Inflammatory Status in Trained and Untrained Mice at Different Pollution Levels.

Atmospheric pollution can be defined as a set of changes that occur in the composition of the air, making it unsuitable and/or harmful and thereby generating adverse effects on human health. The regular practice of physical exercise (PE) is associated with the preservation and/or improvement of health; however, it can be influenced by neuroimmunoendocrine mechanisms and external factors such as air pollution, highlighting the need for studies involving the practice of PE in polluted environments. Herein, 24 male C57BL/6 mice were evaluated, distributed into four groups (exposed to a high concentration of pollutants/sedentary, exposed to a high concentration of pollutants/exercised, exposed to ambient air/sedentary, and exposed to ambient air/exercised). The exposure to pollutants occurred in the environmental particle concentrator (CPA) and the physical training was performed on a treadmill specially designed for use within the CPA. Pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), BALF cellularity, and lung tissue were evaluated. Although the active group exposed to a high concentration of pollution showed a greater inflammatory response, both the correlation analysis and the ratio between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines demonstrated that the exercised group presented greater anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting a protective/adaptative effect of exercise when carried out in a polluted environment.

Older Adults Who Maintained a Regular Physical Exercise Routine before the Pandemic Show Better Immune Response to Vaccination for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the specific-antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccination and the immunophenotyping of T cells in older adults who were engaged or not in an exercise training program before the pandemic. METHODS: Ninety-three aged individuals (aged between 60 and 85 years) were separated into 3 groups: practitioners of physical exercise vaccinated with CoronaVac (PE-Co, n = 46), or vaccinated with ChadOx-1 (PE-Ch, n = 23), and non-practitioners vaccinated with ChadOx-1 (NPE-Ch, n = 24). Blood samples were collected before (pre) and 30 days after vaccination with the second vaccine dose. RESULTS: Higher IgG levels and immunogenicity were found in the PE-Ch and NPE-Ch groups, whereas increased IgA levels were found only in the PE-Ch group post-vaccination. The PE-Co group showed a positive correlation between the IgA and IgG values, and lower IgG levels post-vaccination were associated with age. Significant alterations in the percentage of naive (CD28+CD57-), double-positive (CD28+CD57+), and senescent (CD28-CD57+) CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells were found post-vaccination, particularly in the PE-Ch group. CONCLUSIONS: The volunteers vaccinated with the ChadOx-1 presented not only a better antibody response but also a significant modulation in the percentage of T cell profiles, mainly in the previously exercised group.

A phytotherapic blend immunity-6™ inhibits myeloid leukemic cells 2 activation involving purinergic signaling.

Leukemia is among the most common types of hematological cancers and the use of herbal medicines to prevent and treat leukemia are under quick development. Among several molecular pathways involved in leukemia pathogenesis and exacerbations, purinergic signaling is revealed as a key component. In the present study, the effects of two doses (5 ug/mL and 10 ug/mL) of Immunity-6™, a phytocomplex composed by beta-glucan, green tea (Camelia sinensis), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was tested in vitro, using chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line (K-562; 5 ×104/mL/well), which were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 ug/mL) for 24 h. The results demonstrated that both doses of Immunity-6™ inhibited ATP release (p < 0.001) and P2×7 receptor at mRNA levels expression (p < 0.001). Purinergic inhibition by Immunity-6™ was followed by reduced release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta (p < 0.001) and IL-6 (p < 0.001), while only 5 ug/mL of Immunity-6™ reduced the release of TNF-alpha (p < 0.001). Beyond to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, both doses of Immunity-6™ induced the release of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p < 0.001), while only the higher dose (10 ug/mL) of Immunity-6™ induced the release of anti-inflammatory IL-1ra (p < 0.05) and klotho (p < 0.001). Thus, Immunity-6™ may be a promising adjuvant in the treatment of leukemia and further clinical trials are guaranteed.

Human endogenous retroviruses and the inflammatory response: A vicious circle associated with health and illness.

Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from ancient exogenous retroviral infections that have infected our ancestors' germline cells, underwent endogenization process, and were passed throughout the generations by retrotransposition and hereditary transmission. HERVs comprise 8% of the human genome and are critical for several physiological activities. Yet, HERVs reactivation is involved in pathological process as cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the multiple aspects of HERVs' role within the human genome, as well as virological and molecular aspects, and their fusogenic property. We also discuss possibilities of how the HERVs are possibly transactivated and participate in modulating the inflammatory response in health conditions. An update on their role in several autoimmune, inflammatory, and aging-related diseases is also presented.

