Interplay of Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression on Cardiovascular Responses in Preeclampsia / Interação do estresse oxidativo e da expressão dos genes das óxido nítrico sintases nas respostas cardiovasculares na pré-eclâmpsia

Abstract Objective To assess the influence of oxidative stress on the gene expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS 3 and NOS 2) and, hence, the cardiovascular responses in preeclampsia. Methods This was a case control study in which patients with preeclampsia (PE group) and normal pregnancy controls (NP group) were included according to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated, and the heart rate andmean arterial pressure were recorded. The gene profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 was performed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test, and values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The serum levels of malondialdehyde were increased (p<0.0001), and the total antioxidant capacity was reduced in the PE group (p=0.034), indicating oxidative stress. In the PE group, themean arterial pressure was significantly higher (p<0.0001), but the serum levels of NO did not show a statistically significant reduction (p=0.20). The gene expression profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 revealed a down regulation in the PE group by 8.49 and 51.05 times respectively. Conclusion Oxidative stress may lead to endothelial dysfunction, which could result in increased mean arterial pressure. Nitric oxide may play a role in this mechanism, but interactions with other vasoactive /biological substances cannot be overlooked, as the gene expression of NOS3 and NOS2 has been reduced.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a influência do estresse oxidativo na expressão genética das óxido nítrico sintases (nitric oxide synthases, NOS, em inglês; NOS 3 e NOS 2) e, consequentemente, nas respostas cardiovasculares na pré-eclâmpsia. Métodos Este foi um estudo caso-controle no qual pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia (grupo PE) e controles comgravidez normal (grupo GN) foramincluídos de acordo com as diretrizes do American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Foram estimados os níveis séricos de malondialdeído (MDA) da capacidade antioxidante total, e de óxido nítrico (nitric oxide, NO, em inglês). A frequência cardíaca e a pressão arterial média foram registradas. O perfil genético da NOS3 e da NOS2 foi feito por reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real (real-time polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR, em inglês). A análise estatística foi feita utilizando-se o teste t de Student, e valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Os níveis séricos de malondialdeído sérico estavam aumentados (p<0,0001), e a capacidade antioxidante total, reduzida no grupo PE (p=0,034), o que indicava estresse oxidativo. No grupo PE, a pressão arterial média era significativamente maior (p<0,0001), mas os níveis séricos de NO não demostraram redução estatisticamente significativa (p=0,20). O perfil de expressão genética da NOS3 e da NOS2 revelou uma regulação negativa no grupo PE de 8,49 e 51,05 vezes, respectivamente. Conclusão O estresse oxidativo pode levar à disfunção endotelial, o que pode resultar em aumento da pressão arterialmédia. O NO pode desempenhar umpapel neste mecanismo, mas as interações com outras substâncias vasoativas/biológicas não podem ser negligenciadas, uma vez que a expressão genética da NOS3 e da NOS2 foi reduzida.

