Exercise-induced changes in lower limbs skin temperature against plasma ATP among individuals with various type and level of physical activity.

The objective of the study was to examine the lower limbs skin temperature (TSK) changes in response to exhaustive whole-body exercise in trained individuals in reference to changes in plasma adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Eighteen trained participants from distinct sport type ‒ endurance (25.2 ± 4.9 yr) and speed-power (25.8 ± 3.1 yr), and 9 controls (24,9 ± 4,3 yr) ‒ were examined. Lower limbs TSK and plasma ATP measures were applied in parallel in response to incremental treadmill test and during 30-min recovery period. Plasma ATP kinetics were inversely associated to changes in TSK. The first significant decrease in TSK (76-89% of V˙ O2MAX) occurred shortly before a significant plasma ATP increase (86-97% of V˙ O2MAX). During recovery, TSK increased, reaching pre-exercise values (before exercise vs. after 30-min recovery: 31.6 ± 0.4 °C vs. 32.0 ± 0.8 °C, p = 0.855 in endurance; 32.4 ± 0.5 °C vs. 32.9 ± 0.5 °C, p = 0.061 in speed-power; 31.9 ± 0.7 °C vs. 32.4 ± 0.8 °C, p = 0.222 in controls). Plasma ATP concentration did not returned to pre-exercise values in well trained participants (before exercise vs. after 30-min recovery: 699 ± 57 nmol l-1 vs. 854 ± 31 nmol l-1, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.961 and 812 ± 35 nmol l-1 vs. 975 ± 55 nmol l-1, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.974 in endurance and speed-power, respectively), unlike in controls (651 ± 40 nmol l-1 vs. 687 ± 61 nmol·l-1, p = 0.58, η2 = 0.918). The magnitude of TSK and plasma ATP response differed between the groups (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.410 for TSK; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.833 for plasma ATP). We conclude that lower limbs TSK change indirectly corresponds to the reverse course of plasma ATP during incremental exercise and the magnitude of the response depends on the level of physical activity and the associated to it long-term metabolic adaptation.

Changes in red blood cell parameters during incremental exercise in highly trained athletes of different sport specializations.

Background: During physical exercise, the level of hematological parameters change depending on the intensity and duration of exercise and the individual's physical fitness. Research results, based on samples taken before and after exercise, suggest that hematological parameters increase during incremental exercise. However, there is no data confirming this beyond any doubt. This study examined how red blood cell (RBC) parameters change during the same standard physical exertion in athletes representing different physiological training profiles determined by sport discipline. Methods: The study included 39 highly trained male members of national teams: 13 futsal players, 12 sprinters, and 14 triathletes. We used multiple blood sampling to determine RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) before, during (every 3 min), and after (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min) an incremental treadmill exercise test until exhaustion. Results: There were no significant exercise-induced differences in RBC parameters between athletic groups. No significant changes were recorded in RBC parameters during the low-intensity phase of exercise. RBC, Hb, and Hct increased significantly during incremental physical exercise, and rapidly returned to resting values upon test termination. Conclusions: The general pattern of exercise-induced changes in RBC parameters is universal regardless of the athlete's physiological profile. The changes in RBC parameters are proportional to the intensity of exercise during the progressive test. The increase in hemoglobin concentration associated with the intensity of exercise is most likely an adaptation to the greater demand of tissues, mainly skeletal muscles, for oxygen.

Development of hybrid biomicroparticles: cellulose exposing functionalized fusion proteins.

