The effect of high doses of ω-3 fatty acid on the structure of the gastrocnemius muscle and on the lipidic profile of Wistar rats submitted to swimming.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence suggests that ω-3 fatty acids (FA) may have an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle. However, questions about dosage, frequency, combined protein supplementation, or different physical exercises remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to quantify by stereology whether supplementation with high dosages of ω-3 FA combined with swimming has an anabolic effect on the skeletal musculature and on the lipid profile of rats. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: placebo sedentary (PS), ω-3 FA sedentary (ω-3 S), placebo exercise (PE), and ω-3 FA exercise (ω-3 E). The animals in the PE and ω-3 E groups were submitted to swimming 5 d/wk, with an overload of 15% of body weight. The animals received ω-3 FA or olive oil (placebo) by gavage. After sacrifice, blood samples and the gastrocnemius muscle were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Results from this study did not show a difference in the cross-sectional areas of the gastrocnemius muscle between groups. The administration of high doses of ω-3 FA reduced plasmatic concentrations of low-density lipoprotein. Additionally, an interaction effect was observed between physical exercise and supplementation with ω-3 on levels of high-density lipoprotein. Therefore, the association between these two treatments increased high-density lipoprotein levels. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of high doses of ω-3 associated with physical activity may be beneficial in the treatment of dyslipidemia. High doses of ω-3 FA do not cause muscle mass alteration.

Role of Physical Activity and Exercise in Alleviating Cognitive Impairment in People With Epilepsy.

Many persons with epilepsy (PWE) experience problems with a wide range of cognitive functions, including learning, memory, attention, and executive control. These deficits in cognition result in diminished quality of life for PWE and are related to many factors, including the etiology of their epilepsy, recurrent seizures, side effects of antiseizure medications, or a combination of these factors. Various treatments to ameliorate cognitive deficits experienced by PWE have been implemented, although noninvasive and nonpharmacologic strategies may be more appealing options due to their relatively low cost, reduced risk of side effects, and/or reduced potential interactions with antiseizure medications. Physical activity and exercise may improve cognition in PWE but have not been well researched in this respect. To date only 1 study has directly investigated the effects of exercise on cognition in PWE, and it showed improved performance on tests of attention and executive function. The goal of the present article was to examine how increased physical activity and exercise contributes to 3 strategies (reducing seizure frequency, reducing epileptiform discharges, and decreasing symptoms of depression) that have been described as having a positive impact on cognition in PWE, as well as highlight related findings in experimental models of epilepsy. There is a definite need for more randomized controlled trials to establish greater clinical evidence for the use of physical activity and exercise in ameliorating cognitive impairment in PWE. We also need to better understand the factors contributing to reduced physical activity in PWE, as well as ways to overcome such barriers. With the available research in the area of exercise in epilepsy showing positive results, and a supportive research climate encouraging PWE to engage in greater physical activity overall, further investigations into the relationships between physical activity and cognition in epilepsy are warranted.

Physical Exercise Restores the Generation of Newborn Neurons in an Animal Model of Chronic Epilepsy.

Neurogenesis impairment is associated with the chronic phase of the epilepsy in humans and also observed in animal models. Recent studies with animal models have shown that physical exercise is capable of improving neurogenesis in adult subjects, alleviating cognitive impairment and depression. Here, we show that there is a reduction in the generation of newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus of adult rats subjected to a chronic model of epilepsy during the postnatal period of brain development. We also show that the physical exercise was capable to restore the number of newborn granule cells in this animals to the level observed in the control group. Notably, a larger number of newborn granule cells exhibiting morphological characteristics indicative of correct targeting into the hippocampal circuitry and the absence of basal dendrite projections was also observed in the epileptic animals subjected to physical exercise compared to the epileptic animals. The results described here could represent a positive interference of the physical exercise on the neurogenesis process in subjects with chronic epilepsy. The results may also help to reinterpret the benefits of the physical exercise in alleviating symptoms of depression and cognitive dysfunction.

Severe Obesity Shifts Metabolic Thresholds but Does Not Attenuate Aerobic Training Adaptations in Zucker Rats.

