Dark Chocolate Intake Positively Modulates Redox Status and Markers of Muscular Damage in Elite Football Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Study

Effects of carob rich-polyphenols on oxidative stress markers and physical performance in taekwondo athletes

Excessive exercise can induce cell damage and impair muscle function by generating oxidative stress. Carob rich phenolic components have attracted the attention of many researchers because of their antioxidant actions. We utilized a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design to study the putative antioxidant role of six weeks of daily polyphenol supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress and performance in taekwondo athletes. We studied the effects of daily supplementation with carob (40 g/d, for six-weeks) on performance levels and antioxidant capacity in 22 taekwondo athletes (age 21.9 ± 1.2 years; height 1.66 ± 0.34 m; weight 68.3 ± 16.9 kg; women = 10, men = 12) using a randomized, double-blinded study. Participants were divided into an experimental group (EG) or placebo group (PG). All athletes performed a frequency speed of kick test mult (FSKTmult) before and after a six-week training period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 5 min after a FSKTmult. Physical performances improved significantly after six weeks in EG compared to PG for kicks number per set (from set 1 to set 5: p = 0.032, d = 0.70; p = 0.020, d = 0.77; p = 0.001, d = 1.12; p = 0.001, d = 1.25; p = 0.003, d = 1.01), total kicks number (p = 0,002, d = 1.04), and kick decrement index (%) (p = 0.017, d = 0.13). There were significant increases in CAT (p = 0.001, d = 1.85) and SOD (p = 0.001, d = 1.98) activities and significant decreases in MDA levels (p = 0.002, d = 0.81) in the EG. Carob supplementation during a six-week training program reduced oxidative stress and improved physical performance levels in taekwondo athletes.

Soccer's AI transformation: deep learning's analysis of soccer's pandemic research evolution

Introduction

This paper aims to identify and compare changes in trends and research interests in soccer articles from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We compared research interests and trends in soccer-related journal articles published before COVID-19 (2018-2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022) using Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) topic modeling.

Results

In both periods, we categorized the social sciences into psychology, sociology, business, and technology, with some interdisciplinary research topics identified, and we identified changes during the COVID-19 pandemic period, including a new approach to home advantage. Furthermore, Sports science and sports medicine had a vast array of subject areas and topics, but some similar themes emerged in both periods and found changes before and during COVID-19. These changes can be broadly categorized into (a) Social Sciences and Technology; (b) Performance training approaches; (c) injury part of body. With training topics being more prominent than match performance during the pandemic; and changes within injuries, with the lower limbs becoming more prominent than the head during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Now that the pandemic has ended, soccer environments and routines have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but the environment that have changed during the pandemic provide an opportunity for researchers and practitioners in the field of soccer to detect post-pandemic changes and identify trends and future directions for research.

Dark Chocolate Intake Positively Modulates Gut Permeability in Elite Football Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Study

Gut barrier disruption can lead to enhanced intestinal permeability, which allows endotoxins, pathogens, and other proinflammatory substances to move through the intestinal barrier into circulation. Intense exercise over a prolonged period increases intestinal permeability, which can be further worsened by the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of intestinal permeability in elite football players and to exploit the effect of cocoa polyphenols on intestinal permeability induced by intensive physical exercise. Biomarkers of intestinal permeability, such as circulating levels of zonulin, a modulator of tight junctions, occludin, a tight junction protein, and LPS translocation, were evaluated in 24 elite football players and 23 amateur athletes. Moreover, 24 elite football players were randomly assigned to either a dark chocolate (>85% cocoa) intake (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12) for 30 days in a randomized controlled trial. Biochemical analyses were performed at baseline and after 30 days of chocolate intake. Compared to amateur athletes, elite football players showed increased intestinal permeability as indicated by higher levels of zonulin, occludin, and LPS. After 30 days of dark chocolate intake, decreased intestinal permeability was found in elite athletes consuming dark chocolate. In the control group, no changes were observed. In vitro, polyphenol extracts significantly improved intestinal damage in the human intestinal mucosa cell line Caco-2. These results indicate that chronic supplementation with dark chocolate as a rich source of polyphenols positively modulates exercise-induced intestinal damage in elite football athletes.

