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Peel JS, McNarry MA, Heffernan SM, Nevola VR, Kilduff LP, Coates K, Dudley E, Waldron M. The effect of 8-day oral taurine supplementation on thermoregulation during low-intensity exercise at fixed heat production in hot conditions of incremental humidity. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00421-024-05478-3. [PMID: 38582816 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05478-3] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effect of taurine supplementation on sweating and core temperature responses, including the transition from compensable to uncompensable heat stress, during prolonged low-intensity exercise of a fixed-heat production (~ 200W/m2) in hot conditions (37.5 °C), at both fixed and incremental vapour-pressure. METHODS Fifteen females (n = 3) and males (n = 12; 27 ± 5 years, 78 ± 9 kg, V ˙ O2max 50.3 ± 7.8 mL/kg/min), completed a treadmill walking protocol (~ 200W/m2 heat production [Ḣprod]) in the heat (37.5 ± 0.1 °C) at fixed-(16-mmHg) and ramped-humidity (∆1.5-mmHg/5-min) following 1 week of oral taurine supplementation (50 mg/kg/bm) or placebo, in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design. Participants were assessed for whole-body sweat loss (WBSL), local sweat rate (LSR), sweat gland activation (SGA), core temperature (Tcore), breakpoint of compensability (Pcrit) and calorimetric heat transfer components. Plasma volume and plasma taurine concentrations were established through pre- and post-trial blood samples. RESULTS Taurine supplementation increased WBSL by 26.6% and 5.1% (p = 0.035), LSR by 15.5% and 7.8% (p = 0.013), SGA (1 × 1 cm) by 32.2% and 29.9% (p < 0.001) and SGA (3 × 3 cm) by 22.1% and 17.1% (p = 0.015) during the fixed- and ramped-humidity exercise periods, respectively. Evaporative heat loss was enhanced by 27% (p = 0.010), heat-storage reduced by 72% (p = 0.024) and Pcrit was greater in taurine vs placebo (25.0-mmHg vs 21.7-mmHg; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Taurine supplementation increased sweating responses during fixed Ḣprod in hot conditions, prior to substantial heat strain and before the breakpoint of compensability, demonstrating improved thermoregulatory capacity. The enhanced evaporative cooling and reduced heat-storage delayed the subsequent upward inflection in Tcore-represented by a greater Pcrit-and offers a potential dietary supplementation strategy to support thermoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Peel
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
| | - Melitta A McNarry
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Venturino R Nevola
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Fareham, Hampshire, UK
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Kathryn Coates
- Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ed Dudley
- Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Waldron
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Grainger A, Comfort P, Twist C, Heffernan SM, Tarantino G. Real-World Fatigue Testing in Professional Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2024; 54:855-874. [PMID: 38114782 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01973-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional rugby union is a high-intensity contact sport with position-specific high training and match volumes across a season that may lead to periods of fatigue if above a typically experienced threshold. This study assesses the influence of match play and/or training on fatigue levels in rugby union players. OBJECTIVE We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of measures used to assess fatigue status in male professional rugby union players. METHODS Using electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE), a systematic review of fatigue testing in rugby union was conducted on (1) neuromuscular, (2) subjective self-report, (3) biochemical, and (4) heart rate-derived measures. RESULTS Thirty-seven articles were included in this systematic review, of which 14 were further included in a meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed small, yet not significant, decreases in countermovement jump height immediately after (effect size [ES] = - 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.64 to 0.06), 24 h (ES = - 0.43; 95% CI - 3.99 to 3.21), and 48 h (ES = - 0.22; 95% CI - 0.47 to 0.02) after exposure to rugby union match play or training. Reported wellness (ES = - 0.33; 95% CI - 1.70 to 1.04) and tiredness (ES = - 0.14; 95% CI - 1.30 to 1.03) declined over a period of a few weeks (however, the results were not-statistically significant), meanwhile muscle soreness increased (ES = 0.91; 95% CI 0.06 to 1.75) within the 96 h after the exposure to rugby union match play or training. Finally, while cortisol levels (ES = 1.87; 95% CI - 1.54 to 5.29) increased, testosterone declined (ES = - 1.54; 95% CI - 7.16 to 4.08) within the 24 h after the exposure. However, these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Subjective measures of muscle soreness can be used to assess fatigue after match play and training in rugby union players. Within-study and between-study variability for countermovement jump height, biochemical markers, and heart rate-derived measures means the utility (practical application) of these measures to assess fatigue in professional rugby union players after matches and training is unclear. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID: CRD42020216706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Grainger
- Kitman Labs, Dublin, Ireland.
- Institute of Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Paul Comfort
- University of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Craig Twist
- Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Ummat V, Sivagnanam SP, Rai DK, O'Donnell C, Conway GE, Heffernan SM, Fitzpatrick S, Lyons H, Curtin J, Tiwari BK. Conventional extraction of fucoidan from Irish brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus followed by ultrasound-assisted depolymerization. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6214. [PMID: 38486008 PMCID: PMC10940655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55225-z] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Fucoidan has attracted considerable attention from scientists and pharmaceutical companies due to its antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and health-enhancing properties. However, the extraction of fucoidan from seaweeds often involves the use of harsh chemicals, which necessitates the search for alternative solvents. Additionally, the high viscosity and low cell permeability of high molecular weight (Mw) fucoidan can limit its effectiveness in drug action, while lower Mw fractions exhibit increased biological activity and are also utilized as dietary supplements. The study aimed to (1) extract fucoidan from the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus (FV) using an environmentally friendly solvent and compare it with the most commonly used extraction solvent, hydrochloric acid, and (2) assess the impact of ultrasound-assisted depolymerization on reducing the molecular weight of the fucoidan extracts and examine the cytotoxic effect of different molecular weight fractions. The findings indicated that the green depolymerization solvent, in conjunction with a brief ultrasound treatment, effectively reduced the molecular weight. Moreover, a significant decrease in cell viability was observed in selected samples, indicating potential anticancer properties. As a result, ultrasound was determined to be an effective method for depolymerizing crude fucoidan from Fucus Vesiculosus seaweed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viruja Ummat
- Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland.
