Physical activity impact on motor development and oxidative stress biomarkers in school children with intellectual disability

Circulating microRNAs and hepcidin as predictors of iron homeostasis and anemia among school children: a biochemical and cross-sectional survey analysis

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can control several biological processes. Thus, the existence of these molecules plays a significant role in regulating human iron metabolism or homeostasis.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to determine the role of circulating microRNAs and hepcidin in controlling iron homeostasis and evaluating possible anemia among school children.

METHODS

The study was based on a biochemical and cross-sectional survey study that included three hundred fifty school children aged 12-18 years old. RT-PCR and immunoassay analysis were accomplished to estimate iron concentration, Hgb, serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), total body iron stores (TIBs), total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and miRNAs; miR-146a, miR-129b, and miR-122 in 350 school adolescents.

RESULTS

Iron disorders were cross-sectionally predicted in 28.54% of the study population; they were classified into 14.26% with ID, 5.7% with IDA, and 8.6% with iron overload. The overall proportion of iron depletion was significantly higher in girls (20.0%) than in boys (8.6%). MicroRNAs; miR-146a, miR-125b, and miR-122 were significantly upregulated with lower hepcidin expression in adolescence with ID and IDA compared to iron-overloaded subjects, whereas downregulation of these miRNAs was linked with higher hepcidin. Also, a significant correlation was recorded between miRNAs, hepcidin levels, AGP, hs-CRP, TAC, and other iron-related indicators.

CONCLUSION

Molecular microRNAs such as miR-146a, miR-125b, and miR-122 were shown to provide an additional means of controlling or regulating cellular iron uptake or metabolism either via the oxidative stress pathway or regulation of hepcidin expression via activating genes encoding Hfe and Hjv activators, which promote iron regulation. Thus, circulating miRNAs as molecular markers and serum hepcidin could provide an additional means of controlling or regulating cellular iron and be associated as valuable markers in diagnosing and treating cases with different iron deficiencies.

Effects of COVID-19 related physical inactivity on motor skills in children with intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) may show declines in motor skills during the Covid-19 restrictions. This study compared the effects of physical inactivity due to COVID-19 on the motor skills of active and inactive children with ID.

METHOD

In this prospective cohort study, 30 boys with ID were divided into two groups based on study inclusion criteria (mean age 10.86 ± 1.81 active, 10.20 ± 1.42 inactive). The BESS test, the Y test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Bruininks-Oseretsky test-short form were used.

RESULTS

Results showed a significant difference between active and inactive groups in the total score of gross motor skills (P = 0.001), fine motor skills (P = 0.002), motor skills (P = 0.001), postural control (P = 0.01), and dynamic balance (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed a significant difference between active and inactive children with ID in terms of gross and fine motor skills after a one-year movement restriction. Therefore, considering the tendency to be sedentary among these people and the subsequent complications caused by this inactivity, including obesity and chronic diseases, it is suggested that parents and educators design practical and numerous exercises and encourage them to be more active and participate in physical activity programs.

Review on the Formulation, Existing Problems, and Practical Effects of Fitness Exercise Prescriptions for People With Intellectual Disabilities

Compared with normal people, patients with intellectual disability have poor cardiopulmonary and muscle fitness levels, and their daily physical activity generally cannot reach the "guideline-recommended amount," which increases the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease in this group. From the perspective of six elements of exercise prescription (frequency, intensity, time, form of exercise, amount of exercise, and progressive rate), this paper systematically reviews the current situation of the formulation and implementation of exercise prescription for patients with intellectual disabilities. The results show that the design idea of aerobic fitness exercise prescription for patients with intellectual impairment follows the six-element 5paradigm, but the insufficient recommended amount of each element is a common problem. In the design of muscle fitness exercise prescription, due to the differences of different exercise forms, the description of the six elements is very inconsistent. Although most prescription execution effects show that it is beneficial to improve cardiopulmonary and muscle fitness, there is a great debate on whether it is beneficial to improve body composition. People with intellectual disabilities are highly heterogeneous groups. In the initial stage of exercise intervention, the elements of exercise prescription need to be adjusted individually to obtain sustainable positive benefits.