topic as ongoing epidemiological evidence suggests their potential role in weight loss. Although catechins have been shown to modulate fat and energy metabolism, clinical effects of green tea consumption still remain controversial. Given the role played by physical exercise in weight management, it is important to determine whether the association of catechins and exercise is able to improve outcomes over and above the beneficial effects of exercise alone. Considering that scientific findings on this topic are not entirely consistent, aim of the present review was to assess the current scientific literature regarding the interplay between green tea catechins and exercise in overweight and obese populations. In particular, it was evaluated whether the addition of green tea supplementation to exercise training was able to further improve the exercise-induced changes in body composition parameters.

Research progress on the lipid-lowering and weight loss effects of tea and the mechanism of its functional components

Obesity caused by poor eating habits has become a great challenge faced by public health organizations worldwide. Optimizing dietary intake and ingesting special foods containing biologically active substances (such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes) is a safe and effective dietary intervention to prevent the occurrence and development of obesity. Tea contains several active dietary factors, and daily tea consumption has been shown to have various health benefits, especially in regulating human metabolic diseases. Here, we reviewed recent advances in research on tea and its functional components in improving obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, and gut microbiota homeostasis and related clinical research. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms by which the functional components of tea could promote lipid-lowering and weight-loss effects by regulating fat synthesis/metabolism, glucose metabolism, gut microbial homeostasis, and liver function were summarized. The research results showing a "positive effect" or "no effect" objectively evaluates the lipid-lowering and weight-loss effects of the functional components of tea. This review provides a new scientific basis for further research on the functional ingredients of tea for lipid lowering and weight loss and the development of lipid-lowering and weight-loss functional foods and beverages derived from tea.

Are Women with Normal-Weight Obesity at Higher Risk for Cardiometabolic Disorders?

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic abnormalities in women with normal-weight obesity (NWO) in comparison with lean, overweight, and obese women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated the assessment of cardiometabolic abnormalities of women with NWO compared to lean, overweight, and obese women. NWO was defined as a BMI < 25 kg.m^-2 and a BFP higher than 30%. Anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic abnormality markers (fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), and liver enzymes were also examined.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in HDL concentrations between NWO, lean, and obese participants (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in FBG, insulin resistance, liver enzymes, or cholesterol between groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of the abnormal metabolic phenotype was higher in NWO compared to the lean group (4.0% and 24.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Women with type 2 and 3 obesity had abnormal metabolic profiles (60.9% and 73.9%, respectively) compared to NWO participants (p < 0.01). The NWO group had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities compared to the lean participants (p < 0.05), while the type 2 and 3 obese individuals had significantly higher incidences compared to the NWO group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with NWO had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities when compared to lean participants. These abnormalities strongly relate to BFP and waist circumferences.

The effects of green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

A bulk of observational studies have revealed the protective role of green tea supplementation in cardiovascular diseases. The current systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to establish the effects of green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors including lipid profile, blood pressure, glycemic control markers and CRP.

Methods

A systematic literature search of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of green tea supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors was undertaken in online databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase using a combination of green tea and cardiovascular risk factors search terms. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity of RCTs.

Results

Among the initial 11,286 studies that were identified from electronic databases search, 55 eligible RCTs with 63 effect sizes were eligible. Results from the random effects meta-analysis showed that GTE supplementation significantly reduced TC (WMD = -7.62; 95% CI: -10.51, -4.73; P = < 0.001), LDL-C (WMD = -5.80; 95% CI: -8.30, -3.30; P = < 0.001), FBS (WMD = -1.67; 95% CI: -2.58, -0.75; P = < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.04; P = 0.008), DBP (WMD = -0.87; 95% CI: -1.45, -0.29; P = 0.003), while increasing HDL-C (WMD = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.87, 2.84; P = 0.010). Subgroup analyses based on the duration of supplementation (≥ 12 vs. < 12 weeks), dose of green tea extract (GTE) (≥1,000 vs. < 1,000 mg/d), sex (male, female, and both), baseline serum levels of lipid profile, and glycemic control factors demonstrated different results for some risk factors.

Conclusion

The current study suggests improvements in the lipid and glycemic profiles following green tea supplementation. These findings support previous evidence showing the health benefits of green tea supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors.

The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Background and aims

Many studies have investigated the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines. However, the results of these studies are not consistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to comprehensively evaluate the effect of CLA supplementation on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of CLA supplementation on C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, and leptin, published up to March 2022, were identified through PubMed, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 42 studies that included 1,109 participants.