Distinct Immunological Profiles Help in the Maintenance of Salivary Secretory IgA Production in Mild Symptoms COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Relevant aspects regarding the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the systemic immune response to this infection have been reported. However, the mucosal immune response of the upper airways two months after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with mild/moderate symptoms is still not completely described. Therefore, we investigated the immune/inflammatory responses of the mucosa of the upper airways of mild/moderate symptom COVID-19 patients two months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection in comparison to a control group composed of non-COVID-19 healthy individuals. Methods: A cohort of 80 volunteers (age 37.2 ± 8.2), including non-COVID-19 healthy individuals (n=24) and COVID-19 patients (n=56) who presented mild/moderate symptoms during a COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil in November and December of 2020. Saliva samples were obtained two months after the COVID-19 diagnosis to assess the levels of SIgA by ELISA and the cytokines by multiplex analysis. Results: Salivary levels of SIgA were detected in 39 volunteers into the COVID-19 group and, unexpectedly, in 14 volunteers in the control group. Based on this observation, we distributed the volunteers of the control group into without SIgA or with SIgA sub-groups, and COVID-19 group into without SIgA or with SIgA sub-groups. Individuals with SIgA showed higher levels of IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-13, and IFN-α than those without SIgA. In intergroup analysis, the COVID-19 groups showed higher salivary levels of IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, and IFN-α than the control group. No statistical differences were verified in the salivary levels of IL-6 and IFN-ß. Lower IL-12p70/IL-10 and IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios were found in the control group without SIgA than the control group with SIgA and the COVID-19 group with SIgA. Conclusion: We were able to present, for the first time, that associations between distinct immunological profiles can help the mucosal immunity to maintain the salivary levels of SIgA in COVID-19 patients two months after the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The poorly conducted orchestra of steroid hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation in frailty needs a maestro: Regular physical exercise.

This review outlines the various factors associated with unhealthy aging which includes becoming frail and dependent. With many people not engaging in recommended exercise, facilitators and barriers to engage with exercise must be investigated to promote exercise uptake and adherence over the lifespan for different demographics, including the old, less affluent, women, and those with different cultural-ethnic backgrounds. Governmental and locally funded public health messages and environmental facilitation (gyms, parks etc.) can play an important role. Studies have shown that exercise can act as a conductor to balance oxidative stress, immune and endocrine functions together to promote healthy aging and reduce the risk for age-related morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, and promote cognition and mood over the lifespan. Like a classic symphony orchestra, consisting of four groups of related musical instruments - the woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings - the aging process should also perform in harmony, with compassion, avoiding the aggrandizement of any of its individual parts during the presentation. This review discusses the wide variety of molecular, cellular and endocrine mechanisms (focusing on the steroid balance) underlying this process and their interrelationships.

In Nasal Mucosal Secretions, Distinct IFN and IgA Responses Are Found in Severe and Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Likely as in other viral respiratory diseases, SARS-CoV-2 elicit a local immune response, which includes production and releasing of both cytokines and secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the levels of specific-SIgA for SARS-CoV-2 and cytokines in the airways mucosa 37 patients who were suspected of COVID-19. According to the RT-PCR results, the patients were separated into three groups: negative for COVID-19 and other viruses (NEGS, n = 5); negative for COVID-19 but positive for the presence of other viruses (OTHERS, n = 5); and the positive for COVID-19 (COVID-19, n = 27). Higher specific-SIgA for SARS-CoV-2, IFN-ß, and IFN-γ were found in the COVID-19 group than in the other groups. Increased IL-12p70 levels were observed in OTHERS group as compared to COVID-19 group. When the COVID-19 group was sub stratified according to the illness severity, significant differences and correlations were found for the same parameters described above comparing severe COVID-19 to the mild COVID-19 group and other non-COVID-19 groups. For the first time, significant differences are shown in the airway's mucosa immune responses in different groups of patients with or without respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Relationship of IL-8 and IL-10 Myokines and Performance in Male Marathon Runners Presenting Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction.

