Deep phenotyping of miRNAs in exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is an adaptational enlargement of the myocardium, in exposure to altered stress conditions or in case of injury which can lead to heart failure and death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that play a significant role in modulating gene expression. Here, we aimed to identify new miRNAs effective in an experimental CH model and to find an epigenetic biomarker that could demonstrate therapeutic targets responsible for the pathology of heart tissue and serum. In this study, Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into the training group (TG, n=9) and the control group (CG, n=6). Systolic and diastolic dimensions of the left ventricle and myocardial wall thickness were measured by echocardiography to assess CH. After the exercise program of the rats, miRNA expression measurements and histological analyses were performed. The 25,000 genes in the rat genome were searched using microarray analysis. A total of 128 miRNAs were selected according to the fold change rates, and nine miRNAs were validated for expression analysis. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick (TUNEL) method was used to detect apoptotic cells. Cell proliferation was evaluated by the proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) method. Necrosis, bleeding, and intercellular edema were detected in TG. The mean histopathological score was higher in TG (p=0.03). There were rarely positive cells for apoptosis of both groups in cardiomyocytes. In the receiver characteristic curve analysis (ROC), the heart tissue rno-miR-290 had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.920 with 100% sensitivity and 89.90% specificity (p=0.045), rno-miR-194-5p had AUC of 0.940 with 83.33% sensitivity and 100% specificity (p=0.003), and the serum rno-miR-132-3p AUC was 0.880 with 66.67% sensitivity and 100% specificity (p=0.004) in TG. miR-194-5p was used as a therapeutic target for remodeling the cardiac process. While miR-290 contributes to CH as a negative regulator, miR-132 in serum is effective in the pathological and physiological cardiac remodeling process and is a candidate biomarker.

Effects of a regular exercise program on biochemical parameters of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effects of a regular exercise program on exercise capacity, blood biochemical profiles, certain antioxidant and oxidative stress parameters of type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. METHODS: Thirty one type 2 DM patients (ages ranging from 42-65 years) who have hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels ≥7.5% and ≤9.5% were included to study and performed two cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) before and after the exercise program. Subjects performed aerobic exercise training for 90 minutes a day; 3 days a week during 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected to analyze certain oxidant and antioxidant parameters (advanced oxidation protein products [AOPP], ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP], malondialdehyde [MDA], and sialic acid [SA]), blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c. RESULTS: At the end of the program HbA1c and FBG, triglyceride (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels decreased and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased significantly (P=0.000, P=0.001, P=0.008, P=0,001 and P=0.02, respectively). AOPP, FRAP, SA levels of the patients increased significantly following first CPET (P=0.000, P=0.049, P=0.014 respectively). At the end of the exercise program AOPP level increased significantly following last CPET. Baseline SA level increased significantly following exercise program (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that poor glycemic control which plays the major role in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications would be improved by 12 weeks of a regular exercise program. Whereas the acute exercise induces protein oxidation, regularly aerobic training may enhance the antioxidant status of type 2 DM patients.

Assessment of P wave duration and P wave dispersion in high level football referees.

BACKGROUND: P wave dispersion and P wave maximal duration reflect the activation of atrial muscle and is influenced by the mass of the excited tissue. It may reflect atrial remodelling, most likely atrial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to measure P wave duration and P wave dispersion in the high level football referees. METHODS: We recruited 104 elite and national referees with a training history of many years. The control group was made of 32 healthy sedentary subjects. The difference between P maximum and P minimum durations was defined as P wave dispersion. Echocardiographic parameters such as left atrial diameter were assessed with a Vivid 3 cardiovascular ultrasound system [3S sector probe (1.5-3.6 MHz), GE]. RESULTS: P wave maximum duration, P wave dispersion, left ventricle posterior wall thickness, inter-ventricular septum thickness and left atrial diameter were increased in the football referees as compared with healthy sedentary subjects. There were significant correlations of P wave dispersion with left atrial diameter and left ventricle posterior wall thickness CONCLUSIONS: P wave maximum duration, P wave dispersion and left atrial diameter were increased in the football referees. Also, there was a significant correlation between P wave dispersion and left atrial diameter.

