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Tosato M, Calvani R, Picca A, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Coelho-Júnior HJ, Di Giorgio A, Di Mario C, Gervasoni J, Gremese E, Leone PM, Nesci A, Paglionico AM, Santoliquido A, Santoro L, Santucci L, Tolusso B, Urbani A, Marini F, Marzetti E, Landi F. Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on Physical Performance, Endothelial Function, and Persistent Fatigue in Adults with Long COVID: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2022; 14:4984. [PMID: 36501014 PMCID: PMC9738241 DOI: 10.3390/nu14234984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, a condition characterized by symptom and/or sign persistence following an acute COVID-19 episode, is associated with reduced physical performance and endothelial dysfunction. Supplementation of l-arginine may improve endothelial and muscle function by stimulating nitric oxide synthesis. A single-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adults aged between 20 and 60 years with persistent fatigue attending a post-acute COVID-19 outpatient clinic. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive twice-daily orally either a combination of 1.66 g l-arginine plus 500 mg liposomal vitamin C or a placebo for 28 days. The primary outcome was the distance walked on the 6 min walk test. Secondary outcomes were handgrip strength, flow-mediated dilation, and fatigue persistence. Fifty participants were randomized to receive either l-arginine plus vitamin C or a placebo. Forty-six participants (median (interquartile range) age 51 (14), 30 [65%] women), 23 per group, received the intervention to which they were allocated and completed the study. At 28 days, l-arginine plus vitamin C increased the 6 min walk distance (+30 (40.5) m; placebo: +0 (75) m, p = 0.001) and induced a greater improvement in handgrip strength (+3.4 (7.5) kg) compared with the placebo (+1 (6.6) kg, p = 0.03). The flow-mediated dilation was greater in the active group than in the placebo (14.3% (7.3) vs. 9.4% (5.8), p = 0.03). At 28 days, fatigue was reported by two participants in the active group (8.7%) and 21 in the placebo group (80.1%; p < 0.0001). l-arginine plus vitamin C supplementation improved walking performance, muscle strength, endothelial function, and fatigue in adults with long COVID. This supplement may, therefore, be considered to restore physical performance and relieve persistent symptoms in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Picca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70010 Casamassima, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Hélio José Coelho-Júnior
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giorgio
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Di Mario
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Gervasoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Leone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Nesci
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Santoliquido
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Santoro
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Santucci
- Metabolomics Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Marini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Swimming exercise with L-arginine coated nanoparticles supplementation upregulated HAND2 and TBX5 expression in the cardiomyocytes of aging male rats. Biogerontology 2022; 23:473-484. [PMID: 35809117 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-022-09977-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We investigated possible cardioprotective mechanisms of L-arginine coated nanoparticles (L-ACN) combined with swimming exercise (SE) in aging male rats considering heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 (HAND2) and t-box transcription factor 5 (TBX5). Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups: young, old, old + L-ACN, old + SE, and old + L-ACN + SE (n = 7 in each). L-arginine coated with chitosan nanoparticles was given to L-ACN groups via gavage at 500 mg/kg/day. SE groups performed a swimming exercise program 5 days per week for 6 weeks. The exercise program started with 20 min, gradually increasing to 60 min after four sessions, which was then constant until the completion of the training period. After the protocol completion, the rats were sacrificed, and the heart was fixed and frozen to carry out histological, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and gene expression analyses. The expression of HAND2 protein, HAND2 mRNA, and TBX5 mRNA of the heart tissue was significantly higher in the young group than in all older groups (P < 0.05). The old + L-ACN, old + SE, and old + L-ACN + SE groups showed a significant increase in these factors compared to the old group (P < 0.05). Nano-L-arginine supplement, along with swimming exercises, seems to have cardioprotective potential and improve cardiac function in old age by strengthening cardiomyocyte signaling, especially HAND2 and TBX5. However, more research is required, particularly on human samples.
