Investigation of the effect of circadian rhythm on the performances of NBA teams.

Professional athletes competing in the NBA are frequently exposed to time-zone-shifting travels. These time zone changes may cause circadian rhythm (CR) phase shifts and these shifts affect sportive performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CR phase shifts on the performance of NBA teams. 25016 regular season games across 21 consecutive seasons were included in the CR phase shift calculations. To examine the CR phase shift effect on team performance, teams were divided into three groups regarding Coordinated Universal Time (UTC): the same internal UTC as the local UTC (LS); the internal UTC ahead of the local UTC (LA); and the internal UTC behind the local UTC (LB). With a different approach, teams were divided into another three categories: the same internal UTC as its opponent's internal UTC (OS); the internal UTC ahead of its opponent's internal UTC (OA); and the internal UTC behind its opponent's internal UTC (OB). 24985 game data were used to compare these groups in terms of 25 variables. Statistical analyses were conducted separately for home and away teams. For home games, it was found that LA and OA are the most and LB is the least successful group in winning and scoring performances. For away games, it was determined that LS is the most advantageous group with the best winning percentage. These results revealed that teams from more west may have a CR advantage in regular season home games. However, it is thought that the performance of away teams depends more on travel fatigue than CR phase shifts.

The ameliorative effect of midazolam on empathy-like behavior in old rats.

Although studies suggest that cognitive functions in the elderly are impaired, elderly people tend to be more successful and wiser in solving emotional problems. In empathy-like behavior models, the observer rat rescues the distressed cage mate by displaying emotional and cognitive ability. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in empathy-like behavior in older rats in comparison to adult rats. In addition, we wanted to determine the effects of alterations in neurochemicals (such as corticosterone, oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor levels) and emotional situations on this behavior. In our study, we initially completed empathy-like behavior tests and emotional tests (open field, elevated plus maze) and performed neurochemical examinations in the serum and brain tissues. In the second step of research, we applied a midazolam (benzodiazepine) treatment to examine the effect of anxiety on empathy-like behavior. In the old rats, we observed that empathy-like behavior deteriorated, and anxiety signs were more pronounced. We detected a positive correlation between the latency in empathy-like behavior and corticosterone levels and v1b receptor levels. The midazolam effect on empathy-like behavior was attenuated by flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist). The recordings of ultrasonic vocalization showed frequencies around 50 kHz emitted by the observer and this was associated with the expectation of social contact. Our results state that compared to adult rats, old rats were more concerned and failed during empathy-like behavior. Midazolam may improve this behavior by anxiolysis.

A combination of ketogenic diet and voluntary exercise ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviors in Balb/c mice.

The positive effects of both ketogenic diet (KD) and regular voluntary exercise on anxiety and depression behavior have been recently reported in rodent animals, but the effects of pairing a KD with exercise on depression and anxiety are unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of combination of KD and regular voluntary exercise on anxiety and depression-like behavior in Balb/c mice. We've demostrated that anxiety and depression levels decreased in KD-exercised (KD-Ex) mice. ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels increased while glucose, insulin levels and LDL/HDL ratio decreased in KD-Ex mice. There was a negative correlation between BHB and the time spent in the closed arms of elevated plus maze (EPM) or the time spent in periphery walls of open field test (OFT) and the immobility time in forced swim test (FST) which all of them are indicators of low depression and anxiety levels. There was a positive correlation between LDL/HDL ratio and the time spent in the closed arms of EPM or the immobility time in FST. The immobility time in FST was positively correlated with insulin while the mobility time in FST was negatively correlated with glucose. In conclusion, these results suggest that decline in anxiety and depression-like behaviors resulted from KD with regular voluntary exercise may be associated with increased BHB levels and decreased LDL/HDL ratio and insulin or glucose levels. Further research is necessary for our understanding of the mechanisms by which pairing a KD with voluntary exercise influences brain and behavior.

Regular aerobic exercise increased VEGF levels in both soleus and gastrocnemius muscles correlated with hippocampal learning and VEGF levels.