Regular aerobic training combined with range of motion exercises in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of regular aerobic training combined with range of motion (ROM) exercises on aerobic capacity, quality of life, and function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Thirty patients with JIA and 20 healthy age-matched controls (mean age ± SD, 11.3 ± 2.4 versus 11.0 ± 2.3, resp.; P > 0.05) were included. All patients performed aerobic walking (4 days a week for 8 weeks) and active and passive ROM exercises of involved joints. All patients completed the childhood health assessment questionnaire (CHAQ) and the child health questionnaire. ROM measurements of joints were performed by using universal goniometer. Aerobic capacity was determined by measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during an incremental treadmill test. RESULTS: Peak oxygen uptake and exercise duration were significantly lower in JIA group than in controls (32.5 ± 6.6 versus 35.9 ± 5.8 and 13.9 ± 1.9 versus 15.0 ± 2.0, resp.; P < 0.05 for both). Eight-week combined exercise program significantly improved exercise parameters of JIA patients (baseline versus postexercise VO2peak and exercise duration, 32.5 ± 6.6 to 35.3 ± 7.9 and 13.9 ± 1.9 to 16.3 ± 2.2, resp.; P < 0.001 for both). Exercise intervention significantly improved CHAQ scores in JIA patients (0.77 ± 0.61 to 0.20 ± 0.28, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We suggest that regular aerobic exercise combined with ROM exercises may be an important part of treatment in patients with JIA.

Aortic properties and atrial electrophysiology in the young and old football players.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between P wave dispersion, aortic elastic properties and transthoracic echocardiographic findings in the young and old football players compared to control groups in order to asses the influence of regular sportive activity on aortic distensibility and its potential effect on atrial electrophysiology. METHODS: We recruited 42 young football players with a training history of many years. The control group was formed by 27 healthy sedentary men. Twenty-three healthy retired football players of a professional football club aged over 50 years were included in the study as old group and 18 subjects over 50 year old who did not perform regular exercise when they were young were included in the control group of old subjects. RESULTS: The heart rate and ejection fraction were decreased in the young football players. There were no significant differences in the aortic elastic parameters and P wave dispersion between young football players and control group. But in old subjects with sustained participation in regular sportive activity, the significant difference of left ventricular dimension, wall thickness and systolic functions detected in the young group disappeared while increase in the left atrial diameter became significant. CONCLUSION: Potential effect of aortic elastic properties which changes with age, on atrial electrophysiology through increasing P wave dispersion was shown.

Aortic properties and atrial electrophysiology in the young and old football players / Propriedades da aorta e electrofisiologia atrial em futebolistas profissionais ativos e aposentados

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between P wave dispersion, aortic elastic properties and transthoracic echocardiographic findings in the young and old football players compared to control groups in order to asses the influence of regular sportive activity on aortic distensibility and its potential effect on atrial electrophysiology. METHODS : We recruited 42 young football players with a training history of many years. The control group was formed by 27 healthy sedentary men. Twenty-three healthy retired football players of a professional football club aged over 50 years were included in the study as old group and 18 subjects over 50 year old who did not perform regular exercise when they were young were included in the control group of old subjects. RESULTS: The heart rate and ejection fraction were decreased in the young football players. There were no significant differences in the aortic elastic parameters and P wave dispersion between young football players and control group. But in old subjects with sustained participation in regular sportive activity, the significant difference of left ventricular dimension, wall thickness and systolic functions detected in the young group disappeared while increase in the left atrial diameter became significant. CONCLUSION: Potential effect of aortic elastic properties which changes with age, on atrial electrophysiology through increasing P wave dispersion was shown.