At present, it is unclear which exercise-induced factors, such as myokines, could diminish the negative impact of the reduction in pulmonary function imposed by the exercise in question. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and also to investigate the effect of myokines in the performance of marathon runners presenting EIB or not. Thirty-eight male recreational marathon runners (age 38.8 [33-44], height 175.7 [172.0-180.3]; weight 74.7 [69.3-81.6]) participated in this study, and through spirometry tests, a prevalence of 23.6% of EIB was found, which is in agreement with the literature. The volunteers who tested positive to EIB (EIB+) presented lower maximum aerobic capacity compared to those who tested negative (EIB-) (EIB+ 44.02 [39.56-47.02] and EIB- 47.62 [44.11-51.18] p = 0.03). The comparison of plasma levels of IL-1ß (EIB+ p = 0.296, EIB- p = 0.176, EIB+ vs. EIB- baseline p = 0.190 immediately after p = 0.106), IL-4 (undetectable), IL-6 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB- p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB- baseline p = 0.301 immediately after p = 0.614), IL-8 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB- p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB- baseline p = 0.110 immediately after p = 0.453), IL-10 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB- p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB- baseline p = 0.424 immediately after p = 0.876) and TNF-α (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB- p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB- baseline p = 0.141 immediately after p = 0.898) were similar in both groups 24 h before and immediately after the marathon. However, negative correlations were found between the marathon finishing time and the levels of IL-8 (r = -0.81, p = 0.022), and IL-10 (r = -0.97, p ≤ 0.001) immediately after completing the marathon. In conclusion, for the first time, it is shown that the myokines IL-8 and IL-10 are related to improvement of the performance of marathon runners presenting EIB.

The relationship of IL-8 and IL-10 myokines and performance in male marathon runners presenting exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

ABSTRACT: At present, it is unclear which exercise-induced factors, such as myokines, could diminish the negative impact of the reduction in pulmonary function imposed by the exercise in question. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and also to investigate the effect of myokines in the performance of marathon runners presenting EIB or not. Thirty-eight male recreational marathon runners (age 38.8 [33­44], height 175.7 [172.0­180.3]; weight 74.7 [69.3­81.6]) participated in this study, and through spirometry tests, a prevalence of 23.6% of EIB was found, which is in agreement with the literature. The volunteers who tested positive to EIB (EIB+) presented lower maximum aerobic capacity compared to those who tested negative (EIB−) (EIB+ 44.02 [39.56­47.02] and EIB− 47.62 [44.11­51.18] p = 0.03). The comparison of plasma levels of IL-1ß (EIB+ p = 0.296, EIB− p = 0.176, EIB+ vs. EIB− baseline p = 0.190 immediately after p = 0.106), IL-4 (undetectable), IL-6 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB− p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB− baseline p = 0.301 immediately after p = 0.614), IL-8 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB− p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB− baseline p = 0.110 immediately after p = 0.453), IL-10 (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB− p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB− baseline p = 0.424 immediately after p = 0.876) and TNF-α (EIB+ p = 0.003, EIB− p ≤ 0.001, EIB+ vs. EIB− baseline p = 0.141 immediately after p = 0.898) were similar in both groups 24 h before and immediately after the marathon. However, negative correlations were found between the marathon finishing time and the levels of IL-8 (r = −0.81, p = 0.022), and IL-10 (r = −0.97, p ≤ 0.001) immediately after completing the marathon. In conclusion, for the first time, it is shown that the myokines IL-8 and IL-10 are related to improvement of the performance of marathon runners presenting EIB.

Outdoor Endurance Training with Air Pollutant Exposure Versus Sedentary Lifestyle: A Comparison of Airway Immune Responses.

Although regular exercise-training improves immune/inflammatory status, the influence of air pollutants exposure during outdoor endurance training compared to a sedentary lifestyle has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to compare the immune/inflammatory responses in the airways of street runners and sedentary people after acute and chronic particulate matter (PM) exposure. Forty volunteers (street runners (RUN, n = 20); sedentary people (SED, n = 20)) were evaluated 1 (acute) and 10 (chronic) weeks after PM exposure. Cytokines [interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17A] in nasal lavage fluid, salivary antibacterial peptides (lactoferrin (LTF), cathelicidin (LL-37), defensin-α 1-3), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), plasma club cell protein (CC16), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were analyzed. After acute exposure, the RUN group showed lower levels of IL-13, IL-10, and FeNO, but higher defensin-α than the SED group. After chronic exposure, the RUN group showed elevation of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-17A, and a decrease of FeNO levels, whereas the SED group showed elevation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and a decrease of IL-13 levels. Comparing these groups, the RUN group showed higher levels of SIgA and LTF, and lower FeNO levels than the SED group. In relation to the Th immune response analysis after acute and chronic PM exposure, the RUN group showed a pattern associated with Th1, while in the SED group, a Th2 pattern was found. Both groups showed also a Th17 immune response pattern. Our results allow us to suggest that the immune/inflammatory status of the respiratory tract after acute and chronic PM exposure was improved by the long-standing regular practice of outdoor endurance exercise compared to a sedentary lifestyle.

