Thirty days of double-strain probiotic supplementation increases monocyte phagocytosis in marathon runners.

Marathon runners, subjected to intense training regimes and prolonged, exhaustive exercises, often experience a compromised immune response. Probiotic supplementation has emerged as a potential remedy to mitigate the impact of prolonged exercise on athletes. Consequently, this study sought to assess the influence of probiotic supplementation on monocyte functionality both before and after the official marathon race. Twenty-seven runners were randomly and double-blindly assigned to two groups: Placebo-PLA (n=13) and Probiotic-PRO (n=14). Over thirty days, both groups received supplements-PLA sachets containing maltodextrin (5g/day) and PRO sachets containing 1 x 1010 CFU Lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 x 1010 CFU Bifidobacterium bifidum subsp. lactis. Blood samples were collected, and immunological assays, including phagocytosis, hydrogen peroxide production, cytokine levels, and monocyte immunophenotyping, were conducted at four different intervals: Baseline (start of supplementation/thirty days pre-marathon), 24h-Before (one-day pre-marathon), 1h-After (1h post-marathon), and 5d-After (five days post-marathon). Monocyte populations remained consistent throughout the study. A notable increase in phagocytosis was observed in the PRO group after thirty days of supplementation. Upon LPS stimulation, both PRO and PLA groups exhibited decreased IL-8 production. However, after the marathon race, IL-15 stimulation demonstrated increased levels of 5d-After, while IL-1-ß, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, and TNF-α varied across different intervals, specifically within the PRO group. Probiotic supplementation notably enhanced the phagocytic capacity of monocytes. However, these effects were not sustained post-marathon.

Mild to moderate post-COVID-19 alters markers of lymphocyte activation, exhaustion, and immunometabolic responses that can be partially associated by physical activity level- an observational sub-analysis fit- COVID study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate if physical activity is associated with systemic and cellular immunometabolic responses, in young adults after mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection. Methods: Mild- to- moderate post-COVID-19 patients (70.50 ± 43.10 days of diagnosis; age: 29.4 (21.9- 34.9) years; BMI: 25.5 ± 4.3 kg m2 n = 20) and healthy age-matched controls (age: 29.3 (21.2 - 32.6) years; BMI: 25.4 ± 4.7 kg m2; n = 20) were evaluated. Physical activity levels (PAL), body composition, dietary habits, muscular and pulmonary function, mental health, sleep quality, metabolic parameters, immune phenotypic characterization, stimulated whole blood and PBMC culture (cytokine production), mRNA, and mitochondrial respiration in PBMCs were evaluated. Results: The post-COVID-19 group exhibited lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.038); therefore, all study comparisons were performed with adjustment for MVPA. Post-COVID-19 impacted the pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FVC %pred) compared with the control (p adjusted by MVPA (p adj) <0.05). Post-COVID-19 exhibited lower levels of serum IL-6 (p adj <0.01), whereas it showed higher serum IL-10, triglyceride, leptin, IgG, ACE activity, TNFRSF1A, and PGE2 (p adj <0.05) levels compared with controls. Post-COVID-19 presented a lower percentage of Treg cells (p adj = 0.03) and altered markers of lymphocyte activation and exhaustion (lower CD28 expression in CD8+ T cells (p adj = 0.014), whereas CD4+T cells showed higher PD1 expression (p adj = 0.037)) compared with the control group. Finally, post- COVID-19 presented an increased LPS-stimulated whole- blood IL-10 concentration (p adj <0.01). When exploring mitochondrial respiration and gene expression in PBMCs, we observed a higher LEAK state value (p adj <0.01), lower OXPHOS activity (complex I) (p adj = 0.04), and expression of the Rev-Erb-α clock mRNA after LPS stimulation in the post-COVID-19 patients than in the control (p adj <0.01). Mainly, PAL was associated with changes in IL-10, triglyceride, and leptin levels in the plasma of post-COVID-19 patients. PAL was also associated with modulation of the peripheral frequency of Treg cells and the expression of PD-1 in CD8+ T cells, although it abrogated the statistical effect in the analysis of TNF-α and IL-6 production by LPS- and PMA-stimulated PBMC of post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Young adults after mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared to have lower physical activity levels, which can be associated with clinical and immunometabolic responses in a complex manner.

