Long-Term Bovine Colostrum Supplementation in Football Players.

Physical exercise, especially of high intensity, is a significant burden on an athlete's body. It should be emphasized that achieving high results in competitive sports requires the use of significant, sometimes extreme, exercise loads during training, which may result in homeostasis disorders, adversely affecting the fitness of athletes. This study aims to investigate the effects of 6 months of bovine colostrum supplementation on indicators of immune system functioning, selected parameters related to iron management, and anabolic/catabolic balance in young football players. Twenty-eight male football players completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover protocol (24 weeks of colostrum/placebo). A standardized exercise test was executed at the beginning of the trial and after 3 and 6 months of supplementation. Blood samples were taken before and after the exercise test and after 3 h of recovery. Markers of iron homeostasis, pro- and anti-inflammatory balance, and hormonal responses were determined. A significant increase in immunoglobulin G concentration was observed, accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory markers in supplemented athletes. Bovine colostrum supplementation had no significant effect on athletes' performance or on iron management and hormonal response. The use of bovine colostrum, which is characterized by a high content of immunologically active compounds, can be an element of a relatively mild and safe intervention for reducing inflammation induced by intense physical exercise.

Vitamin D Supplementation Influences Ultramarathon-Induced Changes in Serum Amino Acid Levels, Tryptophan/Branched-Chain Amino Acid Ratio, and Arginine/Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Ratio.

Exercise affects serum levels of amino acids and their metabolites, with important metabolic consequences. Since vitamin D impacts skeletal muscle protein degradation, we hypothesised that it would also impact exercise-induced changes in serum amino acid levels and the serum levels of arginine metabolites, influencing the body's ability to synthesise NO. Accordingly, we analysed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the serum levels of various amino acids in ultramarathon runners. Thirty-five male amateur runners were assigned to the supplemented group, administered 150,000 IU vitamin D in vegetable oil 24 h before the run (n = 16), or the control (placebo) group (n = 19). Blood was sampled 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Changes in the serum levels of some amino acids were distinct in the two groups. The asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels were significantly decreased immediately after the run and increased 24 h later and were not affected by the supplementation. The symmetric dimethyl arginine levels were increased after the run in both groups but were lower in the supplemented group than in the placebo group 24 h after the run. The dimethylamine levels increased significantly in the supplemented group as compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, vitamin D impacts exercise-induced changes in serum amino acids and methylated arginine metabolites.

Effect of Supplementation with Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extract on Inflammatory Status and Selected Markers of Iron Metabolism in Young Football Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements in amateur and professional sports has increased in the last decades. This is because most of these products and supplements contain bioactive compounds with a variety of biological properties that exert a physiological effect on the human body. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin, and selected markers of iron metabolism in a group of young football players. This double-blind study included 22 male football players (mean = 19.96 ± 0.56), divided into two groups: supplemented and placebo. Before and after a 90-day period of training combined with supplementation (6 g of lyophilized black chokeberry extract), participants performed maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run tests at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation period, with blood sampled for analysis at different times before and after exercise. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ferritin, myoglobin, hepcidin, 8-OHdG, albumin, and TAC were analyzed. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of 90-day supplementation with the lyophilized extract on changes in the IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and TAC induced by maximal aerobic effort. In conclusion, supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract improves the performance and antioxidant status of serum in humans and induces protective changes in inflammatory markers.

The Effect of Autogenic Training in a Form of Audio Recording on Sleep Quality and Physiological Stress Reactions of University Athletes-Pilot Study.

Despite the growing popularity of relaxation training, the effectiveness of an autogenic training (AT) as a method of dealing with sleep problems in group of student athletes is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap. University athletes with decreased sleep quality (selected from 209 participants) were randomly assigned to the experimental (EG, n = 11) and control (CG, n = 11) groups similar in terms of sleep quality, age, gender, type of sport discipline and sport experience. During the 14 days dedicated to performing relaxation training in the form of an audio recording, electronic daily logs and actigraphy were used to monitor the athletes' sleep and daily activity. The EG listened to the recording with suggestions based on AT and CG only to the background music. Pre- and post-measurements of sleep quality by means of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and physiological stress reactions by biofeedback device were performed. In EG and CG, the parameters of sleep and daily activity obtained by actigraphy and daily logs as well as physiological indicators of emotional reactivity did not differ. Sleep quality in PSQI significantly increased after AT usage in EG. AT seems to be an effective method for university athletes in improving subjective sleep quality, but further studies are necessary.