OBJETIVO: Com este estudo pretendeu-se levar a cabo um ensaio clínico que permitisse investigar as diferenças entre a dispersão da onda P (DOP), as propriedades elásticas da aorta e os resultados da ecocardiografia transtorácica em futebolistas profissionais ativos e reformados, face a grupos de controle, de modo a avaliar a influência da atividade desportiva regular na distensibilidade aórtica e o seu potencial efeito na electrofisiologia atrial. MÉTODOS: Para este estudo foram recrutados 42 jovens futebolistas profissionais com um histórico de treino de vários anos. O grupo-controle foi constituído por 27 homens saudáveis e sedentários. No grupo composto por indivíduos mais velhos, foram incluídos 23 futebolistas profissionais já aposentados, saudáveis e com mais de 50 anos de idade e, como grupo-controle, 18 indivíduos com mais de 50 anos de idade que nunca fizeram qualquer tipo de exercício físico regular quando eram mais novos. RESULTADOS: A frequência cardíaca e fração de ejeção eram menores nos jovens futebolistas profissionais. Não se verificaram diferenças significativas nos parâmetros de elasticidade da aorta e a dispersão da onda P entre os jovens futebolistas profissionais e o grupo-controle. Mas, já no caso do grupo dos indivíduos mais velhos com uma atividade desportiva regular, a diferença significativa na dimensão ventricular esquerda, espessura das paredes e funções sistólicas detectada no grupo jovem e ativo desapareceu, enquanto o aumento no diâmetro atrial esquerdo tornou-se expressivo. CONCLUSÃO: Demonstrou-se com este estudo o efeito potencial das propriedades elásticas da aorta, que se alteram com a idade, na electrofisiologia atrial por meio do aumento da dispersão da onda P.

Assessment of the p wave dispersion and duration in elite women basketball players.

BACKGROUND: P wave dispersion is an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation. P wave dispersion is associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. The purpose of this study was to investigate P wave dispersion and transthoracic echocardiographic findings in elite women basketball players. METHODS: We recruited 27 well-trained woman athletes with a training history of many years (11.9 +/- 3.6 years). All of the athletes were elite women basketball players and they were regularly maintaining sportive activities and training programs. Twenty-six age and sex matched healthy sedentary subjects consisted of control group. The difference between P maximum and P minimum durations was defined as P wave dispersion. The echocardiographic parameters were assessed in detail in the standard left lateral decubitus position. RESULTS: The body height, body weight, body surface area, metabolic equivalent, maximum P wave duration and P wave dispersion were increased in the elite basketball athletes as compared with healthy sedentary subjects. On the contrary; the heart rate, ejection fraction and interventricular septum thickness in diastole were decreased in athletes. The body height (p=0.006, r=0.37), body weight (p=0.04, r=0.28), body surface area (p=0.01, r=0.33) and heart rate (p=0.01, r=-0.32) were correlated with P wave dispersion. CONCLUSIONS: P wave dispersion was increased in elite woman basketball players as compared with healthy sedentary subjects. P wave dispersion was correlated with heart rate, body height, body weight and body surface area.

The effect of regular exercise on penile nitric oxide synthase expression in rats.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major public health problem that seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their partners and its prevalence increases significantly with ageing. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age-associated decrease in penile endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity in aged rats may be increased by regular exercise. A total of 28 young (4 m) and aged (24 m) male rats were divided into four equal groups: group 1 - young control; group 2 - young trained; group 3 - old control and group 4 - old trained group. Groups 2 and 4 rats were trained to swim for 30 min a day and 5 days a week, which lasted 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, rats were sacrificed and penile tissues evaluated for eNOS and nNOS activities. eNOS and nNOS activities were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in paraffinized penile tissues and results assessed semiquantitatively. Results also were compared with healthy age-matched and adult (4 m) controls. Serum level of testosterone (T) was determined using ELISA kits (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA). In penile tissues of aged control rats, eNOS and nNOS staining were weakly positive; however in trained groups, eNOS and nNOS immunoreactivity were increased. In young control group, eNOS and nNOS activities were more intense than aged control. eNOS and nNOS activities were higher in adult trained group than control. Serum T concentrations were significantly higher in young and aged trained group than in control groups. We can suggest that regular exercise upregulates eNOS and nNOS expressions in the aged and young rat penis. Regular exercise may improve penile erection by increasing penile neurotransmitter in both young and aged rats.

