The Impact of 8 Weeks of Combined Physical Exercise Training on SIRT3 and mTOR in Lymphocytes, and on Lipid Peroxidation

The sirtuins (SIRT) protein family and the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are intracellular molecules that have been involved in the regulation of several biological processes, as well as in various aging-related processes. This pilot study, in small scale, aimed to analyze the effects of an 8-week physical exercise program on SIRT3 and mTOR levels in lymphocytes, as well as on lipid peroxidation in middle aged and older men. A total of 9 participants aged between 56 and 73 years were enrolled in an 8-week physical exercise program comprising cardiovascular and high-intensity interval training. The program involved three sessions per week, each lasting 45-60 min, conducted on non-consecutive days. Tests were conducted before and after the experimental period (pre- and post-training). Assessments included a vertical jump, 20 m velocity, ball throwing, and an aerobic capacity test. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) was measured in plasma as an oxidative stress biomarker. Additionally, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3/β-actin) and mTOR (mTOR/β-actin) levels were measured in isolated lymphocytes extracted from venous blood. Following the exercise training period, our results demonstrated a significant improvement in aerobic capacity (pre-training: 615.4 ± 45.3 m; post-training: 687.2 ± 34.6 m; t = -2.521; p = 0.012) and 20 m velocity (pre-training: 4.6 ± 0.5 s; post-training: 4.3 ± 0.3 s; t = -2.023; p = 0.04). Concerning blood variables, there was a significant decrease in mTOR levels (pre-training: 0.857 ± 0.593; post-training: 0.214 ± 0.097; t = -2.547; p = 0.011), while no changes were observed in SIRT3 (pre-training: 0.608 ± 0.404; post-training: 0.516 ± 0.390; t = 0.533; p = 0.594) and MDA (pre-training: 8420 ± 4615; post-training: 8800 ± 3163; t = -0.533; p = 0.594). The notable reduction in mTOR levels in lymphocytes following the 8-week physical exercise program suggests a potential role of exercise in modulating immune cell dynamics, particularly in middle-aged and older individuals. Furthermore, the exercise regimen resulted in improvements in physical function, including enhanced aerobic capacity and walking velocity.

Physical activity interventions in older adults with a cognitive impairment: A critical review of reviews

This critical review explores the review material on physical activity combined with cognitive stimulation interventions in older adults with cognitive impairment and/or dementia. A critical, systematic, review of the review method was used, considering four electronic databases: WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and the COCHRANE ELECTRONIC LIBRARY. The search terms "exercise," "physical activity," "cognitive impairment," "dementia," and "systematic review" were used. All available reviews were marked against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 32 reviews that met the inclusion criteria. A combination of various types of training and aerobic exercises were the most frequently reported interventions; meanwhile, dual task training programs (combining physical exercise with cognitive stimulation), functional training programs along with exercises combination, aerobic exercise as well as strength, stretching, or balance workouts were also reported. The evidence is compelling; exercise can improve physical health by ensuring cognitive, psychological, and behavioral benefits. Overall, exercise can improve the physical and mental health of people living with dementia: there is sufficient evidence to recommend multimodal exercise.

Multicomponent exercise program effects on fitness and cognitive function of elderlies with mild cognitive impairment: Involvement of oxidative stress and BDNF

Regular exercise has been shown to be one of the most important lifestyle influences on improving functional performance, and decreasing morbidity and all-cause mortality among older people. However, although there is some evidence on the effects of aerobic training on oxidative stress, there is little information regarding the effects of multicomponent exercise (dual-task training) and combination of exercise with cognitive stimulation on oxidative stress. In this context, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on physical fitness and cognitive function in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment and determine the role of oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). At baseline, 37 elderly nursing home residents with mild cognitive impairment were divided into two groups: the control group (CG, n = 12, 81.8 years) and the experimental group (EG, n = 25, 83.2 years). These elderlies followed multicomponent exercise training for 24 weeks, with two sessions per week and 45–50 min per session. The exercises included both aerobic and strength exercises, considering functional movements and light to moderate intensity. Cognitive stimulation comprehended exercises based on word games, puzzles, mathematical calculations, forward and backward counting, computer exercises, exergames, and games on a balanced platform. Physical assessments (weight, height, and body mass index), health and functional parameters (fitness tests: chair stand, arm curls, chair sit-and-reach, eight feet up-and-go, back scratch, 6-min walking, feet together, semi-tandem, and full tandem), lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides), measures of lipid peroxidation damage, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and BDNF were measured in plasma, based on which analyses were performed before and after the 24 weeks of the multicomponent exercise intervention. The results showed an overall improvement in physical and functional performance. Regarding biochemical measures, multicomponent exercises lead to a significant decrease in oxidative damage. The results indicate that multicomponent exercise training induces benefits in functional capacity and reduces damage due to oxidative stress.