Relationship among hypoxia, sleep and cognitive functions / Relación entre hipoxia, sueño y funciones cognitivas

The scientific literature shows that the reduced oxygen supply (O2) induced by acute or chronic exposure to high altitudes stimulates the organism to adapt to new physiological and psychological conditions imposed by hypoxia. Sleep can suffer partial fragmentation due to exposure to high altitudes, and these changes can be responsible for impaired cognitive functions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between hypoxia, sleep and cognitive functions. We conducted a literature review in the period from 1978 to 2020. In that way, we concluded that hypoxia can impair sleep patterns and, consequently, cognitive functions, including memory, attention, executive functions, decision making and reaction time.

La literatura científica muestra que el suministro reducido de oxígeno (O2 ) inducido por aumentos agudos o crónicos en la altitud estimula al organismo a adaptarse a las nuevas condiciones fisiológicas y psicológicas impuestas por la hipoxia. El sueño puede sufrir fragmentación parcial debido a la exposición a grandes altitudes, y estos cambios pueden ser responsables de las funciones cognitivas deterioradas. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar la relación entre la hipoxia, el sueño y las funciones cognitivas. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura en el período de 1978 a 2020. Por lo tanto, se concluye que la hipoxia puede empeorar el patrón de sueño y, en consecuencia, el funcionamiento cognitivo, incluida la memoria, la atención, las funciones ejecutivas, la toma de decisiones y tiempo de reacción.

Analysis of the body composition of Paralympic athletes: Comparison of two methods.

Body composition is a physiological variable associated with physical activity and, in some cases, is related to athletic performance. Our objectives were to describe the body composition of participants in three distinct Paralympic sports and to compare the values of body density and estimated body fat obtained from the Paralympic athletes on the National Team by air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and by the anthropometric method (skinfolds (SFs)). The sample consisted of 70 volunteers of both genders. The body composition of the volunteers was evaluated using the ADP in a Bod Pod(®) and seven SFs. There were no significant differences between the values obtained by ADP and SF for body fat percentage (p = .58) and body density (p = .49). Analysis by Bland-Altman plots showed mean differences of 0.56 ± 4.94 (-9.12-10.23) and -0.0017 ± 0.0113 (-0.024-0.020) for body fat percentage and body density, respectively. In conclusion, body composition analyses of Paralympic athletes by the ADP and SF methods show similar results, and ADP should be used as the first option when available. When the use of ADP is not possible, estimating body density and fat percentage by SF is a viable alternative for Paralympic athletes when future comparisons will use the same analysis method.

Exercise performed at hypoxia influences mood state and anxiety symptoms / Exercício realizado em hipóxia influencia o estado de humor e sintomas de ansiedade / El ejercicio realizado en la hipoxia influencias estado de ánimo y síntomas de ansiedad

During hypoxia conditions, psychological states can be worsened. However, little information is available regarding the effect of physical exercise performed in hypoxia conditions on mood state and anxiety symptoms. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the acute effect of moderate physical exercise performed at hypoxia on mood states and anxiety symptoms in healthy young subjects. Ten volunteers were subjected to the following conditions: a normoxic condition (NC) and a hypoxic condition (HC). They performed 45 min of physical exercise. Their anxiety symptoms and mood states were evaluated at the initial time point as well as immediately following and 30 and 60 min after the exercise session. Our results showed a significant increase in post-exercise anxiety symptoms and a significant decrease in mood scores immediately after and 30 min after exercise performed in the HC. Moderate physical activity performed at hypoxia condition increased post-exercise anxiety and worsened mood state.