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | | | - Dilip K Rai
- Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
| | - Colm O'Donnell
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Gillian E Conway
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA3 5AU, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, SA3 5AU, UK
| | | | - Henry Lyons
- Nutramara Ltd., Beechgrove House Strand Street, Tralee, Ireland
| | - James Curtin
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Science and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, D07 ADY7, Ireland
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Lundberg TR, Tucker R, McGawley K, Williams AG, Millet GP, Sandbakk Ø, Howatson G, Brown GA, Carlson LA, Chantler S, Chen MA, Heffernan SM, Heron N, Kirk C, Murphy MH, Pollock N, Pringle J, Richardson A, Santos-Concejero J, Stebbings GK, Christiansen AV, Phillips SM, Devine C, Jones C, Pike J, Hilton EN. The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14581. [PMID: 38511417 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14581] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently published a framework on fairness, inclusion, and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations. Although we appreciate the IOC's recognition of the role of sports science and medicine in policy development, we disagree with the assertion that the IOC framework is consistent with existing scientific and medical evidence and question its recommendations for implementation. Testosterone exposure during male development results in physical differences between male and female bodies; this process underpins male athletic advantage in muscle mass, strength and power, and endurance and aerobic capacity. The IOC's "no presumption of advantage" principle disregards this reality. Studies show that transgender women (male-born individuals who identify as women) with suppressed testosterone retain muscle mass, strength, and other physical advantages compared to females; male performance advantage cannot be eliminated with testosterone suppression. The IOC's concept of "meaningful competition" is flawed because fairness of category does not hinge on closely matched performances. The female category ensures fair competition for female athletes by excluding male advantages. Case-by-case testing for transgender women may lead to stigmatization and cannot be robustly managed in practice. We argue that eligibility criteria for female competition must consider male development rather than relying on current testosterone levels. Female athletes should be recognized as the key stakeholders in the consultation and decision-making processes. We urge the IOC to reevaluate the recommendations of their Framework to include a comprehensive understanding of the biological advantages of male development to ensure fairness and safety in female sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy R Lundberg
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ross Tucker
- Department of Sport Science, Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Kerry McGawley
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Alun G Williams
- Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Water Research Group, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Gregory A Brown
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Sarah Chantler
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark A Chen
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Neil Heron
- Centre for Public Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
| | - Christopher Kirk
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marie H Murphy
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Exercise Medicine, Physical Activity and Health, School of Sport, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Noel Pollock
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Pringle
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Richardson
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Stuart M Phillips
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Carwyn Jones
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jon Pike
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Emma N Hilton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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5
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Peel J, John K, Page J, Jeffries O, Heffernan SM, Tallent J, Waldron M. Topical application of isolated menthol and combined menthol-capsaicin creams: Exercise tolerance, thermal perception, pain, attentional focus and thermoregulation in the heat. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:2038-2048. [PMID: 37161852 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2023.2211966] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We determined the effects of topically applied (i) isolated menthol cream, (ii) menthol and capsaicin co-application or (iii) placebo cream on exercise tolerance, thermal perception, pain, attentional focus and thermoregulation during exercise in the heat. Ten participants cycled at 70% maximal power output until exhaustion in 35°C and 20% relative humidity after application of (i) 5% isolated menthol, (ii) 5% menthol and 0.025% capsaicin co-application or (iii) placebo cream. Thermo-physiological responses were measured during exercise, with attentional focus and pain determined post-exercise on a 0-to-10 scale. Across the three conditions, time to exhaustion was 13.4 ± 4.8 min, mean ± SD infrared tympanic and skin temperature was 37.2 ± 0.6°C and 35.1 ± 1.2°C, respectively, and heart rate was 152 ± 47 bpm, with no changes between conditions (p > 0.05). Perceived exertion was lower in the isolated menthol vs. all other conditions (p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.44). Thermal sensation was higher in menthol-capsaicin co-application vs. isolated menthol (p < 0.05, d = 1.1), while sweat rate was higher for capsaicin and menthol co-application compared to menthol (p < 0.05, d = 0.85). The median and interquartile range scores for pain were lower (p < 0.05) in the menthol condition (8, 7-8) compared to both menthol and capsaicin (10, 9-10) and placebo (9, 9-10), which was coupled with a greater distraction (p < 0.05) in the menthol condition (9, 7-10) compared to placebo (6, 5-7). Despite no performance effects for any topical cream application condition, these data reiterate the advantageous perceptual and analgesic role of menthol application and demonstrate no advantage of co-application with capsaicin.HighlightsTopical application of isolated menthol cream to cold-sensitive areas of the body during exhaustive exercise in the heat, elicited reduced perception of pain and enhanced sensation of cooling.While this reduction in generally unpleasant feelings (i.e. pain and heat) were coupled with lower RPE scores in the menthol condition and could be considered beneficial, there was no apparent ergogenic effect in an exercise tolerance test.Co-application of capsaicin and menthol appeared to inhibit the positive sensory effects elicited by menthol.Isolated menthol can induce changes in cognitive processes related to pain and exertion, while also reducing thermal sensation; however, the decision to use menthol creams must be balanced with the limited performance or thermoregulatory effects reported herein during exercise in hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Peel
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Kevin John
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Joe Page
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Owen Jeffries
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jamie Tallent
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Colchester, Australia
| | - Mark Waldron
- A-STEM Centre, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Callus P, Herbert AJ, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Kilduff LP, Bennett MA, Erskine RM, Raleigh SM, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Heffernan SM, Williams AG. Concussion-Associated Gene Variant COMT rs4680 Is Associated With Elite Rugby Athlete Status. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:e145-e151. [PMID: 35350037 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concussions are common match injuries in elite rugby, and reports exist of reduced cognitive function and long-term health consequences that can interrupt or end a playing career and produce continued ill health. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between elite rugby status and 8 concussion-associated risk polymorphisms. We hypothesized that concussion-associated risk genotypes and alleles would be underrepresented in elite rugby athletes compared with nonathletes. DESIGN A case-control genetic association study. SETTING Institutional (university). PARTICIPANTS Elite White male rugby athletes [n = 668, mean (SD) height 1.85 (0.07) m, mass 102 (12) kg, and age 29 (7) years] and 1015 nonathlete White men and women (48% men). INTERVENTIONS Genotype was the independent variable, obtained by PCR of genomic DNA using TaqMan probes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Elite athlete status with groups compared using χ 2 and odds ratio (OR). RESULTS The COMT rs4680 Met/Met (AA) genotype, Met allele possession, and Met allele frequency were lower in rugby athletes (24.8%, 74.6%, and 49.7%, respectively) than nonathletes (30.2%, 77.6%, and 54.0%; P < 0.05). The Val/Val (GG) genotype was more common in elite rugby athletes than nonathletes (OR 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.86). No other polymorphism was associated with elite athlete status. CONCLUSIONS Elite rugby athlete status is associated with COMT rs4680 genotype that, acting pleiotropically, could affect stress resilience and behavioral traits during competition, concussion risk, and/or recovery from concussion. Consequently, assessing COMT rs4680 genotype might aid future individualized management of concussion risk among athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Antrobus