Intervention with a combined physical exercise training to reduce oxidative stress of women over 40 years of age

Exercise training has been shown to be one of the most important lifestyle factor for improving functional performance and health status. Nevertheless, and although some evidence exists about the effects of aerobic training on oxidative stress, there is scarce information concerning the effects of combined exercise training (aerobic and strength training) in oxidative stress. Considering this, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of a combined exercise training in oxidative stress parameters of women over 40 years of age. At baseline, 67 women enrolled in the study and were divided into three groups: younger group (YG, n = 28: 40 to 49 years), middle-aged group (MAG, n = 21: 50 to 59 years) and oldest group (OG, n = 18: above 60 years). These women engaged in a combined exercise training program for 16 weeks, 3 sessions of 60 min per week. At the end of the program, only 31 women (YG: 15; MAG: 8 and OG: 8) were remained in the study and were considered for analysis. Physical assessments (weight, height, body mass index and waist circumference), health and functional parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fitness tests: supine, latissimus, squat jump, 8 foot up and go test, 30 second chair stand test, and 6 min walk test) and measures of DNA damage (DNA SBs, DNA netFPG), lipid peroxidation (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase activity (CAT) were performed before and after the 16-week intervention with combined exercise. The results showed an improvement of overall physical and functional performance as well as a significant decrease in waist perimeter and systolic blood pressure after the exercise program intervention. Regarding the biochemical measures, the exercise training induced a significant decrease in oxidative damage, and a significant increase in the TAC (p < 0.05). The results indicate that combined exercise training induces benefits in functional capacity and reduce damage caused by oxidative stress.

Psychometric properties of the schedule of growing skills II: Portuguese version

The second version of the Schedule of Growing Skills (SGS-II) was standardized using a sample of 348 UK children, ages 0 to 5 years. It examined ten psychomotor development areas in 14 age ranges. The Portuguese version of SGS-II was published in 2003, re-edited in 2011, and re-published in 2012, but its psychometric properties remained untested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of SGS-II, comparing them with the results of the UK version. A sample of 364 Portuguese children, 193 boys and 172 girls, with an average age of 34.45 months (±18.62) was assessed with the SGS-II. The results have shown suitable psychometric properties of the SGS-II Portuguese version, adequate for the screening of children development. The internal consistency coefficients ranged from adequate to excellent (≥.7) and similar correlation results among the scale’s versions (English and Portuguese) were positive, high, and significant.

Exercise as an Essential Therapeutic Tool in Mental Health: Closing the Gap From Research to Practice, A Portuguese Perspective

N/A.

Impact of physical exercise on catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in depressive patients: A preliminary communication

BACKGROUND

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a catabolic enzyme involved in the degradation of bioactive molecules including the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Higher COMT activity in depressive patients in comparison to non-depressed individuals has been reported. The effect of aerobic exercise on depressive patients has been studied and a number of researchers and clinicians believe it to be effective in the treatment of depression and to be involved in several molecular underlying mechanisms. However, the effect of physical exercise on this enzyme activity is unknown, and it remains to be elucidated if chronic exercise changes COMT activity. This randomized control trial evaluates the effects of chronic exercise on peripheral COMT (S-COMT) activity in women with depressive disorder.

METHODS

Fourteen women (aged: 51.4±10.5 years) diagnosed with depression (according to International Classification of Diseases-10) were randomized to one of two groups: pharmacotherapy plus physical exercise (n=7) or only pharmacotherapy (n=7). The aerobic exercise program was supervised, lasting between 45-50min/session, three times/week for 16 weeks. Erythrocyte soluble COMT were assessed prior to and after the exercise program.

RESULTS

Exercise group when compared to a control group presented a significant decrease (p=0.02, r=-0.535) in S-COMT activity between baseline and post-intervention.

LIMITATIONS

These data are preliminary outcomes from a small sample and should be replicated.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic exercise therapy combined with pharmacotherapy leads to significant decrease in S-COMT activity. Our results provide evidence that exercise interferes with S-COMT activity, a molecular mechanism involved in depression.