Influence of intermittent hypobaric exposure on SOD and TBARS levels in trained rats.

Live high train low (LHTL) is a well-known training model for preparation of competitions. In this study, the thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined in heart, lung and muscle tissues of rats. They were intermittently exposed to hypobaric pressure of 523 mmHg, corresponding to an altitude of 3,000 m, and they performed swim training at sea level. Two groups of male rats were trained to swim for thirty minutes a day and 4 days a week, lasting 9 weeks. Two groups were exposed to hypobaria for 120 min a day and 4 days a week for 9 weeks in pressure cabin. In heart tissue, TBARS levels of normobaric trained (NbT) group was higher (P < 0.05) than those of the normobaric sedentary (control) group. TBARS levels of hypobaric trained (HbT) group was higher than those of the control and hypobaric sedentary (Hb) groups (P < 0.001; P < 0.01, respectively). TBARS levels of lung tissue of HbT group was also higher than those of the same groups (control; P < 0.01, Hb; P < 0.05, respectively). In muscle tissue, TBARS levels of HbT group was higher than those of the sedentary groups (control; P < 0.001, Hb; P < 0.05, respectively). SOD activity of heart tissue of HbT group was higher (P < 0.001) than that of the other groups. In lung tissue, SOD activity of control group was lower than that of the other groups (HbT; P < 0.001, NbT; P < 0.01, Hb; P < 0.01, respectively). In muscle tissue, SOD activity of HbT group was higher (P < 0.01) than that of the control group. The results of this study suggest that intermittent hypobaric exposure may augment exercise-induced oxidative stress in heart, lung and muscle of trained rats.

Protective effect of a potent antioxidant, pomegranate juice, in the kidney of rats with nephrolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the protective effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) on ethylene glycol (EG)-induced crystal deposition in renal tubules, renal toxicity, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappaB activities in rat kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six rats were divided into four equal groups: Control, EG, EG + 50 microL PJ/d (PJ50), and EG + 100 microL PJ/d (PJ100). Rats were sacrified on days 10 and 45. Tissue sections were evaluated under light and polarized microscopy for the presence and degree of crystal deposition and toxicity in the kidneys. Crude extracts of the cortex were used to determine reduced gluthatione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. RESULTS: In the EG group, crystal depositions were more evident and mild crystalization was observed in proximal tubules on day 10; severe crystalization and granulovacuolar epithelial cell degeneration were observed on day 45. There was limited or no crystal formation in the EG + PJ-given groups. There were completely normal renal and tubular structures in the control group. There was no significant difference between the four groups in serum levels of sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in any sampling time. Hyperoxaluria, a marked increase in MDA and NO levels, and decrease of GSH were observed in the EG-given groups compared with the others. There were marked iNOS and p65 expressions in only the EG-given rats compared with control and PJ groups, immunohistochemically. CONCLUSION: This experiment shows the protective effect of PJ in the EG-induced crystal depositions in renal tubules.

