Dry blood spot samples to monitor immune-associated mRNA expression in intervention studies: Impact of Baker's yeast beta glucan.

Monitoring immunological response to physical stressors in a field setting is challenging because existing methods require a laboratory visit and traditional blood collection via venipuncture. The purpose of this study was to determine if our optimized dry blood spot (DBS) methodology yields sufficient total RNA to quantify the effect of Baker's Yeast Beta Glucan supplementation (BYBG; Wellmune; 250 mg/d) on post-exercise mRNA expression. Participants had venous DBS samples collected prior to (PRE), and immediately (POST), 2 (2H), and 4 (4H) hrs after completion of a 90 min run/walk trial in a hot, humid environment. Total RNA extracted from DBS was analyzed using a 574-plex Human Immunology mRNA panel (Nanostring). BYBG supplementation was associated with the increased expression of 12 mRNAs (LTB4R, PML, PRFM1, TNFRSF14, LCK, MYD88, STAT3, CCR1, TNFSF10, LILRB3, MME, and STAT6) and decreased expression of 4 mRNAs (MAP4K1, IKBKG, CD5, and IL4R) across all post-exercise time points. In addition to individually changed mRNA targets, we found eleven immune-response pathways that were significantly enriched by BYBG following exercise (TNF Family signaling, immunometabolism, oxidative stress, toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, Treg differentiation, autophagy, chemokine signaling, complement system, Th2 differentiation, cytokine signaling, and innate immune). The present approach showed that DBS samples can be used to yield useful information about mRNA biomarkers in an intervention study. We have found that BYBG supplementation induces changes at the mRNA level that support the immune system and reduce susceptibility to opportunistic infection (i.e., upper respiratory tract infection) and facilitate improved physical recovery from exercise. Future studies may look to use DBS sampling for testing other nutritional, health, or medical interventions.

Optimization of RNA Extraction from Dry Blood Spots for Nanostring Analysis.

Dry blood spot (DBS) technology has been widely used since the 1960's for the detection of protein biomarkers associated with various disease states. In this manuscript we report a revised approach using DBS samples to extract total RNA for use in downstream multiplex RNA detection methodology (Nanostring). To accomplish this objective, we have used commercially available supplies, kits, and equipment to ensure that the procedure described in this report can be adopted by any laboratory. The methods described in this report allow for the extraction of high-quality, total RNA from a minimal volume (∼200 µl) of DBS spots. The isolated RNA can be analyzed using a multiplex, Nanostring system to yield results for up to 800 RNA targets. Additional bioinformatics and pathway annotation can be conducted to determine changes in biological signaling pathways. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: RNA extraction from DBS for multiplex RNA nanostring analysis Support Protocol 1: RNA extraction from PAXgene blood Support Protocol 2: Concentration of DBS RNA.

Magnetic Isolation, RNA Extraction, and Nanostring Analysis of Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Subsets.

Advancements in multiplexed molecular biology techniques have allowed for blood samples and specific circulating blood leukocytes to be a useful sample source when examining systemic changes associated with changes in body weight, muscle injury, disease onset/progression, and other common conditions. One gap in the current scientific knowledge relates to the impact of changes in individual leukocyte subsets on the overall systemic response. While many studies have published data related to changes observed in a mixed population of circulating leukocytes (i.e., whole blood sample), few studies have identified which cell(s) are responsible for the overall change. Since it is established that leukocyte subsets respond differently to various experimental challenges, it may be possible to gain new insight regarding overall biological state. This has application to a variety of health, nutrition, and exercise intervention models. Despite the need to examine changes in mRNA expression levels in individual leukocyte subsets they are not always easy to isolate and perform mRNA analysis on. In this report we describe a method to magnetically isolate, stabilize RNA, and analyze 800+ mRNA in a single sample analysis. Further we compared total leukocyte and leukocyte subset (i.e., granulocytes, monocytes, and T-cells) mRNA expression to better understand how subset changes contribute to overall response. Examination of subset responses may provide targets for future intervention studies. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Automated magnetic isolation of granulocytes, monocytes, and T-cells Basic Protocol 2: RNA extraction from magnetically sorted granulocytes, monocytes, and T-cells Basic Protocol 3: Nanostring analysis of RNA extracted from magnetically sorted granulocytes, monocytes, and T-cells.