Results

Findings from 42 studies with 58 arms indicated that CLA supplementation significantly decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels and also slightly increased CRP levels. However, adiponectin and leptin levels did not change after CLA supplementation. A subgroup analysis found that CLA supplementation reduced adiponectin and leptin in women.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that CLA supplementation increased CRP levels and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Therefore, it seems that CLA can have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier (CRD42022331110).

Effects of exercise on irisin in subjects with overweight or obesity. A systematic review of clinical studies

Introduction

Irisin is an adipomyokine involved in white adipose tissue browning, therefore, could be a key protein in metabolic health. However, exercise effects on irisin in subjects with overweight and/or obesity are conflicting. Therefore, this systematic review aims to search and analyse the literature available on this topic. From three databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Medline, clinical studies published between 2010 and 2021 were considered. From 134 found, 14 studies were included. Only six reported plasma increases after exercise (~1.2 to 3-fold from pre-exercise levels). In addition, only 1 reported significant increases in skeletal muscle irisin mRNA levels (~2-fold). Also, irisin was measured from subcutaneous adipose tissue and saliva, where a ~2-fold increase in its protein levels was found in the latter. Exercise seems to increase the circulatory concentrations of irisin in subjects with overweight or obesity. However, this response is highly variable, therefore, a more integrative approach is urgently needed.

The beneficial therapeutic effects of plant-derived natural products for the treatment of sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is an age-related muscle disorder typically associated with a poor quality of life. Its definition has evolved over time, and several underlying causes of sarcopenia in the elderly have been proposed. However, the exact mechanisms involved in sarcopenia, as well as effective treatments for this condition, are not fully understood. The purpose of this article was to conduct a comprehensive review of previous evidence regarding the definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and efficacy of plant-derived natural products for sarcopenia. The methodological approach for the current narrative review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar (up to March 2021) in order to satisfy our objectives. The substantial beneficial effects along with the safety of some plant-derived natural products including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng on sarcopenia are reported in this review. Based on clinical studies, nutraceuticals and functional foods may have beneficial effects on physical performance, including handgrip and knee-extension strength, weight-lifting capacity, time or distance travelled before feeling fatigued, mitochondrial function, muscle fatigue, mean muscle fibre area, and total number of myonuclei. In preclinical studies, supplementation with herbs and natural bioactive compounds resulted in beneficial effects including increased plantaris mass, skeletal muscle mass and strength production, increased expression of anabolic factors myogenin, Myf5 and MyoD, enhanced mitochondrial capacity, and inhibition of muscle atrophy and sarcopenia. We found that several risk factors such as nutritional status, physical inactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine system dysfunction, insulin resistance, history of chronic disease, mental health, and genetic factors are linked or associated with sarcopenia. The substantial beneficial effects of some nutraceuticals and functional foods on sarcopenia, including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng, without any significant side effects, are reported in this review. Plant-derived natural products might have a beneficial effect on various components of sarcopenia. Nevertheless, due to limited human trials, the clinical benefits of plant-derived natural products remain inconclusive. It is suggested that comprehensive longitudinal clinical studies to better understand risk factors over time, as well as identifying a treatment strategy for sarcopenia that is based on its pathophysiology, be undertaken in future investigations.

Red, white, and processed meat consumption related to inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers among overweight and obese women

BACKGROUND

Considering that a high meat intake is directly associated with obesity, it is critical to address the relationship between consuming different types of meat with inflammation and metabolism in overweight and obese cohorts. Thus, we evaluated the association between red, white, and processed meat consumption with inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese Iranian women. Dietary intake was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 items. The anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers were measured by standard protocols. All associations were assessed utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and linear regression models.

RESULTS

In the adjusted model, it was established that higher intake of processed meat had a significant positive association with leptin levels (β: 0.900, 95% CI: 0.031;1.233, p = 0.015). Moreover, after considering the confounders, a significant positive association between processed meat and macrophage inflammatory protein (MCP-1) levels was observed (β: 0.304, 95% CI:0.100;1.596, p = 0.025). Positive significant associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β:0.020, 95% CI:0.000;0.050, P = 0.014) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (β:0.263, 95% CI:0.112;0.345, p = 0.053) and MCP-1 (β:0.490, 95% CI: 0.175;1.464, p = 0.071) levels with red meat were also shown; while there was a significant negative association between red meat and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.016, 95% CI: -0.022, -0.001, p = 0.033). Furthermore, a significant negative association were established following confounding adjustment between Galectin-3 (Gal-3) (β: -0.110, 95% CI: -0.271;0.000, p = 0.044), MCP-1 (β: -1.933, 95% CI: -3.721;0.192, p = 0.022) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: -0.011, 95% CI: -0.020,0.000, p = 0.070) levels with high adherence of white meat intake. In contrast, a significant marginally positive association between PAI-1 levels and high adherence to white meat intake (β: -0.340, 95% CI: -0.751;0.050, p = 0.070) has been shown.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher red and processed meat consumption were positively associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers in overweight and obese women. In contrast, negative relationships between high adherence to white meat and various inflammatory and metabolic parameters were established. Further studies are needed to confirm the causality of these associations and potential mediating pathways.

