High-intensity exercise-induced oxidative stress in sedentary pre-pubertal & post-pubertal boys: A comparative study

Background & objectives: High-intensity exercise results in oxidative stress in adult population. Impact of pubertal attainment on high-intensity exercise-induced oxidative stress in sedentary paediatric population has not been investigated in detail. The present study was conducted to investigate the extent of high-intensity exercise-induced oxidative stress in sedentary pre- and post-pubertal boys through estimation of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total thiol content and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Methods: Sixty four sedentary pre-pubertal (n=32, age = 10.21�67 yr) and post-pubertal (n=32, age = 15.58�47 yr) boys performed incremental treadmill running exercise at 80 per cent of the age predicted maximum heart rate till volitional exhaustion. Blood sample (5 ml) was drawn from each individual before and after the exercise for estimation of oxidative stress markers. Results: Pre-exercise SOD activity and total thiol level showed significant positive relationship with age and were significantly higher in post-pubertal boys. Serum TBARS level, SOD and CAT activities increased while total thiol content decreased in both the groups following exercise. Post-exercise percentage change in TBARS, SOD activity and total thiol level was significantly higher in post-pubertal boys, and these variables had significant positive relationship with age. No significant intergroup variations were noted in CAT activity before or after exercise. Interpretation & conclusions: Extent of post-exercise oxidative stress increased significantly with attainment of puberty. However, baseline and post-exercise antioxidation status also increased significantly as a function of age with pubertal maturation allowing the post-pubertal boys to counter relatively higher oxidative stress more efficiently than their pre-pubertal counterparts. Post-exercise upregulation in CAT activity might not be influenced by age or pubertal maturation in this age group.

Can Neonatal Pneumoperitoneum be Managed by Conservative Management Alone.

Common causes of pneumoperitoneum in neonates includes necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), specific infections, gastro intestinal obstruction, iatrogenic causes, idiopathic focal intestinal perforation, perforation secondary to intra thoracic pathology, mechanical ventilation etc. Primary peritoneal drainage and exploratory laparotomy remain the definitive management of pneumoperitoneum in neonates. Here we report a case of suspected spontaneous idiopathic intestinal perforation managed conservatively with monitoring of vital signs. The neonate had an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the need to identify infants with benign or non surgical causes of pneumoperitoneum thus avoiding unnecessary laparotomies and referrals in these vulnerable neonates.

Caffey’s Disease Affecting the Ribs.

Caffey’s disease is a rare disorder affecting the bones in infancy. It is characterized by irritability, fever, cortical hyperosteosis and adjacent soft tissue swelling. Here is report of an uncommon case where the ribs were significantly affected including the clavicle.