Effects of Sitting Callisthenic Balance and Resistance Exercise Programs on Cognitive Function in Older Participants.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training programs have the potential to improve cognitive function in older subjects. However, the majority of training programs are based on aerobic modality. In the current study, the influence of 3 months programs of sitting callisthenic balance (SCB) and resistance training (RT) on cognitive functioning and the mediating role that a change in the level of neurotrophic factors and strength in older, healthy participants plays were examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Global cognitive function was examined using MoCA, short-term memory using Digit Span and Delayed Matching to Sample, set shifting using Trial Making Test Part B, speed of processing simple visual stimuli using Simple Reaction Time, decision making using Choice Reaction Time, visual attention with Visual Attention Test (VAT), tests. Strength of lower and upper limbs, neurotrophin level (irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), neurotrophin 4/5 (NT 4/5) were examined. RESULTS: Improved scores in RT vs. SCB were noted in MoCA (p = 0.02), reaction time in SRT (p = 0.02), TMT B (p = 0.03), errors committed in CRT (p = 0.04) and VAT (p = 0.02) were observed. No significant changes in the level of neurotrophic factors were observed. Changes in upper limb strength were related to changes in the number of errors committed in the SRT (p = 0.03). Lower limb strength changes explained the dynamics of the number of correct answers (p = 0.002) and errors committed (p = 0.006) in VAT. CONCLUSIONS: Both SCB and RT influenced multiple cognitive domains. The RT program improved global cognitive functioning, while no improvement was noticed in the SCB group. Decision making, visual attention and global cognitive function were improved after the RT program. Set-shifting, short-term visual memory processing speed of simple visual stimuli were improved after the SCB program, while a decrease in the processing speed of simple visual stimuli was noted in the RT group. Changes in irisin were related to set-shifting and short-term memory, while in BDNF to an improvement in the processing speed of simple visual stimuli. Resistance exercise training programs could be applied to prevent age related declines of cognitive function in healthy older subjects.

Direct Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Ultramarathon-Induced Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism.

In humans, most free tryptophan is degraded via kynurenine pathways into kynurenines. Kynurenines modulate the immune system, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Consequently, kynurenine pathway metabolites (KPMs) have been studied in the context of exercise. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on exercise-induced changes in KPMs has not been investigated. Here, we analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on KPMs and tryptophan levels in runners after an ultramarathon. In the study, 35 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: vitamin D supplementation group, administered 150,000 IU vitamin D in vegetable oil 24 h before the run (n = 16); and control (placebo) group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Kynurenic, xanthurenic, quinolinic, and picolinic acids levels were significantly increased after the run in the control group, but the effect was blunted by vitamin D supplementation. Conversely, the decrease in serum tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine levels immediately after the run was more pronounced in the supplemented group than in the control. The 3-hydroxy-l-kynurenine levels were significantly increased in both groups after the run. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation affects ultramarathon-induced changes in tryptophan metabolism.

CCL2 Gene Expression and Protein Level Changes Observed in Response to Wingate Anaerobic Test in High-Trained Athletes and Non-Trained Controls.