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Gambardella J, Khondkar W, Morelli MB, Wang X, Santulli G, Trimarco V. Arginine and Endothelial Function. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8080277. [PMID: 32781796 PMCID: PMC7460461 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine (L-arginine), is an amino acid involved in a number of biological processes, including the biosynthesis of proteins, host immune response, urea cycle, and nitric oxide production. In this systematic review, we focus on the functional role of arginine in the regulation of endothelial function and vascular tone. Both clinical and preclinical studies are examined, analyzing the effects of arginine supplementation in hypertension, ischemic heart disease, aging, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gambardella
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore University Hospital, New York City, NY 10461, USA; (J.G.); (W.K.); (M.B.M.); (X.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME), 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Wafiq Khondkar
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore University Hospital, New York City, NY 10461, USA; (J.G.); (W.K.); (M.B.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Marco Bruno Morelli
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore University Hospital, New York City, NY 10461, USA; (J.G.); (W.K.); (M.B.M.); (X.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xujun Wang
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore University Hospital, New York City, NY 10461, USA; (J.G.); (W.K.); (M.B.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine—Montefiore University Hospital, New York City, NY 10461, USA; (J.G.); (W.K.); (M.B.M.); (X.W.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME), 80100 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Trimarco
- Department of Neuroscience, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Esquius L, Segura R, Oviedo GR, Massip-Salcedo M, Javierre C. Effect of Almond Supplementation on Non-Esterified Fatty Acid Values and Exercise Performance. Nutrients 2020; 12:E635. [PMID: 32121011 PMCID: PMC7146300 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the effects of fat intake before exercise on subsequent substrate oxidation and exercise performance. While some studies have reported that unsaturated fatty acid supplementation slightly increases fat oxidation, the changes have not been reflected in the maximum oxygen uptake or in other performance and physiological parameters. We selected almonds as a fatty acid (FA) source for acute supplementation and investigated their effect on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) values and exercise performance. Five physically active male subjects (age 32.9 ± 12.7 years, height 178.5 ± 3.3 cm, and weight 81.3 ± 9.7 kg) were randomly assigned to take an almond or placebo supplement 2 h before participating in two cycling resistance training sessions separated by an interval of 7-10 days. Their performance was evaluated with a maximal incremental test until exhaustion. Blood samples collected before, during, and after testing were biochemically analysed. The results indicated a NEFA value average increase of 0.09 mg·dL-1 (95% CI: 0.05-0.14; p < 0.001) after active supplement intake and enhanced performance (5389 ± 1795 W vs. placebo 4470 ± 2053 W, p = 0.043) after almond supplementation compared to the placebo. The almond supplementation did not cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Our study suggests that acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in trained subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Esquius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Campus of Medicine and Health Sciences of Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C. Feixa Llarga, s/n, 08907 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.S.); (C.J.)
- FoodLab, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Avda, del Tibidabo, 39-43, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ramon Segura
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Campus of Medicine and Health Sciences of Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C. Feixa Llarga, s/n, 08907 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.S.); (C.J.)
| | - Guillermo R. Oviedo
- Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sport Science-Blanquerna, University Ramon Llull, C. Císter 34, 08022 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Marta Massip-Salcedo
- FoodLab, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Avda, del Tibidabo, 39-43, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Casimiro Javierre
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Campus of Medicine and Health Sciences of Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C. Feixa Llarga, s/n, 08907 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.S.); (C.J.)
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Abstract
Integrative medicine (IM) has developed an increasingly significant role in health care worldwide, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This review describes the commonly used IM in CVD, with particular attention placed with dietary supplements and mind-body therapies. More rigorous research continues to be needed to determine the mechanisms and efficacy of IM cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Health care providers will need to develop skills in open communication and nonjudgmental dialogue around IM use in discussing treatment plans with their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan Mehta
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 900 Commonwealth Avenue East, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 151 Merrimac Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Zakkar M, Guida G, Suleiman MS, Angelini GD. Cardiopulmonary bypass and oxidative stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2015; 2015:189863. [PMID: 25722792 PMCID: PMC4334937 DOI: 10.1155/2015/189863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) revolutionized cardiac surgery and contributed immensely to improved patients outcomes. CPB is associated with the activation of different coagulation, proinflammatory, survival cascades and altered redox state. Haemolysis, ischaemia, and perfusion injury and neutrophils activation during CPB play a pivotal role in oxidative stress and the associated activation of proinflammatory and proapoptotic signalling pathways which can affect the function and recovery of multiple organs such as the myocardium, lungs, and kidneys and influence clinical outcomes. The administration of agents with antioxidant properties during surgery either intravenously or in the cardioplegia solution may reduce ROS burst and oxidative stress during CPB. Alternatively, the use of modified circuits such as minibypass can modify both proinflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Zakkar
