[Effects of normobaric and hypobaric endurance training on metabolic risk factors in midlife men]

There is lack of data about the effects of aerobic training in hypobaric status on metabolic risk factors. Thirty-nine middle-aged sedentary male volunteers with metabolic syndrome [Mets] were randomized into four groups, including the normobaric control [NC], hypobaric control [HC], normobaric exercise training [NT] and hypobaric exercise training [HT] groups. Both aerobic training groups [NT and HT] participated in running exercises on a treadmill [three sessions per week] for six weeks, 30 min per session, at 50% of HR max based on Karvonen's formula. Both the control groups [NC and HC] remained inactive during the six weeks of the study, sitting in the barometric chamber, watching TV or studying. Barometric pressure was adjusted to 3000 meter altitude at hypobaric conditions. In both the NT and HT groups, all the metabolic risk factors [waist circumference, mean atrial pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and Mets overall z score] and body weight were significantly changed; however the rate of waist circumference decrease was sharper in the NT group [P<0.05]. Hypobaric exposure [HC] also significantly decreased fasting blood sugar and Mets overall z score [P<0.05]. The beneficial effects of inactive exposure to hypobaric conditions on overall metabolic state and blood glucose, indicates its therapeutic properties. However, the effects of hypobaric exercise training were not better than those of normobaric exercise on each metabolic risk factor, findings which confirm that promotion of physical fitness and hypobaric exposure could be instrumental in the control of metabolic risk factors

[ effect of obesity and endurance training-induced weight loss on UCP3 mRNA expression in C57BL/6 MICE]

The purpose of this study was evaluating the effect of obesity and weight reduction induced by endurance training on UCP3 mRNA expression in C57BL/6 mice. Twenty-four C57BL/6 mice consumed a high-fat diet, while 6 [NB Group] were fed a normal chow for 12 weeks. After the fattening period, 6 obese mice [OB Group] were sacrificed. Twelve mice trained 5 sessions per week for 12 weeks on a rodent treadmill with high [HI Group] [75% VO2max] and/or low intensity [LI Group] [50% VO2max] during a training period. The control group [OC Group] was kept inactive in the cages till the end of the period. Body weight was measured and recorded weekly. UCP3 mRNA expression was measured in gastrocnemius muscle using Real Time-PCR method and plasma FFA concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. In the training groups, weight reduction was significant in the 8th week [p<0.05]. Average relative UCP3 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the HI and LI groups, than in the OC group [0.5 +/- 0.25 and 1.04 +/- 0.96, respectively, vs. 2.58 +/- 0.57 arbitrary unit; p<0.05]. Plasma FFA concentrations were significantly lower in the HI and OB groups compared to the LI group [p<0.05]. When energy intake and consequently body weight increases, UCP3 increases to extend the thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation's process. In contrast, UCP3 downregulates with exercise-induced weight loss in order to counteract this process

A study on anxiety and depression level among high risk inpatient pregnant women in an obstetric ward

Pregnancy is perceived by many pregnant mothers as a period of happiness in anticipation of motherhood. Not all pregnant mothers experience cheerfulness as some may experience a high anxiety and depression level for unknown reasons. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of anxiety and depression among high risk pregnant women and the factors that contribute to their level of anxiety and depression. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 38 high risk mothers whose stay in hospital exceeded more than three days in the obstetric ward of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. A self assessment questionaire "Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale"was used to measure the level of anxiety and depression among high risk pregnant women. Of the 38 participants, 16 (42.1%) women experienced a mild level of anxiety and 22 (57.9%) experienced a severe level of anxiety. Seventeen (44.7%) women was classified as having mild depression and 21 (55.3%) severe depression. The factors contributing to the level of anxiety and depression, include those related with "lack of information on disease", "family matters" and "finance". High risk pregnant women in this study experienced a significant level of anxiety and depression during their stay in hospital. It is therefore important for nurses and doctors to be aware and sensitive to the influencing factors that cause anxiety and depression as to enable high risk pregnant mothers to enjoy their pregnancy and childbirth.