Effect of flavonoid intake on circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the effects of flavonoid intake on adiponectin and leptin levels. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on March 1, 2021. Random-effects, subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were conducted on 40 publications. Flavonoid intake significantly increased circulating adiponectin (0.54 μg/ml, 95% CI [0.20, 0.88], p = .002; I²  = 86.4%) and significantly reduced leptin levels (weighted mean difference: -0.79 ng/ml, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.25], p = .004; I²  = 87.7%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that flavonoid intervention produced a significant elevation in adiponectin levels only in studies that lasted more than 12 weeks, conducted in Asian regions, were parallel-designed, involved obese or overweight participants and participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or cardiovascular diseases, used tea catechins, and used a dietary supplement intervention. A significantly negative effect on leptin levels was observed in studies conducted in Asian countries, with healthy participants and participants with T2DM, used whole food interventions, and involved participants with lower baseline leptin levels. In conclusion, flavonoid intake significantly increased circulating adiponectin and decreased leptin levels; however, study heterogeneity was very high. Future well-designed trials are required to address heterogeneous study designs and clarify the efficacy of plants in regulating adiponectin and leptin levels.

Camellia sinensis L. Alleviates Pulmonary Inflammation Induced by Porcine Pancreas Elastase and Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major factor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death worldwide. Furthermore, although Camellia sinensis (CN) has been known as an anti-inflammatory material, the effect of CN has not yet been known on pulmonary inflammation in COPD. Thus, we investigated the protective effects of Camellia sinensis L. extract (CLE) against pulmonary inflammation in porcine pancreas elastase (PPE) and a cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced COPD mouse model. Oral administration of CLE suppressed the symptoms such as infiltration of immune cells, cytokines/chemokines secretion, mucus hypersecretion, and injuries of the lung parenchyma. Increased inflammatory responses in COPD are mediated by various immune cells such as airway epithelial cells, neutrophils, and alveolar macrophages. Thus, we investigated the effect and mechanisms of CLE in H292, HL-60, and MH-S cells. The CLE inhibited the expression of IL-6, IL-8, MUC5AC and MUC5B on CSE/LPS-stimulated H292 cells and also suppressed the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps and secretion of neutrophil elastase by inhibiting reactive oxygen species in PMA-induced HL-60 cells. In particular, the CLE suppressed the release of cytokines and chemokines caused by activating the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B via the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and the heme oxygenase-1 pathway in CSE/LPS-stimulated MH-S cells. Therefore, we suggest that the CLE administration be the effective approach for treating or preventing chronic pulmonary diseases such as COPD induced by CS.

Effects of Green Tea and Green Tea Incorporated in Nanoparticle Lyotropic Liquid Crystal on Exercise Adaptations: A High-Intensity Interval Training Pre-Clinical Study

Green tea (GT) is a natural antioxidant, sensitive to oxidation after preparation. Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are nanostructured systems used to incorporate bioactive compounds. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a workout modality that increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, this research aimed to compare the effects of GT and GT loaded in LLC in animals subjected to HIIT, considering hematological, biochemical and histological parameters, redox status, and body mass. Monoolein, GT in infusion and Poloxamer 407 were mixed to obtain nanoparticles of LLC (NP-LLC). Healthy male rats were randomized into six groups (n = 6/group): Control (C), GT, GT-NP-LLC, Exercise (Ex), GT+Ex, GT-NP-LLC+Ex. Body weight was significantly lower in all groups subjected to HIIT compared to C. The percentages of body mass reduction were 11.3, 13.0, 10.0 and 11.0% for Ex, GT+Ex, GT-NP-LLC and GT-NP-LLC+Ex, respectively, compared to control. GT-NP-LLC and Ex reduced triglycerides compared to C. GT and GT-NP-LLC supplementation combined with HIIT presented higher muscle hypertrophy (25 and 21%, respectively), better physical conditioning, and reduced body weight gain rate compared to HIIT by itself. Moreover, the effects of GT-NP-LLC itself on body mass and biochemical parameters are promising, suggesting NP-LLC could improve the bioavailability of GT.

