Influences of intermittent anaerobic exercise program on physical fitness and plasma lactate, oxidant and anti-oxidant status in smokers and non-smokers judo players

There is evidence of smoking's negative impact and physical activity's positive impact on long-term health. However, evidences regarding the association between smoking and exercise activity and the independent effects of these factors on antioxidant defense are lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between smoking and the intermittent anaerobic exercise on the physical fitness, oxidant and antioxidant status in Judo player. Twenty male Judo player student from Department of Physical Education Al Azhar University were enrolled in the study. They were of 2 groups, Non-smokers [NS] and smokers [SM]. Both groups were subjected to regular Judo training program [2 hours/day, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks]. Also, both groups were subjected to an effort test [running of submaximal intensity until exhaustion] and record of the maximum oxygen capacity [VO[2] max] using an ergometric bicycle. Heart rate [HR], mean arterial blood pressure [MBP] were recorded and blood samples were taken pre and post-effort test for determination of malondialdehyde [MDA],total antioxidant capacity [TAC], uric acid [Ua] and lactate [La] in the plasma. Also the time to exhaustion was recorded during the effort test. These measures were performed pre and post the training program. At rest the pre-program data of SM showed significantly higher H.R., and plasma MDA,and significantly lower TAC with tendency to increase in MBP and La levels, and decrease in VO2max, and Ua levels compared to NS. Before program and in response to acute exercise SM showed significantly higher H.R, MDA and La levels with significantly lower TAC, Ua and time to exhaustion compared to NS. On the other hand, after the program and in response to acute exercise, SM showed more pronounced significantly higher HR. MBP, MDA and La with significantly lower VO[2] max, time to exhaustion and TAC with insignificant changes in the Ua compared to the NS that showed significant increase in the Ua levels with insignificant changes in the MDA, TAC and the La levels in response to acute exercise. In response to the training program, SM showed significantly higher HR, MBP, MDA and La levels, with significantly lower VO[2] max, time to exhaustion, and TAC, and insignificant changes in the Ua levels compared to NS. We conclude that cigarette smoking has a significant detrimental effects on cardiovascular fitness, physical endurance, TAC and lipid peroxidation that all worsened by the intermittent anaerobic exercise. On the contrary, this type of training is beneficial in nonsmokers. Also we demonstrated that smoking prevent the beneficial effects of exercise, so smoking should be avoided in Judo players. Smokers should be given strong encouragement to stop smoking and to improve physical fitness

protective effect of curcumin against gentamicin-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in male albino rats

Generation of free radicals in the renal cortex plays an important role in the pathogenesis of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Curcumin, the yellow curry pigment isolated from turmeric, has been confirmed to have a strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging actions. In the present study, we investigated the possible protective effect of curcumin against gentamicin-induced nephropathy in male albino rats. Thirty two male albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups [Gr.]: [Gr.I] control, injected i.p with 1cc isotonic saline solution/day for 8 wks; [Gr.II] received 200 mg/kg/day curcumin [Cur. ] orally, suspended in normal saline, for 8 wks ; [Gr.III] injected I.p by 100 mg/kg/day gentamicin [Gen.] for 8 days followed by 1cc saline I.p thereafter; [Gr.IV] [Cur./Gen.] received 200 mg/kg/day Cur. for one week before starting Gen injection [100 mg/kg/day] for 8 days during which Cur. was received concurrently with Gen then Cur administration was continued thereafter throughout the rest of the study [6 wks]. Body weight was recorded weekly. Renal function was evaluated by measuring the 24 h. urine output, the concentrations of plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and creatinine clearance. Also, kidney weight and the parameters of oxidative stress: reduced glutathione [GSH], thiobarbituric acid reacting substance [TBARS] and the activities of superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase and glutathione peroxidase [GPX] were measured in kidney tissue. The Kidney weight, plasma creatinine, BUN and 24 h urine output were significantly increased while the body weight and creatinine clearance were significantly decreased [P < 0.0005], in rats treated with Gen. as compared to control. While Cur. could significantly normalize the previous parameters. In addition Gen. caused oxidative stress in kidney as seen by significant increase in TBARS level, and significant decrease of catalase, GSH, SOD and GPX activities [P < 0.0005], However, Cur. could normalize all the above parameters as compared to control. Our data indicate that Cur. could suppress renal toxicity by blocking oxidative injury in the kidney and restore the antioxidant enzymatic profile. The renoprotective effect of Cur. is also evident by a remarkable improvement of renal function in Gen. injected rats. So Cur. can be used as a potent protective agent against renal oxidative damage mediated by Gen