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Brazier
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Callus
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Herbert
- School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen H Day
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Bennett
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart M Raleigh
- School of Health Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ; and
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Alun G Williams
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Hall ECR, Lockey SJ, Heffernan SM, Herbert AJ, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Erskine RM, Williams AG. The PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism is associated with elite long-distance running performance. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:56-62. [PMID: 37012221 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2195737] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Success in long-distance running relies on multiple factors including oxygen utilisation and lactate metabolism, and genetic associations with athlete status suggest elite competitors are heritably predisposed to superior performance. The Gly allele of the PPARGC1A Gly482Ser rs8192678 polymorphism has been associated with endurance athlete status and favourable aerobic training adaptations. However, the association of this polymorphism with performance amongst long-distance runners remains unclear. Accordingly, this study investigated whether rs8192678 was associated with elite status and competitive performance of long-distance runners. Genomic DNA from 656 Caucasian participants including 288 long-distance runners (201 men, 87 women) and 368 non-athletes (285 men, 83 women) was analysed. Medians of the 10 best UK times (Top10) for 10 km, half-marathon and marathon races were calculated, with all included athletes having personal best (PB) performances within 20% of Top10 (this study's definition of "elite"). Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between athletes and non-athletes, and athlete PB compared between genotypes. There were no differences in genotype frequency between athletes and non-athletes, but athlete Ser allele carriers were 2.5% faster than Gly/Gly homozygotes (p = 0.030). This study demonstrates that performance differences between elite long-distance runners are associated with rs8192678 genotype, with the Ser allele appearing to enhance performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott C R Hall
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah J Lockey
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adam J Herbert
- School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen H Day
- School of Medicine and Clinical Practice, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, and the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- Centre for Stress and Age-related Disease, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
- Centre for Exercise Sciences and Sports Medicine, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert M Erskine
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alun G Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
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8
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Dines HR, Nixon J, Lockey SJ, Herbert AJ, Kipps C, Pedlar CR, Day SH, Heffernan SM, Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Erskine RM, Stebbings GK, Hall ECR, Williams AG. Collagen Gene Polymorphisms Previously Associated with Resistance to Soft-Tissue Injury Are More Common in Competitive Runners Than Nonathletes. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:799-805. [PMID: 36763468 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Dines, HR, Nixon, J, Lockey, SJ, Herbert, AJ, Kipps, C, Pedlar, CR, Day, SH, Heffernan, SM, Antrobus, MR, Brazier, J, Erskine, RM, Stebbings, GK, Hall, ECR, and Williams, AG. Collagen gene polymorphisms previously associated with resistance to soft-tissue injury are more common in competitive runners than nonathletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 799-805, 2023-Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of collagen genes have been associated with soft-tissue injury and running performance. However, their combined contribution to running performance is unknown. We investigated the association of 2 collagen gene SNPs with athlete status and performance in 1,429 Caucasian subjects, including 597 competitive runners (354 men and 243 women) and 832 nonathletes (490 men and 342 women). Genotyping for COL1A1 rs1800012 (C > A) and COL5A1 rs12722 (C > T) SNPs was performed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The numbers of "injury-resistant" alleles from each SNP, based on previous literature (rs1800012 A allele and rs12722 C allele), were combined as an injury-resistance score (RScore, 0-4; higher scores indicate injury resistance). Genotype frequencies, individually and combined as an RScore, were compared between cohorts and investigated for associations with performance using official race times. Runners had 1.34 times greater odds of being rs12722 CC homozygotes than nonathletes (19.7% vs. 15.5%, p = 0.020) with no difference in the rs1800012 genotype distribution ( p = 0.659). Fewer runners had an RScore 0 of (18.5% vs. 24.7%) and more had an RScore of 4 (0.6% vs. 0.3%) than nonathletes ( p < 0.001). Competitive performance was not associated with the COL1A1 genotype ( p = 0.933), COL5A1 genotype ( p = 0.613), or RScore ( p = 0.477). Although not associated directly with running performance among competitive runners, a higher combined frequency of injury-resistant COL1A1 rs1800012 A and COL5A1 rs12722 C alleles in competitive runners than nonathletes suggests these SNPs may be advantageous through a mechanism that supports, but does not directly enhance, running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Dines
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Nixon
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Lockey
- School of Medicine, Facutly of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Department of Sport and Exercise, Research Center for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Courtney Kipps
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles R Pedlar
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen H Day
- School of Medicine and Clinical Practice, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Antrobus
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Brazier
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom ; and
| | - Robert M Erskine
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elliott C R Hall
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alun G Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom
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9
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Brazier J, Antrobus MR, Herbert AJ, Callus PC, Khanal P, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Heffernan SM, Kilduff LP, Bennett MA, Erskine RM, Raleigh SM, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Williams AG. Gene variants previously associated with reduced soft-tissue injury risk: Part 2 - Polygenic associations with elite status in Rugby. Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-10. [PMID: 36503489 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2155877] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Part 1 of this genetic association series highlighted several genetic variants independently associated with elite status in rugby. However, it is highly likely that the genetic influence on elite status is polygenic due to the interaction of multiple genes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether polygenic profiles of elite rugby athletes differed from non-athletes utilising 13 genetic polymorphisms previously associated with tendon/ligament injury. Total genotype score (TGS) was calculated and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to calculate SNP-SNP epistasis interactions. Based on our elite rugby data from Part 1, mean TGS was significantly higher in elite rugby athletes (52.1 ± 10.7) than non-athletes (48.7 ± 10.8). There were more elite rugby athletes (54%) within the upper TGS quartile, and fewer (46%) within the lower quartile, compared to non-athletes (31% and 69%, respectively; P = 5·10-5), and the TGS was able to distinguish between elite rugby athletes and non-athletes (area under the curve = 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.63; P = 9·10-7). Furthermore, MDR identified a three-SNP model of COL5A1 rs12722, COL5A1 rs3196378 and MIR608 rs4919510 that was best able to predict elite athlete status, with a greater frequency of the CC-CC-CC genotype combination in elite rugby athletes (9.8%) than non-athletes (5.3%). We propose that elite rugby athletes possess "preferable" musculoskeletal soft-tissue injury-associated polygenic profiles that have helped them achieve success in the high injury risk environment of rugby. These data may, in future, have implications for the individual management of musculoskeletal soft-tissue injury.Highlights Elite rugby athletes have preferable polygenic profiles to non-athletes in terms of genetic variants previously associated with musculoskeletal soft-tissue injury.The total genotype score was able to distinguish between elite rugby athletes and non-athletes.COL5A1 rs12722, COL5A1 rs3196378 and MIR608 rs4919510 produced the best model for predicting elite athlete status.We propose that elite rugby athletes may have an inherited advantage to achieving elite status due to an increased resistance to soft-tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Brazier
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK.,Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Mark R Antrobus
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK.,Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (C-LaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter C Callus
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK
| | - Praval Khanal
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK
| | - Stephen H Day
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark A Bennett
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Robert M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stuart M Raleigh
- Cardiovascular and Lifestyle Medicine Research Group, CSELS, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS) and the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) International Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Alun G Williams
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK.,Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
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10
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Peel JS, McNarry MA, Heffernan SM, Nevola VR, Kilduff LP, Waldron M. Measurement of thermal sweating at rest and steady-state exercise in healthy adults: Inter-day reliability and relationships with components of partitional calorimetry. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278652. [PMID: 36455061 PMCID: PMC9714830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inter-day reliability of sweat measurements, including the absorbent patch and modified iodine-paper techniques, at rest and exercise were evaluated. We further evaluated the effect of iodine paper size and the method of establishing sweat gland activation (sweat gland counting or surface area covered) on reliability. Furthermore, the relationships between all measurement techniques and metabolic heat production [Ḣprod] and evaporative requirement for heat balance [Ėreq] were determined. METHOD Twelve participants were assessed for whole-body sweat loss (WBSL), local sweat rate (LSR; absorbent patch) and sweat gland activation (SGA; iodine-paper) during rest and sub-maximal cycling at ~200, ~250 and ~300 W/m2 Ḣprod in the heat. Variations in iodine paper (1 x 1 cm-9 x 9 cm) were used to quantify SGA by counting sweat glands or surface area covered. The 'optimal' area of SGA was also determined based on the highest density of recruited glands. RESULTS All measures of the sweating response were positively related with Ḣprod and Ėreq (r = 0.53-0.84), with the 9 x 9 cm and 6 x 6 cm iodine paper sizes being the strongest (r = 0.66-0.84) for SGA. Superior inter-day reliability was found for all measures during exercise (CV% = 6-33.2) compared to rest (CV% = 33.5-77.9). The iodine-paper technique was most reliable at 9 x 9 cm (CV% = 15.9) or when the 1 x 1 cm (CV% = 17.6) and 3 x 3 cm (CV% = 15.5) optimal SGA was determined, particularly when measuring the sweat gland number. SIGNIFICANCE WBSL, LSR and SGA measurement techniques are sufficiently reliable to detect changes in thermal sweating typically reported. We recommend 9 x 9 cm paper sizes or 1 x 1 cm-3 x 3 cm optimal areas, using either gland counting or surface area to determine SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S. Peel
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, A-STEM Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Melitta A. McNarry
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, A-STEM Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Shane M. Heffernan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, A-STEM Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Venturino R. Nevola
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, A-STEM Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
| | - Liam P. Kilduff
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, A-STEM Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Waldron
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, A-STEM Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Callus PC, Herbert AJ, Stebbings GK, Khanal P, Day SH, Kilduff LP, Bennett MA, Erskine RM, Raleigh SM, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Heffernan SM, Williams AG. Concussion-Associated Polygenic Profiles of Elite Male Rugby Athletes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:820. [PMID: 35627205 PMCID: PMC9141383 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050820] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high-velocity collision-based nature of elite rugby league and union, the risk of sustaining a concussion is high. Occurrence of and outcomes following a concussion are probably affected by the interaction of multiple genes in a polygenic manner. This study investigated whether suspected concussion-associated polygenic profiles of elite rugby athletes differed from non-athletes and between rugby union forwards and backs. We hypothesised that a total genotype score (TGS) using eight concussion-associated polymorphisms would be higher in elite rugby athletes than non-athletes, indicating selection for protection against incurring or suffering prolonged effects of, concussion in the relatively high-risk environment of competitive rugby. In addition, multifactor dimensionality reduction was used to identify genetic interactions. Contrary to our hypothesis, TGS did not differ between elite rugby athletes and non-athletes (p ≥ 0.065), nor between rugby union forwards and backs (p = 0.668). Accordingly, the TGS could not discriminate between elite rugby athletes and non-athletes (AUC ~0.5), suggesting that, for the eight polymorphisms investigated, elite rugby athletes do not have a more ‘preferable’ concussion-associated polygenic profile than non-athletes. However, the COMT (rs4680) and MAPT (rs10445337) GC allele combination was more common in rugby athletes (31.7%; p < 0.001) and rugby union athletes (31.8%; p < 0.001) than non-athletes (24.5%). Our results thus suggest a genetic interaction between COMT (rs4680) and MAPT (rs10445337) assists rugby athletes in achieving elite status. These findings need exploration vis-à-vis sport-related concussion injury data and could have implications for the management of inter-individual differences in concussion risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Antrobus
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
- Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Jon Brazier
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Peter C. Callus
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Adam J. Herbert
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (C-LaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK;
| | - Georgina K. Stebbings
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Praval Khanal
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Stephen H. Day
- School of Medicine and Clinical Practice, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Liam P. Kilduff
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Mark A. Bennett
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Robert M. Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stuart M. Raleigh
- Cardiovascular and Lifestyle Medicine Research Group, CSELS, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK;
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, and the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa;
| | - Yannis P. Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton BN20 7SP, UK;
- Centre for Exercise Sciences and Sports Medicine, FIMS Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, Piazza L. de Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Shane M. Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Alun G. Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 7EL, UK; (J.B.); (P.C.C.); (G.K.S.); (P.K.); (A.G.W.)