DOES GREEN TEA ENHANCE THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL TRAINING ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Green tea is associated with a series of health benefits, as is physical training. However, in combination they present little known chronotropic and autonomic cardiac effects. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the association of chronic administration of green tea and physical training on basal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in Wistar rats. Methods: Forty-three Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, var. albinus), paired by weight and age, were distributed among four experimental groups, titled sedentary control (CONsed, n = 10), trained control (CONtre, n = 08), sedentary tea (CHÁsed, n = 16) and trained tea (CHÁtre, n = 09). Ingestion of the tea was ad libitum. The physical training protocol lasted for eight weeks and consisted of sessions of swimming with incremental loads. At the end of the training, basal heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) in both time and frequency domains were determined. The level of significance adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). Results: Both physical training and consumption of green tea caused higher resting bradycardia than that of the CONsed group animals. Regarding HRV, the CONtre, CHÁsed, and CHÁtre groups presented significantly higher values than the CONsed group. Supplementation with green tea caused an increase in the variance, high frequency (HF) component, and sympathovagal balance as compared to the CONsed group. Physical training (PT) did not enhance any of the parameters evaluated. Conclusions: There was no significant optimization of the hemodynamic or autonomic cardiovascular parameters resulting from the association between the administration of green tea and physical training in Wistar rats. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.

The Effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with Concurrent Training on body composition, glycemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

AIM

Chronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM.

METHODS

Sixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training or no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X-Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions.

RESULTS

All three interventions significantly (p<0.05) decreased TNF-α (CT = -4.22, S = -1.91, CTS = -9.69 pg/mL), hs-CRP (CT = -0.13, S = -0.1, CTS = -0.32 ng/mL), IL-6 (CT = -6.84, S = -6.36, CTS = -13.55 pg/mL), IL-1β (CT = -8.85, S = -6.46, CTS = -19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = -6.97, S = -2.45, CTS = -13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = -0.13, S = -0.03, CTS = -0.21 mU/L), HOMA-IR (CT = -0.12, S = -0.04, CTS = -0.21), HbA1c (CT = -0.17, S = -0.11, CTS = -0.26 %), and increased IL-10 (CT = 1.09, S= 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and IL-10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S, and CON groups (p<0.05) CONCLUSION: It seems that an interactive of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on the anti-inflammatory status compared to the saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.

Liver biomarkers in adults: Evaluation of associations with reported green tea consumption and use of green tea supplements in U.S. NHANES

Some events of hepatotoxicity have been linked to consumption of green tea supplements. The association between consumption of green tea or green tea supplements and abnormal liver biomarkers in adults was investigated using cross-sectional data from the 2009-2014 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (U.S. NHANES). Individuals with levels of either bilirubin or GGT, ALT, AST, and/or ALP in excess of the age- and gender-specific upper limits of normal ranges were classified as having abnormal liver biomarkers. Associations between green tea or green tea supplement use (consumption vs. not) and liver function were determined using multiple logistic regression modelling. 12,289 persons were included in the green tea analyses and 12,274 in the green tea supplement analyses. The odds of having one or more abnormal liver biomarkers were significantly reduced (p = 0.01) with consumption of green tea (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.85), while no significant association (p = 0.78) was determined for consumption of green tea supplements (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.52, 1.64). Based on data from the 2009-2014 U.S. NHANES, green tea consumption was associated with reduced odds of having one or more abnormal liver biomarkers; whereas, no significant association was determined with consumption of green tea supplements.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Tea-The Positive Impact of Tea Consumption on Patients with Autoimmune Diabetes

The physiological markers of autoimmune diabetes include functional disorders of the antioxidative system as well as progressing inflammation and the presence of autoantibodies. Even though people with type 1 diabetes show genetic predispositions facilitating the onset of the disease, it is believed that dietary factors can stimulate the initiation and progression of the disease. This paper analyses the possibility of using tea as an element of diet therapy in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Based on information available in literature covering the last 10 years, the impact of regular tea consumption or diet supplements containing tea polyphenols on the oxidative status as well as inflammatory and autoimmune response of the organism was analyzed. Studies conducted on laboratory animals, human patients, and in vitro revealed positive effects of the consumption of tea or polyphenols isolated therefrom on the diabetic body. Few reports available in the literature pertain to the impact of tea on organisms affected by type 1 diabetes as most (over 85%) have focused on cases of type 2 diabetes. It has been concluded that by introducing tea into the diet, it is possible to alleviate some of the consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation, thus limiting their destructive impact on the patients' organisms, consequently improving their quality of life, regardless of the type of diabetes. Furthermore, elimination of inflammation should reduce the incidence of immune response. One should consider more widespread promotion of tea consumption by individuals genetically predisposed to diabetes, especially considering the drink's low price, easy availability, overall benefits to human health, and above all, the fact that it can be safely used over extended periods of time, regardless of the patient's age.