BACKGROUND: One of the leading current trends in technology is the miniaturization of devices to the microscale and nanoscale. The highly advanced approaches are based on biological systems, subjected to bioengineering using chemical, enzymatic and recombinant methods. Here we have utilised the biological affinity towards cellulose of the cellulose binding domain (CBD) fused with recombinant proteins. RESULTS: Here we focused on fusions with 'artificial', concatemeric proteins with preprogrammed functions, constructed using DNA FACE™ technology. Such CBD fusions can be efficiently attached to micro-/nanocellulose to form functional, hybrid bionanoparticles. Microcellulose (MCC) particles were generated by a novel approach to enzymatic hydrolysis using Aspergillus sp. cellulase. The interaction between the constructs components - MCC, CBD and fused concatemeric proteins - was evaluated. Obtaining of hybrid biomicroparticles of a natural cellulose biocarrier with proteins with therapeutic properties, fused with CBD, was confirmed. Further, biological tests on the hybrid bioMCC particles confirmed the lack of their cytotoxicity on 46BR.1 N fibroblasts and human adipose derived stem cells (ASCs). The XTT analysis showed a slight inhibition of the proliferation of 46BR.1 N fibroblasts and ACSs cells stimulated with the hybrid biomicroparticles. However, in both cases no changes in the morphology of the examined cells after incubation with the hybrid biomicroparticles' MCC were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Microcellulose display with recombinant proteins involves utilizing cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants, as a platform for presenting or displaying proteins. This approach harnesses the structural properties of cellulose to express or exhibit various recombinant proteins on its surface. It offers a novel method for protein expression, presentation, or immobilization, enabling various applications in biotechnology, biomedicine, and other fields. Microcellulose shows promise in biomedical fields for wound healing materials, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and as a component in bio-sensors due to its biocompatibility and structural properties.

Chemotherapy-Mediated Complications of Wound Healing: An Understudied Side Effect.

Significance: Chemotherapy is a primary method to treat cancer. While chemotherapeutic drugs are designed to target rapidly dividing cancer cells, they can also affect other cell types. In the case of dermal cells and macrophages involved in wound healing, cytotoxicity often leads to the development of chronic wounds. The situation becomes even more severe when chemotherapy is combined with surgical tumor excision. Recent Advances: Despite its significant impact on patients' recovery from surgery, the issue of delayed wound healing in individuals undergoing chemotherapy remains inadequately explored. Critical Issues: This review aims to analyze the harmful impact of chemotherapy on wound healing. The analysis showed that chemotherapy drugs could inhibit cellular metabolism, cell division, and angiogenesis and lead to nerve damage. They impede the migration of cells into the wound and reduce the production of extracellular matrix. At the molecular level, they interfere with replication, transcription, translation, and cell signaling. This work reviews skin problems that patients may experience during and after chemotherapy and demonstrates insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these pathologies. Future Directions: In the future, the problem of impaired wound healing in patients treated with chemotherapy may be addressed by cell therapies like autologous keratinocyte transplantation, which has already proved effective in this case. Epigenetic intervention to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy is also worth considering, but epigenetic consequences of chemotherapy on skin cells are largely unknown and should be investigated.

Response of skin temperature, blood ammonia and lactate during incremental exercise until exhaustion in elite athletes.

The study aimed to evaluate the lower limb skin temperature (Tsk) and blood concentrations of lactate (LA) and ammonia (NH3) during exercise and recovery. Eleven elite sprint athletes (25 ± 3.4 yrs) and 11 elite endurance athletes (24.45 ± 5.4 yrs) performed an incremental running test until exhaustion. Body composition was estimated using the DXA method. Thermograms of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lower limbs were recorded at rest, before each test stage (every 3 min, starting from 10 km h-1 and increasing by 2 km h-1), and in the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 30th minute of recovery. Endurance athletes had a higher maximum oxygen uptake than sprint athletes (5.0 ± 0.7 vs 4.3 ± 0.4 l·kg-1, p = 0.018), lower percentage of lean content (79 ± 2 vs 83 ± 2%, p < 0.001), and a higher percentage of fat content in the lower limbs (17 ± 2 vs 12 ± 2%, p < 0.001). In both groups, a significant decrease in Tsk was observed compared to resting value (endurance athletes-31.5 ± 0.6 °C; sprint athletes-32.3 ± 0.6 °C), during exercise (p < 0.001) and rewarming during recovery (p < 0.001). However, endurance athletes had a lower Tsk than sprint athletes at the exhaustion point (30.0 ± 1.1 vs 31.6 ± 0.8 °C, p < 0.05) and the pattern of change in Tsk differed between groups (p < 0.001). Tsk in the endurance athletes group decreased throughout the exercise protocol and returned more rapidly to initial values during recovery, while Tsk in the sprint group stabilised between moderate intensity and exhaustion, recovering more slowly after exercise. Both LA (endurance athletes-max 10.2 ± 1.5; sprint athletes-max 10.1 ± 1.4 mmol⋅L-1, p < 0.001) and NH3 (endurance athletes-max 75.6 ± 11.5; sprint athletes-max 76.7 ± 9.0 mmol⋅L-1, p < 0.001) increased during exercise and decreased during recovery (p < 0.001). During exercise, lower levels and slower increases in LA were observed during exercise in the endurance athletes' group (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was revealed between Tsk and fat percentage (r = -0.43 to -0.71, p < 0.05). Tsk was positively correlated with LA during recovery (r = 0.43 to 0.48, p < 0.05), and negatively during recovery (r = -0.45 to -0.54, p < 0.05). Differences between groups in maximum aerobic capacity, the pattern of change in Tsk, and the correlation between Tsk and LA suggest that individuals who decrease less Tsk during exercise and higher Tsk during recovery are those with better aerobic capacity. In addition, athletes with less body fat dissipate heat from their tissues more efficiently.