Influence of two training programs of different intensity on immuno-inflammatory responses and adaptation in female athletes performing strenuous exercise

Chronic exhaustive exercise is associated by increase rate of illnesses, muscle soreness and may induce immunosuppression. However there are only few data on the immune-inflammatory response to moderate intensity aerobic exercise as an adapting program in female athletes subjected to prolonged exhaustive exercises. 20 female students from El-Gezera Faculty of Sports Education performing strenuous exercises during practical lessons. They were divided into 2 groups: group A, performed a strenuous aerobic exercise program,one session of 60 min / day, 3 days / week, for 8 weeks. Group B, performed a moderate intensity aerobic program, one session of 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Both group were subjected to an effort test [15 min. running], before and after doing the programs. Radial pulse, mean arterial blood pressure [MBP] were recorded and blood samples were taken pre and post-effort test, for determination of complete blood count, plasma interleukin-6 [IL-6] and creatine kinase [CK]. Also, the performance level for [ballet phrase] was measured pre and post effort. At base line, both groups showed significant increase in all parameters in response to acute exercise [i-e effort test], except the performance score. After doing the program, the moderate exercise attenuated the response to acute exercise of radial pulse, MBP, plasma IL-6 and CK, and increased the performance level compared to both pre-program values and to strenuous exercise group. At base line the haematological parameters showed insignificant changes between the two groups. After performing the program, both group showed significant increase in the mean corpuscular volume [MCV] and the total leucocytic count. However, leucocytosis was attributed to neutrophilia, with increased band-to-segmented neutrophil ratio, in strenuous exercise group. This together with decreased lymphocytes suggesting inflammatory response and immunosuppressive effect of exhaustive exercise. On the other hand, leucocytosis was attributed to increased lymphocytes in moderate exercise group, suggesting improvement of immunity by regular exercise of moderate intensity. The CK levels were positively correlated to neutrophilia and elevated IL-6 levels in strenuous exercise group, but did not correlated to IL-6 in moderate exercise group. Our result demonstrated that muscle damage is closely related to the intensity of exercise and improved by regular moderate aerobic exercise. However, IL-6 did not necessarily reflect muscle damage but may indicate inflammatory response, as it follow CK and neutraphilia by strenuous exercise only, but follow neutrophils response in both types of exercise. In addition body immunity, physical fitness and performance level are negatively affected by prolonged exhaustive exercise, and they improved by regular moderate exercise program. So coaches must gauge training programs to optimize not only physical function, but also immune responses.We recommend further studies with different ages and sex groups and under different physiological conditions

Influences of short-term aerobic exercise and supplementation of carnitine with or without choline on body weight, serum leptin and carnitine as well as lipid status in male rats

Carnitine is essential for fatty acids translocation, muscles function and exercise performance. Choline is a lipotropic agent that prevents deposition of fat in the liver. The studies concerning the effects of carnitine and choline supplementation with exercise on carnitine status and serum leptin are rare. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of carnitine and its combination with choline, with or without exercise on body and total fat pad [TFP] weights, serum carnitine, leptin, P-hydroxy butyric acid [beta-HBA], triacylglycerols [TAG] and Free Fatty acids [FFA]. Also, total lipids [TL] and TAG content of TFP and urinary carnitine were investigated. 48 male rats were equally divided to the following groups: control [C], carnitine [5 g/Kg diet] supplemented, carnitine plus choline [5 and 11.5 g/Kg diet respectively] supplemented. Half of each group was subjected to short term aerobic exercise on manual treadmill, in which the speed and duration were gradually increased via the course of the experiment, to be 10 m/min for 20 min/day, 5 days/week in the last 2 weeks. Body weights were recorded weekly. After 6 weeks, The 24 hours urine was collected then the fasted rats were sacrificed and blood and the total fat pad [TFP] were collected for analysis. Carnitine supplementation, tended to decrease body weight, TFP, TAG content and serum FFA, and significantly decreased the TL content, serum leptin, TAG [P < 0.0005]. Carnitine feeding resulted in a significant elevation of serum carnitine, P-HBA and urinary carnitine [P < 0.0005], compared to sedentary control rats. These values became more pronounced on choline addition to the diet except for serum and urinary carnitine that reversed [i.e. decreased] by choline addition. Exercise intervention resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, TFP, TL content and serum leptin, TAG and FFA. These values were more pronounced in both supplements with exercise, specially serum carnitine. However, exercise caused reduction of urinary carnitine in non-supplemented and carnitine supplemented groups and this was reversed by choline and exercise. Our study demonstrated that the beneficial effects of carnitine supplements is promoted by choline with or without mild exercise to reduce body weight, body fat, serum leptin and promote fat loss by increasing lipolysis as indicated by increased serum beta-HBA. These results may or may not be applicable to humans, so further research is recommended to determine whether similar effects would result in humans or not