Effectiveness of supplementation with date seed (Phoenix dactylifera) as a functional food on inflammatory markers, muscle damage, and BDNF following high-intensity interval training: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

PURPOSE

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most effective protocols, even though acute HIIT causes inflammatory and oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of date seeds powder (DSP) during HIIT sessions on inflammation markers, oxidants and antioxidants, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), exercise-induced muscle damage, and body composition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six recreational runners (men and women), aged 18-35 years, were randomly assigned to consume 26 g/day of DSP or wheat bran powder during HIIT workouts for a period of 14 days. At baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 24 h after the intervention, blood samples were obtained to determine inflammatory, oxidant/antioxidant, and muscle damage markers, as well as BDNF.

RESULTS

DSP supplementation resulted in a significant downward trend in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Psupplement × time = 0.036), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Psupplement × time = 0.010), interleukin-6 (Psupplement × time = 0.047), malondialdehyde (Psupplement × time = 0.046), creatine kinase (Psupplement × time = 0.045), and lactate dehydrogenase (Psupplement × time = 0.040) after the intervention, as well as a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (Psupplement × time ≤ 0.001). However, interleukin-10 (Psupplement × time = 0.523), interleukin-6/interleukin-10 (Psupplement × time = 0.061), BDNF (Psupplement × time = 0.160), and myoglobin (Psupplement × time = 0.095) levels did not change significantly in comparison to the placebo group. Moreover, analysis demonstrated that DSP supplementation over 2 weeks had no significant effect on body composition.

CONCLUSION

During the 2 weeks of the HIIT protocol, the consumption of date seed powder by participants who had engaged in moderate or high physical activity alleviated inflammation and muscle damage.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of TBZMED (No.IR.TBZMED.REC.1399.1011).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website ( www.IRCt.ir/ , IRCT20150205020965N9).

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.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of a Functional Sports Beverage Formulation

Athletes often consume functional beverages in order to improve performance and reduce oxidative stress caused by high-intensity exercise. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of a functional sports beverage formulation. The beverage's antioxidant effects were assessed on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by determining thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS; TBARS levels decreased significantly by 52.67% at 2.0 mg/mL), total antioxidant capacity (TAC; TAC levels increased significantly by 80.82% at 2.0 mg/mL) and reduced glutathione (GSH; GSH levels increased significantly by 24.13% at 2.0 mg/mL) levels. Furthermore, the beverage underwent simulated digestion following the INFOGEST protocol to assess its oxidative stability. The analysis of the total phenolic content (TPC) using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay revealed that the beverage contained a TPC of 7.58 ± 0.066 mg GAE/mL, while the phenolics identified by HPLC were catechin (2.149 mg/mL), epicatechin (0.024 mg/mL), protocatechuic acid (0.012 mg/mL), luteolin 7-glucoside (0.001 mg/mL), and kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside (0.001 mg/mL). The beverage's TPC was strongly correlated with TAC (R² = 896). Moreover, the beverage showcased inhibitory and bacteriostatic effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lastly, the sensory acceptance test demonstrated that the functional sports beverage was well accepted by the assessors.