Physical exercise improves learning and memory abilities by increasing the levels of several growth factors in the hippocampus. One growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is primarily produced in the muscles and not only increases in the periphery during exercise but can also cross the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of regular aerobic chronic exercise on different types of muscle fibers and the relationships between learning/memory and muscle induced-VEGF. Following a one-week adaptation period, male rats underwent treadmill training at a speed of 8 m/min for 30 min daily, 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze. VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers and VEGF levels were also measured in the hippocampus. Exercise positively affected both learning and memory and also increased VEGF levels in both muscle fiber types. Muscle VEGF levels positively correlate with hippocampal learning and hippocampal VEGF levels. Exercise reduced both SOD and MDA levels in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers, whereas GPx levels decreased only in type 2 muscle fibers. Our findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise elevates VEGF levels and diminishes oxidative stress in both fiber types. Exercise-induced VEGF levels in both type 1 and 2 muscle fibers appear to be associated with the positive effect of exercise on learning and memory function and is accompanied by an increase in VEGF levels in the hippocampus. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism by which fiber type-specific VEGF mediates hippocampal neurogenesis and angiogenesis.Physical exercise improves learning and memory abilities by increasing the levels of several growth factors in the hippocampus. One growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is primarily produced in the muscles and not only increases in the periphery during exercise but can also cross the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of regular aerobic chronic exercise on different types of muscle fibers and the relationships between learning/memory and muscle induced-VEGF. Following a one-week adaptation period, male rats underwent treadmill training at a speed of 8 m/min for 30 min daily, 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze. VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers and VEGF levels were also measured in the hippocampus. Exercise positively affected both learning and memory and also increased VEGF levels in both muscle fiber types. Muscle VEGF levels positively correlate with hippocampal learning and hippocampal VEGF levels. Exercise reduced both SOD and MDA levels in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers, whereas GPx levels decreased only in type 2 muscle fibers. Our findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise elevates VEGF levels and diminishes oxidative stress in both fiber types. Exercise-induced VEGF levels in both type 1 and 2 muscle fibers appear to be associated with the positive effect of exercise on learning and memory function and is accompanied by an increase in VEGF levels in the hippocampus. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism by which fiber type-specific VEGF mediates hippocampal neurogenesis and angiogenesis.

Magnesium Citrate Increases Pain Threshold and Reduces TLR4 Concentration in the Brain.

Magnesium is being investigated in various clinical conditions and has shown to be effective in some chronic pain models. However, it is not clear if oral magnesium use affects pain perception in acute pain. TLR4's (toll-like receptor) role in pain perception has emerged through its role in immune pathways and ion channels. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a single oral dose of magnesium citrate on pain conduction and whether with magnesium, the expression of TLR4 changes in the acute phase. Following a single dose of 66-mg/kg magnesium citrate administration to male Balb-c mice, pain perception (via hot-plate test), motor conduction (via electrophysiological recording, forelimb grip strength, rotarod and open-field tests), and emotional state (via elevated plus maze and forced swim test) were evaluated. In behavioral experiments, the control group was compared with applied magnesium for three different time groups (4, 8, 24 h). TLR4 expression was measured in four groups: control, magnesium (Mg), hot plate (HP), and Mg + HP. Hot plate latency was prolonged in the magnesium group (p < 0.0001) and electrophysiological recordings (p < 0.001) and forelimb grip strength measurement (p < 0.001) determined motor latency. Compared with the untreated hot plate group, TLR4 levels was lower in the brain (p = 0.023) and higher in the sciatic nerve (p = 0.001) in the magnesium-treated hot plate group. Consequently, the study indicated a single dose of magnesium citrate appeared to cause weakening in the transmission and perception of nociceptive pain. TLR4 may act as a regulator in magnesium's effects on pain perception.