Effects of Acute Beetroot Juice and Sodium Nitrate on Selected Blood Metabolites and Response to Transient Ischemia: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Modification of the nitrate (NO3)-nitrite (NO2)-nitric oxide (NO) pathway can be induced by oral intake of inorganic NO3 (NIT) or NO3-rich products, such as beetroot juice (BRJ). OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma changes in betaine, choline, trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and NO3/NO2 (NOx) concentrations over 4 h after single oral ingestion of NIT or BRJ. The flow-mediated skin fluorescence (FMSF) method was applied to measure the changes in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH) in response to transient ischemia and reperfusion. We hypothesized that various sources of NO3 may differently affect endothelial and mitochondrial functions in healthy human subjects. METHODS: In a randomized crossover trial, 8 healthy young adults ingested 800 mg NO3 from either NIT or BRJ on 2 separate days with ≥3 d apart. Venous blood samples were collected every hour, and FMSF determination was applied bihourly. RESULTS: Plasma betaine and choline concentrations peaked at 1 h after BRJ ingestion, and remained significantly higher than baseline values at all time points (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, compared to preingestion values). Over time, BRJ was more effective in increasing NOx compared with NIT (fixed-trial effect P < 0.001). Baseline fluorescence decreased after both NIT and BRJ consumption (fixed-time effect P = 0.005). Transient ischemia and reperfusion response increased because of NO3 consumption (fixed-time effect P = 0.003), with no differences between trials (P = 0.451; P = 0.912; P = 0.819 at 0, 2, and 4 h, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Acute ingestion of BRJ elevated plasma betaine and choline, but not TMA and TMAO. Moreover, plasma NOx levels were higher in the BRJ trial than in the NIT trial. Various sources of NO3 positively affected endothelial and mitochondrial functions. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05004935.

In search of biomarkers for low back pain: can traction therapy effectiveness be prognosed by surface electromyography or blood parameters?

Background: Lumbar traction therapy is a common method to reduce low back pain (LBP) but is not always effective. The search for biomarkers that would prognose the effectiveness of LBP management is one priority for improving patients' quality of life. Objectives: 1) To determine the phenotype of patients benefiting most from lumbar traction therapy. 2) To correlate systemic and electromyographic biomarkers with pain and pain-related disability. Methods: Data on muscle bioelectrical activity (surface electromyography [SEMG]) in the flexion-extension task, the concentrations of twelve systemic biochemical factors, LBP intensity (Visual Analog Scale), the Oswestry Disability Index, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were collected before and 72 h after 20 sessions of lumbar traction therapy. Patients were divided into responders and nonresponders based on the criterion of a 50% reduction in maximal pain. Results: The responders had lower maximal muscle bioactivity in the extension phase on the left side (p < 0.01) and higher flexion-extension ratios on both sides of the body in the SEMG (left: p < 0.05; right: p < 0.01), and higher adipsin, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 concentrations (p < 0.05) than nonresponders. Patients with higher interleukin-4 concentrations before therapy achieved greater reductions in maximal pain in the sitting position, bioelectrical muscle activity in flexion, and flexion-relaxation ratio on the left side of the body. Changes in adipsin and interleukin-4 concentrations correlated with changes in LBP intensity (r = 0.68; r = -0.77). Changes in stem cell growth factor and interleukin-17A correlated with changes in RMDQ (R = 0.53) and bioelectrical muscle activity in extension (left: R = -0.67; right: R = -0.76), respectively. Conclusion: Responders to traction therapy had SEMG indices of less favorable muscle activity in the flexion-extension task and elevated indices of inflammation before the study. For the first time, interleukin-4 was indicated as a potential biomarker for prognosing post-therapy changes in pain intensity and muscle activity.