Natural Activators of Autophagy Reduce Oxidative Stress and Muscle Injury Biomarkers in Endurance Athletes: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and impaired autophagy are directly and indirectly implicated in exercise-mediated muscle injury. Trehalose, spermidine, nicotinamide, and polyphenols possess pro-autophagic and antioxidant properties, and could therefore reduce exercise-induced damage to skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a mixture of these compounds was able to improve muscle injury biomarkers in endurance athletes through the modulation of oxidative stress and autophagic machinery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

sNOX2-dp; H₂O₂ production; H₂O₂ breakdown activity (HBA); ATG5 and p62 levels, both markers of autophagic process; and muscle injury biomarkers were evaluated in five endurance athletes who were allocated in a crossover design study to daily administration of 10.5 g of an experimental mixture or no treatment, with evaluations conducted at baseline and after 30 days of mixture consumption. Compared to baseline, the mixture intake led to a remarkable reduction of oxidative stress and positively modulated autophagy. Finally, after the 30-day supplementation period, a significant decrease in muscle injury biomarkers was found.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with this mixture positively affected redox state and autophagy and improved muscle injury biomarkers in athletes, allowing for better muscle recovery. Moreover, it is speculated that this mixture could also benefit patients suffering from muscle injuries, such as cancer or cardiovascular patients, or elderly subjects.

Polyphenol Supplementation and Antioxidant Status in Athletes: A Narrative Review

Antioxidants in sports exercise training remain a debated research topic. Plant-derived polyphenol supplements are frequently used by athletes to reduce the negative effects of exercise-induced oxidative stress, accelerate the recovery of muscular function, and enhance performance. These processes can be efficiently modulated by antioxidant supplementation. The existing literature has failed to provide unequivocal evidence that dietary polyphenols should be promoted specifically among athletes. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge regarding polyphenols' bioavailability, their role in exercise-induced oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and supplementation strategies in athletes. Overall, we draw attention to the paucity of available evidence suggesting that most antioxidant substances are beneficial to athletes. Additional research is necessary to reveal more fully their impact on exercise-induced oxidative stress and athletes' antioxidant status, as well as optimal dosing methods.

The action of phytochemicals present in cocoa in the prevention of vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), have caused many deaths worldwide. Atherosclerotic plaque formation is common in individuals with CVDs. Thus, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies can be used to prevent or inhibit this process. Due to its higher concentrations of cocoa, dark chocolate is considered a functional food due to the presence and action of phytochemical compounds, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. However, the recommended amounts of these compounds to prevent atherosclerosis have not yet been fully elucidated.

AIM

The aim of the studywas to review the effects of cocoa and dark chocolate intake on the prevention of cardiovascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

This narrative review was based on a search of PubMed and Lilacs. The search was conducted from September 2021 to February 2022 using the following keywords: flavonoids, cocoa, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The inclusion criteria were original articles, meta-analyses, and experimental and clinical studies published between 2002 and 2022 in English, focusing on the subject addressed. The exclusion criteria were the title and abstract reading and duplication of articles in the databases.

RESULTS

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of phytochemicals in cocoa and dark chocolate are related to the modulation of nitric oxide through activation/phosphorylation and acting as a vasodilator. Furthermore, these phytochemicals reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species and activate antioxidant enzymes. The anti-inflammatory activities are related to the modulation of nuclear factor kappa B in the reduction of inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as in the reduction of adhesion molecules in the wall of the vases.

CONCLUSION

The main phytochemicals present in cocoa and dark chocolates are catechins and their epicatechin isomers, which are responsible for improving inflammatory, metabolic, and antioxidant profiles. Its consumption can be encouraged, but with caution, owing to the caloric supply and forms of chocolate production, as these factors can reduce the presence of flavonoids in its composition.

RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of the phytochemicals in cocoa and dark chocolate are responsible for modulating nitric oxide via activation/phosphorylation and acting as a vasodilator. Reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species, as well as activating antioxidant enzymes. As for the anti-inflammatory activities, they modulate the nuclear factor kappa B, reducing inflammatory markers, thus improving the antioxidant and inflammatory profile of these patients.