Effects of structured exercise and pharmacotherapy vs. pharmacotherapy for adults with depressive symptoms: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Physical exercise has been consistently documented as a complementary therapy in the treatment of depressive disorders. However, despite a higher prevalence among women compared to men, the trials developed in women are scarce. In addition, the optimal dosage of exercise capable of producing benefits that reduce depressive symptoms remains unclear. This clinical trial is designed to measure the effect of a structured physical exercise program as a complement to antidepressant medication in the treatment of women with depression.

METHODS

From July 2013 to May 2014, we implemented a randomized controlled trial (HAPPY BRAIN study). A total of 26 women (aged 50.16 ± 12.08) diagnosed with clinical depression were randomized either to a supervised aerobic exercise group (45-50 min/week three times a week for four months) plus pharmacotherapy (intervention group), or only antidepressant medication (control group).

RESULTS

The exercise group presented a decrease in BDI-II and DASS-21 total score scales. Relatively to DASS-21, it showed a significant decrease in anxiety and stress. The exercise group when compared to a control group showed improvement in relation to physical functioning parameters between baseline and post-intervention. Moreover, anthropometric parameters presented only significant differences between groups in fat mass percentage. Nonetheless, no differences were found between groups in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and self-esteem.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that supervised structured aerobic exercise training could be an effective adjuvant therapy for treating women with depression, reducing depressive symptomatology and improving physical fitness. A key factor of this improvement included strict control of exercise workload parameters and adjustment to each subject's capacity. In our study, due to the sample size there is an increase in the probability of type II errors.

Effects of physical exercise training in DNA damage and repair activity in humans with different genetic polymorphisms of hOGG1 (Ser326Cys)

The main purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the possible influence of genetic polymorphisms of the hOGG1 (Ser326Cys) gene in DNA damage and repair activity by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1 enzyme) in response to 16 weeks of combined physical exercise training. Thirty-two healthy Caucasian men (40-74 years old) were enrolled in this study. All the subjects were submitted to a training of 16 weeks of combined physical exercise. The subjects with Ser/Ser genotype were considered as wild-type group (WTG), and Ser/Cys and Cys/Cys genotype were analysed together as mutant group (MG). We used comet assay in conjunction with formamidopyrimidine DNA glycoslyase (FPG) to analyse both strand breaks and FPG-sensitive sites. DNA repair activity were also analysed with the comet assay technique. Our results showed no differences between DNA damage (both strand breaks and FPG-sensitive sites) and repair activity (OGG1) between genotype groups (in the pre-training condition). Regarding the possible influence of genotype in the response to 16 weeks of physical exercise training, the results revealed a decrease in DNA strand breaks in both groups, a decrease in FPG-sensitive sites and an increase in total antioxidant capacity in the WTG, but no changes were found in MG. No significant changes in DNA repair activity was observed in both genotype groups with physical exercise training. This preliminary study suggests the possibility of different responses in DNA damage to the physical exercise training, considering the hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism.

Effects of combined physical exercise training on DNA damage and repair capacity: role of oxidative stress changes

Regular physical exercise has been shown to be one of the most important lifestyle influences on improving functional performance, decreasing morbidity and all causes of mortality among older people. However, it is known that acute physical exercise may induce an increase in oxidative stress and oxidative damage in several structures, including DNA. Considering this, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of 16 weeks of combined physical exercise in DNA damage and repair capacity in lymphocytes. In addition, we aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress involved in those changes. Fifty-seven healthy men (40 to 74 years) were enrolled in this study. The sample was divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG), composed of 31 individuals, submitted to 16 weeks of combined physical exercise training; and the control group (CG), composed of 26 individuals, who did not undergo any specifically orientated physical activity. We observed an improvement of overall physical performance in the EG, after the physical exercise training. A significant decrease in DNA strand breaks and FPG-sensitive sites was found after the physical exercise training, with no significant changes in 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase enzyme activity. An increase was observed in antioxidant activity, and a decrease was found in lipid peroxidation levels after physical exercise training. These results suggest that physical exercise training induces protective effects against DNA damage in lymphocytes possibly related to the increase in antioxidant capacity.

Aging and DNA damage in humans: a meta‐analysis study

Age-related DNA damage is regarded as one of the possible explanations of aging. Although a generalized idea about the accumulation of DNA damage with age exists, results found in the literature are inconsistent. To better understand the question of age-related DNA damage in humans and to identify possible moderator variables, a meta-analysis was conducted.