Exercise duration rather than peak oxygen uptake better correlates with Fev1 and inspiratory capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Exercise duration of constant-load endurance tests has been recently demonstrated to be more sensitive in detecting the changes after bronchodilator administration than either walking distance or peak oxygen uptake in patients with COPD. In the present study, we questioned whether exercise duration of progressive load is better correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and inspiratory capacity than other indices of submaximal exercise test during stable period in patients with COPD. METHODS: Thirty-three stable COPD patients, and 26 age- and BMI-matched control subjects were recruited. Resting pulmonary function tests and incremental cycle exercise tests were performed. All indices of exercise and pulmonary function tests including exercise duration, peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) were recorded. RESULTS: Exercise capacity was lower in COPD than age- and BMI-matched controls as shown by exercise duration and ergometric work (535 +/- 159 vs. 705 +/- 115 sec, p <0.001 and 89.2 +/- 26.6 vs. 117.8 +/- 19.5 W, p <0.001). Statistical analysis revealed that exercise duration slightly better correlates with FEV(1) and inspiration capacity (IC) (R = 0.600, p <0.001; R = 0.615, p <0.001) than peak oxygen uptake (R = 0.284, p >0.05; R = 0.127, p >0.05) in stable period COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is an impairment of aerobic capacity in stable period COPD patients compared to healthy controls. Exercise in COPD patients is ventilation-limited and exercise duration with respect to peak VO(2) is better correlated with FEV(1) and IC in stable COPD patients undergoing progressive-load cycling exercise.

FEF(25-75)/FVC measurements and extrathoracic airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

The aims of this study were to evaluate patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with regards to dysanapsis (airway size relative to lung size) and to demonstrate the differences between the patients with and without extrathoracic airway obstruction. The study population consisted of 15 patients with OSAS and 14 age and body mass index (BMI) matched control subjects. OSAS patients and control subjects showed similar characteristics in FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC, FEF(25-75), and FEF(25-75)/FVC ratios. Expiration reserve volume was significantly higher in the control group than in OSAS patients (p<0.01). Six patients exhibited extrathoracic airway obstruction while awake. Of these, three had also a sawtooth pattern in their flow-volume curves. The remaining nine patients had no extrathoracic airway obstruction and had lower apnea-hypopnea indexes (AHI) than the obstruction group (p<0.05). OSAS patients and age- and BMI-matched healthy controls had similar characteristics in terms of dysanapsis. In addition, there was no relation between the FEF(25-75)/FVC ratio and AHI, MinO(2), and MeanO(2). Extrathoracic airway obstruction may be a feature of only severe OSAS patients.

Cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Information regarding the safety of maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) or the mechanisms of exercise limitation in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is fairly limited. In the present study, we addressed the problem of exercise capacity in moderate-to-severe OSA patients. Nineteen non-consecutive patients (three female, 16 male) with moderate-to-severe OSA and 11 age and body mass index matched control subjects (four female, seven male) underwent respiratory function tests during pre-exercise resting period and volitionally limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. All participants completed CPET without any complication. Control subjects were exercise limited due to deconditioning. None of the patients revealed mechanical ventilatory limitation to exercise or had evidence of cardiac ischaemia. Five patients had no limitation to exercise. Six patients had low VO2peak, low anaerobic treshold (AT), and low peak O2 pulse, a pattern consistent with ventricular dysfunction. Six patients had low VO2peak, low AT, and peak heart rate less than 85% predicted. This pattern is consistent with exercise limitation due to peripheral vascular disease. Two patients had low VO2peak, low AT without peak oxygen pulse and peak heart rate abnormalities consistent with deconditioning. We concluded that moderate-to-severe OSA patients have impaired exercise capacity. Exercise limitation seems to originate from cardiovascular reasons namely left ventricular dysfunction and/or peripheral vascular impairment; and finally, maximal CPET can be tolerated by these patient group without serious complications.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess aerobic fitness and exercise capacity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to determine subgroup differences. METHODS: Thirty-four patients diagnosed with JIA and 21 healthy sedentary volunteers were studied. Aerobic fitness was determined by measuring peak power and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during an incremental cycling test. The patient group consisted of systemic JIA (n = 8), polyarticular JIA (n = 13), oligoarticular JIA (n = 7), and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA, n = 6). Results from different subgroups of JIA were compared to determine subgroup differences. RESULTS: All subjects tolerated maximal exercise testing well. The JIA group had lower aerobic fitness than controls. In our comparison of JIA subgroups, we found no significant differences in cardiopulmonary measures. The ERA group had higher aerobic capacity than other subgroups. There was no difference in exercise capacity between patients with active disease (n = 10) and those in remission (n = 24). CONCLUSION: We suggest that heterogeneity in VO2peak levels among JIA patients is due to subgroup differences. Exercise programs for improvement of aerobic fitness should be individualized or at least be modified according to different subgroups.