The Combined Effects of 6 Weeks of Jump Rope Interval Exercise and Dark Chocolate Consumption on Antioxidant Markers in Obese Adolescent Boys

Research has shown that both dark chocolate and exercise training may have favorable effects on antioxidant function in obese cohorts. However, their combined effect has not been established. We assessed the influences of six weeks of dark chocolate consumption combined with jump rope exercise on antioxidant markers in adolescent boys with obesity. Fifty adolescent boys with obesity (age = 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned into one of four groups; jump rope exercise + white chocolate consumption (JW; n = 13), jump rope exercise + dark chocolate consumption (JD; n = 13), dark chocolate consumption (DC; n = 12), or control (C; n = 12). Two participants dropped out of the study. Participants in JW and JD groups performed jump rope exercise three times per week for six weeks. Participants in the DC and JD groups consumed 30 g of dark chocolate containing 83% of cocoa during the same period. Serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated prior to and after the interventions. All 3 intervention groups noted significant (p < 0.01) increases in serum concentrations of TAC, SOD, and GPx from baseline to post-test. In contrast, all intervention groups showed significantly reduced serum concentrations of TBARS from pre- to post-test (p ≤ 0.01). Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed that post-test serum concentrations of TAC in the JD group were significantly greater than C (p < 0.001), DC (p = 0.010), and JW (p < 0.001) groups. In addition, post-test serum concentrations of SOD in the JD group were significantly greater than C group (p = 0.001). Post-test serum concentrations of GPx in the JD group were significantly greater than C (p < 0.001), DC (p = 0.021), and JW (p = 0.032) groups. The post-test serum concentrations of TBARS in the JD group was significantly lower than C (p < 0.001). No other significant between-group differences were observed. The current study provides evidence that dark chocolate consumption in combination with jump rope exercise is more efficient in improving antioxidant capacity than dark chocolate consumption or jump rope exercise alone among obese adolescent boys.

Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers: A Grade-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

It has been theorized that folic acid supplementation improves inflammation. However, its proven effects on inflammatory markers are unclear as clinical studies on this topic have produced inconsistent results. To bridge this knowledge gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation on serum concentrations of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Methods: To identify eligible RCTs, a systematic search up to April 2021 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. A fix or random-effects model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Twelve RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that serum concentrations of CRP (WMD: −0.59 mg/L, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.33, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced following folic acid supplementation compared to placebo, but did not affect serum concentrations of IL-6 (WMD: −0.12, 95% CI −0.95 to 0.72 pg/mL, p = 0.780) or TNF-α (WMD: −0.18, 95% CI −0.86 to 0.49 pg/mL, p = 0.594). The dose–response analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between an elevated dosage of folic acid supplementation and lower CRP concentrations (p = 0.002). Conclusions: We found that folic acid supplementation may improve inflammation by attenuating serum concentrations of CRP but without significant effects on IL-6 and TNF-α. Future RCTs including a larger number of participants and more diverse populations are needed to confirm and expand our findings.

Rat plasma protein binding of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside from Lu'an GuaPian tea and its anti-inflammatory mechanism for cardiovascular protection

Previous study found a high content of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (KR) in Lu'an GuaPian tea, however, the rat plasma protein binding and mechanism of KR for cardiovascular protection are unclear. Thus, we studied plasma protein binding using ultrafiltration followed by UPLC, and screened its inhibition against LPS-induced inflammation injury in vitro as well as the underlying mechanism by molecular docking and western blot. KR showed over 74% plasma protein binding ratio. Furthermore, KR may act on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). In vitro experiments showed that KR decreases the overexpression of TLR4, MyD88, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which further validates the molecular docking results, suggesting that KR could block TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. These results indicate that KR could be a potential active agent in the protection of myocardial injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Health benefits of tea are largely dependent on the intake of flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of compounds beneficial to cardiovascular disease and an important part of "functional foods." Lu'an GuaPian tea is mainly produced in Lu'an City, Anhui Province and is one of the top 10 famous teas in China. Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside in Lu'an GuaPian has good hypoglycemic effect, mainly manifested in a strong inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities. Present study showed that kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside could block TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling, suggesting that it could be a potential active agent in the protection of myocardial injury.

