An Overview on How Exercise with Green Tea Consumption Can Prevent the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Improve Sports Performance

Comparison of HIIT and MICT and further detraining on metabolic syndrome and asprosin signaling pathway in metabolic syndrome model of rats

Physical activity promotes various metabolic benefits by balancing pro and anti-inflammatory adipokines. Recent studies suggest that asprosin might be involved in progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, the underlying mechanisms have not been understood yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and further detraining on MetS indices, insulin resistance, serum and the liver levels of asprosin, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in menopause-induced MetS model of rats. A total of 64 Wistar rats were used in this study and divided into eight groups: Sham1, OVX1 (ovariectomized), Sham2, OVX2, OVX + HIIT, OVX + MICT, OVX + HIIT + Det (detraining), and OVX + MICT + Det. Animals performed the protocols, and then serum concentrations of asprosin, TNF-α, insulin, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles (TC, LDL, TG, and HDL) were assessed. Additionally, the liver expression of asprosin, AMPK, and P-AMPK was measured by western blotting. Both HIIT and MICT caused a significant decrease in weight, waist circumference, BMI (P = 0.001), and serum levels of glucose, insulin, asprosin (P = 0.001), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TNF-α (P = 0.001), but an increase in the liver AMPK, P-AMPK, and P-AMPK/AMPK (P = 0.001), compared with OVX2 noexercised group. MICT was superior to HIIT in reducing serum asprosin, TNF-a, TG, LDL (P = 0.001), insulin, fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and QUEKI index (P = 0.001), but an increase in the liver AMPK, and p-AMPK (P = 0.001). Although after two months of de-training almost all indices returned to the pre exercise values (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that MICT effectively alleviates MetS induced by menopause, at least partly through the activation of liver signaling of P-AMPK and the reduction of asprosin and TNF-α. These results have practical implications for the development of exercise interventions targeting MetS in menopausal individuals, emphasizing the potential benefits of MICT in mitigating MetS-related complications.

In-silico annotation of the chemical composition of Tibetan tea and its mechanism on antioxidant and lipid-lowering in mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Tibetan tea is a kind of dark tea, due to the inherent complexity of natural products, the chemical composition and beneficial effects of Tibetan tea are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to unravel the composition of Tibetan tea using knowledge-guided multilayer network (KGMN) techniques and explore its potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic mechanisms in mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The C57BL/6J mice were continuously gavaged with Tibetan tea extract (T group), green tea extract (G group) and ddH₂O (H group) for 15 days. The activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mice was detected. Transcriptome sequencing technology was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects of Tibetan tea in mice. Furthermore, the expression levels of liver antioxidant and lipid metabolism related genes in various groups were detected by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method.

RESULTS

The results showed that a total of 42 flavonoids are provisionally annotated in Tibetan tea using KGMN strategies. Tibetan tea significantly reduced body weight gain and increased T-AOC and SOD activities in mice compared with the H group. Based on the results of transcriptome and qPCR, it was confirmed that Tibetan tea could play a key role in antioxidant and lipid lowering by regulating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism related pathways such as insulin resistance, P53 signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, fatty acid elongation and fatty acid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was the first to use computational tools to deeply explore the composition of Tibetan tea and revealed its potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic mechanisms, and it provides new insights into the composition and bioactivity of Tibetan tea.

Free Radicals and Obesity-Related Chronic Inflammation Contrasted by Antioxidants: A New Perspective in Coronary Artery Disease

We are surrounded by factors called free radicals (FR), which attach to the molecules our body is made of, first among them the endothelium. Even though FR are to a certain extent a normal factor, nowadays we face an escalating increase in these biologically aggressive molecules. The escalating formation of FR is linked to the increased usage of man-made chemicals for personal care (toothpaste, shampoo, bubble bath, etc.), domestic laundry and dish-washer detergents, and also an ever wider usage of drugs (both prescription and over the counter), especially if they are to be used long-term (years). In addition, tobacco smoking, processed foods, pesticides, various chronic infectious microbes, nutritional deficiencies, lack of sun exposure, and, finally, with a markedly increasing impact, electromagnetic pollution (a terribly destructive factor), can increase the risk of cancer, as well as endothelial dysfunction, owing to the increased production of FR that they cause. All these factors create endothelial damage, but the organism may be able to repair such damage thanks to the intervention of the immune system supported by antioxidants. However, one other factor can perpetuate the state of inflammation, namely obesity and metabolic syndrome with associated hyperinsulinemia. In this review, the role of FR, with a special emphasis on their origin, and of antioxidants, is explored from the perspective of their role in causing atherosclerosis, in particular at the coronary level.

