Caffeine intake reduces sedentary time and increases physical activity predisposition in obese police officers

Sedentary time is associated with increased obesity in police officers. Caffeine intake may reduce sedentary time but it has not been extensively investigated. In the present study, the effect of caffeine ingestion on sedentary time was investigated in obese police officers. Fourteen obese police officers ingested either 5 mg/kg of caffeine or cellulose (placebo) for six days. Information on inactivity time, time spent with physical activities, self-reported perception of tiredness, and physical activity disposition was obtained daily during the intervention period. Sedentary and physical activity times were divided into two intraday periods (T₁: 08:00 am-02:00 pm and T₂: 02:00 pm-08:00 pm). Caffeine intake decreased the sedentary time in both T₁ (79.2±2.2%) and T₂ (79.1±2.5%), when compared with T₂ of the placebo condition (81.1±3.6%, P<0.05). Caffeine intake also increased the time spent on light physical activities in T₁ and T₂ (17±2 and 18±2%), when compared with T₂ of the placebo condition (16±3%, P<0.05). In addition, sedentary time increased and light physical activity time decreased from T₁ to T₂ in the placebo (P<0.001) but not in the caffeine condition (P=0.81). Caffeine intake had no effect on tiredness (P>0.05), but it increased the self-reported physical activity disposition compared to the placebo condition (4.5±2.7 vs 3.2±2.3 units, P<0.05). Caffeine intake reduced the sedentary time and increased the time spent on light physical activities of obese police officers, which seems to be related to a higher disposition for the practice of physical activity.

Reproductive status effects of pair-housed male pigs on natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours

Boar rearing, which avoids pain and suffering caused by surgical castration, provides better performance, a greater deposition of muscle tissue and leaner carcasses and thus has beneficial effects on both animal welfare and the product. Some countries that do not slaughter boars must consider their boar taint and aggressive and sexual behaviours. Considering that pigs are housed in large groups, which may complicate the formation of social hierarchies and increase fighting and mounting behaviours, some studies have conducted research with reduced numbers of pigs per pen, but these behaviours continued to be observed. However, a study of the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs has yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the reproductive status of uncastrated, immunocastrated and surgically castrated pair-housed male pigs alters their natural, agonistic and sexual behaviours. A total of 48 male pigs from Agroceres PIC™ genetics were assigned to three groups: surgically castrated (barrows), immunocastrated and uncastrated (boars). Natural, aggressive and sexual behaviours of the pigs were assessed by direct observations during four periods of 12 h each (six, five and three weeks before slaughter and the slaughter week). The pigs were housed in pairs from the growing phase until slaughter. Animal behaviour was observed from the finishing phase to slaughter. Carcass lesions were assessed according to five different classes (one: no injury; two to five: severely injured). Overall, boars spent more time lying and less time eating and drinking than barrows. In total of all the periods (48 h), boars expressed more aggressive and sexual behaviours than barrows, whereas immunocastrated pigs displayed similar behaviours to boars, before and after the second vaccine dose. No differences in carcass lesions between treatments and no prevalence of carcasses with severe injuries were observed. In conclusion, the reproductive status of pair-housed male pigs did not change the natural behaviour of boars, immunocastrated pigs or barrows. The agonistic and sexual behaviours of boars and barrows remained unchanged. When housing pigs in pairs, immunocastrated pigs presented similar agonistic and sexual behaviours to boars before and after the second immunocastration vaccine dose. The use of pair-housed uncastrated male pigs has generated welfare benefits for these animals, as the number of carcasses with injuries did not differ from barrows and immunocastrated pigs.

Does caffeine ingestion before a short-term sprint interval training promote body fat loss?

We investigated the effect of caffeine ingestion combined with a 2-wk sprint interval training (SIT) on training-induced reductions in body adiposity. Twenty physically-active men ingested either 5 mg/kg of cellulose as a placebo (PLA, n=10) or 5 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF, n=10) 60 min before each SIT session (13×30 s sprint/15 s of rest). Body mass and skinfold thickness were measured pre- and post-training. Energy expenditure was measured at rest, during exercise, and 45 min after exercise in the first SIT session. Body fat was similar between PLA and CAF groups at pre-training (P>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in body fat after training in the CAF group (−5.9±4.2%, P<0.05) but not in PLA (1.5±8.0%, P>0.05). There was no difference in energy expenditure at rest and during exercise between PLA and CAF groups (P>0.05), but the post-exercise energy expenditure was 18.3±21.4% greater in the CAF than in the PLA group (P<0.05). In conclusion, caffeine ingestion before SIT sessions induced a body fat loss that may be associated with higher post-exercise energy expenditure.