Flavanol-Rich Cocoa Supplementation Inhibits Mitochondrial Biogenesis Triggered by Exercise

The potential role of cocoa supplementation in an exercise context remains unclear. We describe the effects of flavanol-rich cocoa supplementation during training on exercise performance and mitochondrial biogenesis. Forty-two male endurance athletes at the beginning of the training season received either 5 g of cocoa (425 mg of flavanols) or maltodextrin (control) daily for 10 weeks. Two different doses of cocoa (equivalent to 5 g and 15 g per day of cocoa for a 70 kg person) were tested in a mouse exercise training study. In the athletes, while both groups had improved exercise performance, the maximal aerobic speed increased only in the control group. A mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed that the control group responded to training by increasing the mitochondrial load whereas the cocoa group showed no increase. Oxidative stress was lower in the cocoa group than in the control group, together with lower interleukin-6 levels. In the muscle of mice receiving cocoa, we corroborated an inhibition of mitochondrial biogenesis, which might be mediated by the decrease in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2. Our study shows that supplementation with flavanol-rich cocoa during the training period inhibits mitochondrial biogenesis adaptation through the inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation without impacting exercise performance.

Influence of 5-Week Snack Supplementation with the Addition of Gelatin Hydrolysates from Carp Skins on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Balance Disturbances (TOS, TAS) in a Group of Athletes

The research objective was to assess the effects of 5-week snack supplementation with added enzymatic hydrolysates from carp skins on shifts in pro-oxidative and antioxidant balance among athletes. The study comprised 49 adults (experimental group (E)—17, placebo (P)—16, control (C)—16) practicing endurance disciplines. Selected somatic indices and maximal oxygen uptake/m (VO2max) were measured. Based on VO2max, an individual exercise intensity was selected with predominating eccentric contractions (60% VO2max). The conducted tests consisted of 2 series (1st—graded and eccentric, 2nd—eccentric). The experimental group consumed a snack with added gelatin hydrolysates from carp skins for 5 weeks in between the series, the placebo—a snack without added hydrolysates, and in the control—no supplementation was implemented. Blood samples were taken before, and 1, 24 and 48 h after completion of the eccentric test. TAS and TOC concentrations in the blood plasma were assessed. No significant changes in TOS/TOC and TAS/TAC concentrations were noted between the 1st and the 2nd test series, before or following the eccentric test in the control and placebo groups. In the measurements performed 1, 24 and 48 h after completion, the observed differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). After 5 weeks of snack consumption, an increase from medium to high antioxidant potential was observed for E. Differences between the 1st and the 2nd test series were of high statistical significance (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance indices between successive series allow to confirm antioxidant effects and indicate possibilities for its implementation, not only in sports.

Beneficial Effects of Flavonoids on Skeletal Muscle Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Skeletal muscle (SkM) is a highly dynamic tissue that responds to physiological adaptations or pathological conditions, and SkM mitochondria play a major role in bioenergetics, regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis, pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance, and apoptosis. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with the ability to modulate molecular pathways implicated in the development of mitochondrial myopathy. Therefore, it is pertinent to explore its potential application in conditions such as aging, disuse, denervation, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. To evaluate preclinical and clinical effects of flavonoids on SkM structure and function. We performed a systematic review of published studies, with no date restrictions applied, using PubMed and Scopus. The following search terms were used: "flavonoids" OR "flavanols" OR "flavones" OR "anthocyanidins" OR "flavanones" OR "flavan-3-ols" OR "catechins" OR "epicatechin" OR "(-)-epicatechin" AND "skeletal muscle." The studies included in this review were preclinical studies, clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, and randomized-controlled trials that investigated the influence of flavonoids on SkM health. Three authors, independently, assessed trials for the review. Any disagreement was resolved by consensus. The use of flavonoids could be a potential tool for the prevention of muscle loss. Their effects on metabolism and on mitochondria function suggest their use as muscle regulators.