Green and white teas as health-promoting foods

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages around the world and as such, it is constantly the object of novel research. This review focuses on the research performed during the last five years to provide an updated view of the current position of tea regarding human health. According to most authors, tea health benefits can be traced back to its bioactive components, mostly phenolic compounds. Among them, catechins are the most abundant. Tea has an important antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory properties, which make this beverage (or its extracts) a potential aid in the fight against several chronic diseases. On the other hand, some studies report the possibility of toxic effects and it is advisable to reduce tea consumption, such as in the last trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, new technologies are increasing researchers' possibilities to study the effect of tea on human gut microbiota and even against SARS CoV-2. This beverage favours some beneficial gut microbes, which could have important repercussions due to the influence of gut microbiota on human health.

Impact of Acute Circuit Training on Irisin in Younger and Older Overweight Adults

Studies show aerobic exercise increases irisin and leads to health benefits. The impact of circuit training (CT) on irisin in overweight younger and older adults is unknown. The objectives were to determine whether, during an acute bout of CT, changes in irisin differed between overweight younger and older adults, and if irisin is associated with body composition, fitness level, or muscle strength. Inactive, overweight adults aged between 19-35 (25.9 ± 5.0; n=15) and 60-75 years old (67.7 ± 4.1; n=14) participated in this study. The primary exposure variable was an acute bout of CT (12-15 repetitions; 65-70% of 1-repetition maximum; 3 loops). The primary outcome measure was the concentration of irisin determined by ELISA before, during, and after exercise. Repeated measures analyses showed no effect of time on irisin levels during acute CT, and no interaction effect between age and time (p >0.05). No associations were observed between changes in irisin and body composition, fitness, or strength (p >0.05). In conclusion, acute CT doesn't increase irisin in overweight individuals, nor is irisin associated with the measured outcomes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the release of irisin by different types of exercise across the lifespan. NCT03715088 NOVELTY: • Younger and older adults show a similar irisin response to an acute bout of circuit training. • Irisin response is not associated with measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, nor muscle strength.

Does Flavonoid Consumption Improve Exercise Performance? Is It Related to Changes in the Immune System and Inflammatory Biomarkers? A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies since 2005

Flavonoids are attracting increasing attention due to their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Nevertheless, little is known about their role in exercise performance in association with immune function. This systematic review firstly aimed to shed light on the ergogenic potential of flavonoids. A search strategy was run using SCOPUS database. The returned studies were screened by prespecified eligibility criteria, including intervention lasting at least one week and performance objectively quantified, among others. Fifty-one studies (54 articles) met the inclusion criteria, involving 1288 human subjects, either physically untrained or trained. Secondly, we aimed to associate these studies with the immune system status. Seventeen of the selected studies (18 articles) assessed changes in the immune system. The overall percentage of studies reporting an improved exercise performance following flavonoid supplementation was 37%, the proportion being 25% when considering quercetin, 28% for flavanol-enriched extracts, and 54% for anthocyanins-enriched extracts. From the studies reporting an enhanced performance, only two, using anthocyanin supplements, focused on the immune system and found certain anti-inflammatory effects of these flavonoids. These results suggest that flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, may exert beneficial effects for athletes’ performances, although further studies are encouraged to establish the optimal dosage and to clarify their impact on immune status.

Spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss in competitive wrestlers

We aimed to assess the effects of spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss on serum concentrations of follistatin (FST), myostatin (MST), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and body composition in competitive wrestlers. Forty competitive wrestlers (age: 22 (sem 2) years) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: gradual weight loss + spirulina (SP; n 20) or gradual weight loss + placebo (PL; n 20). Subjects in both groups lost weight according to a designed diet over 12 d and were required to reduce baseline body mass (BM) by 4%. Subjects in the SP group received two tablets of spirulina, while subjects in the PL received two tablets of placebo before each meal. Concentrations of mentioned serum markers and body composition were measured before and after the interventions. BM (SP = -3·1 kg and PL = -2·9 kg), body fat percentage (BFP) (SP = -2·1 % and PL = -0·6 %), fat mass (FM) (SP = -2·2 kg and PL = -0·9 kg) and skeletal muscle mass (SP = -1·4 kg and PL = -1·5 kg) significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0·05). The changes in BFP and FM were significantly greater in SP compared with the PL group (P < 0·001). Additionally, MST (SP = -0·1 ng/ml), AST (SP = -2·1 u/l) and ALT (SP = -2·7 u/l) concentrations significantly diminished in SP group (P = 0·005), while FST (PL = -0·1 ng/ml) and IGF-1 (PL = -2·6 ng/ml) concentrations significantly decreased in PL group (P < 0·05). Spirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss is beneficial in reducing BFP, FM, MST and liver enzymes while maintaining IGF-1 and FST concentrations in competitive wrestlers.