Effect of regular training on plasma thiols, malondialdehyde and carnitine concentrations in young soccer players.

Physical activity is known to induce oxidative stress in individuals subjected to intense exercise. Contrarily, there are enzymatic and nonenzymatic defence systems against oxygen radicals in aerobic organisms. Sulphydryl groups such as thiol and glutathione (GSH) can be given as an example to non-enzymatic low molecular weight antioxidants. Carnitine may be related to the performance enhancement in high intensity intermittent exercises and might probably improve the aerobic capacity by stimulating lipid oxidation in muscle cells during long term exercise. But, the effects caused by this supplement during physical activity have not been fully described in the literature. The aim of the study was to compare plasma thiols (PSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and carnitine levels and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(max)) of the soccers under regular training with the values of the healthy controls. Our results demonstrates that soccers seem to be under less oxidative stress, as their MDA levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) when compared with the control group while their PSH levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.001), during resting condition. In addition, the plasma carnitine concentrations of the soccer group yields lower values while the VO2(max) yields a higher value when compared with the control group. The differences between the soccer and the control groups are significant (for both, P < 0.001). The present research reveals the fact that regular soccer training shows beneficial effect on decreasing of lipid peroxidation levels. Furthermore; the sportsmen who are under intense training programs have low plasma carnitine values which do not cause negative effect on their sportive performance.

Lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte superoxide-dismutase activity and trace metals in young male footballers.

Physical training is known to induce oxidative stress in individuals subjected to intense exercise. In this study, we investigated plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of 25 young male footballers and a control group of similar age. Red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) values, and copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels were also examined. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of all subjects was determined in order to establish their functional capacity. The main finding of the present study was that plasma MDA levels, one of the most commonly used markers of lipid peroxidation, of this group of footballers aged under 21 decreased slightly when compared with those of the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast, erythrocyte SOD activity was higher in the footballer group than in the controls (p < 0.001). Footballers who are under regular training showed an improved antioxidant activity in comparison to sedentary controls. Plasma copper concentration, RBC count and Hb concentration of the footballer group were all significantly lower than those of the control group, (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). Investigating the footballers' data with Spearman's correlation analyses, the correlation coefficients (r) between Zn/Cu ratio and SOD was positive (r=0.44; p < 0.05); and between VO2max and SOD (r=0.42; p < 0.05) were both positive. On the basis of statistical analysis, we suggest that regular exercise may be beneficial in cases of oxidative damage by reducing the amount of lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD.

The effect of vitamin E treatment on oxidative stress generated in trained rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E treatment on increased oxidative stress in rats exposed to a swimming exercise protocol. In order to examine the effects of physical swimming training on the antioxidant defences of tissues and on their susceptibility to damage induced by exercise, the levels of glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) levels, on indicator of lipid peroxidation in various tissues, have been determined. In this study, four groups of female rats were used while the rats were trained to swim for 30 minutes a day and five days a week which lasted eight weeks and vitamin E (vit. E) supplementation (30 mg/kg/day) has been carried out for five days a week. TBARS levels are significantly found lower in both trained and sedentary vit. E supplemented groups, since vit. E is the most important antioxidant in an earlier line of defence in lipid peroxidation. Also, in vit. E supplemented trained rats, the glutathione response is observed to be significantly higher, supporting with the TBARS levels and in accordance with the literature. But in the sedentary group without vit. E supplementation, the GSH levels of the liver and the heart tissues were significantly lower than both vit. E supplemented sedentary and trained groups. These results evaluate that vit. E confers protection to GSH levels in these tissues where the GSH levels were found significantly lower in the groups not supplemented with vit. E.