Severe obesity affects metabolism with potential to influence the lactate and glycemic response to different exercise intensities in untrained and trained rats. Here we evaluated metabolic thresholds and maximal aerobic capacity in rats with severe obesity and lean counterparts at pre- and post-training. Zucker rats (obese: n = 10, lean: n = 10) were submitted to constant treadmill bouts, to determine the maximal lactate steady state, and an incremental treadmill test, to determine the lactate threshold, glycemic threshold and maximal velocity at pre and post 8 weeks of treadmill training. Velocities of the lactate threshold and glycemic threshold agreed with the maximal lactate steady state velocity on most comparisons. The maximal lactate steady state velocity occurred at higher percentage of the maximal velocity in Zucker rats at pre-training than the percentage commonly reported and used for training prescription for other rat strains (i.e., 60%) (obese = 78 ± 9% and lean = 68 ± 5%, P < 0.05 vs. 60%). The maximal lactate steady state velocity and maximal velocity were lower in the obese group at pre-training (P < 0.05 vs. lean), increased in both groups at post-training (P < 0.05 vs. pre), but were still lower in the obese group at post-training (P < 0.05 vs. lean). Training-induced increase in maximal lactate steady state, lactate threshold and glycemic threshold velocities was similar between groups (P > 0.05), whereas increase in maximal velocity was greater in the obese group (P < 0.05 vs. lean). In conclusion, lactate threshold, glycemic threshold and maximal lactate steady state occurred at similar exercise intensity in Zucker rats at pre- and post-training. Severe obesity shifted metabolic thresholds to higher exercise intensity at pre-training, but did not attenuate submaximal and maximal aerobic training adaptations.

Can physical exercise have a protective effect in an animal model of sleep-related movement disorder?

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether physical exercise (PE) has a protective effect in an experimental animal model of sleep-related movement disorder (A11 dopaminergic nuclei lesions with 6-OHDA). Rats were divided into four groups (Control PE-CTRL/PE, SHAM/PE, A11 lesion/NPE, A11 lesion/PE). Two experiments were performed: (1) the rats underwent PE before (2 weeks) and after (4 weeks) the A11 lesion; and (2) the rats underwent PE only after (4 weeks) the A11 lesion. Electrode insertion surgery was performed and sleep analyses were conducted over a period of 24h (baseline and after PE) and analyzed in 6 blocks of 4h. The results demonstrated that the A11 lesion produced an increased percentage of wakefulness in the final block of the dark period (3-7am) and a significant enhancement of the number of limb movements (LM) throughout the day. Four weeks of PE was important for reducing the number of LMs in the A11 lesion group in the rats that performed PE before and after the A11 lesion. However, in the analysis of the protective effect of PE on LM, the results showed that the number of LMs was lower at baseline in the group that had performed 2 weeks of PE prior to the A11 lesion than in the group that had not previously performed PE. In conclusion, these findings consistently demonstrate that non-pharmacological manipulations had a beneficial effect on the symptoms of sleep-related movement disorder.

Epilepsy, seizures, physical exercise, and sports: A report from the ILAE Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy.

People with epilepsy (PWEs) are often advised against participating in sports and exercise, mostly because of fear, overprotection, and ignorance about the specific benefits and risks associated with such activities. Available evidence suggests that physical exercise and active participation in sports may favorably affect seizure control, in addition to producing broader health and psychosocial benefits. This consensus paper prepared by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy offers general guidance concerning participation of PWEs in sport activities, and provides suggestions on the issuance of medical fitness certificates related to involvement in different sports. Sports are divided into three categories based on potential risk of injury or death should a seizure occur: group 1, sports with no significant additional risk; group 2, sports with moderate risk to PWEs, but no risk to bystanders; and group 3, sports with major risk. Factors to be considered when advising whether a PWE can participate in specific activities include the type of sport, the probability of a seizure occurring, the type and severity of the seizures, seizure precipitating factors, the usual timing of seizure occurrence, and the person's attitude in accepting some level of risk. The Task Force on Sports and Epilepsy considers this document as a work in progress to be updated as additional data become available.