Em condição de hipóxia o aspecto psicológico pode piorar, porém, ainda há pouca informação sobre a resposta do exercício físico realizado nestas condições sobre o estado de humor e os sintomas de ansiedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito agudo do exercício físico moderado realizado em condição de hipóxia sobre o estado de humor e sintomas de ansiedade de jovens saudáveis. Dez voluntários foram submetidos a duas condições: Condição Normóxia (CN) e Condição Hipóxia (CH) e realizaram 45' de exercício físico. Os sintomas de ansiedade e humor foram avaliados no momento basal, imediatamente após, 30 e 60 minutos. Observou-se um aumento significativo dos sintomas de ansiedade pós-exercício físico e uma redução significativa dos escores de humor em condição de hipóxia imediatamente e após 30 minutos de exercício. O exercício físico moderado realizado em condição de hipóxia promove uma resposta ansiogênica pós-exercício físico e piora do estado de humor.

En condiciones de hipoxia , los estados psicológicos pueden empeorar . Sin embargo, hay poca información disponible sobre el efecto del ejercicio físico realizado en condiciones de hipoxia en los síntomas del estado de ánimo y de ansiedad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto agudo del ejercicio físico moderado realizado en hipoxia en los estados de ánimo y los síntomas de ansiedad en los sujetos jóvenes sanos. Diez voluntarios se sometieron a las siguientes condiciones : una condición de normoxia ( NC ) y una condición hipóxica ( HC ). Realizaron 45 min de ejercicio físico. Sus síntomas de ansiedad y los estados de ánimo fueron evaluados en el momento inicial , así como inmediatamente después y 30 y 60 minutos después de la sesión de ejercicio. Nuestros resultados mostraron un aumento significativo en los síntomas de ansiedad después del ejercicio y una disminución significativa en las puntuaciones del estado de ánimo inmediatamente después y 30 minutos después del ejercicio realizado en la HC. El ejercicio físico moderado realizado en condicines de hipóxia aumentó después del ejercicio ansiedad y empeoró el estado de ánimo.

Isokinetic Assessment and Musculoskeletal Complaints in Paralympic Athletes: A Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess and monitor the peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in flexion and extension and the reports of musculoskeletal complaints in members of the main Brazilian Paralympic athletics team through 1 yr. DESIGN: Fourteen healthy athletes from both sexes were assessed three times in 1 yr. The volunteers were assessed for the presence of musculoskeletal complaints and muscle strength at three time points: (1) at the onset of the preparatory phase on December 2009, (2) at a follow-up assessment on June 2010, and (3) before actual competition on December 2010. The athletes' self-reported musculoskeletal complaints were assessed in structured interviews, and the muscle strength was assessed by means of isokinetic dynamometry. RESULTS: The knee flexor and extensor muscle strength exhibited significant increase in both the right and left lower limbs at the second and third assessments compared with the first one (P < 0.05). Muscle imbalance was associated with knee and thigh complaints at all three assessments (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The knee flexor and extensor muscle strength exhibited a gradual increase in both lower limbs during the course of the three assessments. In parallel, muscle imbalance was associated with the occurrence of knee and thigh complaints.

Can high altitude influence cytokines and sleep?

The number of persons who relocate to regions of high altitude for work, pleasure, sport, or residence increases every year. It is known that the reduced supply of oxygen (O2) induced by acute or chronic increases in altitude stimulates the body to adapt to new metabolic challenges imposed by hypoxia. Sleep can suffer partial fragmentation because of the exposure to high altitudes, and these changes have been described as one of the responsible factors for the many consequences at high altitudes. We conducted a review of the literature during the period from 1987 to 2012. This work explored the relationships among inflammation, hypoxia and sleep in the period of adaptation and examined a novel mechanism that might explain the harmful effects of altitude on sleep, involving increased Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 ß ), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α ) production from several tissues and cells, such as leukocytes and cells from skeletal muscle and brain.