Prebiotic/probiotic supplementation resulted in reduced visceral fat and mRNA expression associated with adipose tissue inflammation, systemic inflammation, and chronic disease risk.

BACKGROUND: Prebiotic/probiotic supplementation represents a viable option for addressing elevated systemic inflammation and chronic disease risk in overweight individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine if 90 days of prebiotic/probiotic supplementation could alter mRNA responsible for inflammation and chronic disease risk in weight-stable overweight adults. Nanostring mRNA analysis (574 plex) was used to survey targets associated with adipose tissue inflammation, systemic inflammation, and chronic disease risk. All protocols were approved by the University IRB, and participants gave written informed consent. Participants were randomly assigned to either placebo (N = 7; rice flour) or combined (N = 8) prebiotic (PreticX® Xylooligosaccharide; 0.8 g/day; ADIP) and probiotic (MegaDuo® Bacillus subtilis HU58 and Bacillus coagulans SC-208; billion CFU/day) supplementation. Participants were diverse population of healthy individuals with the exception of excess body weight. Measurements were made at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days. Whole-body DXA scans (GE iDXA®; body composition) and blood 574-plex mRNA analysis (Nanostring®) were used to generate primary outcomes. Significance was set to p < 0.05 and adjusted for multiple comparisons where necessary. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, prebiotic/probiotic supplementation was associated with a 35% reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT; p = 0.002) but no change in body weight or overall percent body fat. Prebiotic/probiotic supplementation resulted in significant (p < 0.05), differential expression of 15 mRNA associated with adipose tissue inflammation (GATA3, TNFAIP6, ST2, CMKLR1, and CD9), systemic inflammation (LTF, SOCS1, and SERPING1), and/or chronic disease risk (ARG1, IL-18, CCL4, CEACAM6, ATM, CD80, and LAMP3). We also found 6 additional mRNA that had no obvious relationship to three previous biological functions (CSF1, SRC, ICAM4CD24, CD274, and CLEC6A). CONCLUSION: The key findings support that 90-day prebiotic/probiotic supplementation may be associated with reduced adipose tissue inflammation, reduced systemic inflammation, and reduced chronic disease risk. Combined with the unexpected finding of reduced VAT, this intervention may have resulted in improved overall health and reduced chronic disease risk.

Inhaled diesel exhaust particles result in microbiome-related systemic inflammation and altered cardiovascular disease biomarkers in C57Bl/6 male mice.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays a vital role in host homeostasis and is associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a known mediator of inflammation and CVD and is reported to promote dysbiosis and decreased intestinal integrity. However, the role of inhaled traffic-generated PM on the gut microbiome and its corresponding systemic effects are not well-characterized. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis that exposure to inhaled diesel exhaust particles (DEP) alters the gut microbiome and promotes microbial-related inflammation and CVD biomarkers. 4-6-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice on either a low-fat (LF, 10% fat) or high-fat (HF, 45% fat) diet were exposed via oropharyngeal aspiration to 35 µg DEP suspended in 35 µl saline or saline only (CON) 2x/week for 30 days. To determine whether probiotics could prevent diet or DEP exposure mediated alterations in the gut microbiome or systemic outcomes, a subset of animals on the HF diet were treated orally with 0.3 g/day (~ 7.5 × 108 CFU/day) of Winclove Ecologic® Barrier probiotics throughout the study. RESULTS: Our results show that inhaled DEP exposure alters gut microbial profiles, including reducing Actinobacteria and expanding Verrucomicrobia and Proteobacteria. We observed increased circulating LPS, altered circulating cytokines (IL-1α, IL-3, IL-13, IL-15, G-CSF, LIF, MIP-2, and TNF-α), and CVD biomarkers (siCAM, PAI-1, sP-Selectin, thrombomodulin, and PECAM) in DEP-exposed and/or HF diet mice. Furthermore, probiotics attenuated the observed reduction of Actinobacteria and expansion of Proteobacteria in DEP-exposed and HF-diet mice. Probiotics mitigated circulating cytokines (IL-3, IL-13, G-CSF, RANTES, and TNF- α) and CVD biomarkers (siCAM, PAI-1, sP-Selectin, thrombomodulin, and PECAM) in respect to DEP-exposure and/or HF diet. CONCLUSION: Key findings of this study are that inhaled DEP exposure alters small intestinal microbial profiles that play a role in systemic inflammation and early CVD biomarkers. Probiotic treatment in this study was fundamental in understanding the role of inhaled DEP on the microbiome and related systemic inflammatory and CVD biomarkers.