Interplay of Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression on Cardiovascular Responses in Preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of oxidative stress on the gene expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS 3 and NOS 2) and, hence, the cardiovascular responses in preeclampsia. METHODS: This was a case control study in which patients with preeclampsia (PE group) and normal pregnancy controls (NP group) were included according to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated, and the heart rate and mean arterial pressure were recorded. The gene profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 was performed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The statistical analysis was performed using the Student t-test, and values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The serum levels of malondialdehyde were increased (p < 0.0001), and the total antioxidant capacity was reduced in the PE group (p = 0.034), indicating oxidative stress. In the PE group, the mean arterial pressure was significantly higher (p < 0.0001), but the serum levels of NO did not show a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.20). The gene expression profiling of NOS3 and NOS2 revealed a down regulation in the PE group by 8.49 and 51.05 times respectively. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress may lead to endothelial dysfunction, which could result in increased mean arterial pressure. Nitric oxide may play a role in this mechanism, but interactions with other vasoactive /biological substances cannot be overlooked, as the gene expression of NOS3 and NOS2 has been reduced.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do estresse oxidativo na expressão genética das óxido nítrico sintases (nitric oxide synthases, NOS, em inglês; NOS 3 e NOS 2) e, consequentemente, nas respostas cardiovasculares na pré-eclâmpsia. MéTODOS: Este foi um estudo caso-controle no qual pacientes com pré-eclâmpsia (grupo PE) e controles com gravidez normal (grupo GN) foram incluídos de acordo com as diretrizes do American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Foram estimados os níveis séricos de malondialdeído (MDA) da capacidade antioxidante total, e de óxido nítrico (nitric oxide, NO, em inglês). A frequência cardíaca e a pressão arterial média foram registradas. O perfil genético da NOS3 e da NOS2 foi feito por reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real (real-time polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR, em inglês). A análise estatística foi feita utilizando-se o teste t de Student, e valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Os níveis séricos de malondialdeído sérico estavam aumentados (p < 0,0001), e a capacidade antioxidante total, reduzida no grupo PE (p = 0,034), o que indicava estresse oxidativo. No grupo PE, a pressão arterial média era significativamente maior (p < 0,0001), mas os níveis séricos de NO não demostraram redução estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,20). O perfil de expressão genética da NOS3 e da NOS2 revelou uma regulação negativa no grupo PE de 8,49 e 51,05 vezes, respectivamente. CONCLUSãO: O estresse oxidativo pode levar à disfunção endotelial, o que pode resultar em aumento da pressão arterial média. O NO pode desempenhar um papel neste mecanismo, mas as interações com outras substâncias vasoativas/biológicas não podem ser negligenciadas, uma vez que a expressão genética da NOS3 e da NOS2 foi reduzida.

Decreased expression of annexin A2 and loss of its association with vascular endothelial growth factor leads to the deficient trophoblastic invasion in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: Preeclampsia (PE) remains the major cause for maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Invasion of endovascular trophoblast and remodelling of spiral artery are crucial actions of normal placental development. Non-fulfilment of these processes plays a leading role in the development of preeclampsia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by extravillous trophoblastic tissue and decidual cell population is a well-known angiogenic growth which plays a fundamental role in placental pathogenesis of PE. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a profibrinolytic protein receptor required for plasminolysis, which is an important step in the formation of new blood vessel along with VEGF. Role of ANXA2 is poorly studied in context with human reproductive disease like preeclampsia. The purpose of the present study is to examine the expression and association of VEGF and ANXA2 in the term placentas of pregnancies with and without PE. METHODS: The study group comprised of placental tissues procured from gestations with PE (n=30) and without (n=20) PE. The expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in the placental villous tissue was evaluated quantitatively by means of IHC, western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Our IHC, western blotting and RT-PCR analysis illustrated the significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in PE group compared with the normotensive control group (p<0.005). We observed statistically significant positive correlation among the expression of ANXA2 and VEGF in placentas of normotensive control group (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The diminished expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in placenta may be associated with the defective angiogenesis and which may possibly play a vital role in PE pathogenesis.

Effect of yoga on cardiac autonomic dysfunction and insulin resistance in non-diabetic offspring of type-2-diabetes parents: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to determine the effect of yoga program on cardiac autonomic dysfunction and insulin resistance in non-diabetic offspring of diabetes parents. METHODS: A randomized passive-controlled study was conducted on 64 non-diabetic offspring of type-2-diabetes parents (mean-age:25.17years). Yoga group participants received yoga training for 8 weeks. Heart-rate variability (HRV) indices: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio; fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin resistance (IR) were estimated at baseline and after 8-weeks of intervention. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in LF (p = 0.005), LF/HF ratio (p = 0.004), IR (p < 0.001), OGTT (p = 0.003) and increase in HF (p = 0.022) in yoga group participants. Control group participants did not show any significant change in any variables. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in cardiac autonomic function and insulin resistance by yoga training implies that yoga can reduce the risk of development of diabetes in offspring of diabetes parents.

Impaired Pulmonary Lung Functions in Workers Exposed to Bagasse: Is Obesity an Added Risk?

