The high dose of vitamin D supplementation combined with yoga training improve the leukocytes cell survival-related gene expression in breast cancer survivors

Health benefits of yoga for cancer survivors: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To evaluate the effects of yoga on health-related outcomes [i.e., physical function, mental health, and overall quality of life (QOL)] of cancer survivors via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) over the past 5 years across cancer types.

Methods

An updated systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. RCTs published from January 1, 2018, to February 23, 2023, were searched in five English databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, ISI, PsycINFO, and CINAHL), three Chinese databases (Wan Fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database), and three English clinical trials registry platforms (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EU Clinical Trials Register).

Results

A total of 34 RCTs were included in this updated review. Yoga benefited the physical function, mental health, and overall QOL of cancer survivors. The effect size of yoga for most physical and mental health-related outcomes was relatively small, but that for the QOL was generally large. The impact of yoga on the QOL of cancer survivors ranged from moderate to high.

Conclusions

Yoga has health benefits for cancer survivors and could therefore be used as an optional supportive intervention for cancer-related symptom management.

Beyond the Mat: Exploring the Potential Clinical Benefits of Yoga on Epigenetics and Gene Expression: A Narrative Review of the Current Scientific Evidence

Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian philosophy, has gained widespread popularity for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. In the recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how yoga influences gene expression and epigenetic modifications. This narrative review investigates the molecular mechanisms, by which yoga influences gene expression, focusing on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, and histone modifications. Research literature was sourced from various databases to select randomized clinical trials and comparative cohort studies examining yoga's impact on gene expression and epigenetic changes. Our findings suggest that yoga could exert anti-inflammatory effects, as it downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, soluble interleukin IL-2 receptor gene expression, and transcription factors. Yoga also boosts the innate antiviral response and brain health by enhancing natural defense genes and microRNA-29c expression. Notably, it activates telomerase, linked with cellular longevity, and promotes nitric oxide synthetase and neuroprotective gene expression, implying benefits for ocular health. In addition, yoga fosters DNA repair and cellular integrity maintenance by increasing oxoguanine glycosylase one protein and p53 gene expression. However, the diversity of yoga interventions in these studies complicates direct comparisons and broader application. The current research primarily focuses on short-term outcomes, offering a limited understanding of yoga's long-term epigenetic impacts. Future research should address these gaps by studying the enduring effects of Yoga, personalizing interventions, and contrasting techniques.

On the road to resilience: Epigenetic effects of meditation

Many environmental and lifestyle related factors may influence the physiology of the brain and body by acting on fundamental molecular pathways, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the immune system. For example, stressful conditions created by adverse early-life events, unhealthy habits and low socio-economic status may favor the onset of diseases linked to neuroendocrine dysregulation, inflammation and neuroinflammation. Beside pharmacological treatments used in clinical settings, much attention has been given to complementary treatments such as mind-body techniques involving meditation that rely on the activation of inner resources to regain health. At the molecular level, the effects of both stress and meditation are elicited epigenetically through a set of mechanisms that regulate gene expression as well as the circulating neuroendocrine and immune effectors. Epigenetic mechanisms constantly reshape genome activities in response to external stimuli, representing a molecular interface between organism and environment. In the present work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the correlation between epigenetics, gene expression, stress and its possible antidote, meditation. After introducing the relationship between brain, physiology, and epigenetics, we will proceed to describe three basic epigenetic mechanisms: chromatin covalent modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we will give an overview of the physiological and molecular aspects related to stress. Finally, we will address the epigenetic effects of meditation on gene expression. The results of the studies reported in this review demonstrate that mindful practices modulate the epigenetic landscape, leading to increased resilience. Therefore, these practices can be considered valuable tools that complement pharmacological treatments when coping with pathologies related to stress.

The effect of 8 weeks of child designed vs teacher designed games on physical fitness and creativity in children 8-10 years

A healthy and active lifestyle should start from an early age, as habits learned in childhood are more likely to endure. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of child-designed games and teacher-designed games on the physical fitness and creativity of children aged 8-10 years. Thirty children participating in a sports club were randomly divided into two groups: teacher-designed games (TDG) and child-designed games (CDG). Subjects practiced two sessions per week for eight weeks, each session lasting 60 min. Fitness factors, such as strength, muscle endurance, aerobic fitness, agility, speed, and creativity were assessed by valid tests before and after the protocols. A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The TDG intervention led to a significant improvement in KTK (37.1% vs. -3.2%) and agility (-3.7% vs. -0.4%) compared to CDG intervention, while CDG intervention was associated with a significant improvement in aerobic capacity (10.1% vs. 3.6%) and in the elaboration of creativity test (23.3% vs. 8.6%). Both groups demonstrated substantial improvements in handgrip strength, static balance, long jump, flexibility, core endurance, and creativity tests, with no significant difference between groups. There were no significant changes in anthropometric features following the intervention. The implementation of combined teacher-designed and child-designed approaches in children's classrooms, in addition to promoting all aspects of physical fitness, may be effective in enhancing physical fitness and creativity.

