Resistance exercise shifts the balance of renin-angiotensin system toward ACE2/Ang 1-7 axis and reduces inflammation in the kidney of diabetic rats.

AIMS: We aimed to determine whether resistance training (RT) regulates renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components and inflammatory mediators in diabetic rats. MAIN METHODS: Male Wistar rats (3 months old) were randomly assigned into four groups: non-trained (NT), trained (T), non-trained + diabetes (NTD) and trained +diabetes (TD). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO, USA), before RT protocol. Trained rats performed RT protocol on a 110-cm ladder (8 ladder climbs, once/day, 5 days/week, 8 weeks), carrying a load corresponding to 50-80% of maximum carrying capacity. Blood glucose, albuminuria and urinary volume were measured. Renal levels of angiotensin peptides (angiotensin I, II and 1-7), inflammatory markers, and also the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 were determined. KEY FINDINGS: Blood glucose and urinary volume were elevated in diabetic animals, and RT decreased albuminuria, renal Ang I and Ang II levels in diabetic rats. RT shifted the balance of renal RAS toward ACE2/Ang 1-7 axis in TD group, and mitigated the high levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1ß and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC) in the context of diabetes. Strong positive correlations were found between albuminuria and Ang II, IL-10 and IL-1ß. On the other hand, intrarenal Ang 1-7 levels were negatively correlated with IL-10 and IL-1ß levels. SIGNIFICANCE: RT improved kidney function by modulating intrarenal RAS toward ACE2/Ang 1-7 axis and inflammatory cytokines. RT represents a reasonable strategy to improve the renal complications induced by diabetes, counteracting nephropathy-associated maladaptive responses.

Diabetic Nephropathy Induced by Increased Ace Gene Dosage Is Associated with High Renal Levels of Angiotensin (1-7) and Bradykinin.

Population studies have shown an association between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene (ACE in humans, Ace in mice). The aim was to evaluate the modulation of Ace copies number and diabetes mellitus (DM) on renal RAS and correlate it with indicators of kidney function. Increased number of copies of the Ace gene, associated with DM, induces renal dysfunction. The susceptibility to the development of DN in 3 copies of animals is associated with an imbalance in activity of RAS enzymes leading to increased synthesis of Ang II and Ang-(1-7). Increased concentration of renal Ang-(1-7) appears to potentiate the deleterious effects triggered by Ang II on kidney structure and function. Results also show increased bradykinin concentration in 3 copies diabetic group. Taken together, results indicate that the deleterious effects described in 3 copies diabetic group are, at least in part, due to a combination of factors not usually described in the literature. Thus, the data presented here show up innovative and contribute to understanding the complex mechanisms involved in the development of DN, in order to optimize the treatment of patients with this complication.

CONTRARRELÓGIO DE CICLISMO DE MÉDIA DISTÂNCIA: DETERMINAÇÃO E REPRODUTIBILIDADE DE PARÂMETROS DERIVADOS DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE POTÊNCIA / TIME TRIAL IN MIDDLE DISTANCE CYCLING: DETERMINATION AND REPRODUCIBILITY OF PARAMETERS DERIVED FROM THE POWER DISTRIBUTION

RESUMO A escolha do pacing é determinante para o sucesso esportivo, mas a análise de pequenas alterações no pacing necessita de mais estudos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar parâmetros na curva de desempenho em contrarrelógio de ciclismo para investigar variações dopacing e sua reprodutibilidade. A análise por trechos da prova também foi realizada. 19 ciclistas amadores realizaram dois testes de 4-km, no qual foram analisados parâmetros nas curvas de desempenho individuais e a potência média dos trechos da prova. O tempo e a potência média foram similares entre os testes. Não houve diferença entre os parâmetros observados na curva de desempenho comparando o teste 1 e 2, mas estes mostraram alto valor de erro típico da medida. A análise por trechos da prova foi mais consistente, sendo uma opção para analisar o pacing. Apesar de um desempenho consistente no contrarrelógio de 4-km, os parâmetros determinados apresentaram grande variação intraindividual.