Effects of Pilates Training on Cardiorespiratory Functions in Medical Conditions - Comprehensive Approach: A Narrative Review.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is established as a clinical vital sign in therapeutic strategy to restoring health of patients in medical conditions inclusive of age-related diseases. The beneficial effects of Pilates training (PT) are recognized for various aspects of health and fitness, but limited data present an impact on cardiorespiratory fitness. Thus, the current narrative review discusses the impact of the PT interventions on indicators of cardiorespiratory function among different patient groups to identify the mechanisms linking CRF with PT. The authors searched systematically databases: PubMed, Web of Science from inception to March 2023 and analyzed available data including finally 20 papers. In description of the findings PEDro Scale and final score was used. Analyzed data indicated: a) pleiotropic input of PT on improving physical performance in medical conditions; b) specific parameters characterizing effectiveness of PT in each group of patients according of disease; c) different range of static significance and effect size especially for such following indicators as: VO2 at VT (ml•kg-1•min-1), VO2 peak/max (ml•kg-1•min-1), HR at VT (beats•min-1), HRmax (beats•min-1), VE (L•min-1). We also formulate and discuss potential physiological mechanisms of PT affecting CRF. This paper showed PT: a) has positive impact on broad spectrum of indicators of cardiorespiratory function by pleiotropic action among different patients' groups; b) significant ameliorates quality of life that may contribute to long-standing behavior change of patients related with overall physical activity.

MOTS-c Serum Concentration Positively Correlates with Lower-Body Muscle Strength and Is Not Related to Maximal Oxygen Uptake-A Preliminary Study.

The mitochondrial open reading frame of 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates the nuclear genome during stressful conditions such as hypoxia, which is typical of exercise and training. We aim to mainly investigate the relationship between serum MOTS-c concentration and muscle strength parameters measured during the countermovement jump test with oxygen consumption (VO2) measured during the cardiopulmonary exercise test to exhaustion. Physically active healthy volunteers (17 male, three female, median age 30 years), not involved in any regular exercise program or participating in any sports competitions, performed five consecutive countermovement jump tests and cardiopulmonary exercise tests until maximal exhaustion and underwent a body composition assessment by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis, and had serum MOTS-c concentration measured at rest. Serum MOTS-c concentration was positively correlated with the average power and average and maximal force of the jumps, both overall muscle mass and leg muscle mass, but not with body fat percentage. There was no correlation with peak VO2. A higher serum MOTS-c concentration is associated with greater muscle mass, force, and power generated during jumping in healthy individuals but not exercise capacity reflected by peak VO2. More studies are needed to better understand the physiological and clinical values of these findings and why MOTS-c is better associated with measures of muscle strength and not endurance in physically active people.

Effect of a 3-month L-carnitine supplementation and resistance training program on circulating markers and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Higher circulating levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is a metabolite that can be produced by the gut microbiota from L-carnitine (LC), have been associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Because LC supplementation can improve bone density and microstructural properties in animal models, this study aimed to examine the effects of 12 weeks of LC supplementation on BMD and selected blood markers involved in bone metabolism of postmenopausal women participating in a resistance training (RT) program. METHODS: Twenty-seven postmenopausal women, who had not been treated for osteoporosis, with a total T-score above - 3.0 and no diet differences completed 12 weeks of RT. The participants' diets were supplemented with either 1 g of LC-L-tartrate and 3 g of leucine per day (LC group) or 4 g of leucine per day as a placebo (PLA group), in a double-blind fashion. RESULTS: After the intervention in the LC group, plasma total carnitine and serum decorin levels were higher than the corresponding preintervention values (p = 0.040 and p = 0.042, respectively). Moreover, plasma TMAO and serum SPARC levels were higher in the LC group than the corresponding postintervention values in the PLA group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). No changes in the BMD were observed after 3 months of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of LC supplementation during RT program increased plasma TMAO levels and appeared to affect signaling molecules, as indicated by the increase in the resting SPARC and decorin levels, with no significant modification in the BMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05120011).