The Impact of Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract on Fat Oxidation, Body Composition and Cardio-Metabolic Health in Overweight, Recreationally Active Individuals

This study investigated the effect of decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE), with or without antioxidant nutrients, on fat oxidation, body composition and cardio-metabolic health measures in overweight individuals engaged in regular exercise. Twenty-seven participants (20 females, 7 males; body mass: 77.5 ± 10.5 kg; body mass index: 27.4 ± 3.0 kg·m²; peak oxygen uptake (V.O_2peak): 30.2 ± 5.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) were randomly assigned, in a double-blinded manner, either: dGTE (400 mg·d⁻¹ (−)-epigallocatechin−3-gallate (EGCG), n = 9); a novel dGTE+ (400 mg·d⁻¹ EGCG, quercetin (50 mg·d⁻¹) and α-lipoic acid (LA, 150 mg·d⁻¹), n = 9); or placebo (PL, n = 9) for 8 weeks, whilst maintaining standardised, aerobic exercise. Fat oxidation (‘FAT_MAX’ and steady state exercise protocols), body composition, cardio-metabolic and blood measures (serum glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, glycerol, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, high [HDL-c] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], triglycerides, liver enzymes and bilirubin) were assessed at baseline, week 4 and 8. Following 8 weeks of dGTE+, maximal fat oxidation (MFO) significantly improved from 154.4 ± 20.6 to 224.6 ± 23.2 mg·min⁻¹ (p = 0.009), along with a 22.5% increase in the exercise intensity at which fat oxidation was deemed negligible (FAT_MIN; 67.6 ± 3.6% V.O_2peak, p = 0.003). Steady state exercise substrate utilisation also improved for dGTE+ only, with respiratory exchange ratio reducing from 0.94 ± 0.01 at week 4, to 0.89 ± 0.01 at week 8 (p = 0.004). This corresponded with a significant increase in the contribution of fat to energy expenditure for dGTE+ from 21.0 ± 4.1% at week 4, to 34.6 ± 4.7% at week 8 (p = 0.006). LDL-c was also lower (normalised fold change of −0.09 ± 0.06) for dGTE+ by week 8 (p = 0.038). No other significant effects were found in any group. Eight weeks of dGTE+ improved MFO and substrate utilisation during exercise, and lowered LDL-c. However, body composition and cardio-metabolic markers in healthy, overweight individuals who maintained regular physical activity were largely unaffected by dGTE.

The effects of gradual vs. rapid weight loss on serum concentrations of myokines and body composition in overweight and obese females

Context: Research has shown the modulations of Follistatin (FST) and Myostatin (MST) following weight loss.Objective: We evaluated the effects of gradual weight loss (GWL) and rapid weight loss (RWL) on serum MST, FST, and body composition in overweight and obese females.Materials and methods: Thirty-six overweight and obese females successfully completed the study interventions: GWL (n = 18) or RWL (n = 18). Serum MST and FST concentrations, as well as anthropometric measurements, were collected at baseline and at the conclusion of each weight loss intervention.Results: MST concentration significantly (p < .05) decreased in the GWL; while FST concentration, body fat percentage and skeletal muscle mass significantly declined in both conditions. The loss in skeletal muscle mass was significantly greater in RWL relative to GWL.Discussion and conclusion: GWL was more effective than RWL in preserving skeletal muscle mass in overweight and obese females. Moreover, GWL leads to declines in MST concentrations.

Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate of Camellia sinensis leaves on blood pressure, lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma and some inflammatory and antioxidant markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a clinical trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the inflammatory and metabolic responses to epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the impacts of EGCG on metabolic factors and some biomarkers of stress oxidative in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 50 patients with T2DM consumed either 2 tablets (300 mg) EGCG (n=25) or wheat flour as placebo (n=25) for 2 months. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipid profile, mean arterial pressure (MAP), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were evaluated before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The finding of present study exhibited a significant increase in the serum levels of TAC after the EGCG supplementation (p=0.001). Also, in compare with control group, the mean changes of TAC were significantly higher in supplement group (p=0.01). In intervention group, a significant decrease was observed in the mean levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), AIP, and MAP (p<0.05). Taking EGCG resulted in the mean changes of total cholesterol, MAP and DBP were significantly lower in compare with control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study recommended that EGCG supplementation may be improved blood pressure, lipid profile, AIP, and oxidative status in patients with T2DM.