Environmental air pollution is an aggravating event for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

It is extremely difficult to estimate the occurrence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). On the other hand, discovering and carefully evaluating new risk factors that may contribute to the onset of cardiovascular abnormalities in people with refractory epilepsy may prevent fatal events in these individuals. In this context, we should not ignore that urban air pollution is a leading problem for environmental health and is able to cause serious cardiovascular dysfunctions that culminate in sudden death. In this regard, we aimed to determine whether environmental exposure to air pollution is an aggravating event for SUDEP.

Spontaneously hypertensive rats: possible animal model of sleep-related movement disorders.

Clinical experience suggests that restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic leg movement (PLM), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may co-occur in both children and adults. The purpose of the present study was to provide an electrocorticography and electromyography evaluation of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) to investigate the potential of this rat strain as an animal model of RLS-PLM. Initial work focused on evaluating sleep patterns and limb movements during sleep in SHR, having normotensive Wistar rats (NWR) as control, followed by comparison of two treatments (pharmacological-dopaminergic agonist treatment and nonpharmacological-chronic physical exercise), known to be clinically beneficial for sleep-related movement disorders. The captured data strengthen the association between SHR and RLS-PLM, revealing a significant reduction on sleep efficiency and slow wave sleep and an increase on wakefulness and limb movements for the SHR group during the dark period, as compared to the NWR group, effects that have characteristics that are strikingly consistent with RLS-PLM. The pharmacological and nonpharmacological manipulations validated these results. The present findings suggest that the SHR may be a useful putative animal model to study sleep-related movement disorders mechanisms.

Environmental air pollution is an aggravating event for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy / Exposicao ambiental a poluicao do ar e um evento agravante para a ocorrencia de morte subita nas epilepsias

It is extremely difficult to estimate the occurrence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). On the other hand, discovering and carefully evaluating new risk factors that may contribute to the onset of cardiovascular abnormalities in people with refractory epilepsy may prevent fatal events in these individuals. In this context, we should not ignore that urban air pollution is a leading problem for environmental health and is able to cause serious cardiovascular dysfunctions that culminate in sudden death. In this regard, we aimed to determine whether environmental exposure to air pollution is an aggravating event for SUDEP.

É extremamente difícil estimar a ocorrência de morte súbita em epilepsia (SUDEP). Por outro lado, detectar e avaliar cuidadosamente novos factores de risco que podem contribuir para o aparecimento de alterações cardiovasculares em pessoas com epilepsia refratária poderá ser capaz de impedir a ocorrência de eventos fatais nestes indivíduos. Neste contexto, não devemos negligenciar hoje que a poluição do ar nas grandes cidades é um problema para a saúde ambiental, podendo causar graves disfunções cardiovasculares, que culminam em morte súbita. Neste sentido, propusemos nesse trabalho que a exposição ambiental a poluição do ar é um evento agravante para a ocorrência de SUDEP.

Epileptologists probe vagus nerve stimulation in children with refractory epilepsy: a promise against sudden unexpected death in epilepsy / Epileptologistas indicam a estimulação do nervo vago em crianças com epilepsia refratária: uma promessa contra a morte súbita em epilepsia

It is clear that sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is mainly a problem for people with refractory epilepsy, but our understanding of the best way to its prevention is still incomplete. Although the pharmacological treatments available for epilepsies have expanded, some antiepileptic drugs are still limited in clinical efficacy. In the present paper, we described an experience with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment by opening space and providing the opportunity to implement effective preventative maps to reduce the incidence of SUDEP in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy.

Está claro que a morte súbita e inesperada em epilepsias (SUDEP) é principalmente um problema para as pessoas com epilepsia refratária, mas o entendimento para estabelecer medidas preventivas ainda está incompleto. Embora os tratamentos farmacológicos disponíveis para epilepsias tenham sido expandidos, algumas drogas antiepilépticas ainda são limitadas em termos de eficácia clínica. No presente trabalho, foi descrita uma experiência com a estimulação do nervo vago (VNS), abrindo espaço e fornecendo a oportunidade de implementar eficazes mapas preventivoss para reduzir a incidência da SUDEP em crianças e adolescentes com epilepsia refratária.

Serum levels of magnesium in sudden cardiac deaths among people with schizophrenia: hit or miss?