Serum and gene expression profile of cytokines following combination of yoga training and vitamin D supplementation in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial

Background

This study aimed to examine the effect of the combination of yoga training with high vitamin D dose supplementation on the expression and systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines and psychophysical status of breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Thirty volunteered breast cancer survivors (48 ± 8 years) were randomly allocated to a high dose (4000 IU) of vitamin D supplementation (HD) group (n = 10), yoga with a high dose of vitamin D (YHD) group (n = 10), and yoga with a low dose (2000 IU) of vitamin D (YLD) group (n = 10). Participants performed the Hatha yoga style for 12 weeks, twice a week. Blood samples, quality of life (QoL) questionnaire, and physical performance tests were taken before and after the intervention.

Results

Body fat percentage (ηp² = 0.36), handgrip strength (ηp² = 0.41) and QoL indicators include global health (ηp² = 0.54), functional scales (ηp² = 0.49), and symptoms scales (ηp² = 0.50) were significantly improved in the both YHD and YLD groups compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). Also, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were markedly increased in the Y-HVD group compared to the Y-LVD and HVD groups. Moreover, there were significant decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels in the Y-HVD group after the intervention. The anti-inflammatory index (IL-10/TNF-α) was significantly increased in both the yoga groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Yoga promotes physical and psychological fitness and, in combination with a high dose of vitamin D, improves the cytokine profile, which can effectively manage the side effects associated with cancer.

Trial registration IRCT20210726051993N2. Registration date: 2022/02/27. URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/62079

Combined Effects of Exercise Training and Nutritional Supplementation in Cancer Patients in the Context of the COVID-19: A Perspective Study

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, has caused unprecedented global social and economic impacts and many deaths. Many risk factors have been identified in the progression of COVID-19 to severe and critical stages, and it is shown that the coronavirus appears more severely in people with cancer. Pro-inflammatory status and weakened immune system due to cancer-related treatments can be determinants in the immune system’s response to the coronavirus in these patients. Higher physical activity levels are associated with lower hospitalization rates and mortality in COVID-19. Also, regular exercise training can improve immune system responses, modulate inflammatory responses, and improve psychological parameters in cancer patients. The interactive effects of nutritional supplements on immune responses and anti-inflammatory status have been shown in some studies. The purpose of this perspective article was to investigate the interaction between dietary supplementation and regular physical exercise in controlling risk factors associated with coronavirus in cancer patients. In addition to appropriate dietary habits, some nutritional supplements, especially vitamin D, have been shown to improve the immune system’s response against COVID-19 and cancer. Using lifestyle strategies such as regular physical activity and intake of functional compounds as supplements can be effective in treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall survival in cancer patients. We proposed that combining dietary supplements and exercise training in cancer patients can boost immune responses against COVID-19 and probably improve vaccine responses. Angiotensin (ANG)-(1-7) Mas receptor axis can probably activate following exercise training and vitamin D combination. And can prevent pulmonary injury, hematological alterations, and hyperinflammatory state in COVID-19.

Mindfulness-based Interventions and Yoga for Managing Obesity/Overweight After Breast Cancer: A Scoping Review

Introduction

Weight gain after breast cancer is common, and obesity after breast cancer increases breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and yoga have been shown to be effective in managing obesity/overweight in people without breast cancer. There is a need to systematically map the extent and range of evidence on yoga and MBIs for managing obesity/overweight after breast cancer in order to aid planning and commissioning of future research.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review informed by methods described by Levac et al. Five electronic databases were searched for any peer-reviewed original research (including systematic reviews) that examined the role of yoga and/or MBIs for managing overweight/obesity after breast cancer. Data were extracted on study, population, intervention, comparator and outcome characteristics, and described narratively.

Results:

We found 18 publications representing 15 unique studies (11 clinical trials, 2 systematic reviews, and 2 observational studies). There were 10 studies on yoga, and 5 on MBIs. Of the clinical trials, only 4/11 examined a weight-related outcome as the primary outcome. The remaining trials examined lifestyle or metabolic outcomes (5/11) or unrelated outcomes such as psychological health (2/11). Gaps in the literature included small sample sizes, lack of cultural diversity amongst participants, inadequate reporting of the intervention, few lifestyle co-interventions offered, lack of active comparator groups, and inadequate safety reporting.

Conclusions:

There is a need for adequately-powered RCTs that adhere to reporting guidelines. The use of gold-standard methods for measuring outcomes, and active comparator groups, is also recommended.