Intensive, acute exercise may bring a large systemic inflammatory response marked by substantial increases in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. One such chemokines-CCL2-is a key factor involved in inflammatory reaction to exercise. The direct aim of the study was to describe the changes in the CCL2 expression levels after anaerobic exercise in well-trained athletes adapted to long-term training and in non-trained participants. The expression of CCL2 mRNA was evaluated in peripheral blood MNCs and CCL2 protein level was observed in blood plasma. The changes were assessed as the response to an acute, intensive bout of exercise (Wingate Anaerobic Test) in two groups of participants: well-trained soccer players and non-trained individuals. An increase of CCL2 expression inn both mRNA and protein levels was observed. The response was greater in non-trained individuals and elevated levels of CCL2 transcripts persisted for more than 24 h after exercise. Well-trained individuals responded more modestly and the effect was attenuated relatively quickly. This shows muscular adaptation to a continuous training regime in well-trained individuals and better control of immune reactions to muscular injury. In non-training individuals, the induction of the inflammatory response was greater, suggesting presence of more serious myotrauma.

Implications of Adipose Tissue Content for Changes in Serum Levels of Exercise-Induced Adipokines: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Human adipocytes release multiple adipokines into the bloodstream during physical activity. This affects many organs and might contribute to the induction of inflammation. In this study, we aimed to assess changes in circulating adipokine levels induced by intense aerobic and anaerobic exercise in individuals with different adipose tissue content. In the quasi-experimental study, 48 male volunteers (aged 21.78 ± 1.98 years) were assigned to groups depending on their body fat content (BF): LBF, low body fat (<8% BF, n = 16); MBF, moderate body fat (8−14% BF, n = 19); and HBF, high body fat (>14% BF, n = 13). The volunteers performed maximal aerobic effort (MAE) and maximal anaerobic effort (MAnE) exercises. Blood samples were collected at five timepoints: before exercise, immediately after, 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h after each exercise. The selected cytokines were analyzed: adiponectin, follistatin-like 1, interleukin 6, leptin, oncostatin M, and resistin. While the participants' MAnE and MAE performance were similar regardless of BF, the cytokine response of the HBF group was different from that of the others. Six hours after exercise, leptin levels in the HBF group increased by 35%. Further, immediately after MAnE, resistin levels in the HBF group also increased, by approximately 55%. The effect of different BF was not apparent for other cytokines. We conclude that the adipokine exercise response is associated with the amount of adipose tissue and is related to exercise type.

Does the PPARA Intron 7 Gene Variant (rs4253778) Influence Performance in Power/Strength-Oriented Athletes? A Case-Control Replication Study in Three Cohorts of European Gymnasts.

Athletic ability is influenced by several exogenous and endogenous factors including genetic component. Hundreds of gene variants have been proposed as potential genetic markers associated with fitness-related phenotypes as well as elite-level athletic performance. Among others, variants within the PPARA gene that code for the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α are of potential interest. The main goal of the present study was to determine PPARA (G/C, rs4253778) genotype distribution among a group of Polish, Lithuanian and Italian international level male gymnasts and to compare our findings with those of previous research on the frequency of the PPARA intron 7 C allele/CC genotype in power/strength-oriented athletes. A total of 464 male subjects (147 gymnasts and 317 controls) from Poland (n = 203), Italy (n = 146) and Lithuania (n = 107) participated in the study. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the analyzed cohorts. However, a significantly higher frequency of the CC genotype of the PPARA rs4253778 polymorphism was observed when all gymnasts were pooled and compared with pooled control using a recessive model of inheritance (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.18-10, p = 0.022). It is important to know that we investigated a relatively small sample of male European gymnasts and our results are limited only to male participants. Thus, it is necessary to validate our results in larger cohorts of athletes of different ethnicities and also in female gymnasts to find out whether there is a gender effect.

cfDNA Changes in Maximal Exercises as a Sport Adaptation Predictor.