Nephroprotective and nephrotoxic effects of Rhubarb and their molecular mechanisms

Rhubarb, in the form of a traditional Chinese medicine, is used in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have demonstrated that Rhubarb possesses a good nephroprotective effect, which primarily protects the kidneys from fibrosis, oxidation, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, studies have shown that the long-term inappropriate use of Rhubarb may cause damage to renal function. Therefore, how to correctly understand and scientifically evaluate the pharmacodynamics and toxicity of Rhubarb with regard to CKD is a scientific question that urgently needs to be answered. In this review, we explain and illustrate how Rhubarb exerts its nephroprotective effect against CKD. We also describe the mechanisms of action that may cause its nephrotoxicity. Valuable and practical clinical guidance is proposed with regard to methods for mitigating the nephrotoxicity of Rhubarb.

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.

Influence of Different Precursors on Content of Polyphenols in Camellia sinensis In Vitro Callus Culture

Plant tissue cultures are considered as potential producers of biologically active plant metabolites, which include various phenolic compounds that can be used to maintain human health. Moreover, in most cases, their accumulation is lower than in the original explants, which requires the search for factors and influences for the intensification of this process. In this case, it is very promising to use the precursors of their biosynthesis as potential "regulators" of the various metabolites' formation. The purpose of our research was to study the effect of L-phenylalanine (PhA, 3 mM), trans-cinnamic acid (CA, 1 mM) and naringenin (NG, 0.5 mM), as components of various stages of phenolic metabolism, on accumulation of various phenolic compound classes, including phenylpropanoids, flavans and proanthocyanidins, as well as the content of malondialdehyde in in vitro callus culture of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.). According to the data obtained, the precursors' influence did not lead to changes in the morphology and water content of the cultures. At the same time, an increase in the total content of phenolic compounds, as well as phenylpropanoids, flavans and proanthocyanidins, was noted in tea callus cultures. Effectiveness of precursor action depends on its characteristics and the exposure duration, and was more pronounced in the treatments with PhA. This compound can be considered as the most effective precursor regulating phenolic metabolism, contributing to a twofold increase in the total content of phenolic compounds, flavanes and proanthocyanidins, and a fourfold increase in phenylpropanoids in tea callus cultures.

R- Is Superior to S-Form of α-Lipoic Acid in Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in Laying Hens

The development of single enantiomers with high efficiency and low toxic activity has become a hot spot for the development and application of drugs and active additives. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the application of α-lipoic acid with a different optical rotation to alleviate the inflammation response and oxidative stress induced by oxidized fish oil in laying hens. Sixty-four 124-week-old Peking Red laying hens were randomly allocated to four groups with eight replicates of two birds each. The normal group was fed basal diets supplemented with 1% fresh fish oil (FO), and the oxidative stress model group was constructed with diets supplemented with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO). The two treatment groups were the S-form of the α-lipoic acid model with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO + S-LA) and the R-form of the α-lipoic acid model with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO + R-LA) added at 100 mg/kg, respectively. Herein, these results were evaluated by the breeding performance, immunoglobulin, immune response, estrogen secretion, antioxidant factors of the serum and oviduct, and pathological observation of the uterus part of the oviduct. From the results, diets supplemented with oxidized fish oil can be relatively successful in constructing a model of inflammation and oxidative stress. The OFO group significantly increased the levels of the serum inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ) and the oxidative factor MDA and decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme (T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT) in the oviduct. The addition of both S-LA and R-LA significantly reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ), increased the activity of antioxidant indexes (T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT), and decreased the MDA contents in the serum and oviduct. Meanwhile, the supplementation of S-LA and R-LA also mitigated the negative effects of the OFO on the immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and serum hormone levels (P and E2). In addition, it was worth noting that the R-LA was significantly more effective than the S-LA in some inflammatory (IL-1β) and antioxidant indices (T-SOD, GSH, and CAT). Above all, both S-LA and R-LA can alleviate the inflammation and oxidative damage caused by oxidative stress in aged laying hens, and R-LA is more effective than S-LA. Thus, these findings will provide basic data for the potential development of α-lipoic acid as a chiral dietary additive for laying hens.