Effect of zinc on hepatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cytochrome P450 and antioxidant status of alcohol fed male rats

Alcohol consumption is associated with increased incidence of variety of illnesses including liver cirrhosis and cancers. Studies have shown that ethanol consumption may result in increased some cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], oxidative stress with increased formation of lipid peroxides and free radicals. Zinc has been shown to have antioxidant actions. This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of zinc using acute and chronic ethanol intoxication as a model of hepatotoxic and oxidative damage. Therefore we studied the effect of zinc on TNF-alpha, cytochrome p450, serum and hepatic enzymes. Also the acute phase protein, C-reactive protein [CRP], was measured to assess the inflammatory activity. Sixty four male rats were assigned to the following groups: control, ethanol fed group, received 3ml of 35% ethanol/rat/day; zinc treated, received 5 mg/kg zinc sulphate solution subcutaneously/ day; alcohol plus zinc group, received zinc pretreatment, 3 days before beginning of ethanol, in the same doses daily for either one or eight weeks. At the end of each period half of each group were sacrificed, blood sample were collected for determination of ALT, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and CRP in the sera; while glutathione peroxidase [GPX], superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA],CYP 450 and TNF-alpha were determined in liver homogenates. Ethanol administration caused significant elevation of serum ALT, ALP, CRP, and hepatic MDA, CYP 450 and TNF-alpha after one and eight weeks. While serum total bilirubin increased significantly only after 8 weeks. On the other hand ethanol feeding caused significant reduction of hepatic GPX and SOD after one and eight weeks compared to control rats. Zinc administration to ethanol fed rats could reduce all serum enzymes and hepatic MDA and CYP 450 significantly after one and eight weeks and TNF-alpha after one week only compared to ethanol fed rats, to reach insignificant differences with control values except for CRP and TNF-alpha. CYP 450 activity was correlated to the degree of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress as indicated by the MDA levels. we concluded that, the higher levels of total bilirubin and ALP in chronic alcohol intoxication might reflect the beginning of liver cirrhosis; together with serial measurement of CRP appear to be useful indices in assessing the clinical activity of chronic alcohol intoxication, as these conventional tests are widely available and relatively inexpensive. CYP 450 activity is correlated to the degree of alcohol induced oxidative stress. Also we concluded that zinc could reduce the elevated TNF-alpha and has antioxidant effects, as it could normalize the hazardous CYP 450 and MDA levels. Therefore it can protect the liver from alcohol induced hepatic injury specially the acute form

Significance of circulating intercellular adhesion molecules [sICAM-1] and thrombopoietin [TPO] in hepatitis C vinis related liver cirrhosis

Chronic hepatitis C is a major health problem that causes mortality in the worldwide distribution. The systemic levels of many soluble adhesion molecules and cytokines are altered in autoimmune diseases and liver infection. Among mediators that show altered serum levels are sICAM-1 expressed by immunocompetent cells and thrombopoitin [TPO]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum sICAM and TPO and their correlations with clinical and laboratory data in patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. 40 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. They were subjected to the following investigations: complete blood picture, liver and kidney functions, prothrombin time[PT], abdominal sonography and estimation of serum TPO and sICAM-1. Compared to controls, the patients group showed significant increase in spleen size [P<0.025], portal vein diameter [P<0.0025], ALT, AST, bilirubin, sICAM-1 [P<0.0005], and PT [P<0.05]. However there was significant decrease in serum albumin levels [P<0.01], platelets count [P<0.0005], RBCs count, haemoglobin concentrations [P<0.025] and serum TPO levels [P<0.0025]. The serum creatinine levels and WBCS count showed insignificant changes with control. The serum TPO levels were negatively correlated to ALT [r=-0.97, P<0.0001], PT [r=-0.96, P<0.0001], spleen size [r=-0.95, P<0.0001], and portal vein diameter [r=-0.96, P<0.0001] and positively correlated to platelets [r=0.84, P<0.0005]. While serum sICAM-l were positively correlated to ALT [r=0.99, P<0.0001], PT [r=0.94, P<0.0005], spleen size [r=0.95, P<0.0001], and portal vein diameter [r=0.85, P<0.005] and negatively correlated to platelets count [r=-0.7l, P<0.005]. Our results suggested that impaired synthesis of TPO by cirrhotic liver may contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia and related to liver cirrhosis together with increased splenic sequestration of platelets by the enlarged spleen. So recombinant human TPO should be evaluated in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in HCV-related cirrhosis. In addition, sICAM-1 elevation in plasma of patients suffering from HCV-related cirrhosis was related to the degree of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. So, sICAM-1 may be used as a marker of the disease activity and may provide diagnostic and prognostic information. However this needs to be further studied to detect the cut off level of sICAM-1 in Egyptian HCV-related liver cirrhosis

