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Spanakis M, Fragkiadaki P, Renieri E, Vakonaki E, Fragkiadoulaki I, Alegakis A, Kiriakakis M, Panagiotou N, Ntoumou E, Gratsias I, Zoubaneas E, Morozova GD, Ovchinnikova MA, Tsitsimpikou C, Tsarouhas K, Drakoulis N, Skalny AV, Tsatsakis A. Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 5:1327792. [PMID: 38260814 PMCID: PMC10801261 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1327792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In modern athlete assessment, the integration of conventional biochemical and ergophysiologic monitoring with innovative methods like telomere analysis, genotyping/phenotypic profiling, and metabolomics has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletes' performance and potential longevity. Telomeres provide insights into cellular functioning, aging, and adaptation and elucidate the effects of training on cellular health. Genotype/phenotype analysis explores genetic variations associated with athletic performance, injury predisposition, and recovery needs, enabling personalization of training plans and interventions. Metabolomics especially focusing on low-molecular weight metabolites, reveal metabolic pathways and responses to exercise. Biochemical tests assess key biomarkers related to energy metabolism, inflammation, and recovery. Essential elements depict the micronutrient status of the individual, which is critical for optimal performance. Echocardiography provides detailed monitoring of cardiac structure and function, while burnout testing evaluates psychological stress, fatigue, and readiness for optimal performance. By integrating this scientific testing battery, a multidimensional understanding of athlete health status can be achieved, leading to personalized interventions in training, nutrition, supplementation, injury prevention, and mental wellness support. This scientifically rigorous approach hereby presented holds significant potential for improving athletic performance and longevity through evidence-based, individualized interventions, contributing to advances in the field of sports performance optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Spanakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Renieri
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Irene Fragkiadoulaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Athanasios Alegakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Mixalis Kiriakakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Gratsias
- Check Up Medicus Biopathology & Ultrasound Diagnostic Center – Polyclinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Galina Dmitrievna Morozova
- Bioelementology and Human Ecology Center, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Alekseevna Ovchinnikova
- Department of Sport Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov Univercity), Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anatoly Viktorovich Skalny
- Bioelementology and Human Ecology Center, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Medical Elementology Department, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aristides Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Mamalakis G, Jansen E, Cremers H, Kiriakakis M, Tsibinos G, Kafatos A. Depression and adipose and serum cholesteryl ester polyunsaturated fatty acids in the survivors of the seven countries study population of Crete. Eur J Clin Nutr 2006; 60:1016-23. [PMID: 16482070 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that depression relates to biomarkers of both short- and long-term polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake. However, it is not known which of these two biomarkers has the closest relationship to depression. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship of depression with both adipose tissue and serum cholesteryl ester PUFA and to assess the importance of each of these two biomarkers in relating to depression. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of healthy elderly men from the island of Crete. SETTING The Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Clinic, University of Crete, Greece. SUBJECTS A total of 150 males, aged 80-96 years. The subjects were survivors of the Greek Seven Countries Study group. METHODS Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography in adipose tissue and serum cholesteryl esters. Information about depression was obtained through the use of the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). RESULTS Regression analysis showed that depression related positively to age and serum cholesteryl ester arachidonic/docosahexaenoic fatty acid ratio. The only significant unadjusted correlation between depression and serum cholesteryl ester and adipose fatty acids was with adipose alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (r = -0.31, P < 0.01). Depressed males (GDS-15 > 5) had lower adipose ALA and sum n-3 fatty acids than non-depressed ones. There were no significant differences between depressed and non-depressed males in serum cholesteryl ester fatty acids. When adipose tissue ALA was included as one of the independent measures in the regression model, the observed positive relation between GDS-15 depression and cholesteryl ester arachidonic/docosahexaenoic ratio failed to persist. Instead, there was a negative relationship between GDS-15 depression and adipose tissue ALA. CONCLUSIONS It appears that the fatty acids of the adipose tissue are better predictors of depression than those of serum cholesteryl esters. This indicates that depression relates more strongly to long-term than to short-term fatty acid intake. The reason for this may be the reported slow rate of deposition of dietary PUFA to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mamalakis
- Department of Social Medicine Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece.
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