Effects of Functional Phenolics Dietary Supplementation on Athletes' Performance and Recovery: A Review

In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify micronutrients or nutritional strategies capable of preventing, or at least, attenuating, exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress, and improving athlete performance. The reason is that most exercises induce various changes in mitochondria and cellular cytosol that lead to the generation of reactive species and free radicals whose accumulation can be harmful to human health. Among them, supplementation with phenolic compounds seems to be a promising approach since their chemical structure, composed of catechol, pyrogallol, and methoxy groups, gives them remarkable health-promoting properties, such as the ability to suppress inflammatory processes, counteract oxidative damage, boost the immune system, and thus, reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Phenolic compounds have also already been shown to be effective in improving temporal performance and reducing psychological stress and fatigue. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the effects of dietary phenolics on physical performance and recovery in athletes and sports practitioners. Overall, the reports show that phenolics exert important benefits on exercise-induced muscle damage as well as play a biological/physiological role in improving physical performance.

Protective Effect of a Cocoa-Enriched Diet on Oxidative Stress Induced by Intensive Acute Exercise in Rats

Intensive acute exercise can induce oxidative stress, leading to muscle damage and immune function impairment. Cocoa diet could prevent this oxidative stress and its consequences on immunity. Our aim was to assess the effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by peritoneal macrophages, blood immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, leukocyte counts, and the physical performance of rats submitted to an intensive acute exercise, as well as to elucidate the involvement of cocoa fiber in such effects. For this purpose, Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet, i.e., a diet containing 10% cocoa (C10), or a diet containing 5% cocoa fiber (CF) for 25 days. Then, half of the rats of each diet ran on a treadmill until exhaustion, and 16 h later, the samples were obtained. Both C10 and CF diets significantly prevented the increase in ROS production. However, neither the cocoa diet or the cocoa fiber-enriched diet prevented the decrease in serum IgG induced by acute exercise. Therefore, although the cocoa-enriched diet was able to prevent the excessive oxidative stress induced by intensive exercise, this was not enough to avoid the immune function impairment due to exercise.

Platelet Activation Favours NOX2-Mediated Muscle Damage in Elite Athletes: The Role of Cocoa-Derived Polyphenols

Mechanisms of exercise-induced muscle injury with etiopathogenesis and its consequences have been described; however, the impact of different intensities of exercise on the mechanisms of muscular injury development is not well understood. The aim of this study was to exploit the relationship between platelet activation, oxidative stress and muscular injuries induced by physical exercise in elite football players compared to amateur athletes. Oxidant/antioxidant status, platelet activation and markers of muscle damage were evaluated in 23 elite football players and 23 amateur athletes. Compared to amateurs, elite football players showed lower antioxidant capacity and higher oxidative stress paralleled by increased platelet activation and muscle damage markers. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp and H₂O₂, sCD40L and PDGF-bb were associated with a significant increase in muscle damage biomarkers. In vitro studies also showed that plasma obtained from elite athletes increased oxidative stress and muscle damage in human skeletal muscle myoblasts cell line compared to amateurs’ plasma, an effect blunted by the NOX2 inhibitor or by the cell treatment with cocoa-derived polyphenols. These results indicate that platelet activation increased muscular injuries induced by oxidative stress. Moreover, NOX2 inhibition and polyphenol extracts treatment positively modulates redox status and reduce exercise-induced muscular injury.

Cardiovascular Effects of Chocolate and Wine-Narrative Review

The consumption of food for pleasure is mainly associated with adverse health effects. This review was carried out to verify recent reports on the impact of chocolate and wine consumption on cardiovascular health, with a particular focus on atherosclerosis. On one side, these products have proven adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, but on the other hand, if consumed in optimal amounts, they have cardiovascular benefits. The submitted data suggest that the beneficial doses are 30–50 g and 130/250 mL for chocolate and wine, respectively, for women and men. The accumulated evidence indicates that the active ingredients in the products under consideration in this review are phenolic compounds, characterized by anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet properties. However, there are also some reports of cardioprotective properties of other compounds such as esters, amines, biogenic amines, amino acids, fatty acids, mineral ingredients, and vitamins. Our narrative review has shown that in meta-analyses of intervention studies, consumption of chocolate and wine was positively associated with the beneficial outcomes associated with the cardiovascular system. In contrast, the assessment with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) scale did not confirm this phenomenon. In addition, mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds present in chocolate and wine depend on some factors, such as age, sex, body weight, and the presence of additional medical conditions. Patients using cardiovascular drugs simultaneously with both products should be alert to the risk of pharmacologically relevant interactions during their use. Our narrative review leads to the conclusion that there is abundant evidence to prove the beneficial impact of consuming both products on cardiovascular health, however some evidence still remains controversial. Many authors of studies included in this review postulated that well-designed, longitudinal studies should be performed to determine the effects of these products and their components on atherosclerosis and other CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) disease.