Relationship between physical activity and depression and anxiety symptoms: a population study.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies evaluating the association between practice of physical activity and mood in a population sample. This study evaluated the frequency of symptoms of depression and anxiety in the population of the city of Sao Paulo and their association with the report of practice of regular physical activity. METHODS: This survey was conducted with the adult population of Sao Paulo between July and December of 2007. The sample was composed of 1042 volunteers (both genders) with a mean age of 41.9±14.4 years. The volunteers were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and two simple questions designed to evaluate and classify physical activity. Socioeconomic status was also determined according to Brazil's Economic Classification Criterion. RESULTS: People who do not engage in physical activity are two times more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression (PR: 2.1) and anxiety (PR: 2.5) compared with those who regularly practice physical activity and a higher prevalence of symptoms for anxiety (9.8%) and depression (10.9%) was observed among those claiming to not practice regular physical activity and 63.2% related did not practice any physical activity regularly. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these results suggest that people who do not practice physical activity have a higher chance of exhibiting symptoms of depression and anxiety when compared to those who perform physical activity regularly. In this sense, regular physical activity must be encouraged, and this incentive should be routine in both current and future public health policies. Although the methodology in the present study does not allow assigning a relation of cause and effect, we observed associations between symptoms of depression, anxiety and physical activity.

Low family support perception: a 'social marker' of substance dependence?

OBJECTIVE: Simultaneously assess the relationship between the family support perception and the intensity of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety symptoms in alcohol or drug dependent (AOD) patients and in non-AOD dependent control group (CON). METHOD: 60 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for AOD dependence and 65 individuals with similar profile, but not dependent on AOD completed the Family Support Perception Inventory (FSPI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that high scores in family autonomy (OR = 0.08), and low scores in hopelessness (OR = 0.64) were negatively correlated with AOD dependence. Individuals with high scores in BAI had higher probability (OR = 1.22) of belonging to the AOD group, as well as those who reported previous psychiatric treatment (OR = 68.91). Only in the AOD group the total FSPI scores presented significant correlation with depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with AOD dependence and low scores of family support perception also presented high scores of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, suggesting that FSPI scores could be a useful 'social marker' of AOD dependence with psychiatric comorbidities. These data also reinforce the relevance of evaluating family support in AOD treatment planning.

Low family support perception: a 'social marker' of substance dependence? / A baixa percepção de suporte familiar pode ser um "marcador social" da dependência de substâncias?

OBJECTIVE: Simultaneously assess the relationship between the family support perception and the intensity of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety symptoms in alcohol or drug dependent (AOD) patients and in non-AOD dependent control group (CON). METHOD: 60 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for AOD dependence and 65 individuals with similar profile, but not dependent on AOD completed the Family Support Perception Inventory (FSPI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis indicated that high scores in family autonomy (OR = 0.08), and low scores in hopelessness (OR = 0.64) were negatively correlated with AOD dependence. Individuals with high scores in BAI had higher probability (OR = 1.22) of belonging to the AOD group, as well as those who reported previous psychiatric treatment (OR = 68.91). Only in the AOD group the total FSPI scores presented significant correlation with depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with AOD dependence and low scores of family support perception also presented high scores of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, suggesting that FSPI scores could be a useful 'social marker' of AOD dependence with psychiatric comorbidities. These data also reinforce the relevance of evaluating family support in AOD treatment planning.