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (L.P.K.); (M.A.B.); (S.M.H.)
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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12
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Brazier J, Antrobus MR, Herbert AJ, Callus PC, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Heffernan SM, Kilduff LP, Bennett MA, Erskine RM, Raleigh SM, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Williams AG. Gene Variants Previously Associated with Reduced Soft Tissue Injury Risk: Part 1 - Independent Associations with Elite Status in Rugby. Eur J Sport Sci 2022; 23:726-735. [PMID: 35293840 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2053752] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThere is growing evidence of genetic contributions to tendon and ligament pathologies. Given the high incidence and severity of tendon and ligament injuries in elite rugby, we studied whether 13 gene polymorphisms previously associated with tendon/ligament injury were associated with elite athlete status. Participants from the RugbyGene project were 663 elite Caucasian male rugby athletes (RA) (mean (standard deviation) height 1.85 (0.07) m, mass 101 (12) kg, age 29 (7) yr), including 558 rugby union athletes (RU) and 105 rugby league athletes. Non-athletes (NA) were 909 Caucasian men and women (56% female; height 1.70 (0.10) m, mass 72 (13) kg, age 41 (23) yr). Genotypes were determined using TaqMan probes and groups compared using Χ2 and odds ratio (OR). COLGALT1 rs8090 AA genotype was more frequent in RA (27%) than NA (23%; P = 0.006). COL3A1 rs1800255 A allele was more frequent in RA (26%) than NA (23%) due to a greater frequency of GA genotype (39% vs 33%). For MIR608 rs4919510, RA had 1.7 times the odds of carrying the CC genotype compared to NA. MMP3 rs591058 TT genotype was less common in RA (25.1%) than NA (31.2%; P < 0.04). For NID1 rs4660148, RA had 1.6 times the odds of carrying the TT genotype compared to NA. It appears that elite rugby athletes have an inherited advantage that contributes to their elite status, possibly via resistance to soft tissue injury. These data may, in future, assist personalized management of injury risk amongst athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Brazier
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.,Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.,Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Mark R Antrobus
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.,Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.,Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Department of Sport and Exercise, School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, B15 3TN, UK
| | - Peter C Callus
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.,Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.,Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Stephen H Day
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Mark A Bennett
- Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Robert M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stuart M Raleigh
- School of Health Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN2 0YJ, UK
| | - Alun G Williams
- Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK.,Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK.,Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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13
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Metcalfe RS, Kemp R, Heffernan SM, Churm R, Chen YC, Ruffino JS, Conway GE, Tornillo G, Orange ST. Anti-carcinogenic effects of exercise-conditioned human serum: evidence, relevance and opportunities. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021. [PMID: 33864493 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04680-x.pmid:33864493;pmcid:pmc8260517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of several site-specific cancers in humans and suppresses tumour growth in animal models. The mechanisms through which exercise reduces tumour growth remain incompletely understood, but an intriguing and accumulating body of evidence suggests that the incubation of cancer cells with post-exercise serum can have powerful effects on key hallmarks of cancer cell behaviour in vitro. This suggests that exercise can impact tumour biology through direct changes in circulating proteins, RNA molecules and metabolites. Here, we provide a comprehensive narrative overview of what is known about the effects of exercise-conditioned sera on in vitro cancer cell behaviour. In doing so, we consider the key limitations of the current body of literature, both from the perspective of exercise physiology and cancer biology, and we discuss the potential in vivo physiological relevance of these findings. We propose key opportunities for future research in an area that has the potential to identify key anti-oncogenic protein targets and optimise physical activity recommendations for cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Metcalfe
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK.