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.

Korean traditional foods as antiviral and respiratory disease prevention and treatments: A detailed review

BACKGROUND

Korean traditional food (KTF), originated from ancestral agriculture and the nomadic traditions of the Korean peninsula and southern Manchuria, is based on healthy food that balances disease prevention and treatment. Fermented foods that include grains, herbs, fruits, and mushrooms are also an important practice in KTF, providing high levels of Lactobacilli, which confer relevant health benefits, including antiviral properties. Some of these probiotics may also protect against the Influenza virus through the modulation of innate immunity.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

The emerging of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other diseases of viral origin, and the problems associated with other respiratory disorders, highlight how essential is a healthy eating pattern to strengthen our immune system.Key Findings and Conclusions: The present review covers the information available on edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, and preparations used in KTF to outline their multiple medicinal effects (e.g., antidiabetic, chemopreventive, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), emphasizing their role and effects on the immune system with an emphasis on modulating properties of the gut microbiota that further support strong respiratory immunity. Potential functional foods commonly used in Korean cuisine such as Kimchi (a mixture of fermented vegetables), Meju, Doenjang, Jeotgal, and Mekgeolli and fermented sauces, among others, are highlighted for their great potential to improve gut-lung immunity. The traditional Korean diet and dietary mechanisms that may target viruses ACE-2 receptors or affect any step of a virus infection pathway that can determine a patient's prognosis are also highlighted. The regular oral intake of bioactive ingredients used in Korean foods can offer protection for some viral diseases, through protective and immunomodulatory effects, as evidenced in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Dark Chocolate Supplementation Elevates Resting Energy Expenditure in Exercise Trained Females

Several recent reports have indicated positive health and exercise benefits of (-)-epicatechin-rich cocoa products. This study investigated the influence of dark chocolate (DC) supplementation on resting and steady state exercise metabolism in a group of athletically fit females. Using a randomized, single-blind design, 18 exercise trained female subjects were assigned to a 30-d supplementation with either 20g · d^-1 of 70% DC (n = 9) or a calorically matched white chocolate (WC) (n = 9). Pre-supplementation (PRE), subjects underwent indirect calorimetry assessment for resting energy expenditure (REE) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) consisting of steady state cycling for 20 min, 10 min each at 50 W (EEE-50) and 100 W (EEE-100). Upon completion of the 30-d supplementation (POST), subjects repeated the assessment for REE, EEE-50, and EEE-100. Post supplementation REE was significantly increased by ~9.6% in the DC group (Δ REE: DC 140 ± 132, WC -3 ± 92 kcal · d^-1, p = .017). Post supplementation, neither EEE-50 (DC 4.51 ± 0.59, WC 4.51 ± 0.32 kcal · min^-1) nor EEE-100 (DC 6.56 ± 0.60, WC 6.69 ± 0.42 kcal · min^-1) were significantly different between groups (p ≥ .05). There were no significant within or between group time effects for substrate utilization at rest or during EEE-50 or EEE-100 (p ≥ .05). To our knowledge this is the first study to demonstrate that a relatively small daily dosage of DC can significantly elevate REE. However, it does not impact steady state EEE or substrate utilization in a group of athletically fit females.

