Effects of cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) supplementation on iron status and inflammatory markers in rowers

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin and selected markers of iron metabolism in rowers subjected to exhaustive exercise.

Methods

This double-blind study included 16 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 9), receiving 1200 mg of cranberry extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group (n = 7). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory camp. Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein prior to each exercise test, one minute after completing the test, and after a 24-h recovery period. The levels of hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), ferritin, iron, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and myoglobin were determined, along with total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unbound iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Results

Both prior and after the supplementation, a significant post-exercise increase in the concentration of IL-6 was observed in both groups. At the end of the study period, cranberry-supplemented athletes presented with significantly higher resting, post-exercise and post-recovery levels of TAC than the controls. However, a significant exercise-induced increase in the concentrations of TNF-alpha, myoglobin and hepcidin was observed solely in the control group.

Conclusion

Supplementation with cranberry extract contributed to a significant strengthening of antioxidant potential in individuals exposed to strenuous physical exercise. However, supplementation did not exert direct effects on other analyzed parameters: inflammatory markers and indices of iron metabolism (TNF-alpha, hepcidin and myoglobin).

The diagnosis of bladder tumors by concentration of epithelial cells in the urine and by the help of the fluorescence property of tetracycline

Positive results were obtained in epithelial concentrations when tetracycline was given to 50 patients with bladder tumors. The diagnosis of bladder tumors with epithelial concentration is especially helpful in patients with hematuria and pyuria. With this technique many epithelial cells radiate a bright yellow fluorescence.

The effect of regular exercise and massage on oxidant and antioxidant parameters

This experimental study aimed to determine the effects of the combined application of regular exercises and massage on the values of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric Oxide (NOx), Glutathione (GSH), Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Twenty five sedentary women (32-50 years) who did not have the habit of getting regularly massages or exercising and participated voluntarily in the study. The subjects were randomly separated into three groups: control group (CG, n = 9), exercise group (EG, n = 8), and massage and exercise group (MEG, n = 8). The basic result of this study was that a statistically significant decrease was observed in the post-test MDA values of both EG and MEG subjects. Moreover, when the GSH and SOD values are compared to CG, a statistically significant increase was determined in the values of both EG and MEG. As a result, the findings show that regular physical activities and massage manipulations significantly decrease MDA, increase SOD and GSH activities, and result in no change in NOx and ADA activities supports the assumption that regular physical activity has positive health effects.