Design and In Vitro Activity of Furcellaran/Chitosan Multilayer Microcapsules for the Delivery of Glutathione and Empty Model Multilayer Microcapsules Based on Polysaccharides.

In this study, multilayer microcapsules (two-layer and four-layer) based on furcellaran (FUR) and chitosan (CHIT) were produced, enclosing a tripeptide with an antioxidant effect-glutathione-in different concentrations. In addition, for the first time, an empty, four-layer microcapsule based on CHIT and FUR (ECAPS) was obtained, which can be used to contain sensitive, active substances of a hydrophobic nature. Layering was monitored using zeta potential, and the presence of the resulting capsules was confirmed by SEM imaging. In the current study, we also investigated whether the studied capsules had any effect on the Hep G2 cancer cell line. An attempt was also made to identify the possible molecular mechanism(s) by which the examined capsules suppressed the growth of Hep G2 cells. In this report, we demonstrate that the capsules suppressed the growth of cancer cells. This mechanism was linked to the modulation of the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway and the induction of the G2/M arrest cell cycle. Furthermore, the results indicate that the tested multilayer microcapsules induced cell death through an apoptotic pathway.

Changes in the concentration of bone turnover markers in men after maximum intensity exercise.

Background: Physical activity is an important factor in modelling the remodelling and metabolism of bone tissue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in indices demonstrating bone turnover in men under the influence of maximum-intensity exercise. Methods: The study involved 33 men aged 20-25, divided into two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 18). People training medium- and long-distance running were assigned to the experimental group, and non-training individuals to the control. Selected somatic, physiological and biochemical indices were measured. The level of aerobic fitness was determined using a progressively increasing graded test (treadmill test for subjective fatigue). Blood samples for determinations were taken before the test and 60 minutes after its completion. The concentration of selected bone turnover markers was assessed: bone fraction of alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), osteoclacin (OC), N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of the alpha chain of type I collagen (NTx1), N-terminal propeptide of type I progolagen (PINP), osteoprotegerin (OPG). In addition, the concentration of 25(OH)D3 prior to the stress test was determined. Additionally, pre and post exercise, the concentration of lactates in the capillary blood was determined. Results: When comparing the two groups, significant statistical differences were found for the mean level of: 25(OH)D3 (p = 0.025), b-ALP (p < 0.001), OC (p = 0.004) and PINP (p = 0.029) prior to the test. On the other hand, within individual groups, between the values pre and post the stress test, there were statistically significant differences for the average level of: b-ALP (p < 0.001), NTx1 (p < 0.001), OPG (p = 0.001) and PINP (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A single-session maximum physical effort can become an effective tool to initiate positive changes in bone turnover markers.

Assessment of selected muscle damage markers and zonulin concentration after maximum-intensity exercise in men with type 1 diabetes treated with a personal insulin pump.

AIM: Exercise-induced muscle damage depends on exercise intensity and duration and on individual susceptibility. Mechanical and metabolic stress may disturb the intestinal microflora. The study evaluated selected muscle damage markers and zonulin concentration after maximum-intensity exercise in type 1 diabetes (T1D) men compared with healthy controls. METHODS: The study involved 16 T1D participants and 28 controls matched by age (22.7 [21.3-25.1] vs. 22.6 [20.9-26.3] years), body mass index (24.2 ± 1.6 vs. 24.2 ± 1.9 kg/m2), and body fat percentage (16.1 ± 5.2 vs. 14.9 ± 4.6%). The T1D group had 11.3 ± 5.1 years of diabetes duration and a suboptimal mean glycated haemoglobin level of 7.2 ± 1.1%. The subjects underwent a graded running treadmill test until exhaustion. Lactate concentration was assessed in arterialized blood at baseline and 3 and 20 min after the test. Cortisol, testosterone, tumour necrosis factor α, myoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, zonulin, and vitamin D levels were evaluated in cubital fossa vein blood before and 60 min after the test. RESULTS: T1D patients presented higher baseline zonulin, myoglobin concentration, testosterone/cortisol ratio, and lower maximal oxygen uptake. On adjusting for the baseline values, the groups differed in zonulin, lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin levels, testosterone/cortisol ratio, and lactate concentration determined 20 min after exercise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maximum-intensity exercise increased muscle and intestinal damage in T1D participants. In patients with lower physical activity, very-high-intensity exercise should be recommended with caution. Observing the anabolic-catabolic index may help individualize effort intensity in T1D individuals.

Association of short- and long-term metabolic control parameters with personality traits in adult type 1 diabetes treated with personal insulin pumps. / Korelacja krótko- i dlugoterminowych parametrów kontroli metabolicznej z cechami osobowosci u doroslych chorych na cukrzyce typu 1 leczonych za pomoca osobistych pomp insulinowych.