Effect of pre-exercise carbohydrate availability on fat oxidation and energy expenditure after a high-intensity exercise

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that reduced pre-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) availability potentiates fat oxidation after an exhaustive high-intensity exercise bout. Eight physically active men underwent a high-intensity exercise (∼95% V̇O_2max) until exhaustion under low or high pre-exercise CHO availability. The protocol to manipulate pre-exercise CHO availability consisted of a 90-min cycling bout at ∼70% V̇O_2max + 6 × 1-min at 125% V̇O_2max with 1-min rest, followed by 48 h under a low- (10% CHO, low-CHO availability) or high-CHO diet (80% CHO, high-CHO availability). Time to exhaustion was shorter and energy expenditure (EE) lower during the high-intensity exercise in low- compared to high-CHO availability (8.6±0.8 and 11.4±1.6 min, and 499±209 and 677±343 kJ, respectively, P<0.05). Post-exercise EE was similar between low- and high-CHO availability (425±147 and 348±54 kJ, respectively, P>0.05), but post-exercise fat oxidation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in low- (7,830±1,864 mg) than in high-CHO availability (6,264±1,763 mg). The total EE (i.e., exercise EE plus post-exercise EE) was similar between low- and high-CHO availability (924±264 and 1,026±340 kJ, respectively, P>0.05). These results suggest that a single bout of high-intensity exercise performed under low-CHO availability increased post-exercise fat oxidation, and even with shorter exercise duration, both post-exercise EE and total EE were not impaired.

Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on oral health-related quality of life

Oral symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are often unexplored and affect the health-related quality of life. The aims of this study were: (a) to evaluate the oral health condition of SLE patients compared to control subjects without rheumatic diseases; (b) to determine the consequences of oral health condition in the quality of life of these two groups. Individuals with SLE ( n = 75) and without SLE ( n = 78) (control group), paired for gender and age, underwent complete oral examination. Sociodemographic and clinical information was obtained, and interviews were conducted using the Brazilian version of the oral health impact profile. The activity and damage of SLE disease were assessed, respectively, by the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index for systemic lupus erythematosus. When we analysed the oral health condition and hygiene habits of the participants, SLE patients exhibited an increased number of missing teeth despite their higher frequency of tooth brushing. No significant differences were verified in other habits and clinical parameters evaluated such as smoking, flossing, salivary flux, periodontitis, decayed and filled teeth. Patients with SLE presented with worse oral health-related quality of life than controls ( P = 0.011). The significant difference was on individuals' physical disability ( P = 0.002). The determinant of the negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life was prosthesis wearing ( P < 0.05). Overall, the oral health impact profile score was higher in individuals with moderate SLE damage compared to SLE individuals with no damage ( P = 0.043). Patients with SLE had a negative impact of oral condition on their quality of life. The evaluation of the oral health-related quality of life might be useful to monitor the effects of SLE on oral condition.

High-CHO diet increases post-exercise oxygen consumption after a supramaximal exercise bout

We investigated if carbohydrate (CHO) availability could affect the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) after a single supramaximal exercise bout. Five physically active men cycled at 115% of peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2 peak) until exhaustion with low or high pre-exercise CHO availability. The endogenous CHO stores were manipulated by performing a glycogen-depletion exercise protocol 48 h before the trial, followed by 48 h consuming either a low- (10% CHO) or a high-CHO (80% CHO) diet regime. Compared to the low-CHO diet, the high-CHO diet increased time to exhaustion (3.0±0.6 min vs 4.4±0.6, respectively, P=0.01) and the total O2 consumption during the exercise (6.9±0.9 L and 11.3±2.1, respectively, P=0.01). This was accompanied by a higher EPOC magnitude (4.6±1.8 L vs 6.2±2.8, respectively, P=0.03) and a greater total O2 consumption throughout the session (exercise+recovery: 11.5±2.5 L vs 17.5±4.2, respectively, P=0.01). These results suggest that a single bout of supramaximal exercise performed with high CHO availability increases both exercise and post-exercise energy expenditure.