Premenstrual Syndrome, Inflammatory Status, and Mood States in Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the inflammatory profile and mood states in the different phases of the menstrual cycle in soccer players with and without premenstrual syndrome (PMS). METHODS: Data on the menstrual cycle and mood states were collected using the Daily Symptom Report and the Brunel Mood Scale. Cytokine and stress hormone concentrations were measured in urine by flow cytometry before and after a game in the luteal phase and in the follicular phase of one menstrual cycle. RESULTS: In all, 59.6% of the athletes had PMS. The PMS group showed higher concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 than the athletes without PMS. After the game, IL-6 decreased in the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The tumor necrosis factor-α levels were higher in the group without PMS during the post-game follicular phase than before the game. In the PMS group, tension was higher in the follicular phase before the game and depression was higher in the pre-game luteal phase than in the group without PMS. The PMS group also presented a negative correlation between depression and IL-10 levels in the pre-game follicular phase. Finally, in the pre-game luteal phase were found positive correlations between growth hormone and IL-10. CONCLUSION: PMS influences the inflammatory condition related to mood states and stress hormones in female soccer players.

[Influence of body mass index, body fat percentage and age at menarche on aerobic capacity (VO2 max) of elementary school female students]. / Influência do índice de massa corpórea, porcentagem de gordura corporal e idade da menarca sobre a capacidade aeróbia (VO2 máx) de alunas do ensino fundamental.

PURPOSE: To identify and relate body fat percentage (skin fold measures), body mass index (BMI) and age at menarcheto aerobic capacity using the indirect VO2 maximum value (VO2 max) of girls in the second cycle of primary school. METHODS: A total of 197 girls aged 13.0 ± 1.2 years on average, students from two public schools in the city of Atibaia in São Paulo, were evaluated. Anthropometric evaluation of skin folds was performed using the Slaughter protocol for teenage girls, and BMI (kg/m²) was based on "Z score" (graphic of percentile) according to WHO recommendations. The Léger protocol was used to determine VO2 max. Pearson linear regression and the Student t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 22.3% of the girls were overweight and 3.5% were obese according to the classification proposed by the WHO; 140 (71.1%) girls reported menarche. The average age at menarche was 12.0 ± 1.0 years and was significantly higher in the group with normal BMI (12.2 ± 0.9 years) than in the overweight or obese groups (11.6 ± 1.0 years). The average indirect VO2 max value was 39.6 ± 3.7 mL/kg/min, ranging from 30.3 to 50.5 mL/kg/min. The advance of chronological age and early age at menarche were positively correlated with lower VO2 max values. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that 25.8% of the girls had aBMI value above WHO recommendations. Girls with higher BMI and higher body fat percentage had lower VO2 max. The earlier age at menarche and the advance of chronological age were the most important factors for the reduction of aerobic capacity. The ageat menarche was higher in girls with adequate BMI compared tooverweight or obese girls.

Influência do índice de massa corpórea, porcentagem de gordura corporal e idade da menarca sobre a capacidade aeróbia (VO2 máx) de alunas do ensino fundamental / Influence of body mass index, body fat percentage and age at menarche on aerobic capacity (VO2 max) of elementary school female students

OBJETIVO: Identificar e relacionar a composição corporal, baseada na porcentagem de gordura corporal e o índice de massa corpórea (IMC), e a idade da menarca, com a capacidade aeróbia, utilizando-se os valores de VO2 máximo indireto, de estudantes do segundo ciclo do ensino fundamental. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 197 meninas com média de idade de 13,0±1,2 anos, estudantes de duas escolas estaduais de Atibaia-SP. Para estimar a porcentagem de gordura corporal, foi realizada uma avaliação de dobras cutâneas utilizando-se o protocolo de Slaughter para meninas adolescentes. Já o índice de massa corpórea (IMC), medido em quilogramas por metro quadrado (kg/m2), seguiu as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Para a avaliação aeróbia, foi utilizado o teste de corrida proposto por Léger, determinando o volume de oxigênio máximo de forma indireta (VO2 máx). Para a análise estatística, foi utilizada a regressão linear de Pearson, o teste t de Student e a análise multivariada. RESULTADOS: 22,3% das meninas apresentaram sobrepeso e 3,5% obesidade, de acordo com o IMC. Na amostra estudada, 140 (71,1%) adolescentes relataram a ocorrência de menarca. A média de idade da menarca foi de 12,0±1,0 anos. A média de idade de menarca para o grupo com IMC normal foi significativamente maior (12,2±0,9 anos) do que nas estudantes com sobrepeso ou obesidade (11,6±1,0 anos). A média do VO2 máx indireto foi de 39,6±3,7 mL/kg/min, variando de 30,3 a 50,5 mL/kg/min. O avanço da idade cronológica e a precocidade da menarca correlacionaram-se positivamente com os menores valores de VO2 máx. CONCLUSÕES: Meninas com maiores valores de IMC e percentual de gordura corporal apresentaram menores valores de VO2 máx. A precocidade ...