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder, affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral conditions, ability to work, social functioning, family stability and self-esteem of the patient. People with schizophrenia show a two to three-fold increased risk to die prematurely than those without schizophrenia. Understanding the mechanisms behind sudden cardiac death in individuals with schizophrenia is a key to prevention. Although different mechanisms may be related, there are clear indications that cardiac abnormalities play a potential role. Some antipsychotics may be associated with cardiovascular adverse events, e.g., QT interval prolongation, metabolic dysfunction, blood pressure and heart rate alterations. Magnesium (Mg) abnormalities may lead to various morphological and functional dysfunctions of the heart and low levels of serum Mg are considered to be at high risk for sudden cardiac death. As low serum Mg is associated with detrimental effects on the heart and that antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia patients frequently affect the heart rate, possibly, these factors together must change the normal functioning of the heart and consequently being able to culminate in a catastrophic event.

Serum levels of magnesium in sudden cardiac deaths among people with schizophrenia: hit or miss? / Níveis séricos de magnésio em morte súbita entre pessoas com esquizofrenia: erro ou acerto?

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder, affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral conditions, ability to work, social functioning, family stability and self-esteem of the patient. People with schizophrenia show a two to three-fold increased risk to die prematurely than those without schizophrenia. Understanding the mechanisms behind sudden cardiac death in individuals with schizophrenia is a key to prevention. Although different mechanisms may be related, there are clear indications that cardiac abnormalities play a potential role. Some antipsychotics may be associated with cardiovascular adverse events, e.g., QT interval prolongation, metabolic dysfunction, blood pressure and heart rate alterations. Magnesium (Mg) abnormalities may lead to various morphological and functional dysfunctions of the heart and low levels of serum Mg are considered to be at high risk for sudden cardiac death. As low serum Mg is associated with detrimental effects on the heart and that antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia patients frequently affect the heart rate, possibly, these factors together must change the normal functioning of the heart and consequently being able to culminate in a catastrophic event.

A esquizofrenia é uma doença mental que afeta as condições cognitivas, emocionais e comportamentais, a capacidade de trabalho, a estabilidade familiar e social e a auto-estima do paciente. Pessoas com esquizofrenia apresentam um risco de duas a três vezes maior de morrer prematuramente em relação às pessoas sem esquizofrenia. A compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na morte súbita em indivíduos com esquizofrenia é de suma importância para sua prevenção. Apesar de diferentes mecanismos associados à doença, evidências mostram que as anormalidades cardíacas desempenham papel importante neste contexto. Alguns antipsicóticos podem estar associados com eventos cardiovasculares adversos, como o prolongamento do intervalo QT, disfunção metabólica e alterações na pressão arterial e no ritmo cardíaco. Anormalidades do magnésio (Mg) podem levar a várias alterações morfológicas e funcionais do coração assim como a um alto risco para a morte súbita. Como baixos níveis séricos de Mg estão associados a efeitos nocivos ao coração e indivíduos com esquizofrenia tratados com antipsicóticos frequentemente apresentam alteração do ritmo cardíaco, possivelmente, estes fatores em conjunto podem alterar o funcionamento normal do coração e, consequentemente, culminar em um evento catastrófico.

Do pets reduce the likelihood of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy?

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between the presence of pets in homes of epilepsy patients and the occurrence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). METHODS: Parents or relatives of SUDEP patients collected over a ten-year period (2000-2009) in a large epilepsy unit were asked if the patient lived together with any domestic pet at the time of death or not. Patients who did not experience SUDEP served as controls. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Eleven out of the 1092 included patients (1%) experienced SUDEP, all with refractory symptomatic epilepsy, but none of them had pets in their homes at the time of death. In contrast, the frequency of pet-ownership in the control group (n=1081) was 61%. According to previous studies there are some indications that human health is directly related to companionship with animals in a way that domestic animals prevent illness and facilitate recovery of patients. Companion animals can buffer reactivity against acute stress, diminish stress perception and improve physical health. These factors may reduce cardiac arrhythmias and seizure frequency, factors related to SUDEP. Companion animals may have a positive effect on well-being, thus improving epilepsy outcome.