Atorvastatin therapy reduces interferon-regulated chemokine CXCL9 plasma levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

A recent study showed transcriptional levels of interferon-inducible chemokines in peripheral blood cells were associated with disease activity and organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus, and may be useful in monitoring disease activity and prognosis. Our objective was to evaluate the capacity of atorvastatin to reduce plasma levels of interferon-regulated chemokines (CCL2, CCL3 and CXCL9) and to study the correlation between these chemokines and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Eighty-eight female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were divided into two groups: 64 receiving 20 mg/day of atorvastatin (intervention group) and 24 without atorvastatin (control group). All patients were followed for 8 weeks. At baseline and after 8 weeks laboratory tests were performed for all patients. Plasma levels of chemokines were measured by ELISA using commercial kits (DuoSet, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, USA). In a univariate analysis we found correlation between CCL2, CCL3 and CXCL9 plasma levels and SLEDAI score. In the intervention group we observed a significant decrease in CXCL9 plasma levels comparing baseline and levels at the end of the study (p = 0.04); however, no differences were observed regarding CCL2 or CCL3 plasma levels in this study. No significant difference was observed in the plasma levels of these chemokines in the control group. We conclude that treatment with atorvastatin was associated with a significant decrease in the plasma levels of CXCL9 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. As the plasma levels of CXCL9 correlated with the SLEDAI score, we ask whether reducing levels of this chemokine could help to control systemic lupus erythematosus activity.

Carotid atherosclerotic alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated at a Brazilian university setting

To determine the frequency of carotid plaque and intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their association with risk factors in a Brazilian university setting. Carotid plaque and IMT were identified and measured by ultrasonography. Traditional risk factors and lupus-related factors were analysed. One hundred and seventy-two patients (women = 96%, age = 38 ± 11 years) were evaluated. The frequency of carotid plaque was 9.3%. The median (IR) IMT was 0.60 mm (0.54—0.71 mm). Age, family history (FH) of premature coronary disease, low-density cholesterol (LDL-c) >100 mg/dL, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, postmenopause, number of risk factors, Framingham risk score, age at diagnosis, duration of lupus, mucocutaneous manifestations and duration of prednisone use were associated with plaque ( P < 0.05), univariate analysis. Nephritis, immunosuppressive therapy, intravenous methylprednisolone and a higher average daily dose of prednisone were associated with the absence of plaque. Independent predictors of plaque were smoking ( P = 0.004), LDL-c >100 mg/dL ( P = 0.044), Framingham score ( P = 0.006) and absence of immunosuppressive therapy ( P = 0.032). There was an independent correlation between IMT and age ( P < 0.001) and duration of prednisone use ( P = 0.020). Subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with traditional risk and SLE-related factors, especially the absence of immunosuppressive therapy. The present study suggests that the levels of LDL-c should be kept under 100mg/dL in lupus. Lupus (2008) 17, 105—113.

Atorvastatin therapy improves endothelial-dependent vasodilation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: an 8 weeks controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have recognized reduction in endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Evidence demonstrates that statins are able to improve endothelial function independently on their hypolipemic action.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin in improving vasodilation in SLE patients with and without conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-four SLE women, mean age 31 +/- 8 yrs, received atorvastatin 20 mg/day during 8 weeks. Thirty-one patients in this intervention group did not have conventional risk factors for CHD, while 33 others had hypertension, dyslipidaemia and/or obesity. Twenty-four SLE control patients, mean age 34 +/- 7.5 yrs, not receiving atorvastatin were followed during the same time period. High-resolution ultrasound was used to measure brachial artery diameter in resting conditions, during reactive hyperaemia and after sub-lingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Measurements were performed at baseline and at the end of the study (8 weeks).

RESULTS

Atorvastatin was associated with a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) [3.8 (2.8-7.9%) vs 6.9 (4.2-10.7%), P < 0.001] while GTN-mediated dilation (GTND) was unaffected [20.9 (16.6-26.1%) vs 20.1(16.6-25.4%), P = 0.514]. FMD increase was observed in patients with conventional risk factors [4.1 (3.1-8.7%) vs 6.5 (4-10%), P = 0.046] and also for those without conventional risk factors for CHD [3.6 (2.6-7.3%) vs 7.1 (4.5-10.9%), P = 0.001]. Resting brachial artery diameter also increased significantly in patients receiving atorvastatin (2.79 +/- 0.30 mm vs 2.92 +/- 0.40 mm, P < 0.001). No significant difference in artery diameter and FMD was seen in control patients at the end of the study. When compared to the control patients, atorvastatin treatment was associated with significant increase in resting diameter (+0.13 +/- 0.1 mm vs -0.02 +/- 0.07 mm, P < 0.001) and FMD (+1.9 +/- 3.9% vs -0.3 +/- 1.8%, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that an 8-week 20 mg/day atorvastatin series improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in SLE patients independently on the presence of conventional risk factors for atherosclerotic disease.