Effects of branched-chain amino acid supplementation and resistance training in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

The age-related loss in muscular function is typically accelerated after menopause. Resistance training (RT) has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation acutely increases myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) and decreases muscle soreness following RT. However, the combined effects of BCAA supplementation and RT on muscle mass, strength, and regulatory factors on postmenopausal cohorts are currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the combined effects of BCAA supplementation and RT on muscle mass, strength, and regulatory factors in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Thirty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: RT and placebo (PLA; n = 10), RT and BCAA (BCAA; 9 g/day; n = 10), or control (CON; n = 10). Muscle mass, strength, and serum concentrations of muscle regulatory factors (myostatin, follistatin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) were assessed before and following 8 weeks of whole-body supervised RT (3×/week, 3-4 sets using 60-75% 1-repetition maximum [1-RM]).

RESULTS

There were significant increases (P < 0.05) in muscle mass and strength in both the PLA and BCAA conditions. Additionally, myostatin significantly (P < 0.05) decreased, while IGF-1 (P < 0.05) increased following PLA and BCAA. However, follistatin significantly increased in the BCAA condition. There were no differences between RT conditions over time. Furthermore, there were no changes in any variable after CON.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term (8 weeks) RT is an effective intervention for improving muscle mass, strength, and muscle regulatory factors in postmenopausal women. The addition of BCAA supplementation to RT failed to augment these physiological changes.

Effects of Interval Jump Rope Exercise Combined with Dark Chocolate Supplementation on Inflammatory Adipokine, Cytokine Concentrations, and Body Composition in Obese Adolescent Boys

We examined the effects of six weeks of dark chocolate supplementation combined with interval jump rope exercise (JRE) on inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and body composition in obese adolescent boys. Forty-eight obese adolescent boys (age  = 15.4  ±  1.1 years and body mass index  =  32.2  ±  2.4 kg/m²) were randomly assigned into one of four groups: JRE + white chocolate (JW; n = 13), JRE + dark chocolate supplementation (JD; n = 13), dark chocolate supplementation (DS; n = 12), or control (C; n = 12). Participants in JW and JD groups performed JRE for three times per week for six weeks. Participants in the DS and JD groups consumed 30 g of dark chocolate containing 83% of cocoa. Body composition, pro-inflammatory cytokines ((hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6), adipokines (leptin, resistin, RBP-4, chemerin, MCP-1), and anti-inflammatory adipokines (irisin, adiponectin)) were evaluated prior to and after the intervention trials. All three intervention trials significantly (p < 0.05) decreased body mass, waist-hip ratio, fat mass, hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, resistin, RBP-4, and MCP-1, and increased irisin and adiponectin concentrations. The improvements in these parameters were greater in the JD group, and additionally, chemerin concentrations decreased only in the JD group. JD enhanced adiponectin concentrations and decreased IL-6 concentrations compared to C. Moreover, JD significantly reduced chemerin concentrations, an effect not observed in any of the other interventions. We demonstrated that dark chocolate supplementation potentiated JRE-induced decreases in body mass, WHR, FM, hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, resistin, RBP-4, and MCP-1, chemerin as well as increases irisin and adiponectin concentrations in obese adolescent boys. Therefore, JRE combined with dark chocolate supplementation could be a beneficial in reducing obesity-induced inflammation in adolescent boys.

Effects of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Gut Hormones and Body Composition in Males with Obesity

We studied the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on gut hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin) in males with obesity. Thirty sedentary males were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (EG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The EG group completed their Ramadan fasting rituals (30 days), whereas the CG continued with their normal daily habits. Blood samples were collected at four time points: 24 h before the start of Ramadan (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), the day after the end of Ramadan (T2) and 21 days after Ramadan (T3). There were significant pre-to-post improvements for leptin (p = 0.01, d = 1.52), GLP-1 (p = 0.022, d = 0.75), PYY (p = 0.031, d = 0.69) and CCK (p = 0.027, d = 0.81) in the EG, with no interaction effect for ghrelin (p = 0.74; d = 0.008). No significant changes (p > 0.05) occurred in plasma volume variations (ΔPV) after RIF in both EG (−0.03 ± 0.01%) and CG (0.06 ± 0.07%). RIF represents an effective strategy to modify appetite-regulating hormones, leading to improved body composition indices and reduced obesity.