CONTEXT: Effect of obesity and dust exposure on lung functions. AIM: To assess the pulmonary functions in asymptomatic, dust-exposed sugarcane factory workers with obesity as an added risk. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted in one of the reputed sugarcane factories in Karnataka. One hundred and fifty asymptomatic male workers working in sugarcane factory were included in the study. Based on exposure to sugarcane dust and body mass index (BMI), subjects were categorized into normal weight (not exposed to sugarcane dust), overweight and obese (not exposed to sugarcane dust), and overweight and obese (exposed to sugarcane dust). Adiposity markers such as waist circumference and hip circumference were measured; waist hip ratio, waist stature ratio, and body fat% were calculated. Lung volumes such as forced vital capacity (FVC in L), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 in L), forced expiratory flow during 25-75% of expiration (FEF25-75% in L/s), and FEV1/FVC%, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR in L/min) were measured by digital spirometer. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Comparison between groups was done by one-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Significant lower values for FEV1 in obese and PEFR among overweight and obese exposed to dust compared to overweight and obese not exposed to dust. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant decrease in FEV1(L) in obese workers exposed to dust and significant lower PEFR (L/min) in overweight and obese workers exposed to dust, indicative of obstructive pattern of lung disease as a result of occupation-related sugarcane dust exposure in overweight and obese workers in whom already some lung functions are impaired owing to their BMI status, thus indicating that obesity is an added risk.

Protective effects of Ethanolic Extract of Emblica officinalis (amla) on Cardiovascular Pathophysiology of Rats, Fed with High Fat Diet.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary high fat alters lipid profile and possibly induce sympatho-vagal imbalance. Emblica officinalis is found to be potential antioxidant and possibly counteract hyperlipidemia induced lipid peroxidation. AIM: To assess Ethanolic extract of Emblica Officinalis (EEO) as lipid lowering and cardiovascular protective agent against high dietary fat supplemented to experimental rats. Further to study a comparative analysis between EEO and atorvastatin on hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular integrity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EEO was prepared and phytochemical analysis was done. Rats were divided into five groups, having six rats in each group as following; Group I-control (20% fat); Group II (+ EEO 100 mg/kg body wt); Group III (fed with high fat diet; 30% fat); Group IV (fed with high fat diet; 30% fat + EEO 100 mg/kg body wt) and Group V (fed with high fat diet; 30% fat + atorvastatin 4 mg/kg body wt). The treatments were continued for 21 days. Gravimetric parameters and electrophysiological parameters {Heart Rate (HR), sympatho-vagal balance} were recorded and lipid profiles of all the groups were measured. ANOVA, correlation and multiple regressions were done for analysis of data. RESULTS: Significant alteration in serum lipid profile was observed in rats fed with high dietary fat but supplementation of EEO was found to be reversible. Electrophysiological evaluation revealed altered HR and sympatho-vagal balance in high dietary fat fed rats (Group III) which indicate cardiac autonomic malfunctions which were found to be improved in Emblica officinalis supplemented group of rats (Group IV). Further, analysis has shown significant negative correlation between HDL/LDL and sympatho-vagal balance in all groups of rats which clearly indicate a role of dietary fat on sympatho-vagal balance. These results further corroborated with findings of histopathological study on myocardium and elastic artery. CONCLUSION: Observations from the study indicate a beneficial role of ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis (amla) on dyslipidemia and cardiac autonomic functions in rats treated with high fat diet.

Comparison of yoga and walking-exercise on cardiac time intervals as a measure of cardiac function in elderly with increased pulse pressure.