| | - Rachael Kemp
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Rachel Churm
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Yung-Chih Chen
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Gillian E Conway
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Sciences, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Giusy Tornillo
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Samuel T Orange
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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14
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Peel JS, McNarry MA, Heffernan SM, Nevola VR, Kilduff LP, Waldron M. The Effect of Dietary Supplements on Endurance Exercise Performance and Core Temperature in Hot Environments: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression. Sports Med 2021; 51:2351-2371. [PMID: 34129223 PMCID: PMC8514372 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ergogenic effects of dietary supplements on endurance exercise performance are well-established; however, their efficacy in hot environmental conditions has not been systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVES (1) To meta-analyse studies investigating the effects of selected dietary supplements on endurance performance and core temperature responses in the heat. Supplements were included if they were deemed to: (a) have a strong evidence base for 'directly' improving thermoneutral endurance performance, based on current position statements, or (b) have a proposed mechanism of action that related to modifiable factors associated with thermal balance. (2) To conduct meta-regressions to evaluate the moderating effect of selected variables on endurance performance and core temperature responses in the heat following dietary supplementation. METHODS A search was performed using various databases in May 2020. After screening, 25 peer-reviewed articles were identified for inclusion, across three separate meta-analyses: (1) exercise performance; (2) end core temperature; (3) submaximal core temperature. The moderating effect of several variables were assessed via sub-analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS Overall, dietary supplementation had a trivial significant positive effect on exercise performance (Hedges' g = 0.18, 95% CI 0.007-0.352, P = 0.042), a trivial non-significant positive effect on submaximal core temperature (Hedges' g = 0.18, 95% CI - 0.021 to 0.379, P = 0.080) and a small non-significant positive effect on end core temperature (Hedges' g = 0.20, 95% CI - 0.041 to 0.439, P = 0.104) in the heat. There was a non-significant effect of individual supplements on exercise performance (P = 0.973) and submaximal core temperature (P = 0.599). However, end core temperature was significantly affected by supplement type (P = 0.003), which was attributable to caffeine's large significant positive effect (n = 8; Hedges' g = 0.82, 95% CI 0.433-1.202, P < 0.001) and taurine's medium significant negative effect (n = 1; Hedges' g = - 0.96, 95% CI - 1.855 to - 0.069, P = 0.035). CONCLUSION Supplements such as caffeine and nitrates do not enhance endurance performance in the heat, with caffeine also increasing core temperature responses. Some amino acids might offer the greatest performance benefits in the heat. Exercising in the heat negatively affected the efficacy of many dietary supplements, indicating that further research is needed and current guidelines for performance in hot environments likely require revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Peel
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
| | - Melitta A McNarry
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Venturino R Nevola
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Fareham, Hampshire, UK
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Waldron
- A-STEM Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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15
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Metcalfe RS, Kemp R, Heffernan SM, Churm R, Chen YC, Ruffino JS, Conway GE, Tornillo G, Orange ST. Anti-carcinogenic effects of exercise-conditioned human serum: evidence, relevance and opportunities. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:2107-2124. [PMID: 33864493 PMCID: PMC8260517 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of several site-specific cancers in humans and suppresses tumour growth in animal models. The mechanisms through which exercise reduces tumour growth remain incompletely understood, but an intriguing and accumulating body of evidence suggests that the incubation of cancer cells with post-exercise serum can have powerful effects on key hallmarks of cancer cell behaviour in vitro. This suggests that exercise can impact tumour biology through direct changes in circulating proteins, RNA molecules and metabolites. Here, we provide a comprehensive narrative overview of what is known about the effects of exercise-conditioned sera on in vitro cancer cell behaviour. In doing so, we consider the key limitations of the current body of literature, both from the perspective of exercise physiology and cancer biology, and we discuss the potential in vivo physiological relevance of these findings. We propose key opportunities for future research in an area that has the potential to identify key anti-oncogenic protein targets and optimise physical activity recommendations for cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Metcalfe
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK.
| | - Rachael Kemp
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Rachel Churm
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Yung-Chih Chen
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Gillian E Conway
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Sciences, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Giusy Tornillo
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Samuel T Orange
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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16
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Antrobus MR, Brazier J, Stebbings GK, Day SH, Heffernan SM, Kilduff LP, Erskine RM, Williams AG. Genetic Factors That Could Affect Concussion Risk in Elite Rugby. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:19. [PMID: 33499151 PMCID: PMC7910946 DOI: 10.3390/sports9020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elite rugby league and union have some of the highest reported rates of concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) in professional sport due in part to their full-contact high-velocity collision-based nature. Currently, concussions are the most commonly reported match injury during the tackle for both the ball carrier and the tackler (8-28 concussions per 1000 player match hours) and reports exist of reduced cognitive function and long-term health consequences that can end a playing career and produce continued ill health. Concussion is a complex phenotype, influenced by environmental factors and an individual's genetic predisposition. This article reviews concussion incidence within elite rugby and addresses the biomechanics and pathophysiology of concussion and how genetic predisposition may influence incidence, severity and outcome. Associations have been reported between a variety of genetic variants and traumatic brain injury. However, little effort has been devoted to the study of genetic associations with concussion within elite rugby players. Due to a growing understanding of the molecular characteristics underpinning the pathophysiology of concussion, investigating genetic variation within elite rugby is a viable and worthy proposition. Therefore, we propose from this review that several genetic variants within or near candidate genes of interest, namely APOE, MAPT, IL6R, COMT, SLC6A4, 5-HTTLPR, DRD2, DRD4, ANKK1, BDNF and GRIN2A, warrant further study within elite rugby and other sports involving high-velocity collisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Antrobus
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Sport and Exercise Science, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Jon Brazier
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Georgina K. Stebbings
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Stephen H. Day
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Shane M. Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (S.M.H.); (L.P.K.)
| | - Liam P. Kilduff
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (S.M.H.); (L.P.K.)