Regular Aerobic Voluntary Exercise Increased Oxytocin in Female Mice: The Cause of Decreased Anxiety and Increased Empathy-Like Behaviors

Background: It is known that regular physical activity reduces anxiety. Low anxiety levels affect mood, emotions, and empathy. Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that regulates social interaction, sexual reproduction, maternal­infant bonding, milk release, empathy, and anxiety. Empathy is an important behavior in the living community; and also important for sportsmen during sportive competition and daily living life, because sportsmen are also role model of people. Aims: To investigate the effects of voluntary physical activity on oxytocin, anxiety, and empathy levels as well as the relationship between them. Study Design: Animal experiment. Methods: Male and female mice were made to exercise in running wheel cages for 6 weeks. Their empathy and anxiety levels were evaluated by using Helping Behavior test and elevated plus maze and open field test, respectively. And then the brain and blood oxytocin levels were measured. Results: Empathy-like behavior was improved in both genders of the exercise groups (door-opening time decreased in both genders of exercise groups, p for both=0.0001). As a response to exercise, both the brain and serum oxytocin levels increased in female mice (both of p=0.0001); however, in males, oxytocin levels increased in only the brain (p<0.05). Anxiety levels decreased in all the exercise groups (increased time spent in the middle area of open field test, both genders, p=0.002; increased time spent in the open arms of elevated plus maze test, females p=0.004, males p=0.0001). There was a strong negative correlation between serum oxytocin levels and door opening time of helping behavior equipment, and moderate negative correlation was found between the brain oxytocin levels and door-opening time of helping behavior equipment in females. However, there was no correlation between both the brain and serum oxytocin levels and empathy behavior in males. But there were very strong positive correlations between low anxiety indicators and both the brain and serum oxytocin levels in both the genders. Conclusion: Voluntary physical activity decreases anxiety and increases empathy-like behavior in mice; which is associated with increased oxytocin levels in female mice but not in male mice. Further research is required to investigate the mechanisms of exercise effect on anxiety and empathic brain pathways in males.

Regular aerobic exercise correlates with reduced anxiety and incresed levels of irisin in brain and white adipose tissue.

We have recently shown that regular voluntary aerobic exercised rats have low levels of anxiety. Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine that is produced by many tissues; and the role it plays in anxiolytic behavior is unknown. In this study we aimed to investigate the correlation between anxiety like behavior and irisin levels following regular voluntary aerobic exercise in male mice. We've have shown that anxiety levels decreased in exercised mice, while irisin levels increased in the brain, brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue, kidney, and pancreas tissues. No significant difference of irisin levels in the liver, muscle and serum were detected in the exercise group, when compared to controls. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between brain irisin levels and activity in middle area of open field test and in the open arms of elevated plus maze test; both which are indicators of low anxiety levels. Our results suggest that decrease in anxiolytic behavior due to regular voluntary exercise may be associated with locally produced brain irisin. White adipose tissue irisin levels also correlated very strongly with low anxiety. However, no serum irisin increase was detected, ruling out the possibility of increased peripheral irisin levels affecting the brain via the bloodstream. Further research is necessary to explain the mechanisms of which peripheral and central irisin effects anxiety and the brain region affected.

Anxiety correlates to decreased blood and prefrontal cortex IGF-1 levels in streptozotocin induced diabetes.

It is well known that diabetes mellitus may cause neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders. Diabetes may also cause reduced IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor-1) levels in brain and blood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes induced anxiety and IGF-1 levels in diabetic rats. The anxiety levels of rats were assessed 2 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats had higher levels of anxiety, as they spent more time in closed branches in elevated-plus-maze-test and less time in the center cells of open-field-arena. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) IGF-1 levels and neuron numbers were decreased and apoptosis was increased in diabetic rats. Blood IGF-1 levels decreased in a time dependent fashion following streptozotocin injection while blood corticosterone levels increased. They had higher malondialdehyde levels and lower superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. Oxidative stress may negatively affect blood and PFC tissue IGF-1 levels. Reduction in IGF-1 may cause PFC damage, which may eventually trigger anxiety in diabetic rats. Therapeutic strategies that increase blood and brain tissue IGF-1 levels may be promising to prevent psychiatric sequelae of diabetes mellitus.