Influence to high-intensity intermittent and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on indices of cardio-inflammatory health in men

Chronic, acute and protocol-dependent effects of exercise on psycho-physiological health during long-term isolation and confinement

Exercise could prevent physical and psychological deteriorations, especially during pandemic times of lock-down scenarios and social isolation. But to meet both, the common exercise protocols require optimization based on holistic investigations and with respect to underlying processes. This study aimed to explore individual chronic and acute effects of continuous and interval running exercise on physical and cognitive performance, mood, and affect and underlying neurophysiological factors during a terrestrial simulated space mission. Six volunteers (three females) were isolated for 120 days. Accompanying exercise training consisted of a continuous and interval running protocol in a cross-over design. Incremental stage tests on a treadmill were done frequently to test physical performance. Actigraphy was used to monitor physical activity level. Cognitive performance, mood (MoodMeter^®), affect (PANAS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and saliva cortisol were investigated prior to, four times during, and after isolation, pre- and post-exercise on two separate days, respectively. As a chronic effect, physical performance increased (and IGF-1 tended) in the course of isolation and training until the end of isolation. Subjective mood and affect state, as well as cognitive performance, basal BDNF and VEGF levels, were well-preserved across the intervention. No acute effects of exercise were detected, besides slower reaction time after exercise in two out of nine cognitive tests, testing sensorimotor speed and memory of complex figures. Consistently higher basal IGF-1 concentrations and faster reaction time in the psychomotor vigilance test were found for the continuous compared to the interval running protocol. The results suggest that 120 days of isolation and confinement can be undergone without cognitive and mental deteriorations. Regular, individual aerobic running training supporting physical fitness is hypothesized to play an important role in this regard. Continuous running exercise seems to trigger higher IGF-1 levels and vigilance compared to interval running. Systematic and prolonged investigations and larger sample size are required to follow up on exercise-protocol specific differences in order to optimize the exercise intervention for long-term psycho-physiological health and well-being.

The effects of endurance exercise combined with high-temperature head-out water immersion on serum concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy young men

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate acute changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration following combined endurance exercise and heat stress through head-out water immersion (HOI).

SETTING

Observational study with crossover design.

METHODS

Ten healthy young male participants performed HOI at 40 °C (40 °C HOI) or continuous cycling at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake while immersed in 40 °C (40 °C HOI-ex) or 23 °C water (23 °C HOI-ex) for 15 min. Serum BDNF, cortisol and lactate concentrations, and core temperature (T_core) were measured pre, immediately post, and 15 and 30 min post-immersion.

RESULTS

BDNF concentration increased immediately and 15 min after 40 °C HOI-ex, but not after 40 °C or 23 °C HOI-ex. No changes in T_core concentration were observed during 23 °C HOI-ex (Pre; 37.3 °C ± 0.3 °C, Post; 37.8 °C ± 0.2 °C, Post 15; 37.4 °C ± 0.3 °C, Post 30; 37.2 °C ± 0.2 °C). T_core increased significantly post, post 15, and post 30 min of 40 °C HOI (Pre; 37.1 °C ± 0.4 °C, Post; 38.8 °C ± 0.5 °C, Post 15; 37.9 °C ± 0.4 °C, Post 30; 37.9 °C ± 0.2 °C) and 40 °C HOI-ex (Pre; 37.2 °C ± 0.2 °C, Post; 40.2 °C ± 0.7 °C, Post 15; 38.9 °C ± 0.5 °C, Post 30; 38.3 °C ± 0.5 °C). T_core was higher in 40 °C HOI-ex compared with 40 °C HOI and 23 °C HOI-ex immediately post and post 15 min. Plasma lactate and cortisol were significantly higher in 40 °C HOI-ex compared with 40 °C HOI and 23 °C HOI-ex after immersion (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

While 15 min HOI alone or thermoneutral exercise do not increase BDNF concentration, both combined may form a time-efficient strategy to acutely elevate BDNF.