Effect of ginseng and/or ginger [zingiber officinal] on hepatic and cardiac enzymes and hepatic antioxidant function in rats fed high cholesterol diet

The present study was conducted to study the effect of feeding ginseng and/or ginger [=zingiber] on hepatic and cardiac enzymes activity as well as the hepatic antioxidant function in rats fed high fat diet. Fifty adult male aLbino rats were used. They were divided equally to the following five groups: group [l]= control, fed ordinary rat chow; group II, fed high fat diet; group Ill, fed high fat diet plus ginseng [100mg/kg/day]; group IV, fed high fat diet plus ginger [34mg/kg/day] and group V. fed high fat diet plus combination of both herbs in the same doses. These diets were fed for 16 weeks and the body weights were measured weekly. After this period the blood, livers and hearts were taken to asses the enzymatic activity in sera and tissues, antioxidant activity as well as serum total cholesterol and triglycerides. The body weight, liver and heart weights were increased significantly with the high fat diet compared to control and decreased significantly with addition of either ginseng or zingiber or combination of both compared to rats fed high fat diet [group II]. Serum total cholesterol and triglycerides showed significant elevations with the high fat diet and decreased significantly with addition of ginseng and/or zingiber. Activities of alkaline phosphatase [AP], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] were significantly increased in group II compared to control and significantly decreased in groups III, IV and V compared to group Il In the liver the activities of AST, ALT and AP showed significant reduction in group II and significantly elevated in the last three groups compared to group II. However in the heart the AST and ALT showed insignificant changes between all groups. The hepatic cytosolic and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes: reduced glutathion [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and glutathion peroxidase [GPX] showed significant reduction with the high fat diet and showed significant elevation with addition of ginseng and/or zingiber. We concluded that high fat diet resulted in significant elevation of enzymes activity in the blood with significant reduction of these enzymes in the liver tissues. Also the high fat diet led to inhibition of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand addition of ginseng and/or zingiber to the high fat diet improved all figures toward normal as well as improving of antioxidant function of the rat's liver. In addition we confirmed that ginseng and zingiber and their combination have a powerful hypolipidaemic effect

Effect of oral administeration of molybdenum in rats

At a trial for the assessment of different changes may occur in man by chronic administration of molybdenum, this study was carried to evaluate the toxic effect of long administration of molybdenum on rat's liver, kidney, thyroid gland and testis. The liver enzymatic activities, alkaline phosphatase[ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] were determined in the serum. The toxic effect on kidney was studied through determination of urea, creatinine and uric acid. Also this work evaluated the toxic effect of molybdenum on metabolism and growth by estimation of plasma level of thyroid hormones[T3, T4] and TSH of the pituitary gland. On the other hand the toxic effect was estimated on testis by estimation of testosterone hormone to evaluate its effect on the fertility. The used rats were divided into two groups. The first group[10 rats] served as control were administered orally 1 mI of 0.9%Nacl/day, while the other group [30 rats] were administered orally ammonium molybdate [50 mg/kg/day] for 12 weeks. The group administered ammonium molybdate showed a haematological changes in the form of significant reduction in HB concentration, haematocrit value and erythrocytic count [P<0.01]. Also a significant increase in both total and differential leucocytic count was observed compared to control group. The biochemical study showed a significant elevation in serum level of liver enzymes AST, ALT [P<0.01] and AP [P<0.001] as well as bilirubin [P<0.01]. The kidney function tests showed a significant. increase of blood urea [P<0.0005], serum creatinine [P<0.05] and serum uric acid [P<0.001]. The serum level of thyroid hormones[T3 and T4] and TSH level showed a significant increase [P<0.01], while Testosterone level was significantly decreased [P<0.001] compaired to the control one. The histological examination of the liver revealed hepatic cell degeneration and polymorph-nuclear leucocytic infiltration and increase the collagen fibers around the portal tract .The kidney showed glomerular, tubular degeneration and necrosis. While the Testis showed testicular cell degeneration of Leydig cells and degeneration of basement membrane of seminiferous tubules. It was concluded that prolonged administration of ammoniurn molybdate caused growth retardation, depression action, male infertility, and degenerative changes of kidney, liver and testis