Optimized Curcumin, Pomegranate Extract, and Methylsulfonylmethane Reduce Acute, Systemic Inflammatory Response to a Half-marathon Race.

Context: Endurance running places substantial physiological strain on the body, which can develop into chronic inflammation and overuse injuries, negatively affecting subsequent training and performance. A recent study found that dietary polyphenols and methlysulfonylmethane (MSM) can reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress without adverse side effects. Objective: The purpose was to identify a set of candidate protein and RNA biomarkers that are associated with improved outcomes related to inflammation and muscle injury, when athletes used 3 proprietary supplements both prior to and during early recovery from a half-marathon race. Design: The study was an open-label pilot study. Setting: The study was field based, with sample analysis conducted in the Applied Physiology Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Participants: Participants were 15 young, exercise-trained men and women. Intervention: The intervention group consumed 1000 mg/d of a proprietary 50-50 mix of optimized curcumin and pomegranate extract for 26 days. The group also consumed 500 mg/d of a proprietary MSM for the same period. Three days prior to and one day after a race, the daily dosage was doubled. The control group received no supplements. Outcome Measures: Venous blood samples were collected at pre-race and at 4h and 24h after running a half-marathon race. The research team evaluated results for target proteins that have been associated with inflammation and muscle injury in the scientific literature. The team also performed an analysis of RNA biomarkers. Results: At the 4h and 24h time points, a significant treatment-response was observed that included increases in proteins: (1) osteonectin/SPARC-osteonectin/secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine and (2) BDNF-brain-derived neurotrophic factor. At the same points, the study also found increased RNA: (1) PACER-P50-associated COX-2 extragenic RNA, (2) PTGES-prostaglandin E synthase, (3) MYD88-innate immune signal transduction adaptor MYD88, (4) TNFS14-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member 14, (5) THRIL-TNF and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (HNRNPL)-related immunoregulatory long noncoding RNA, (6) TRAF6-TNF receptor associated factor 6, (7) CX3CL1-C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1, (8) MALAT1-metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1, and (9) LINC00305-long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 305. Conclusions: The combination of polyphenol and MSM supplementation resulted in a systemic response that may translate to an accelerated rate of muscle recovery, allowing participants return to exercise and normal activities more quickly. This pilot study is the foundation for a larger investigation in the research team's laboratory.

Dietary Polyphenol and Methylsulfonylmethane Supplementation Improves Immune, DAMP Signaling, and Inflammatory Responses During Recovery From All-Out Running Efforts.