Pro-inflammatory Vascular Stress in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Associated With High Physical Activity Cannot Be Attenuated by Aldosterone Blockade

The effect of high physical activity, performed as voluntary running wheel exercise, on inflammation and vascular adaptation may differ between normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We investigated the effects of running wheel activity on leukocyte mobilization, neutrophil migration into the vascular wall (aorta), and transcriptional adaptation of the vascular wall and compared and combined the effects of high physical activity with that of pharmacological treatment (aldosterone antagonist spironolactone). At the start of the 6th week of life, before hypertension became established in SHRs, rats were provided with a running wheel over a period of 10-months'. To investigate to what extent training-induced changes may underlie a possible regression, controls were also generated by removal of the running wheel for the last 4 months. Aldosterone blockade was achieved upon oral administration of Spironolactone in the corresponding treatment groups for the last 4 months. The number of circulating blood cells was quantified by FACS analysis of peripheral blood. mRNA expression of selected proteins was quantified by RT-PCR. Histology and confocal laser microscopy were used to monitor cell migration. Although voluntary running wheel exercise reduced the number of circulating neutrophils in normotensive rats, it rather increased it in SHRs. Furthermore, running wheel activity in SHRs but not normotensive rats increased the number of natural killer (NK)-cells. Except of the increased expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and reduction of von Willebrand factor (vWF), running wheel activity exerted a different transcriptional response in the vascular tissue of normotensive and hypertensive rats, i.e., lack of reduction of the pro-inflammatory IL-6 in vessels from hypertensive rats. Spironolactone reduced the number of neutrophils; however, in co-presence with high physical activity this effect was blunted. In conclusion, although high physical activity has beneficial effects in normotensive rats, this does not predict similar beneficial effects in the concomitant presence of hypertension and care has to be taken on interactions between pharmacological approaches and high physical activity in hypertensives.

The Impact of Different Types of Exercise Training on Peripheral Blood Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

As the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (such as dementia) continues to increase due to population aging, it is mandatory to understand the role of exercise for maintaining/improving brain health.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the impact of aerobic, strength and combined aerobic/strength exercise training on peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in older adults (minimum age 60 years).

METHODS

This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (i) studies with subjects aged ≥ 60 years, (ii) completing a single exercise bout or an exercise programme, with (iii) measurements of blood BDNF in the periphery; (iv) with comparison between (a) an intervention and control group or (b) two intervention groups, or (c) pre- and post-measurements of an exercise intervention without control group. Studies with specific interest in known chronic co-morbidities or brain diseases affecting the peripheral and/or central nervous system, except for dementia, were excluded.

RESULTS

In general, peripheral blood BDNF concentrations increased significantly after a single aerobic/strength exercise bout (Z = 2.21, P = 0.03) as well as after an exercise programme (Z = 4.72, P < 0.001). However, when comparing the different types of exercise within these programmes, the increase in the peripheral BDNF concentrations was significant after strength training (Z = 2.94, P = 0.003) and combined aerobic/strength training (Z = 3.03, P = 0.002) but not after (low-to-moderate intense) aerobic exercise training (Z = 0.82, P = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on current evidence, to increase the peripheral blood BDNF concentrations in older adults, strength training and combined aerobic/strength training is effective. More studies are needed to examine the impact of aerobic exercise training.

Exercise intensity and physical fitness modulate lipoproteins profile during acute aerobic exercise session

Physical inactivity has emerged as an important cardiometabolic risk factor; however, the beneficial impacts of physical exercise according physical fitness status are still unclear. To analyze the lipoproteins and immune-endocrine response to acute aerobic exercise sessions performed at different intensities according physical fitness status and evaluated the gene expression in monocyte cells. Twelve individuals, divided into Low and High VO_2max, performed three randomized acute exercise sessions at low (<60% VO_2max), moderate (60-75% VO_2max), and high (>90% VO_2max) intensities. Blood samples were collected pre, immediately post, and 60 minutes post-exercise to analyze NEFA, triacylglycerol, non-HDL-c, HDL-c, PAI-1, leptin and adiponectin concentrations. Blood samples were collected from another set of twelve individuals for use in monocyte cell cultures to analyze L-CAT, CETP, and AMPK gene expressions. Low VO_2max group pre-exercise exhibited higher postprandial leptin and total cholesterol concentrations than High VO_2max group (p < 0.05). Exercise performed in high-intensity promoted a decreased leptin and NEFA levels (p < 0.05, for both), but for PAI-1 levels was decreased (p < 0.05) only for the Low VO_2max group. Triacylglycerol levels decreased after all exercise sessions (p < 0.05) for both groups, and HDL-c exhibited decrease during moderate-intensity (p < 0.05), but this scenario was attenuated in Low VO_2max group. Low VO_2max individuals exhibit some metabolic-endocrine disruption, and acute aerobic exercise sessions performed at low, moderate, and high intensities are capable of modulating metabolic-endocrine parameters, mainly at high-intensity, in a physical fitness-dependent way, given that Low VO_2max group was more responsive and seem to be able to appropriate more exercise-related benefits.