| | - Robert M. Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alun G. Williams
- Sports Genomics Laboratory, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (J.B.); (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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17
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Fowler R, Jeffries O, Tallent J, Theis N, Heffernan SM, McNarry MA, Kilduff L, Waldron M. No thermoregulatory or ergogenic effect of dietary nitrate among physically inactive males, exercising above gas exchange threshold in hot and dry conditions. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:370-378. [PMID: 32130090 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1739144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of five days dietary nitrate (NO3-) consumption on exercise tolerance and thermoregulation during cycling in hot, dry conditions. In a double-blind, randomised crossover design, 11 healthy males participated in an exercise tolerance test (Tlim) in the heat (35°C, 28% relative humidity), cycling above the thermoneutral gas exchange threshold, after five days of dietary supplementation, with either NO3-rich beetroot juice (BR; ∼ 9.2 mmol NO3-) or placebo (PLA). Changes in plasma [NO3-] and nitrite [NO2-], core and mean skin temperatures, mean local and whole-body sweat rates, heart rate, perceptual ratings and pulmonary gas exchange were measured during exercise, alongside calorimetric estimations of thermal balance. Mean arterial pressures (MAP) were recorded pre-Tlim. There were no differences in Tlim between conditions (BR = 22.8 ± 8.1 min; Placebo = 20.7 ± 7.9 min) (P = 0.184), despite increases in plasma [NO3-] and [NO2-] (P < 0.001) and a 3.8% reduction in resting MAP (P = 0.004) in the BR condition. There were no other differences in thermoregulatory, cardio-metabolic, perceptual or calorimetric responses to the Tlim between conditions (P > 0.05). Dietary NO3- supplementation had no effect on exercise tolerance or thermoregulation in hot, dry conditions, despite reductions in resting MAP and increases in plasma [NO3-] and [NO2-]. Healthy, yet physically inactive individuals with no known impairments in vasodilatory and sudomotor function do not appear to require BR for ergogenic or thermolytic effects during exercise in the heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Fowler
- Faulty of Sport, Health and Applied Sciences, St Mary's University, London, UK
| | - Owen Jeffries
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jamie Tallent
- Faulty of Sport, Health and Applied Sciences, St Mary's University, London, UK
| | - Nicola Theis
- School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, UK
| | | | | | - Liam Kilduff
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Welsh Institute of Performance Science, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Waldron
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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18
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Heffernan SM, Kilduff LP, Erskine RM, Day SH, Stebbings GK, Cook CJ, Raleigh SM, Bennett MA, Wang G, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Williams AG. COL5A1 gene variants previously associated with reduced soft tissue injury risk are associated with elite athlete status in rugby. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:820. [PMID: 29143592 PMCID: PMC5688435 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Two common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the COL5A1 gene (SNPs; rs12722 C/T and rs3196378 C/A) have previously been associated with tendon and ligament pathologies. Given the high incidence of tendon and ligament injuries in elite rugby athletes, we hypothesised that both SNPs would be associated with career success. Results In 1105 participants (RugbyGene project), comprising 460 elite rugby union (RU), 88 elite rugby league athletes and 565 non-athlete controls, DNA was collected and genotyped for the COL5A1 rs12722 and rs3196378 variants using real-time PCR. For rs12722, the injury-protective CC genotype and C allele were more common in all athletes (21% and 47%, respectively) and RU athletes (22% and 48%) than in controls (16% and 41%, P ≤ 0.01). For rs3196378, the CC genotype and C allele were overrepresented in all athletes (23% and 48%) and RU athletes (24% and 49%) compared with controls (16% and 41%, P ≤ 0.02). The CC genotype in particular was overrepresented in the back and centres (24%) compared with controls, with more than twice the odds (OR = 2.25, P = 0.006) of possessing the injury-protective CC genotype. Furthermore, when considering both SNPs simultaneously, the CC–CC SNP-SNP combination and C–C inferred allele combination were higher in all the athlete groups (≥18% and ≥43%) compared with controls (13% and 40%; P = 0.01). However, no genotype differences were identified for either SNP when RU playing positions were compared directly with each other. Conclusion It appears that the C alleles, CC genotypes and resulting combinations of both rs12722 and rs3196378 are beneficial for rugby athletes to achieve elite status and carriage of these variants may impart an inherited resistance against soft tissue injury, despite exposure to the high-risk environment of elite rugby. These data have implications for the management of inter-individual differences in injury risk amongst elite athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Heffernan
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, Manchester, UK. .,School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Robert M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen H Day
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, Manchester, UK
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, Manchester, UK
| | - Christian J Cook
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Stuart M Raleigh
- Centre for Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Mark A Bennett
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Guan Wang
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Alun G Williams
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, Manchester, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Heffernan SM, Stebbings GK, Kilduff LP, Erskine RM, Day SH, Morse CI, McPhee JS, Cook CJ, Vance B, Ribbans WJ, Raleigh SM, Roberts C, Bennett MA, Wang G, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Williams AG. Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene influences skeletal muscle phenotypes in non-resistance trained males and elite rugby playing position. BMC Genet 2017; 18:4. [PMID: 28103813 PMCID: PMC5248469 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-017-0470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FTO gene variants have been associated with obesity phenotypes in sedentary and obese populations, but rarely with skeletal muscle and elite athlete phenotypes. Methods In 1089 participants, comprising 530 elite rugby athletes and 559 non-athletes, DNA was collected and genotyped for the FTO rs9939609 variant using real-time PCR. In a subgroup of non-resistance trained individuals (NT; n = 120), we also assessed structural and functional skeletal muscle phenotypes using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, ultrasound and isokinetic dynamometry. In a subgroup of rugby athletes (n = 77), we assessed muscle power during a countermovement jump. Results In NT, TT genotype and T allele carriers had greater total body (4.8% and 4.1%) and total appendicular lean mass (LM; 3.0% and 2.1%) compared to AA genotype, with greater arm LM (0.8%) in T allele carriers and leg LM (2.1%) for TT, compared to AA genotype. Furthermore, the T allele was more common (94%) in selected elite rugby union athletes (back three and centre players) who are most reliant on LM rather than total body mass for success, compared to other rugby athletes (82%; P = 0.01, OR = 3.34) and controls (84%; P = 0.03, OR = 2.88). Accordingly, these athletes had greater peak power relative to body mass than other rugby athletes (14%; P = 2 x 10-6). Conclusion Collectively, these results suggest that the T allele is associated with increased LM and elite athletic success. This has implications for athletic populations, as well as conditions characterised by low LM such as sarcopenia and cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Heffernan
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, CW1 5DU, UK.