OBJECTIVE: Arterial aging along with increased blood pressure(BP) has become the major cardiovascular(CV) risk in elderly. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of yoga program and walking-exercise on cardiac function in elderly with increased pulse pressure (PP). METHODS: An open label, parallel-group randomized controlled study design was adopted. Elderly individuals aged ≥60 years with PP≥60mmHg were recruited for the study. Yoga (study) group (n=30) was assigned for yoga training and walking (exercise) group (n=30) for walking with loosening practices for one hour in the morning for 6days in a week for 3 months. The outcome measures were cardiac time intervals derived from pulse wave analysis and ECG: resting heart rate (RHR), diastolic time(DT), ventricular ejection time(LVET), upstroke time(UT), ejection duration index (ED%), pre-ejection period (PEP), rate pressure product (RPP) and percentage of mean arterial pressure (%MAP). RESULTS: The mean within-yoga group change in RHR(bpm) was 4.41 (p=0.031), PD(ms): -50.29 (p=0.042), DT(ms): -49.04 (p=0.017), ED%: 2.107 (p=0.001), ES(mmHg/ms): 14.62 (p=0.118), ET(ms): -0.66 (p=0.903), UT(ms): -2.54 (p=0.676), PEP(ms): -1.25 (p=0.11) and %MAP: 2.08 (p=0.04). The mean within-control group change in HR (bpm) was 0.35 (p=0.887), PD (ms): 11.15(p=0.717), DT (ms): 11.3 (p=0.706), ED%: -0.101 (p=0.936), ES (mmHg/ms): 0.75 (p=0.926), ET(ms): 2.2 (p=0.721), UT(ms):4.7(p=455), PEP (ms): 2.1(p=0.11), %MAP: 0.65 (p=0.451). A significant difference between-group was found in RHR (p=0.036), PD (p=0.02), ED% (p=0.049), LVET (p=0.048), DT (p=0.02) and RPP (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga practice for 3 months showed a significant improvement in diastolic function with a minimal change in systolic function. Yoga is more effective than walking in improving cardiac function in elderly with high PP.

Effect of Occupational Exposure on Blood Cell Counts, Electrocardiogram and Blood Pressure in Rice Mill Workers.

INTRODUCTION: Under normal conditions, parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems interact to regulate the heart rate of about 70 beats per minute. Activation of sympathetic nervous system by emotional or physical stress increases heart rate and the force of heart beat. There are many factors which alter the heart rate. The chemical and mechanical stimulation of receptors can also cause change in blood pressure through autonomic nervous system. Exposure to dust also causes alteration in blood cell counts. This can be due to allergic reactions and inflammation which in turn evoked by dust entering the lungs. OBJECTIVES: Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of occupational exposure on haematological and cardiovascular parameters of rice mill workers by analysing Blood Cell Counts, ECG and Blood Pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried on 134 rice mill workers and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy individual. The blood cell counts were determined by automated cell counter machine, ECG was recorded by using ECG machine and Blood Pressure was measured by using mercurial sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: Neurtrophil, Eosinophil and Lymphocyte count among haematological parameters were significantly increased in exposed individuals. Marked variation was seen in ECG and Blood pressure among cardiovascular parameters of exposed individuals compared with control group. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study clearly indicate that the rice mill workers are under high level of dust exposure which has deleterious effects on their blood and tissues. It is due to high oxidative stress. There are abnormalities seen in cardiovascular system.

Different anthropometric adiposity measures and their association with cardiovascular disease risk factors in middle aged women.

A cross sectional study of 136 women age group40-55 years was conducted to study which anthropometric measure had the strongest association with cardiovascular disease risk factors in middle aged women. In accordance with their BMI measurement subjects were divided into three groups namely: Normal weight (Group1) BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, Overweight (Group2) - 25 kg/m2 - 29.9 kg/m2, Obese (Group3) - BMI > 30 kg/m2. Each group was further divided into premenopausal and postmenopausal women BMI, WHR, WHtR, SBP, DBP were recorded. TG, TC, HDL and FBS values were estimated. Results showed that both pre and post menopausal middle aged obese women with higher BMI, WHR and WHtR have more chances of having cardiovascular diseases. BMI, WHR and WHtR are theeasy and practical methods to diagnose obesity and together can be used as simple measures to predict cardiovascular risk factors in middle aged women.