Treatment of Fournier's gangrene with negative pressure wound therapy in the course of sepsis - Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's Gangrene is a severe and rapidly progressing necrotic infection of the skin and fascia that can affect the external genitals, perineum, anus, and abdomen. It can extend to the abdominal cavity and result in necrosis of the soft tissue with a high mortality rate. This case gives a unique perspective on managing such a complicated infection in a smaller community hospital. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This report describes a particularly challenging case of Fournier's Gangrene in a 34 year old male with multiple pre-existing comorbidities, including alcohol use disorder, chronic kidney disease, and hepatitis B. Development of gangrene was preceded by sepsis. The patient's treatment was based on intravenous antibiotic therapy and early surgical intervention with extensive resection of necrotic tissue, supported by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT). DISCUSSION: The majority of the patient's treatment was done at a local community hospital with remote coordination with the Hyperbaric Medicine Center where the patient was temporarily transferred to for HBOT. Multiple treatment modalities were employed in this case of Fournier's gangrene, including intravenous antibiotic therapy, necrosectomy, chronic wound care with septic dressings and tissue debridement, HBOT and NPWT. Interdisciplinary cooperation between different medical specialists was crucial in treatment. CONCLUSION: The presented case shows that despite the large scale of difficulty and the complexity of treatment, it is possible to effectively manage Fournier's Gangrene in a local community hospital through interdisciplinary cooperation with specialized quaternary care centers. HBOT and NPWT proved to be useful treatment modalities.

Sports Participation Promotes Beneficial Adaptations in the Erythrocyte Guanylate Nucleotide Pool in Male Athletes Aged 20-90 Years.

Introduction: The guanine nucleotide pool (GTP, guanosine-5'-triphosphate; GDP, guanosine-5'-diphosphate, and GMP, guanosine-5'-monophosphate) is an essential energy donor in various biological processes (eg protein synthesis and gluconeogenesis) and secures several vital regulatory functions in the human body. The study aimed to predict the trends of age-related changes in erythrocyte guanine nucleotides and examine whether competitive sport and related physical training promote beneficial adaptations in erythrocyte guanylate concentrations. Methods: The study included 86 elite endurance runners (EN) aged 20-81 years, 58 sprint-trained athletes (SP) aged 21-90 years, and 62 untrained individuals (CO) aged 20-68 years. Results: The concentration of erythrocyte GTP and total guanine nucleotides (TGN) were highest in the SP group, lower in the EN group, and lowest in the CO group. Both athletic groups had higher guanylate energy charge (GEC) values than the CO group (p = 0.012). Concentrations of GTP, TGN, and GEC value significantly decreased, while GDP and GMP concentrations progressively increased with age. Conclusion: Such a profile of change suggests a deterioration of the GTP-related regulatory function in older individuals. Our study explicitly shows that lifelong sports participation, especially of sprint-oriented nature, allows for maintaining a higher erythrocyte guanylate pool concentration, supporting cells' energy metabolism, regulatory and transcription properties, and thus more efficient overall body functioning.

Excess filaggrin in keratinocytes is removed by extracellular vesicles to prevent premature death and this mechanism can be hijacked by Staphylococcus aureus in a TLR2-dependent fashion.

Filaggrin (FLG) protein is indispensable for multiple aspects of the epidermal barrier function but its accumulation in a monomeric filaggrin form may initiate premature keratinocytes death; it is unclear how filaggrin levels are controlled before the formation of storing keratohyalin granules. Here we show that keratinocyte-secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may contain filaggrin-related cargo providing a route of eliminating excess filaggrin from keratinocytes; blocking of sEV release has cytotoxic effects on those cells. Filaggrin-containing sEVs are found in plasma in both healthy individuals and atopic dermatitis patients. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) enhances packaging and secretion of filaggrin-relevant products within the sEVs for enhanced export via a TLR2-mediated mechanism which is also linked to the ubiquitination process. This filaggrin removal system, preventing premature keratinocyte death and epidermal barrier dysfunction, is exploited by S. aureus which promotes filaggrin elimination from the skin that could help safeguard bacterial growth.

Serum fatty acid profiles in breast cancer patients following treatment.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is associated with alterations in lipid metabolism. The treatment of breast cancer can also affect serum lipid composition. The purpose of this study was the examination of serum fatty acids (FAs) profiles in breast cancer survivors to assess if the FA levels normalize. METHODS: Serum levels of FAs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in a group of breast cancer patients at baseline (before treatment, n = 28), at two follow-up visits at 12 months (n = 27) and 24 months (n = 19) after the breast cancer resection, and in the group of healthy controls (n = 25). Multivariate analysis was performed to assess how FA serum profile changes following treatment. RESULTS: Breast cancer patients' serum FA profiles at follow-ups did not normalize to the levels of control group. The greatest differences were found for levels of branched-chain (BCFA), odd-chain (OCFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) FAs, all of which were significantly increased 12 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: After treatment for breast cancer, the patients' serum FA profile differs from the profile before treatment and from controls, especially 12 months after treatment. Some changes may be beneficial - increased BCFA and OCFA levels, and improved n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. This may reflect lifestyle changes in breast cancer survivors and have an impact on the risk of recurrence.