AIM: Several studies have assessed the association between personality traits and metabolic outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The aim of this observational single-visit study was to investigate whether specific personality traits were related to the degree of metabolic control/diabetes duration in adult T1DM patients. METHOD: Data were collected from 56 adults (40 men) with T1DM treated in a tertiary care center. "Big Five" personality traits were assessed using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory questionnaire. Several variables were obtained from the insulin pumps, glucometers and blinded continuous glucose monitoring system. RESULTS: All personality traits but neuroticism (low level of the trait) showed average intensity. Agreeableness was associated with most variables from CGMS data. Higher conscientiousness was associated with longer diabetes duration. Higher neuroticism was correlated with greater glycemic variability (GV), while high Extraversion was associated with lower GV. Lower Openness was associated with prolonged time in clinically significant hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggest that personality traits manifest in individual approach to diabetes management and emotion regulation, translating also into the attitude to treatment. On the other hand, T1DM patients' overall trait scores were consistent with healthy nonpsychiatric norms, which debunks myths and stereotypes suggesting that chronic disease is usually associated with psychopathology.

Influence of 5-Week Snack Supplementation with the Addition of Gelatin Hydrolysates from Carp Skins on Pro-Oxidative and Antioxidant Balance Disturbances (TOS, TAS) in a Group of Athletes.

The research objective was to assess the effects of 5-week snack supplementation with added enzymatic hydrolysates from carp skins on shifts in pro-oxidative and antioxidant balance among athletes. The study comprised 49 adults (experimental group (E)­17, placebo (P)­16, control (C)­16) practicing endurance disciplines. Selected somatic indices and maximal oxygen uptake/m (VO2max) were measured. Based on VO2max, an individual exercise intensity was selected with predominating eccentric contractions (60% VO2max). The conducted tests consisted of 2 series (1st­graded and eccentric, 2nd­eccentric). The experimental group consumed a snack with added gelatin hydrolysates from carp skins for 5 weeks in between the series, the placebo­a snack without added hydrolysates, and in the control­no supplementation was implemented. Blood samples were taken before, and 1, 24 and 48 h after completion of the eccentric test. TAS and TOC concentrations in the blood plasma were assessed. No significant changes in TOS/TOC and TAS/TAC concentrations were noted between the 1st and the 2nd test series, before or following the eccentric test in the control and placebo groups. In the measurements performed 1, 24 and 48 h after completion, the observed differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). After 5 weeks of snack consumption, an increase from medium to high antioxidant potential was observed for E. Differences between the 1st and the 2nd test series were of high statistical significance (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance indices between successive series allow to confirm antioxidant effects and indicate possibilities for its implementation, not only in sports.

Changes in Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress Indicators and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor After Maximum-Intensity Exercise Assessing Aerobic Capacity in Males With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), chronic hyperglycemia causes reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. Exercise alters the oxidant-antioxidant balance. We evaluated the aerobic capacity and oxidant-antioxidant balance changes after maximum-intensity exercise in T1DM patients. The study involved 30 T1DM participants and 23 controls. The patients' average age was 23.4 ± 5.1 years, with a body mass index of 24.3 ± 3.1 kg m-2 and with satisfactory glycemic control. Among the controls, the respective values equaled 24.7 ± 2.9 years and 22.9 ± 2.1 kg m-2. Aerobic capacity was assessed with a treadmill test. Peak minute oxygen uptake was significantly lower in T1DM compared with the controls (44.7 ± 5.7 vs. 56.0 ± 7.3 mL kg-1 min-1). The total oxidant capacity measured by total oxidative status/total oxidative capacity (TOS/TOC) equaled 321.5 ± 151 µmol L-1 before and 380.1 ± 153 µmol L-1 after exercise in T1DM, and 164.1 ± 75 and 216.6 ± 75 µmol L-1 in the controls (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). A significant difference in the ratio of total antioxidant status/total antioxidant capacity (TAS/TAC) between the groups after the treadmill test was observed (p < 0.05). Nitrosative stress indicators where significantly higher in the T1DM group both before and after the exercise. In conclusion, diabetic patients demonstrated a lower aerobic capacity. The TOS/TOC and nitrosative stress indicators were significantly higher in T1DM before and after the test.

Protocol for Designing New Functional Food with the Addition of Food Industry By-Products, Using Design Thinking Techniques-A Case Study of a Snack with Antioxidant Properties for Physically Active People.

The aim of the work was to develop an easy-to-follow protocol for designing novel functional products with the addition of food industry by-products using design thinking techniques. As a result, a 12-step protocol has been designed and presented. The protocol consists of steps from the initial formation of the design team, through all the stages of the production and prototyping, until establishing the final storage conditions and creating final documentation. The protocol has been validated and explained using a case study in which a fish industry by-product hydrolysate with bioactive properties was used to develop a novel functional food product for physically active people: a date bar with carp meat and carp skin gelatin hydrolysate. Following the 12 steps presented in the protocol resulted in developing a food product with high nutritional value and antioxidant power which remains stable during storage at reduced temperatures. Moreover, the product is characterized by good sensory qualities and can be easily implemented into full-scale production. The newly designed protocol is an easy-to-follow method that could be used in almost any kind of food industry sector to sucesfully develop user-focused functional food products with by-product addition.