Nutritional ingredients with defined mechanisms of action can be useful in the recovery of the body from the physical demands of a habitual training plan. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with optimized curcumin, pomegranate ellagitannins, and MSM (R + MSM) on immune-associated mRNA during early recovery (i.e., up to 8 h post-exercise) following all-out running efforts (5-km, 10-km, and 21.1-km). Subjects (N = 14) were randomized to either a supplement (R + MSM) or a control group using an open label design. The study was completed over a period of 31-day prior to a scheduled half-marathon race. Venous blood samples were collected into PAXgene tubes at baseline, subsequent samples were collected at 2, 4, and 8 h after each running effort. A 574-plex mRNA Immunology Array (NanoString) was measured for each sample and ROSALIND® Advanced Analysis Software was used to examined changes in 31 annotated immune response pathways and specific mRNA changes. The greatest change in immune pathways occurred at 2 h (GSS > 3) followed by 4 h (GSS 2-3) and 8 h (GSS 1-2). R + MSM was associated with an increase in innate immunity (CAMP, LTF, TIRAP, CR1, IL1R1, CXCR1, PDCDILG2, and GNLY) and a blunted/smaller increase in damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) signaling/inflammation (TLR4, TLR5, S100A8, S100A9, and IFP35). We also found changes in immune-associated mRNA that have not been previously linked to exercise recovery (SOCS1, SOCS2, MME, CECAM6, MX1, IL-1R2, KLRD1, KLRK1, and LAMP3). Collectively these results demonstrate that supplementation with a combination of optimized curcumin, pomegranate ellagitannins, and methylsulfonylmethane resulted in changes that may improve biological recovery from all-out running efforts.

Exercise above the maximal lactate steady state does not elicit a V̇O2 slow component that leads to attainment of V̇O2max.

There is a pervasive belief that the severe-intensity domain is defined as work rates above the power associated with a maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) and by a oxygen uptake (V̇O2) response that demonstrates a rapid increase (primary phase) followed by a slower increase (slow component), which leads to maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) if exercise is continued long enough. Fifteen university students performed 5 to 7 tests to calculate power at MLSS (154 ± 29 W). The tests included 30 min of exercise at each of 3 work rates: (i) below (-2 ± 1 W) power at MLSS, (ii) above (+4 ± 1 W) the power at MLSS, and (iii) well above (+19 ± 8 W) power at MLSS. The V̇O2 response in each test was described using mathematical modeling. Contrary to expectation, the response at the supra-MLSS work rates had not 2, but 3, distinct phases: the primary phase and the slow component, plus a "delayed" third phase, which emerged after ∼15 min. V̇O2max was not attained at supra-MLSS work rates. These results challenge commonly held beliefs about definitions and descriptions of exercise intensity domains. Novelty: The V̇O2 response at work rates that are too high to sustain a lactate steady state but not high enough to elicit V̇O2max features not 2, but 3, distinct phases. There is no consensus on whether intensity domains should be defined by their boundaries or by the responses they engender.

Alterations in Systemic Inflammatory Response Following a Half-Marathon Race with a Combined Curcumin and Pomegranate Supplement: A Feasibility Study.

Endurance running training can lead to gradual accumulation of inflammation and soreness ultimately resulting in overuse injuries. Management of soreness and inflammation with pharmaceuticals (i.e. non-prescription pain relievers) during long-term training is not a suitable solution due to known side effects (e.g. gastrointestinal complications, etc.). Dietary polyphenols (i.e. curcumin, pomegranate, etc.) have been purported to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, without these negative side effects making them ideal for use in an exercise model. The purpose of the present feasibility study was to explore the combined effect of optimized curcumin and pomegranate extract supplementation prior to (PRE) and after (4H and 24H) an organized half-marathon race on blood inflammatory proteins and inflammation-associated RNA. Daily supplementation (1000 mg/d) started 26 days before a half-marathon which doubled on days 27-31. Data were analyzed with R software and Welch t-test, significance set at p < 0.05. At both 4H and 24H, supplementation was associated with alterations in protein (IL-10, IL-13, IL-4, ITAC, MIP-1alpha, MIP-3alpha, BDNF, sIL-2Ralpha, and TNF-alpha; p < 0.05) and RNA (CCL22, GUSB, IL-6, LINC00305, NKILA, PTGES, THRIL, TRAF6, ARG2, CD1A, CD55, CFI, CSF2, CXC3CL1, CX3CR1, EDNRB, GATA3, LILRB5, THY1, CD3D, MRC1, GPR183, HAMP, MBL2, CASP3, B2M, KLRF2, PDCD1LG2, IL-10, PTGS2, TLR2, IL-6R, IL-8, IL-7R, MASP1, MYD88, TNFRSF1B, TNFRSF1A, and TIRAP; p < 0.05) biomarkers compared to control. Pathway classification of these biomarkers indicated supplementation may be associated with a more favorable muscle recovery profile. Our findings support the notion that combined curcumin and pomegranate supplementation may represent a useful addition to a comprehensive exercise training plan.