Antioxidative properties of phenolic compounds and their effect on oxidative stress induced by severe physical exercise

Extensive research has found strongly increased generation of reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and reactive nitrogen species during acute physical exercise that can lead to oxidative stress (OS) and impair muscle function. Polyphenols (PCs), the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet, are of increasing interest to athletes as antioxidants. Current literature suggests that antioxidants supplementation can effectively modulate these processes. This overview summarizes the actual knowledge of chemical and biomechanical properties of PCs and their impact as supplements on acute exercise-induced OS, inflammation control, and exercise performance. Evidence maintains that PC supplements have high potency to positively impact redox homeostasis and improve skeletal muscle's physiological and physical functions. However, many studies have failed to present improvement in physical performance. Eleven of 15 representative experimental studies reported a reduction of severe exercise-induced OS and inflammation markers or enhancement of total antioxidant capacity; four of eight studies found improvement in exercise performance outcomes. Further studies should be continued to address a safe, optimal PC dosage, supplementation timing during a severe training program in different sports disciplines, and effects on performance response and adaptations of skeletal muscle to exercise.

Comparative Chemical Profiling and Biological Potential of Essential Oils of Petal, Choke, and Heart Parts of Cynara scolymus L. Head

The essential oil and macroelemental composition of different parts of flower bud (petal, choke, and heart) of Cynara scolymus L. were explored and compared using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Overall, 62 organic components were detected in the flower bud based on mass spectra characteristics and retention indices. The essential oil extracted from the petals, choke, and bud showed the presence of thirty-one, twenty-one, and twenty-one compounds, respectively, with linoleic acid and palmitic acid as the major components. 21 components were identified in the oil of the petals, comprising 94.45% of the total oil, in which linoleic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid methyl ester, O-α-d-glucopyranoside, and heptyl oct-3-yl ester were the major constituents. Twenty-one compounds, representing 89.13% of the total oil, were detected in the choke oil. Linoleic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid methyl ester, and 2-methyl-1-hexadecanol were the main components. However, the edible heart oil contains twenty compounds, comprising 86.84% of the total oil. Cyclopropane butanoic acid, linoleic acid, methyl ester, and palmitic acid were the major constituents. The analysis executed by ICP-MS revealed the presence of significant amounts of various inorganic elements in all the three samples. The extracted essential oils were tested for antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The results showed that the oil extracted from the petals of C. scolymus flower bud displayed the highest antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, as compared to choke and heart oils.

Tea Infusions as a Source of Phenolic Compounds in the Human Diet

Phenolic compounds are components with proven beneficial effects on the human body, primarily due to their antioxidant activity. In view of the high consumption of tea and the numerous factors that affect the nutritional value of its infusions, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of tea type and duration of leaf extraction with water on the levels of phenolic compounds and other components that determine biological activity (oxalates, Ca, Na, Cu, and Mn). Based on assays, infusions of red tea prepared for 20 min were found to be the best source of phenolics (202.9 mg/100 mL), whereas the lowest level of these compounds was determined in infusions of black tea extracted from leaves for 30 min (46.9 mg/100 mL). The highest degree of increase in polyphenol content (by approx. 50%) was noted in red and green tea infused for between 10 and 20 min, whereas for black tea, polyphenol levels decreased with time. The biological activity of tea infusions appears to be determined to the greatest extent by the interactions between phenolic compounds and oxalates (r = 0.6209), calcium (r = 0.8516), and sodium (0.8045). A daily intake of three to four mugs (1 L) of tea infusions provides the human body the entire amount of phenolics recommended for health reasons (as regards red tea, this is possible at 1/3 of the volume) and covers the daily requirement for manganese, as well as (partially) copper.

Effects of 8 Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training and Spirulina Supplementation on Immunoglobin Levels, Cardio-Respiratory Fitness, and Body Composition of Overweight and Obese Women

Simple Summary

Overweight and obese, like other forms of malnutrition, have been shown to affect immune function through changing immunoglobin or cardio-respiratory fitness levels and cell-mediated immune responses. Although calorie restriction and exercise are the most common therapies for obesity or overweight, it is unclear what kind of supplementation these people should take or how much exercise they should perform. Hence, in this study, we examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. The results demonstrated that spirulina supplementation with HIIT not only decreased fat free mass but also boosted immunoglobin-A, which plays an important role in the immune system.

Abstract

Our study examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. Thirty sedentary women (height: 161.7 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 8.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 28.8 ± 2.5 kg/m², age: 25.1 ± 6.7 years) were divided into three groups: placebo with HIIT group, spirulina group (SG), or combined group (CG). Exercise groups performed HIIT for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week and four to seven repetitions in each session of 30 s running and 30 s walking; the intensity was established at 90% of the maximum heart rate. Supplementation groups received 6 g of spirulina powder per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for fat free mass (FFM; p = 0.001, f = 8.52, ηp² = 0.39) and IgA (p = 0.036, f = 3.86, ηp² = 0.22). The post hoc analysis revealed that CG reduced FFM significantly (p = 0.012, g = −0.55) after training. CG and SG showed significantly greater IgA concentrations after 8 weeks (p = 0.02, g = 0.70 and p = 0.001, g = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system.