Electronic databases and bibliographies for studies published since 2004 were searched. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for age-related DNA damage were calculated in a random-effects model.

A total of 76 correlations from 36 studies with 4676 participants were included. Based on our analysis, a correlation between age and DNA damage was found (r = 0.230, p = 0.000; 95% confidence interval = 0.111 - 0.342). The test for heterogeneity of variance indicates that the study´s results are significantly high (Q (75) = 1754.831, p = 0.000). Moderator variables such as smoking habits, technique used, and the tissue/sample analyzed, are shown to influence age-related DNA damage (p=0.026; p=0.000; p=0.000, respectively). Nevertheless, sex did not show any influence on this relation (p=0.114).

In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed an association between age and DNA damage in humans. It was also found that smoking habits, the technique used, and tissue/sample analyzed, are important moderator variables in age-related DNA damage.

Portuguese adults' physical activity during different periods of the year

This study aims to describe the daily physical activity (PA) of a sample of adults over the course of 1 year and to examine if there are any changes in achieving PA recommendations when assessed at different periods of the year. Participants, 257 women (age: 58.99 ± 18.93 years, BMI: 26.75 ± 4.57 kg m(-2)) and 178 men (age: 49.22 ± 20.39 years, BMI: 26.81 ± 3.51 kg m(-2)), wore an accelerometer 4-7 days. Periods of data collection were defined as T1 (September to December), T2 (January to April) and T3 (May to July). From T1 and T2, men from 20 to 39 years significantly increased values of daily average ct.min(-1) (U = 506, p = 0.012), due to an increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA by 15.96 min (U = 455, p = 0.003). Achievement of the two PA recommendations varied throughout the year and among the gender/age groups. Results from this study showed that women generally maintain their level of PA throughout the year, whereas men show some variation, and that there are periods of the year when individuals are more likely to be involved in PA, or perform lower-intensity activities, especially older age groups. Also, recommendations of minimum PA are not accomplished in a constant way throughout the year. PA interventions should be conducted while being mindful of the time of year in which they will take place in order to help maintain a consistent PA level throughout the year to ensure health benefits from PA.

Changes in proximal femur bone properties following ovariectomy and their association with resistance to fracture

Bone strength depends on several material and structural properties, but findings concerning the best predictors of bone mechanical performance are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate how a broad set of bone properties in the proximal femur are influenced by age and hormonal status, and how these properties together determine bone strength. Twenty-five Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX, n = 13) or sham operated (SHAM, n = 12) at 5 months of age, and killed after 9 months. Another group of rats was killed at 5 months as baseline control (BSL, n = 7). At sacrifice, serum 17β-estradiol and bone turnover marker concentrations were determined in the serum. Both femurs were collected for assessment of trabecular microarchitecture, femoral neck geometry, radiographic absorptiometry, calcium and phosphate content, and biomechanical properties. While stiffness was mostly associated with proximal femur trabecular microarchitecture and mineralization degree, bone strength was mostly linked to bone size and femoral neck geometry, which predicted almost 50% of its variance. Despite the decrease in cortical and trabecular bone as well as in mineralization degree following estrogen loss, bone strength was not reduced in OVX animals compared to BSL or sham-operated rats. This was due to a change in femoral neck geometry as well as to an increase in femur size in OVX, which apparently compensated their lower bone volume and mineral content, thereby preserving bone strength. Estrogen loss leads to a deterioration of bone tissue quality, but bone strength was preserved at the expense of geometric adaptations.

Use of accelerometry to measure physical activity in adults and the elderly

OBJECTIVE

To review the use of accelerometry as an objective measure of physical activity in adults and elderly people.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies on the use of accelerometty as an objective measure to assess physical activity in adults were examined in PubMed Central, Web of Knowledge, EBSCO and Medline databases from March 29 to April 15, 2010. The following keywords were used: "accelerometry," "accelerometer," "physical activity," "PA," "patterns," "levels," "adults," "older adults," and "elderly," either alone or in combination using "AND" or "OR." The reference lists of the articles retrieved were examined to capture any other potentially relevant article. Of 899 studies initially identified, only 18 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures abstracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were conducted in North America (United States), five in Europe, one in Africa (Cameroon) and one in Australia. Very few enrolled older people, and only one study reported the season or time of year when data was collected. The articles selected had different methods, analyses, and results, which prevented comparison between studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to standardize study methods for data reporting to allow comparisons of results across studies and monitor changes in populations. These data can help design more adequate strategies for monitoring and promotion of physical activity.