The Increase in Oxygen Demand During Severe Intensity Exercise Must be Included in Calculation of Oxygen Deficit.

A contentious element in the traditional method of calculating accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) is the assumption that the oxygen demand remains constant throughout a bout of exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of this assumption. Twelve women and eight men volunteered for the study and completed cycle ergometer tests that resulted in exhaustion after ~4 min and ~8 min. In each test, AOD was calculated by subtracting accumulated oxygen uptake (in mL·kg-1) from estimated total oxygen cost (in mL·kg-1), which was estimating two ways: (i) assuming that oxygen demand (in mL·kg-1·min-1) increases over the course of the exercise bout and (ii) assuming it remains constant. Values for AOD in the 4-min and 8-min tests were expected to be the same (maximal). Mean values for AOD in the 4-min and 8-min tests were similar (79.1 ± 7.6 mL·kg-1 and 79.6 ± 8.3 mL·kg-1) when calculated assuming an increase in oxygen demand, but different (71.0 ± 7.9 mL·kg-1 and 42.5 ± 7.6 mL·kg-1) when the demand was kept constant. These results support the hypothesis that oxygen demand increases during exhaustive severe intensity cycling exercise. This increase must be included in calculation of AOD.

Determining MAOD Using a Single Exhaustive Severe Intensity Test.

Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) provides a measure of anaerobic capacity. However, its measurement is a time-consuming process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a measure of anaerobic capacity that avoids contentious assumptions and demands of the MAOD method. Twelve women and eight men volunteered for the study and completed cycle ergometer tests that resulted in exhaustion after ~4 min and ~8 min. In each test, anaerobic capacity was determined as (i) the MAOD and (ii) the sum of the phosphocreatine and glycolytic contributions (PCr+glycolysis). MAOD was determined by subtraction of the accumulated oxygen uptake from the total oxygen cost. Phosphocreatine and glycolytic contributions were calculated from post-exercise VO2 and blood lactate responses. MAOD in the 4-min and 8-min tests (79.1 ± 7.6 mL·kg-1 and 79.6 ± 7.4 mL·kg-1) and PCr+glycolysis in these tests (80.0 ± 7.3 mL·kg-1 and 79.0 ± 6.9 mL·kg-1) were correlated (r ≥ 0.91) and not significantly different. These results support the use of postexercise measures to quantify the phosphocreatine and glycolytic contributions and to provide an alternative to MAOD for measurement of anaerobic capacity.

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses on a Novel, Whole Body Exercise Device Compared to a Cycle Ergometer.

The purpose of this study was to compare the metabolic effects during a similar bout of exercise on a novel, whole body exercise device (Fish and Kangaroo Machine; FKM) and a cycle ergometer. Recreationally active men and women (n =13) completed two exercise sessions. The exercise protocol included intervals alternating between exercise (3-min) and rest (3-min) for a total duration of 39-min. The exercise intensity between the two modes was matched based on heart rate response. Heart rate, cardiac output, and stroke volume were measured using a wireless telemetry technique (Physioflow Enduro). Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured via breath-by-breath automated analysis of expired respiratory gas (MGC Diagnostics Ultima). Capillary blood lactate was measured using a handheld meter (LactatePlus). While maintaining the heartrate response, stroke volume presented at a higher-level during rest periods, although not significant. There was also higher cardiac output at the end of the exercise bout with the FKM. VO2 was lower at the same heart rate and peak lactate was higher during FKM exercise. Cardiovascular recovery was improved following FKM exercise compared to cycling. The observed responses demonstrated that for a similar heart rate response, the FKM has an enhanced anaerobic metabolic component compared to cycling. These findings demonstrate the FKM may represent a novel exercise device comparable to cycling with unique anaerobic training potential.