| | - G K Stebbings
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, CW1 5DU, UK
| | - L P Kilduff
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - R M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - S H Day
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, CW1 5DU, UK
| | - C I Morse
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, CW1 5DU, UK
| | - J S McPhee
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - C J Cook
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - B Vance
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - W J Ribbans
- Centre for Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - S M Raleigh
- Centre for Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - C Roberts
- Medical and Scientific Department, South African Rugby Union, Cape Town, South Africa.,Discipline of Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - M A Bennett
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - G Wang
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - M Collins
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Y P Pitsiladis
- FIMS Reference Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine for Anti-Doping Research, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - A G Williams
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, CW1 5DU, UK.,Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
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Stebbings GK, Williams AG, Herbert AJ, Lockey SJ, Heffernan SM, Erskine RM, Morse CI, Day SH. P-43 Titin genotype is associated with skeletal muscle fascicle length in recreationally active men and running performance in habitually trained marathon runners. Br J Sports Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097120.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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21
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Herbert AJ, Williams AG, Lockey SJ, Erskine RM, Heffernan SM, Pedlar CR, Kipps C, Day SH, Stebbings GK. P-41
ACTN3
R577x genotype is not associated with elite european caucasian marathon performance. Br J Sports Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097120.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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22
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Heffernan SM, Kilduff LP, Erskine RM, Day SH, McPhee JS, McMahon GE, Stebbings GK, Neale JPH, Lockey SJ, Ribbans WJ, Cook CJ, Vance B, Raleigh SM, Roberts C, Bennett MA, Wang G, Collins M, Pitsiladis YP, Williams AG. Association of ACTN3 R577X but not ACE I/D gene variants with elite rugby union player status and playing position. Physiol Genomics 2016; 48:196-201. [PMID: 26757799 PMCID: PMC4929273 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00107.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to quantify the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genetic variants in elite rugby athletes (rugby union and league) and compare genotype frequencies to controls and between playing positions. The rugby athlete cohort consisted of 507 Caucasian men, including 431 rugby union athletes that for some analyses were divided into backs and forwards and into specific positional groups: front five, back row, half backs, centers, and back three. Controls were 710 Caucasian men and women. Real-time PCR of genomic DNA was used to determine genotypes using TaqMan probes and groups were compared using χ2 and odds ratio (OR) statistics. Correction of P values for multiple comparisons was according to Benjamini-Hochberg. There was no difference in ACE I/D genotype between groups. ACTN3 XX genotype tended to be underrepresented in rugby union backs (15.7%) compared with forwards (24.8%, P = 0.06). Interestingly, the 69 back three players (wings and full backs) in rugby union included only six XX genotype individuals (8.7%), with the R allele more common in the back three (68.8%) than controls (58.0%; χ2 = 6.672, P = 0.04; OR = 1.60) and forwards (47.5%; χ2 = 11.768, P = 0.01; OR = 2.00). Association of ACTN3 R577X with playing position in elite rugby union athletes suggests inherited fatigue resistance is more prevalent in forwards, while inherited sprint ability is more prevalent in backs, especially wings and full backs. These results also demonstrate the advantage of focusing genetic studies on a large cohort within a single sport, especially when intrasport positional differences exist, instead of combining several sports with varied demands and athlete characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Heffernan
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom;
| | - L P Kilduff
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - R M Erskine
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - S H Day
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom
| | - J S McPhee
- School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - G E McMahon
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom; Northern Ireland Sports Institute, Newtownabbey, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - G K Stebbings
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom
| | - J P H Neale
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom
| | - S J Lockey
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom
| | - W J Ribbans
- Division of Sport, Exercise and Life Science, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - C J Cook
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - B Vance
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - S M Raleigh
- Division of Sport, Exercise and Life Science, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - C Roberts
- Medical and Scientific Department, South African Rugby Union, Cape Town, South Africa; Discipline of Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - M A Bennett
- A-STEM, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - G Wang
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom; and
| | - M Collins
- MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Y P Pitsiladis
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom; and
| | - A G Williams
- MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom; Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
This article introduces some aspects of sports genomics in a rugby union context, considers the rugby-specific genetic data in the published literature and outlines the next research steps required if the potential applications of genetic technology in rugby union, also identified here, are to become possible. A substantial proportion of the inter-individual variation for many traits related to rugby performance, including strength, short-term muscle power, VO2 max, injury susceptibility and the likelihood of being an elite athlete is inherited and can be investigated using molecular genetic techniques. In sports genomics, significant efforts have been made in recent years to develop large DNA biobanks of elite athletes for detailed exploration of the heritable bases of those traits. However, little effort has been devoted to the study of rugby athletes, and most of the little research that has focused on rugby was conducted with small cohorts of non-elite players. With steadily growing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underpinning complex performance traits and the aetiology of injury, investigating sports genomics in the context of rugby is now a viable proposition and a worthwhile endeavour. The RugbyGene project we describe briefly in this article is a multi-institutional research collaboration in rugby union that will perform molecular genetic analyses of varying complexity. Genetic tests could become useful tools for rugby practitioners in the future and provide complementary and additional information to that provided by the non-genetic tests currently used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Heffernan
- a MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory , Manchester Metropolitan University , Crewe , UK
| | - Liam P Kilduff
- b A-STEM, College of Engineering , Swansea University , Swansea , UK
| | - Stephen H Day
- a MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory , Manchester Metropolitan University , Crewe , UK
| | - Yannis P Pitsiladis
- c Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME) , University of Brighton , Brighton , UK
| | - Alun G Williams
- a MMU Sports Genomics Laboratory , Manchester Metropolitan University , Crewe , UK.,d Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health , University College London , London , UK
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Heffernan SM, Zanelli AS. Behavior changes exhibited by siblings of pediatric oncology patients: a comparison between maternal and sibling descriptions. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 1997; 14:3-14; discussion 15-7. [PMID: 9019039 DOI: 10.1177/104345429701400102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the coping strategies used by the well siblings of pediatric oncology patients as identified by both the mother and the well siblings. The findings of this research study showed that both mothers and the well siblings were able to identify behavioral changes (95.2% of the mothers and 85.7% of the well siblings identified behavior changes). Behavior changes identified by both the siblings and mothers included being more sensitive to the needs of others, being more thoughtful, playing with friends, fighting, trouble sleeping, and complaints of headaches. Nurses can conduct thorough assessments of sibling behavior changes when a child family member has been diagnosed with cancer. From these assessments, nurses can provide care to assist the entire family during the ill child's treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Heffernan
- Women and Children Care Center, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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