Changes of circulating free plasma DNA (cfDNA) are associated with different types of tissue injury, including those induced by intensive aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Observed changes are dependent from induced inflammation, and thus it may be a potential marker for athletic overtraining. We aimed to identify the response of cfDNA to different types of exercise, with association to exercise intensity as a potential marker of exercise load. Fifty volunteers (25 athletes and 25 physically active men) were assigned to the study and performed maximal aerobic (Bruce test) and anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test) test. Blood samples for cfDNA analysis were collected at four time-points: before, 2-5 min after, 30 min after and 60 min after each type of maximal physical activity. The two-way ANOVA revealed a significant effect of group factor on serum cfDNA concentrations (32.15% higher concentration of cfDNA in the athletes). In turn the results of the post hoc test for the interaction of the repeated measures factor and the group showed that while the concentration of cfDNA decreased by 40.10% in the period from 30 min to 60 min after exercise in the control group, the concentration of cfDNA in the group of athletes remained at a similar level. Our analysis presents different responses depending on the intensity and duration of exercise. Our observations imply that formation of cfDNA is associated with response to physical activity but only during maximal effort.

Effects of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress balance in young footballers- a randomized double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Intensive physical exercise that competitive sports athletes participate in can negatively affect their pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance. Compounds with high antioxidant potential, such as those present in chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), can prevent these adverse changes. We here investigated the effect of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress balance in young footballers. METHODS: The study was designed as a double-blind randomized trial. Diet of a group of young football players (male; n = 20; mean age, 15.8 years-old) was supplemented with 200 ml of chokeberry juice per day, for 7 weeks. The players were randomly assigned to the experimental (supplemented, FP-S; n = 12) and control (placebo, FB-C; n = 8) groups. Before and after the supplementation period, the participants performed a beep test. Venous blood was sampled for serum analysis before, immediately after, 3 h, and 24 h after the beep test. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, total antioxidant capacity, iron, hepcidin, ferritin, myoglobin, and albumin, and morphological blood parameters (red blood cells, (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and lactic acid) were determined. RESULTS: Chokeberry juice supplementation did not significantly affect the outcome of the beep test. The supplementation did not significantly affect any of the morphological, biochemical, or performance parameters analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Chokeberry juice supplementation did not affect the measured parameters in the studied population, which may indicate insufficient antioxidant capacity of the juice.

Serum levels of bone formation and resorption markers in relation to vitamin D status in professional gymnastics and physically active men during upper and lower body high-intensity exercise.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: To compare serum levels of bone turnover markers in athletes and non-athletes, and to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and exercise-induced changes in biomarker levels. METHODS: Sixteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EG; 21.4 ± 0.8 years-old) and 16 physically active men (the control group, PAM; 20.9 ± 1.2 years-old) performed lower and upper body 30-s Wingate anaerobic tests (LBWT and UBWT, respectively). For biomarker analysis, blood samples were collected before, and 5 and 30 min after exercise. Samples for vitamin D levels were collected before exercise. N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) was analysed as a marker of bone formation. C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was analysed as a marker of bone resorption. RESULTS: UBWT fitness readings were better in the EG group than in the PAM group, with no difference in LBWT readings between the groups. UBWT mean power was 8.8% higher in subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels over 22.50 ng/ml and in those with 24,25(OH)2D3 levels over 1.27 ng/ml. Serum CTX levels increased after both tests in the PAM group, with no change in the EG group. PINP levels did not change in either group; however, in PAM subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels above the median, they were higher than those in EG subjects. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D metabolites affect the anaerobic performance and bone turnover markers at rest and after exercise. Further, adaptation to physical activity modulates the effect of anaerobic exercise on bone metabolism markers.

Single High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation as an Approach for Reducing Ultramarathon-Induced Inflammation: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: A growing number of studies indicate the importance of vitamin D supplementation for sports performance. However, the effects of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on ultramarathon-induced inflammation have not been investigated. We here analyzed the effect of a single high-dose vitamin D supplementation on the inflammatory marker levels in ultramarathon runners after an ultramarathon run (maximal run 240 km). Methods: In the study, 35 runners (amateurs) were assigned into two groups: single high-dose vitamin D supplementation group, administered vitamin D (150,000 IU) in vegetable oil 24 h before the start of the run (n = 16); and placebo group (n = 19). Blood was collected for analysis 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly increased after the ultramarathon in both groups. The increase was greater in the vitamin D group than in the control group. Based on post-hoc and other analyses, the increase in interleukin 6 and 10, and resistin levels immediately after the run was significantly higher in runners in the control group than that in those in the supplementation group. Leptin, oncostatin M, and metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor levels were significantly decreased in both groups after the run, regardless of the supplementation. Conclusions: Ultramarathon significantly increases the serum 25(OH)D levels. Attenuation of changes in interleukin levels upon vitamin D supplementation confirmed that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effect on exercise-induced inflammation.