Effect of yoga on arterial stiffness in elderly subjects with increased pulse pressure: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effect of yoga on arterial function in elderly with increased pulse pressure (PP). DESIGN: Randomized controlled study with two parallel groups. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly subjects with PP≥60 mmHg (n=60). INTERVENTIONS: Yoga group (n=30) was assigned for yoga training and brisk-walking (BW) group (n=30) for brisk-walk with stretching exercise for 1h in the morning for 6 days in a week for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Arterial stiffness measures: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx@75), arterial stiffness index at brachial (bASI) and tibial arteries (aASI). Total serum nitric oxide concentration (NOx) as an index of endothelial function. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures: Low frequency and high frequency in normalized units (LFnu, HFnu) and LF/HF ratio. RESULTS: The mean between-group change (with 95% CI) in arterial stiffness: c-f PWV(m/s) [1.25(0.59-1.89); p<0.001], baPWV(m/s) [1.96(0.76-3.16), p<0.01], AIx@75 [3.07(0.24-5.89), p=0.066], aASI [8.3(4.06-12.53), p<0.001]; endothelial function index: NO(µmol/L) [-9.03(-14.57 to -3.47), p<0.001]; SBP(mmHg) [14.23(12.03-16.44), p<0.001], DBP(mmHg) [0.1(-1.95-2.15), p=0.38], PP(mmHg) [14.07(11.2-16.92), p<0.001], MAP(mmHg) [4.7(3.08-6.32), p<0.001]; and cardiac autonomic function: LF(nu) [4.81(1.54-8.08), p<0.01], HF(nu) [-4.13(-7.57 to -0.69), p<0.01], LF/HF ratio [0.84(0.3-1.37), p<0.001], indicate significant difference in effects of two intervention on arterial stiffness, endothelial function, BP and cardiac autonomic activity. There was significant change within-yoga group in vascular function, BP and autonomic function, while no significant change within-BW group was observed. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that yoga program offered was more effective than brisk-walk in reducing arterial stiffness along with BP in elderly individuals with increased PP. Yoga can also significantly reduce sympathetic activity and improve endothelial function with enhancement in bioavailability of NO.

Role of yoga in modifying anxiety level in women.

Anxiety leads to derangement in physical and mental health. Anxiety levels are more in full time housewives than working women. There is a need for simple, easy treatment for anxiety to alleviate the burden on health caused by anxiety. Yoga is among the top ten complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Our study aimed to determine the anxiety levels in apparently healthy full time housewives and to study the effects of Yoga on anxiety levels among them. Present study is a comparative interventional study. Study was conducted on 50 apparently healthy full time housewives (20-50 years) who attended one month Yoga camp. Hamilton Anxiety (HAMA) Scale was used to evaluate anxiety levels before and at the end of the yoga camp. Statistical analysis was done by Paired t test using SPSS 9.0. The baseline pulse rate, SBP, DBP were 82.90 ± 4.25 bpm, 124.84 ± 11.022 mm Hg, 85.20 ± 10.81 mm Hg respectively. After four weeks yoga camp there was statistically significant lowering of pulse rate (77.58 ± 3.86 bpm), SBP (117.92 ± 6.76 mm Hg), DBP (78.68 ± 6.62 mm Hg). Before yoga training, percentage distributions of subjects with mild, moderate and severe anxiety were 6%, 18% and 76% respectively. At the end of four week yoga training, percentage distributions of subjects with mild, moderate and severe anxiety were 44.23%, 19.23% and 36.53% respectively. There was highly significant (p = 0.000) difference in the mean values of total score before (33.71 ± 4.90) and after (26.93 ± 4.53) yoga. These results indicate that there was a reduction in the severity of anxiety from severe to moderate and mild indicating decrease in anxiety following yoga. Based on the results of our study, we conclude that regular yogic practices and adapting and implementing the principals and philosophy of yoga in day to day life may decrease the anxiety level.

Alterations in minute ventilation, maximum voluntary ventilation and dyspneic index in different trimesters of pregnancy.