- Bristol Royal Infirmary, Level 7, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Gustavo Guida
- Bristol Royal Infirmary, Level 7, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - M-Saadeh Suleiman
- Bristol Royal Infirmary, Level 7, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Gianni D. Angelini
- Bristol Royal Infirmary, Level 7, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
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Valgas da Silva CP, Delbin MA, La Guardia PG, Moura CS, Davel APC, Priviero FB, Zanesco A. Improvement of the physical performance is associated with activation of NO/PGC-1α/mtTFA signaling pathway and increased protein expressions of electron transport chain in gastrocnemius muscle from rats supplemented with L-arginine. Life Sci 2015; 125:63-70. [PMID: 25636591 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the influence of l-arginine supplementation in combination with physical training on mitochondrial biomarkers from gastrocnemius muscle and its relationship with physical performance. MAIN METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control sedentary (SD), sedentary supplemented with l-arginine (SDLA), trained (TR) and trained supplemented with l-arginine (TRLA). Supplementation of l-arginine was administered by gavage (62.5mg/ml/day/rat). Physical training consisted of 60min/day, 5days/week, 0% grade, speed of 1.2km/h. The study lasted 8weeks. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial enriched fraction as well as cytoplasmic fractions were obtained for Western blotting and biochemical analyses. Protein expressions of transcriptor coactivator (PGC-1α), transcriptor factors (mtTFA), ATP synthase subunit c, cytochrome oxidase (COXIV), constitutive nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and nNOS), Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD) were evaluated. We also assessed in plasma: lipid profile, glycemia and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The nitrite/nitrate (NOx(-)) levels were measured in both plasma and cytosol fraction of the gastrocnemius muscle. KEY FINDINGS 8-week l-arginine supplementation associated with physical training was effective in promoting greater tolerance to exercise that was accompanied by up-regulation of the protein expressions of mtTFA, PGC-1α, ATP synthase subunit c, COXIV, Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD. The upstream pathway was associated with improvement of NO bioavailability, but not in NO production since no changes in nNOS or eNOS protein expressions were observed. SIGNIFICANCE This combination would be an alternative approach for preventing cardiometabolic diseases given that in overt diseases a profound impairment in the physical performance of the patients is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmem Peres Valgas da Silva
- Laboratory of cardiovascular Physiology and physical activity, Institute of Bioscience, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Andréia Delbin
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Paolo G La Guardia
- Clinical Pathology, FCM, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Soares Moura
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Food Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Couto Davel
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Bruschi Priviero
- Laboratory of cardiovascular Physiology and physical activity, Institute of Bioscience, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Angelina Zanesco
- Laboratory of cardiovascular Physiology and physical activity, Institute of Bioscience, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
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Zak RB, Camic CL, Hill EC, Monaghan MM, Kovacs AJ, Wright GA. Acute effects of an arginine-based supplement on neuromuscular, ventilatory, and metabolic fatigue thresholds during cycle ergometry. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2014; 40:379-85. [PMID: 25781198 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2014-0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an acute dose of an arginine-based supplement on the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT), lactate threshold (LT), ventilatory threshold (VT), and peak oxygen uptake during incremental cycle ergometry. This study used a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, within-subjects crossover design. Nineteen untrained men (mean age ± SD = 22.0 ± 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to ingest either the supplement (3.0 g of arginine, 300 mg of grape seed extract, and 300 mg of polyethylene glycol) or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) and performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer for determination of PWCFT, LT, VT, and peak oxygen uptake. Following a 1-week period, the subjects returned to the laboratory and ingested the opposite substance (either supplement or placebo) prior to completing another incremental test to be reassessed for PWCFT, LT, VT, and peak oxygen uptake. The paired-samples t tests indicated there were significant (P < 0.05) mean differences between the arginine and placebo conditions for the PWCFT (192 ± 42 vs. 168 ± 53 W, respectively) and VT (2546 ± 313 vs. 2452 ± 342 mL·min(-1)), but not the LT (135 ± 26 vs. 138 ± 22 W), absolute peak oxygen uptake (3663 ± 445 vs. 3645 ± 438 mL·min(-1)), or relative peak oxygen uptake (46.5 ± 6.0 vs. 46.2 ± 5.0 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). These findings suggested that the arginine-based supplement may be used on an acute basis for delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue (i.e., PWCFT) and improving the VT in untrained individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roksana B Zak