Voluntary exercise has long-term in vivo protective effects on osteocyte viability and bone strength following ovariectomy

Osteocytes are recognized as having a pivotal role in bone tissue homeostasis, and stimuli that increase osteocyte death result in decreased bone tissue quality. Previous in vitro studies have shown that mechanical stimulation prevents osteocyte death; however, in vivo evidence of this protective effect is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate if mechanical stimulation provided by voluntary exercise reduces osteocyte death caused by estrogen deficiency. Thirty-two female Wistar rats (5 months old) were either sacrificed as baseline controls (BSL, n = 7), ovariectomized or sham-operated and housed in cages with a voluntary running wheel (OVXEX, n = 7; SHAMEX, n = 6), or ovariectomized or sham-operated and housed in standard cages of equivalent size (OVXSED, n = 6; SHAMSED, n = 6) and sacrificed at age 14 months. Histomorphometric analysis of femur mid-diaphysis cortical bone revealed a significantly higher osteocyte number (N.Ot) and lower empty lacunae number (N.Lc) in both the OVXEX and SHAMEX groups compared to their SED counterparts. Intracortical porosity (Po.Ar) was also lower in both EX groups compared to their SED counterparts and significantly correlated with N.Lc (r = 0.616; P < 0.001). Three-point bending testing showed a significantly higher Young's modulus and ultimate stress in OVXEX compared to OVXSED and significant correlations between N.Lc and both yield stress (r = -0.376, P < 0.05) and ultimate stress (r = -0.369, P < 0.05) and between intracortical porosity and bone ultimate stress (r = -0.451, P < 0.05). Our results show that voluntary exercise prevented osteocyte death and that this protective effect was associated with increases in femur ultimate stress, which could be partially explained by decreases in Po.Ar.

Lifelong sedentary behaviour and femur structure

The aim of the present study was to analyze the lifelong differences of femur structure in sedentary and physically active animal models. Thirty male C57BL/6 mice, 2 months old, were either: i) housed in cages with running wheel (AA; n=10), ii) housed in cages without running wheel (AS; n=10), iii) or sacrificed without intervention (Y; n=10). AA and AS animals were sacrificed after 23 months of housing. Right femur structure was analyzed in all animals by histomorphometry. Significant differences in several microarchitectural parameters of cancellous and cortical bone were identified between Y mice and both groups of aged mice, as well as between AA and AS groups. Lifelong physically active mice had significantly higher cancellous bone surface (Cn.BS) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) at both epiphyses when compared to AS animals. No differences were observed between Y and AA groups regarding osteocyte number (N.Ot) despite its significant reduction in AS animals, suggesting that age alone was not a cause for decreases in N.Ot. Our results suggest that the reduced bone quality observed in the elderly is not only a consequence of age but also of lack of physical activity since sedentary behaviour significantly aggravated the degenerative age-related bone differences.

Influence of aerobic fitness on age-related lymphocyte DNA damage in humans: relationship with mitochondria respiratory chain and hydrogen peroxide production

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of aerobic fitness (AF) on age-related lymphocyte DNA damage in humans, giving special attention to the role of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and hydrogen peroxide production. Considering age and AF (as assessed by VO(2)max), 66 males (19-59 years old) were classified as high fitness (HF) or low fitness (LF) and distributed into one of the following groups: young adults (19-29 years old), adults (30-39 years old), and middle-aged adults (over 40 years old). Peripheral lymphocytes obtained at rest were used to assess DNA damage (strand breaks and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG) sites through the comet assay), activity of mitochondrial complexes I and II (polarographically measured), and the hydrogen peroxide production rate (assayed by fluorescence). Results revealed a significant interaction between age groups and AF for DNA strand breaks (F = 8.415, p = .000), FPG sites (F = 11.766, p = .000), mitochondrial complex I activity (F = 7.555, p = .000), and H(2)O(2) production (F = 7.500, p = .000). Except for mitochondrial complex II activity, the age variation of the remaining parameters was significantly attenuated by HF. Considering each AF level, an increase in DNA strand breaks and FPG sites with age (r = 0.655, p = 0.000, and r = 0.738, p = 0.000, respectively) was only observed in LF. Moreover, decreased mitochondrial complex I activity with age (r = -.470, p = .009) was reported in LF. These results allow the conclusion that high AF seems to play a key role in attenuating the biological aging process.