Release systems based on self-assembling RADA16-I hydrogels with a signal sequence which improves wound healing processes.

Self-assembling peptides can be used for the regeneration of severely damaged skin. They can act as scaffolds for skin cells and as a reservoir of active compounds, to accelerate scarless wound healing. To overcome repeated administration of peptides which accelerate healing, we report development of three new peptide biomaterials based on the RADA16-I hydrogel functionalized with a sequence (AAPV) cleaved by human neutrophil elastase and short biologically active peptide motifs, namely GHK, KGHK and RDKVYR. The peptide hybrids were investigated for their structural aspects using circular dichroism, thioflavin T assay, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, as well as their rheological properties and stability in different fluids such as water or plasma, and their susceptibility to digestion by enzymes present in the wound environment. In addition, the morphology of the RADA-peptide hydrogels was examined with a unique technique called scanning electron cryomicroscopy. These experiments enabled us to verify if the designed peptides increased the bioactivity of the gel without disturbing its gelling processes. We demonstrate that the physicochemical properties of the designed hybrids were similar to those of the original RADA16-I. The materials behaved as expected, leaving the active motif free when treated with elastase. XTT and LDH tests on fibroblasts and keratinocytes were performed to assess the cytotoxicity of the RADA16-I hybrids, while the viability of cells treated with RADA16-I hybrids was evaluated in a model of human dermal fibroblasts. The hybrid peptides revealed no cytotoxicity; the cells grew and proliferated better than after treatment with RADA16-I alone. Improved wound healing following topical delivery of RADA-GHK and RADA-KGHK was demonstrated using a model of dorsal skin injury in mice and histological analyses. The presented results indicate further research is warranted into the engineered peptides as scaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Vascular Circulation Based on Flow Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF).

Flow Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF) is a new non-invasive method for assessing vascular circulation and/or metabolic regulation. It enables assessment of both vasoconstriction and vasodilation. The method measures stimulation of the circulation in response to post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). It analyzes the dynamical changes in the emission of NADH fluorescence from skin tissue, providing the information on mitochondrial metabolic status and intracellular oxygen delivery through the circulatory system. Assessment of the vascular state using the FMSF technique is based on three parameters: reactive hyperemia response (RHR), hypoxia sensitivity (HS), and normoxia oscillatory index (NOI). The RHR and HS parameters determine the risk of vascular circulatory disorders and are the main diagnostic parameters. The NOI parameter is an auxiliary parameter for evaluating the state of microcirculation under stress of various origins (e.g., emotional stress, physical exhaustion, or post-infection stress). The clinical data show that the risk of vascular complications is limited among people whose RHR, log(HS), and NOI parameters are not significantly below the mean values determined by the FMSF technique, especially if they simultaneously meet the conditions RHR > 30% and log(HS) > 1.5 (HS > 30), and NOI > 60%.