Resistance exercise-induced hormonal response promotes satellite cell proliferation in untrained men but not in women.

The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of resistance exercise (RE)-induced hormonal changes on the satellite cell (SC) myogenic state in response to muscle damage. Untrained men (n = 10, 22 ± 3 yr) and women (n = 9, 21 ± 4 yr) completed 2 sessions of 80 unilateral maximal eccentric knee extensions followed by either an upper body RE protocol (EX) or a 20-min rest (CON). Muscle samples were collected and analyzed for protein content of Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, cyclin D1, and p21 before (PRE), 12 h, and 24 h after the session was completed. Serum testosterone, growth hormone, cortisol, and myoglobin concentrations were analyzed at PRE, post-damage, immediately after (IP), and 15, 30, and 60 min after the session was completed. Testosterone was significantly (P < 0.05) higher immediately after the session in EX vs. CON for men. A significant time × sex × condition interaction was found for MyoD with an increase in EX (men) and CON (women) at 12 h. A significant time × condition interaction was found for Pax7, with a decrease in EX and increase in CON at 24 h. A significant time effect was found for myogenin, p21, and cyclin D1. Myogenin and p21 were increased at 12 and 24 h, and cyclin D1 was increased at 12 h. These results suggest that the acute RE-induced hormonal response can be important for men to promote SC proliferation after muscle damage but had no effect in women. Markers of SC differentiation appeared unaffected by the hormonal response but increased in response to muscle damage.

Combining single molecule counting with bead-based multiplexing to quantify biological inflammation time course following skeletal muscle injury.

Bead-based analysis methods allow for the exploration of a variety of complex biological processes. In particular, these techniques can be applied to better understand how peripheral muscle injury contributes to systemic inflammation. Understanding how these two processes affect one another can give additional insight concerning how changes in inflammation effect readiness to perform in exercise and work environments. The present method sought to combine the strengths of bead-based multiplexing with the precision and low-end detection of single molecule counting (SMC) methods. We used performance of an extreme aerobic exercise session (i.e. half-marathon race) to cause a defined quantity of lower body muscle injury and a systemic inflammatory response lasting up to 24 h. Using a high-sensitivity, multiplex assay (Milliplex; Millipore-Sigma) we were able to identify 9 of 21 cytokines that were significantly elevated at either 4 or 24 h post half-marathon performance. Despite the known role of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the pro-inflammatory response, they did not appear to change based on the multiplex analysis. We thus, conducted further analysis using an SMC assay and found increases in IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α at 4 h compared to 24 h post exercise. This method approach demonstrates how combining two common, bead-based protein assays can increase the amount of meaningful biological information that can be collected. We anticipate that this approach will be useful in a variety of inflammation-associated disease states.

Combined bead-based multiplex detection of RNA and protein biomarkers: Implications for understanding the time course of skeletal muscle injury and repair.

Biological response to skeletal muscle injury time course is generally classified as initial (elevated within first 4-h), delayed (elevated at 24-h), and/or prolonged (elevated at 4-h and sustained to 24-h). Accurate description of this process requires the ability to measure a robust set of RNA and protein biomarkers, yet such an approach is not common and not always feasible. This method proposes a novel experimental approach that focuses on the use of bead-based multiplex detection to measure mRNA, lncRNA, cytokines, soluble cytokine receptors, and myokines at 4-h and 24-h post muscle injury. We used an extreme aerobic exercise session (half-marathon race) to create a consistent muscle injury stimulus via oxidative stress and eccentric contractions. Venous blood samples were analyzed to determine the change in 90 targets. Specifically, we identified 14 mRNA, 2 lncRNA, 4 cytokines, and 5 myokines that had only an initial response (change at 4-h). We identified 2 mRNA, 2 cytokines, 13 soluble cytokine receptors, and 1 myokine that had only a delayed response (change at 24-h). Finally, we identified 18 mRNA, 4 lncRNA, 6 myokines and 15 cytokines that had a prolonged response (change at 4-h and sustained at 24-h). We found 4 targets to be undetectable or having no response relative to muscle injury recovery. These findings demonstrate the interplay between RNA and protein biomarkers in response to skeletal muscle injury. This novel experimental application of bead-based multiplexing is applicable to a variety of clinical models that involve muscle injury and/or wasting.