Physical Activity and Redox Balance in the Elderly: Signal Transduction Mechanisms

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are molecules naturally produced by cells. If their levels are too high, the cellular antioxidant machinery intervenes to bring back their quantity to physiological conditions. Since aging often induces malfunctioning in this machinery, ROS are considered an effective cause of age-associated diseases. Exercise stimulates ROS production on one side, and the antioxidant systems on the other side. The effects of exercise on oxidative stress markers have been shown in blood, vascular tissue, brain, cardiac and skeletal muscle, both in young and aged people. However, the intensity and volume of exercise and the individual subject characteristics are important to envisage future strategies to adequately personalize the balance of the oxidant/antioxidant environment. Here, we reviewed the literature that deals with the effects of physical activity on redox balance in young and aged people, with insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many molecular pathways are involved, we are still far from a comprehensive view of the mechanisms that stand behind the effects of physical activity during aging. Although we believe that future precision medicine will be able to transform exercise administration from wellness to targeted prevention, as yet we admit that the topic is still in its infancy.

Neuregulin-1β Protects the Rat Diaphragm during Sepsis against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Activating the PI3K/Akt Pathway

Sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction (SIDD) which is mainly characterized by decrease in diaphragmatic contractility has been identified to cause great harms to patients. Therefore, there is an important and pressing need to find effective treatments for improving SIDD. In addition, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is a vital property of the diaphragm, so we evaluated both diaphragmatic contractility and AChE activity. Though neuregulin-1β (NRG-1β) is known to exert organ-protective effects in some inflammatory diseases, little is known about the potential of NRG-1β therapy in the diaphragm during sepsis. Our study was aimed at exploring the effects of NRG-1β application on diaphragmatic contractility and AChE activity during sepsis. Proinflammatory cytokines, muscle injury biomarkers in serum, contractile force, AChE activity, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative parameters, histological condition, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) signaling proteins in the diaphragm were measured and compared between nonseptic and septic groups with or without NRG-1β treatment. In vitro, the effects of NRG-1β on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated L6 rat muscle skeletal cells with or without the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 were detected. NRG-1β inhibited proinflammatory cytokine release and muscle injury biomarkers soaring in serum and improved the sepsis-induced diaphragm dysfunction and AChE activity decrease significantly during sepsis. Meanwhile, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, pathological impairment, and cell apoptosis in the diaphragm were mitigated by NRG-1β. And NRG-1β activated the PI3K/Akt signaling in the diaphragm of septic rats. Elevated ROS production in the LPS-stimulated L6 rat skeletal muscle cells was reduced after treatment with NRG-1β, while MK-2206 blocked these effects of NRG-1β. In conclusion, our findings underlined that NRG-1β could reduce circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines in rats with sepsis, adjust diaphragmatic proinflammatory cytokine level, mitigate diaphragmatic oxidative injury, and lessen diaphragm cell apoptosis, thereby improving diaphragmatic function, and play a role in diaphragmatic protection by activating PI3K/Akt signaling.

The sweet side of dark chocolate for chronic kidney disease patients

Chocolate is a widely appreciated foodstuff with historical appreciation as a food from the gods. In addition to its highly palatable taste, it is a rich source of (poly)phenolics, which have several proposed salutogenic effects, including neuroprotective anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cardioprotective capabilities. Despite the known benefits of this ancient foodstuff, there is a paucity of information on the effects of chocolate in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review focusses on the potential salutogenic contribution of chocolate intake, to mitigate inflammatory and oxidative burden in CKD, its potential, for cardiovascular protection and on the maintenance of diversity in gut microbiota, as well as clinical perspectives, on regular chocolate intake by CKD patients.