Pathophysiological Features of Obesity and its Impact on Cognition: Exercise Training as a Non-Pharmacological Approach

BACKGROUND

The number of individuals with obesity is growing worldwide and this is a worrying trend, as obesity has shown to cause pathophysiological changes, which result in the emergence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2 and cancer. In addition, cognitive performance may be compromised by immunometabolic deregulation of obesity. Although in more critical cases, the use of medications is recommended, a physically active lifestyle is one of the main foundations for health maintenance, making physical training an important tool to reduce the harmful effects of excessive fat accumulation.

AIM

The purpose of this review of the literature is to present the impact of immunometabolic alterations on cognitive function in individuals with obesity, and the role of exercise training as a non-pharmacological approach to improve the inflammatory profile, energy metabolism and neuroplasticity in obesity.

METHOD

An overview of the etiology and pathophysiology of obesity to establish a possible link with cognitive performance in obese individuals, with the executive function being one of the most affected cognitive components. In addition, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) profile and its impact on cognition in obese individuals are discussed. Lastly, studies showing regular resistance and/or aerobic training, which may be able to improve the pathophysiological condition and cognitive performance through the improvement of the inflammatory profile, decreased insulin resistance and higher BDNF production are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training is essential for reestablishment and maintenance of health by increasing energy expenditure, insulin resistance reduction, anti-inflammatory proteins and neurotrophin production corroborating to upregulation of body function.

Influence of Acute and Chronic High-Intensity Intermittent Aerobic Plus Strength Exercise on BDNF, Lipid and Autonomic Parameters

The purpose of the present study is two-fold. First, we evaluated whether 8-weeks of combined training (high-intensity intermittent plus strength training) may change brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and lipid parameters (triacylglycerol, HDL-c and non-HDL) in a fasted state. Second, we investigated the effect of an acute session of high-intensity intermittent exercise followed by strength training on systemic BDNF and lipid parameters pre- and post 8-weeks of training. Twenty-one healthy and physically active men were divided into two groups: high-intensity intermittent exercise combined with strength training (HSG; n = 11) and control (CG; n = 10). The HSG exercised for one minute at 100% of speedVO₂max (sVO₂max) interspersed with one minute of passive recovery followed by strength training (8 exercises with 8-12 repetition maximum loads) for 8-weeks. Heart rate variability, blood pressure, lipid profile, and BDNF concentrations were measured in the fasted state pre- and post-exercise and before and after the 8-week training period. After 8-weeks of exercise training, there was an increase in spectral high frequency component (ms²) and RR interval (p < 0.05), a decreased spectral low frequency component (nu) and heart rate values (p < 0.05), an increase in HDL-c (p < 0.001), and lower BDNF concentrations (p < 0.001). These results suggest that 8-weeks of high-intensity intermittent exercise combined with strength exercise is an effective protective cardio-metabolic strategy capable of increasing HDL-c and BDNF concentrations after an acute exercise session. In the long-term, the modulation on BDNF and HDL-c concentrations may be a determining factor for protection against neurological and cardiovascular diseases.

Short-time high-intensity exercise increases peripheral BDNF in a physical fitness-dependent way in healthy men

BDNF is associated with brain health and positively modulated by exercise; however, the influence of physical fitness status on BDNF is incipient. This study investigated the BDNF response after acute-exercise sessions performed at low, moderate, and high intensities and the relationship between physical fitness status and BDNF response. Twenty-eight men, divided according to physical fitness status (<50th or >50th percentile for VO_2max), performed three randomised acute exercise sessions at low (90% of VT1), moderate (midpoint between VT1-VT2), and high (midpoint between VT2-W_max) intensities until exhaustion or for up to 60 min. Lactate and BDNF were determined pre and post-exercises. For BDNF, there were main effects of time (p = 0.003) and interaction (p < 0.001), showing an increase post high-intensity exercise (p < 0.001). Changes in BDNF presented differences between conditions (p < 0.001) with greater increase in high-intensity compared with the others (p = 0.003). For lactate, there were main effects of time (p < 0.001), condition (p < 0.001), and interaction (p < 0.001) with greater concentration in high-intensity. High-intensity exercise exhibited inverse correlation between the changes in BDNF and lactate (r=-0.38, p = 0.044). There was significant correlation between BDNF and VO_2max for moderate (r = -0.57, p = 0.002) and a trend for high-intensity condition (r = -0.37, p = 0.050) and when evaluating BDNF according to physical fitness level, it was observed that subjects with lower physical fitness levels had greater increases in BDNF in short-time high-intensity exercise (p = 0.041). In conclusion, short-time high-intensity exercise seems to be more efficient in increasing BDNF concentration, and physical fitness level influences this response, as healthy individuals with lower physical fitness levels were more responsive.