Subjective assessment and biochemical evaluation of traction therapy in women with chronic low back pain: does body mass index matter? A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Apart from the positive effect of lumbar traction on structural changes within the spine in patients with low back pain, it is likely that therapeutic effects are correlated with pain biomarkers in the blood. Among them, systemic metabolic factors related to obesity may play an important role. This is the first study designed to examine the effectiveness of traction therapy in two experimental groups with considerably different BMI and to assess relationships between blood biomarkers and low back pain intensity. METHODS: In the prospective clinical trial, women suffering from chronic low back pain were allocated into the normal-weight or obesity groups. Patients in both groups underwent twenty sessions of lumbar traction therapy (30 min a day, continuous mode with a force level of 25-30% of body weight). Before and after therapy subjective assessments of pain (VAS and PPT) were performed, and serum concentrations of aggrecan chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS-846), neuropeptide Y, leptin, adipsin and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) were determined. The data were statistically evaluated for 28 women. RESULTS: After therapy, the maximal low back pain decreased in both groups, GDF-15 concentration was reduced in the normal-weight group and increased in the obesity group, and CS-846 concentration decreased in the obesity group. The sensation of PPT in the lumbar spine and mean concentrations of neuropeptide Y, leptin and adipsin did not change in both groups. However, the relationships of GDF-15, leptin, and adipsin concentrations with the perception of pain were revealed. CONCLUSION: Distinct differences between the normal-weight and obesity groups pointed on the role of excessive adipose tissue in aggravating the inflammatory processes and in the development of low back pain. Adipsin, CS-846 and GDF-15 aspire to be the low back pain biomarkers in women with obesity, but there is a need for further research to answer whether they might be considered reliable biomarkers for the prognosis and monitoring of chronic low back treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04507074, registered prospectively on July 6, 2020.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Basic Research and Clinical Applications.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) have been extensively studied in recent years. Their attractiveness is due to the ease of obtaining clinical material (fat tissue, lipoaspirate) and the relatively large number of AD-MSCs present in adipose tissue. In addition, AD-MSCs possess a high regenerative potential and immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, AD-MSCs have great potential in stem cell-based therapies in wound healing as well as in orthopedic, cardiovascular, or autoimmune diseases. There are many ongoing clinical trials on AD-MSC and in many cases their effectiveness has been proven. In this article, we present current knowledge about AD-MSCs based on our experience and other authors. We also demonstrate the application of AD-MSCs in selected pre-clinical models and clinical studies. Adipose-derived stromal cells can also be the pillar of the next generation of stem cells that will be chemically or genetically modified. Despite much research on these cells, there are still important and interesting areas to explore.

Male and female athletes matched for maximum oxygen uptake per skeletal muscle mass: equal but still different.

BACKGROUND: We matched highly trained competitive male and female athletes using maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) per kg skeletal muscle mass (SMM) to show sex differences in factors limiting V̇O2max. METHODS: Thirteen highly trained male (28±3.0 yr) vs. 13 female (21.3±3.0 yr) endurance athletes and 10 male (23.9±3.8 yr) vs. 10 female sprinters (21.9±3.3 yr) performed an incremental running treadmill test until exhaustion. Main cardiorespiratory variables were measured using ergospirometry. SMM was determined using the dual X-ray absorptiometry method and a regression equation based on measured appendicular lean soft tissue. Basic hematological parameters were obtained from capillary blood samples taken before exercise. RESULTS: In both endurance and sprint groups, male athletes had significantly higher muscle mass (by 8-12%) and substantially lower total fat (by 55-58%). For almost all body composition indicators, the effect size of sex differences was very large (Cohens d>1.4). Male athletes obtained significantly higher values in cardiorespiratory variables (by 12-34%) and factors related to oxygen transport (9-13%). Cohens d of the revealed differences was large or very large in both groups (0.8-2.1 in sprinters and 0.8-2.3 in endurance athletes). CONCLUSIONS: Male and female competitive athletes having the same V̇̇O2max per kg SMM strongly differ in main factors limiting maximum oxygen uptake. These differences are more pronounced in endurance- than in sprint-trained athletes. The strongest differences are seen for body composition (fat, lean, and muscle mass) and central cardiac factors.

No dynamic changes in the expression of genes related to the epigenetic mechanism during acute exercise.

Physical exercise results in structural remodeling in tissues and modifies cellular metabolism. Changes in gene expression lie at the root of these adaptations. Epigenetic changes are one of the factors responsible for such exercise-related alterations. One-hour acute exercise will change DNMT1, HDAC1, and JHDM1D transcriptions in PBMC. This study examined changes in the expression of genes responsible for epigenetic modifications (HDAC1, DNMT1, and JHDM1D) during and after an incremental exercise test on a treadmill and a 30-min recovery. Blood samples from 9 highly trained triathletes were tested. Examination of the transcripts showed no significant changes. Correlations between transcript results and biochemical indices revealed a significant (p = 0.007) relationship between JHDM1D mRNA and the number of monocytes at peak exercise intensity (exhaustion), while there was no significant (p = 0.053) correlation at rest. There are no rapid changes in the mRNA levels of the genes studied in blood cells in competitive athletes during acute exercise and recovery. Due to the small group of subjects studied, more extensive research is needed to verify correlations between transcription and biochemical variables.