ROS in Platelet Biology: Functional Aspects and Methodological Insights

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondria play a pivotal role in regulating platelet functions. Platelet activation determines a drastic change in redox balance and in platelet metabolism. Indeed, several signaling pathways have been demonstrated to induce ROS production by NAPDH oxidase (NOX) and mitochondria, upon platelet activation. Platelet-derived ROS, in turn, boost further ROS production and consequent platelet activation, adhesion and recruitment in an auto-amplifying loop. This vicious circle results in a platelet procoagulant phenotype and apoptosis, both accounting for the high thrombotic risk in oxidative stress-related diseases. This review sought to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying ROS production upon platelet activation and the effects of an altered redox balance on platelet function, focusing on the main advances that have been made in platelet redox biology. Furthermore, given the increasing interest in this field, we also describe the up-to-date methods for detecting platelets, ROS and the platelet bioenergetic profile, which have been proposed as potential disease biomarkers.

Acute Effects of Hesperidin in Oxidant/Antioxidant State Markers and Performance in Amateur Cyclists

Human and animal studies have shown that Hesperidin has the ability to modulate antioxidant and inflammatory state and to improve aerobic performance. The main objective of this study was to assess whether the acute intake of 500 mg of 2S-Hesperidin (Cardiose^®) improves antioxidant status, metabolism, and athletic performance, during and after a rectangular test (aerobic and anaerobic effort). For this, a crossover design was used in 15 cyclists (>1 year of training), with one week of washout between placebo and Cardiose^® supplementation. After the intervention, significant differences in average power (+2.27%, p = 0.023), maximum speed (+3.23%, p = 0.043) and total energy (∑ 4 sprint test) (+2.64%, p = 0.028) between Cardiose^® and placebo were found in the best data of the repeated sprint test. Small changes were also observed in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione concentration and oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio, as well as the lipoperoxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), at different points of the rectangular test, although not significant. Our findings showed improvements in anaerobic performance after Cardiose^® intake, but not in placebo, suggesting the potential benefits of using Cardiose^® in sports with a high anaerobic component.

Effect of Cocoa Products and Its Polyphenolic Constituents on Exercise Performance and Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Inflammation: A Review of Clinical Trials

In recent years, the consumption of chocolate and, in particular, dark chocolate has been "rehabilitated" due to its high content of cocoa antioxidant polyphenols. Although it is recognized that regular exercise improves energy metabolism and muscle performance, excessive or unaccustomed exercise may induce cell damage and impair muscle function by triggering oxidative stress and tissue inflammation. The aim of this review was to revise the available data from literature on the effects of cocoa polyphenols on exercise-associated tissue damage and impairment of exercise performance. To this aim, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched with the following keywords: "intervention studies", "cocoa polyphenols", "exercise training", "inflammation", "oxidative stress", and "exercise performance". We selected thirteen randomized clinical trials on cocoa ingestion that involved a total of 200 well-trained athletes. The retrieved data indicate that acute, sub-chronic, and chronic cocoa polyphenol intake may reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress but not inflammation, while mixed results are observed in terms of exercise performance and recovery. The interpretation of available results on the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of cocoa polyphenols remains questionable, likely due to the variety of physiological networks involved. Further experimental studies are mandatory to clarify the role of cocoa polyphenol supplementation in exercise-mediated inflammation.

Impairment between Oxidant and Antioxidant Systems: Short- and Long-term Implications for Athletes' Health

The role of oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production (ROS) and antioxidants, has been described in several patho-physiological conditions, including cardiovascular, neurological diseases and cancer, thus impacting on individuals' lifelong health. Diet, environmental pollution, and physical activity can play a significant role in the oxidative balance of an organism. Even if physical training has proved to be able to counteract the negative effects caused by free radicals and to provide many health benefits, it is also known that intensive physical activity induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and free radical-mediated muscle damage. Indeed, variations in type, intensity, and duration of exercise training can activate different patterns of oxidant-antioxidant balance leading to different responses in terms of molecular and cellular damage. The aim of the present review is to discuss (1) the role of oxidative status in athletes in relation to exercise training practice, (2) the implications for muscle damage, (3) the long-term effect for neurodegenerative disease manifestations, (4) the role of antioxidant supplementations in preventing oxidative damages.