PURPOSE: To identify and relate body fat percentage (skin fold measures), body mass index (BMI) and age at menarcheto aerobic capacity using the indirect VO2 maximum value (VO2 max) of girls in the second cycle of primary school. METHODS: A total of 197 girls aged 13.0±1.2 years on average, students from two public schools in the city of Atibaia in São Paulo, were evaluated. Anthropometric evaluation of skin folds was performed using the Slaughter protocol for teenage girls, and BMI (kg/m2) was based on "Z score" (graphic of percentile) according to WHO recommendations. The Léger protocol was used to determine VO2 max. Pearson linear regression and the Student t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 22.3% of the girls were overweight and 3.5% were obese according to the classification proposed by the WHO; 140 (71.1%) girls reported menarche. The average age at menarche was 12.0±1.0 years and was significantly higher in the group with normal BMI (12.2±0.9 years) than in the overweight or obese groups (11.6±1.0 years). The average indirect VO2 max value was 39.6±3.7 mL/kg/min, ranging from 30.3 to 50.5 mL/kg/min. The advance of chronological age and early age at menarche were positively correlated with lower VO2 max values. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that 25.8% of the girls had aBMI value above WHO recommendations. Girls with higher BMI and higher body fat percentage had lower VO2 max. The earlier age at menarche and the advance of chronological age were the most important factors for the reduction of aerobic capacity. The ageat menarche was higher in girls with adequate BMI compared tooverweight or obese girls. .

Utilização do Biofeedback como ferramenta motivacional em um exercício de consciência respiratória ­ relato de caso / Using biofeedback as a motivational tool in an awareness exercise Respiratory-case report

Introdução: o biofeedback é descrito como um instrumento que favorece a conscientização e a regulação dos processos fisiológicos do indivíduo; podendo ser utilizado em treinamentos de relaxamento bem como de gestão do estresse. Objetivo: verificar uma possível regulação do processo respiratório através da utilização do biofeedback como ferramenta motivacional. Método: paciente AC; sexo feminino; 73 anos; passou em consulta no Ambulatório de Promoção de Saúde da Medicina do Esporte ­ UNIFESP. Relatou queixa de dores no corpo; pressão alta; sedentarismo; tendo diagnóstico de fibromialgia e artrose nos ombros. Recebeu orientação dos profissionais de gerenciamento de estresse para a aplicação de técnicas complementares de saúde ­ exercício de consciência respiratória - além da utilização do biofeedback para monitorar os sinais fisiológicos. Retornou mais 2 vezes ao ambulatório. O aparelho de biofeedback utilizado é da empresa HealthMatch ­ EMWAVE. O módulo gráfico escolhido foi para iniciantes, utilizando sensor no dedo indicador da mão esquerda. O protocolo utilizado foi: A) dois minutos como linha de base; sem falar; respirando normalmente; olhos abertos. B) orientação de postura e de consciência respiratória; C) cinco minutos de treinamento; sem falar; respirando normalmente, porém com consciência; olhos abertos.Foi proposto treinamento diário por pelo menos cinco minutos, seguindo as orientações. Resultados: a análise dos sinais emitidos pelo biofeedback mostrou uma melhora no controle do processo respiratório; com aumento da média, por minuto, dos valores associados à modulação simpática-parassimpática nas três consultas realizadas (32%, 39% e 56% respectivamente), quando comparados aos valores associados à atividade simpática; demonstrando comportamento de consciência durante a prática da respiração através da modulação dos batimentos cardíacos. Conclusão: observou-se uma melhora no controle do processo respiratório na paciente estudada após a utilização do biofeedback e da prática do exercício de consciência respiratória; o que sugere eficácia do método como ferramenta terapêutica motivacional.