Respiratory function in pregnancy is of special importance since the life of fetus depends primarily upon its oxygen supply. Thus this study was designed to evaluate the Minute ventilation (MV), Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) & Dyspneic Index (DI) in different trimesters of pregnancy & compare the results with non- pregnant control group. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 200 healthy women in the age range of 19-35 years with 50 subjects each in 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and non-pregnant control group. We recorded respiratory parameters in study and control groups. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey Krammer post Hoc tests. It was observed that there was a significant decrease in MVV and dyspneic index in all trimesters of pregnancy and an insignificant variation in MV when compared to the control group. The changes in pulmonary function are influenced by the mechanical pressure of enlarging gravid uterus, elevating the diaphragm and restricting the movements of lungs thus hampering forceful expiration. The decrease seen in MVV in 1st trimester might be due to bronchoconstriction effect of decreased alveolar Pco2 on the bronchial smooth muscles.

Effect of yoga on oxidative stress in elderly with grade-I hypertension: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension, especially in elderly is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the underlying cause of hypertension. Yoga has been found to control hypertension in the elderly, but the underlying benefits of mechanism in relation to oxidative stress regulation remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of yoga on oxidative stress in elderly with Grade-I hypertension. METHODS: An open parallel-arm randomised controlled study was conducted at BLDE University's Shri B.M.Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, India on elderly male individuals with Grade-I hypertension (n=57, age 60-80 years). Study (Yoga) group was assigned for yoga intervention and control group for walking for one hour in the morning for six days in a week for three months under the supervision of yoga instructor and physical training instructor respectively. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative stress and antioxidants such as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C levels were estimated. RESULTS: Yoga practice for three months has significantly reduced serum MDA level (p<0.001), and enhanced antioxidants level such as SOD activity (p=0.007), serum GSH (p=0.002) and vitamin C (p=0.002). In the control group, we observed a significant increase in serum MDA level (p=0.04) and reduction in serum vitamin C level (p=0.015) with no significant difference in the SOD activity and GSH level. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that yoga is an effective means to reduce oxidative stress and to improve antioxidant defense in elderly hypertensive individuals.

Effect of yoga on short-term heart rate variability measure as a stress index in subjunior cyclists: a pilot study.

Subjunior athletes experience mental stress due to pressure from the coach, teachers and parents for better performance. Stress, if remains for longer period and not managed appropriately can leads to negative physical, mental and cognitive impact on children. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of integrated yoga module on heart rate variability (HRV) measure as a stress index in subjunior cyclists. Fast furrier transform technique of frequency domain method was used for the analysis of HRV. We have found a significant increase in high frequency (HF) component by 14.64% (P < 0.05) and decrease in the low frequency component (LF) of HRV spectrum by 5.52% (P < 0.05) and a decrease in LF/HF ratio by 19.63% (P < 0.01) in yoga group. In the control group, there was decrease in the HF component and, no significant difference in the LF component of HRV spectrum and LF/HF ratio. The results show that yoga practice decreases sympathetic activity and causes a shift in the autonomic balance towards parasympathetic dominance indicating a reduction in stress. In conclusion, yoga practice helps to reduce stress by optimizing the autonomic functions. So, it is suggested to incorporate yoga module as a regular feature to keep subjunior athletes both mentally and physically fit.

Role of exercise and nutrition on cardiopulmonary fitness and pulmonary functions on residential and non-residential school children.

Physical fitness is the prime criterion for survival and to lead a healthy life. Our aim is to find out effect of exercise and nutrition on physical fitness on growing children with scientific records. The present study was designed on healthy school children of a Residential-Sainik (100) and Non-Residential (100) school children (12-16 yrs) of Bijapur. To evaluate cardiopulmonary fitness parameters included are VO2Max (ml/kg/min) and Physical Fitness Index (PFI %). Harvard Step Test determined VO2 Max and PFI. Also recorded pulmonary function parameters like Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV1 in %) by recording spirometry. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR in L/Min) by Peak flow meter and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP in mmHg) by modified Black's apparatus. We found statistically significant higher values (p = 0.000) of VO2Max, PFI, FEV1, PEFR and MEP in residential school children compared to nonresidential school children higher. So, our study shows that regular exercise and nutritious food increase the cardiopulmonary fitness values and pulmonary functions in Residential school children.