- Department of Kinesiology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
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Vogel T, Lang PO, Schmitt E, Lepretre PM, Kaltenbach G, Goette-Di Marco P, Talha S, Lonsdorfer J, Geny B. Effects of a personalized nine weeks intermittent exercise working program on left ventricle filling function in middle-aged women with mild diastolic dysfunction. Eur Geriatr Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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10
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Yi M, Fu J, Zhou L, Gao H, Fan C, Shao J, Xu B, Wang Q, Li J, Huang G, Lapsley K, Blumberg JB, Chen CYO. The effect of almond consumption on elements of endurance exercise performance in trained athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2014; 11:18. [PMID: 24860277 PMCID: PMC4031978 DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-11-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Almonds are a healthy tree nut food with high nutrient density. Their consumption has been shown to ameliorate oxidative stress, inflammation, etc. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of almonds on elements of endurance exercise performance in trained athletes. Methods A 10-week crossover, placebo controlled study was conducted. Eight trained male cyclists and two triathletes were randomly assigned to consume 75 g/d whole almonds (ALM) or isocaloric cookies (COK) with equal subject number. They consumed the assigned food for 4 wks and then the alternate food for another 4 wks. They underwent 3 performance tests including 125-min steady status exercise (SS) and 20-min time trial (TT) on an indoor stationary trainer at the start of the study (BL) and at the end of each intervention phase. Venous blood was collected in the morning prior to the performance test for biochemical measurements and finger blood during the test for glucose determination. Carbohydrate and fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and oxygen use were calculated using respiratory gas analysis. Results ALM increased cycling distance during TT by 1.7 km as compared BL (21.9 vs. 20.2 km, P = 0.053) and COK increased 0.6 km (20.8 vs. 20.2 km, P > 0.05). ALM, but not COK, led to higher CHO and lower fat oxidation and less oxygen consumption during TT than BL (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in heart rate among BL, ALM and COK. ALM maintained higher blood glucose level after TT than COK (P < 0.05). ALM had higher vitamin E and haemoglobin and lower serum free fatty acid (P < 0.05), slightly elevated serum arginine and nitric oxide and plasma insulin (P > 0.05) than BL, and a higher total antioxidant capacity than COK (P < 0.05). Conclusions Whole almonds improved cycling distance and the elements related to endurance performance more than isocaloric cookies in trained athletes as some nutrients in almonds may contribute to CHO reservation and utilization and effective oxygen utilization. The results suggest that almonds can be incorporated into diets of those who undertake exercise training for performance improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muqing Yi
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jinde Fu
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chenguang Fan
- Chinese Baiyi Cycling Team, Fengtai District, Beijing 100072, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Baohua Xu
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qirong Wang
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Juntao Li
- Center for Sports Nutrition, National Institute of Sports Medicine, 1st Anding Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | | | | | - Jeffrey B Blumberg
- Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C-Y Oliver Chen
- Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Monti LD, Setola E, Lucotti PCG, Marrocco-Trischitta MM, Comola M, Galluccio E, Poggi A, Mammì S, Catapano AL, Comi G, Chiesa R, Bosi E, Piatti PM. Effect of a long-term oral l-arginine supplementation on glucose metabolism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Obes Metab 2012; 14:893-900. [PMID: 22553931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2012.01615.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study assessed the efficacy of long-term l-arginine (l-arg) therapy in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS A mono-centre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, phase III trial (l-arg trial) was conducted on 144 individuals affected by impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and metabolic syndrome (MS). l-Arg/placebo was administered (6.4 g/day) on a background structured lifestyle intervention for 18 months plus a 12-month extended follow-up period after study drug termination. Fasting glucose levels and glucose tolerance after oral glucose tolerance test were evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS After 18 months, l-arg as compared with placebo did not reduce the cumulative incidence of diabetes [21.4 and 20.8%, respectively, hazard ratio (HR), 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58-1.86] while the cumulative probability to become normal glucose tolerant (NGT) increased (42.4 and 22.1%, respectively, HR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.51-4.46, p < 0.001). The higher cumulative probability to become of NGT was maintained during the extended period in subjects previously treated with l-arg (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.87-5.51; p < 0.001). At the end of the extended period, the cumulative incidence of diabetes in subjects previously treated with l-arg was reduced as compared with placebo (27.2 and 47.1%, respectively, HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24-0.75, p < 0.05). During both periods, l-arg significantly improved insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. CONCLUSION Among persons with IGT and MS, the supplementation of l-arg for 18 months does not significantly reduce the incidence of diabetes but does significantly increase regression to NGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Monti
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science Division, Department of Internal Medicine, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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