OBJETIVO: Estudar as relações entre a percepção do suporte familiar e sintomas de desesperança, depressão e ansiedade em pacientes dependentes de álcool ou drogas (AOD) e um grupo-controle (CON). MÉTODO: Sessenta pacientes que preencheram critérios do DSM-IV para dependência de AOD e um grupo-controle com 65 indivíduos com perfil similar, mas não dependentes de AOD preencheram o inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar (IPSF), o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI) e a Escala de Desesperança de Beck (BHS). RESULTADOS: Segundo a análise de regressão logística, altos escores de autonomia familiar (OR = 0,08) e baixos escores de desesperança (OR = 0,64) correlacionaram-se negativamente com ser dependente de AOD. Pessoas com altos escores no BAI apresentaram maior chance (OR = 1,22) de pertencer ao grupo AOD, assim como as que relataram já terem sido submetidas a tratamento psiquiátrico (OR = 68,91). Somente no grupo AOD os escores totais no IPSF se correlacionaram significativamente com sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e desesperança. CONCLUSÕES: Dependentes de AOD com baixa percepção de suporte familiar apresentaram também altos escores de depressão, ansiedade e desesperança, sugerindo que o IPSF poderia ser um útil "marcador social" da dependência de AOD associada a comorbidades psiquiátricas. Os dados reforçam a relevância de avaliar o suporte familiar no planejamento de tratamento para dependência de AOD.

Efeitos da exposição à altitude sobre os aspectos neuropsicológicos: uma revisão da literatura / Effects of exposure to altitude on neuropsychology aspects: a literature review

OBJETIVO: Discutir os efeitos da exposição à altitude sobre as funções neuropsicológicas. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura usando como fonte de pesquisa artigos indexados no Pubmed, no período de 1921 a 2008, utilizando as palavras-chave "cognition and hypoxia", "hypoxia and neuropsychology", "acute hypoxia", "chronic hypoxia" e "acclimatization and hypoxia", além de livros específicos do assunto. DISCUSSÃO: Os efeitos agudos e crônicos da hipóxia podem alterar inúmeras funções neuropsicológicas em diferentes altitudes, decorrentes de alterações fisiológicas que resultam da diminuição parcial de oxigênio (O2), que podem levar as alterações neuropsicológicas, como atenção, memória, tomada de decisão e demais funções executivas, em indivíduos expostos a grandes altitudes. CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos que se expõem às grandes altitudes devem utilizar suplementação de O2 e prática de aclimatização, entre outras estratégias para minimizar os efeitos negativos da hipóxia nos aspectos neuropsicológicos.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the effects of altitude exposure on neuropsychological functions. METHOD: We have conducted a literature review using as source indexed articles at Pubmed in the period from 1921 to 2008, using the following key words: "cognition and hypoxia", "hypoxia and neuropsychology", "acute hypoxia", "chronic hypoxia", and "acclimatization and hypoxia", as well as specific books on the subject. DISCUSSION: Acute and chronic effects of Hypoxia can alter many of the neuropsychological functions in different altitudes due to physiological changes resulted by the oxygen (O2) partial decrease that can lead to neuropsychological alterations in individuals exposed to high altitudes. CONCLUSION: Individuals exposed to high altitudes must use an O2 supplementation and the practice of acclimatization, among other strategy ways that can be used in order to minimize the negative effects of hypoxia on neuropsychological aspects.

[Effects of exposure to altitude on neuropsychology aspects: a literature review]. / Efeitos da exposição à altitude sobre os aspectos neuropsicológicos: uma revisão da literatura.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the effects of altitude exposure on neuropsychological functions. METHOD: We have conducted a literature review using as source indexed articles at Pubmed in the period from 1921 to 2008, using the following key words: 'cognition and hypoxia', 'hypoxia and neuropsychology', 'acute hypoxia', 'chronic hypoxia', and 'acclimatization and hypoxia', as well as specific books on the subject. DISCUSSION: Acute and chronic effects of Hypoxia can alter many of the neuropsychological functions in different altitudes due to physiological changes resulted by the oxygen (O2) partial decrease that can lead to neuropsychological alterations in individuals exposed to high altitudes. CONCLUSION: Individuals exposed to high altitudes must use an O2 supplementation and the practice of acclimatization, among other strategy ways that can be used in order to minimize the negative effects of hypoxia on neuropsychological aspects.