Resistance Training Is Associated With Higher Bone Mineral Density Among Young Adult Male Distance Runners Independent of Physiological Factors.

Duplanty, AA, Levitt, DE, Hill, DW, McFarlin, BK, DiMarco, NM, and Vingren, JL. Resistance training is associated with higher bone mineral density among young adult male distance runners independent of physiological factors. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1594-1600, 2018-Low bone mineral density (BMD) in male distance runners is common and could be modulated by a host of biomarkers involved in the dynamic balance of bone tissue. In contrast, resistance training can increase BMD; however, the efficacy of resistance training in protecting BMD in distance runners has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between resistance training, testosterone and bone metabolism biomarker concentrations, and BMD in young adult male distance runners. Twenty-five apparently healthy men (23-32 years; mean ± SD: 25.9 ± 2.9 years; 1.77 ± 0.04 m; 75.4 ± 8.5 kg) were categorized into 1 of 3 groups: untrained control participants (CON; n = 8); nonresistance-trained runners (NRT; n = 8); or resistance-trained runners (RT; n = 9). Blood was collected and analyzed for concentrations of free and total testosterone and 14 bone metabolism biomarkers. Bone mineral density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. At all measured sites, BMD was greater (p ≤ 0.05) for RT compared with NRT and CON. Vitamin D concentration was greater (p ≤ 0.05) in RT and NRT compared with CON. Concentrations of testosterone and remaining bone biomarkers did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Resistance-trained runners had greater BMD than nonresistance-trained runners and untrained peers. This difference did not seem to be modulated by biomarkers that contribute to bone formation or resorption, indicating that differences in BMD are associated with habitual load-bearing exercise using external resistance. Runners should perform resistance exercise at least once per week because this is associated with greater BMD.

Adding Resistance Training to the Standard of Care for Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment in Men With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Improves Skeletal Muscle Health Without Altering Cytokine Concentrations.

Vingren, JL, Curtis, JH, Levitt, DE, Duplanty, AA, Lee, EC, McFarlin, BK, and Hill, DW. Adding resistance training to the standard of care for inpatient substance abuse treatment in men with human immunodeficiency virus improves skeletal muscle health without altering cytokine concentrations. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 76-82, 2018-Substance abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can independently lead to myopathy and related inflammatory alterations; importantly, these effects seem to be additive. Resistance training (RT) can improve muscle health in people living with HIV (PLWH), but the efficacy of this intervention has not been examined for PLWH recovering from substance abuse. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of RT on muscle health markers (mass, strength, and power) and basal circulating biomarkers for men living with HIV undergoing substance abuse treatment. Men living with HIV undergoing 60-day inpatient substance abuse treatment completed either RT (3×/wk) or no exercise training (control) for 6 weeks. Muscle mass, strength, and power, and fasting circulating cytokines (interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and cortisol were measured before (PRE) and after (POST) the 6-week period. Both groups received the standard of care for HIV and substance abuse treatment determined by the inpatient facility. Muscle mass, strength, and power increased (p ≤ 0.05) from PRE to POST for RT but were unchanged for control. No differences were found for circulating biomarkers. Adding RT to the standard of care for substance abuse treatment improved aspects of muscle health (mass, strength, and power) in men living with HIV. These improvements are associated with a lower risk of a number of health conditions. Therefore, practitioners should consider implementing RT interventions as part of substance abuse treatment programs in this population to help manage long-term health.