Ultra-Marathon-Induced Increase in Serum Levels of Vitamin D Metabolites: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: While an increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of vitamin D for athletic performance, the effects of any type of exercise on vitamin D metabolism are poorly characterized. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to ultra-marathon runs. METHODS: A repeated-measures design was implemented, in which 27 amateur runners were assigned into two groups: those who received a single dose of vitamin D3 (150,000 IU) 24 h before the start of the marathon (n = 13) and those (n = 14) who received a placebo. Blood samples were collected 24 h before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run. RESULTS: In both groups of runners, serum 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased by 83%, 63%, and 182% after the ultra-marathon, respectively. The increase was most pronounced in the vitamin D group. Body mass and fat mass significantly decreased after the run in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-marathon induces the mobilization of vitamin D into the blood. Furthermore, the 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 increases imply that the exercise stimulates vitamin D metabolism.

Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on Marathon-Induced Changes in Serum Exerkine Levels and Inflammation.

Participation in a long-distance run, e.g., marathon or ultramarathon, continues to increase. One side effect of long-distance running is excessive inflammation manifested by the rise in inflammatory cytokine levels. We here aimed to elucidate the effects of 10-day ischemic preconditioning (IPC) training on marathon-induced inflammation and to evaluate the role of serum-stored iron in this process. The study involved 19 recreational runners taking part in a marathon. IPC training was performed in the course of four cycles, by inflating and deflating a blood pressure cuff at 5-min intervals (IPC group, n = 10); the control group underwent sham training (n = 9). The levels of inflammatory and others markers (FSTL-1, IL-6, IL-15, leptin, resistin, TIMP-1, OSM, and LIF) were measured before and 24 h after training; and before, immediately after, and 24 h and 7 day after the marathon. The 10-day IPC training increased serum leptin levels. IL-6, IL-10, FLST-1, and resistin levels were increased, while TIMP-1 levels were decreased in all runners after the marathon. The changes were significantly blunted in runners from the IPC group compared with the control group. Baseline serum iron levels correlated with IL-6 and FSTL-1 levels; serum ferritin correlated with IL-6, FSTL-1, and resistin levels after the marathon. Conversely, serum TIMP-1 levels inversely correlated with serum iron levels. Although not evident at baseline, IPC training significantly reduced marathon-induced inflammation. In addition, the reduced responsiveness and attenuation of running-induced inflammation were inversely related to baseline serum iron and ferritin levels.

Effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance and resistance exercise on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in healthy older participants. Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a reduction in the ability of large arteries to readily accommodate the increase in blood ejected from the heart during systole related with aging. Physical exercise is associated with AS reduction. However, it remains controversial as to which modality and intensity (resistance vs aerobic, high vs low) would be the most effective. The aim of these studies is to examine the effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance (SCB) and resistance exercise (RET) on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in older participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), return time (RT), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and blood pressure (BP) level changes were measured with Arteriograph. Aerobic capacity was examined with 6-min walk test (6-MWT) and spiroergometry (VO2max). Body composition was analyzed by Bioelectric Impedance Analysis using Tanita. RESULTS: Significant improvements of BP, PWVao, RT and DRA were observed in the SCB group (p = 0.018, p = 0.017 and p = 0.012, respectively). % of fat mass improved in RET and SCB group (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, respectively). Visceral fat significantly improved in SCB group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Despite no significant changes in indicators of aerobic capacity (VO2max and 6MWT result) in both groups, significant improvement in all measures of AS, except SBPao were observed in the SCB group, while no AS improvement in the RET group was noted. There were some differences in pattern of body compositions improvement between two groups.