ABSTRACT The selection of pacing is determinant for the sport success, but the analysis of modest variations in pacing requires further studies. The purpose of this study was to determine parameters in the performance curve on cycling time trial to investigate pacing variations and reproducibility. The test sections analysis was also performed. 19 amateur cyclists performed two tests of 4-km, in which parameters were analyzed in the individual performance curves and the average power of the test sections. The time and the average power were similar between tests. There was no difference between the parameters observed in the performance curve comparing the test 1 and 2, but these showed a high value of typical error. The test portions analysis was more consistent, with an alternative to analyze pacing. Despite consistent performance in time trial 4-km, the parameters determined varied widely between individuals.

Prior low- or high-intensity exercise alters pacing strategy, energy system contribution and performance during a 4-km cycling time trial.

We analyzed the influence of prior exercise designed to reduce predominantly muscle glycogen in either type I or II fibers on pacing and performance during a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). After preliminary and familiarization trials, in a randomized, repeated-measures crossover design, ten amateur cyclists performed: 1) an exercise designed to reduce glycogen of type I muscle fibers, followed by a 4-km TT (EX-FIB I); 2) an exercise designed to reduce glycogen of type II muscle fibers, followed by a 4-km TT (EX-FIB II) and; 3) a 4-km TT, without the prior exercise (CONT). The muscle-glycogen-reducing exercise in both EX-FIB I and EX-FIB II was performed in the evening, ∼12 h before the 4-km TT. Performance time was increased and power output (PO) was reduced in EX-FIB I (432.8±8.3 s and 204.9±10.9 W) and EX-FIB II (428.7±6.7 s and 207.5±9.1 W) compared to CONT (420.8±6.4 s and 218.4±9.3 W; P<0.01), without a difference between EX-FIB I and EX-FIB II (P>0.05). The PO was lower in EX-FIB I than in CONT at the beginning and middle of the trial (P<0.05). The mean aerobic contribution during EX-FIB I was also significantly lower than in CONT (P<0.05), but there was no difference between CONT and EX-FIB II or between EX-FIB I and EX-FIB II (P>0.05). The integrated electromyography was unchanged between conditions (P>0.05). Performance may have been impaired in EX-FIB I due a more conservative pacing at the beginning and middle, which was associated with a reduced aerobic contribution. In turn, the PO profile adopted in EX-FIB II was also reduced throughout the trial, but the impairment in performance may be attributed to a reduced glycolytic contribution (i.e. reduced lactate accumulation).

Músculo aductor mínimo en individuos brasileños / Adductor minimus muscle in Brazilian individuals

Entre el grupo muscular que realiza la aducción de la articulación del cuadril se destaca el músculo aductor magno, cuya porción superior de la parte aductora puede constituir el músculo aductor mínimo. En la literatura hay pocas citaciones sobre este músculo, más allá de la presencia de datos divergentes entre diversos autores. De este modo, el objetivo de este estudio ha sido el de analizar el músculo aductor mínimo con relación: a sus inserciones proximal y distal, a las disposiciones de las fibras musculares y establecer la incidencia del mismo. Cincuenta miembros inferiores aislados de cadáveres adultos de ambos sexos fueron disecados. Los resultados encontrados demuestran que el músculo fue observado en dieciséis casos (32%), presentando: inserción proximal predominante en el ramo isquiopubiano (37,5%), e inserción distal en la línea áspera del fémur (100%). Las fibras musculares estaban dispuestas de forma oblicua en catorce casos (87,5%) y con disposición transversal en apenas dos casos (12,5%). Por lo tanto, este estudio servirá como base para nuevos trabajos científicos sobre el músculo aductor mínimo, con el objeto de clasificarlo como un músculo aislado.

Among the muscle group that performs the adduction of the hip joint, there is the adductor magnus muscle which upper portion of the adductor part may constitute the adductor minimus muscle. In the literature there are few quotes on this muscle, besides the presence of conflicting data among several authors. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the adductor minimus muscle in respect to: its proximal and distal insertions, the provisions of its muscle fibers and establish the incidence of it. Fifty lower limbs isolated from adult cadavers of both sexes were dissected. The results showed that the muscle was visualized in sixteen cases (32%), with proximal insertion predominant in ischiopubic ramus (37.5%), and distal insertion in the linea aspera of the femur (100%). The muscle fibers were arranged obliquely in fourteen cases (87.5%) and in only 2 cases (12.5%) the fibers were arranged transversely. Therefore, this study will serve as a foundation for new scientific work on the adductor minimus muscle, in order to classify it as an isolated muscle.

Caffeine alters anaerobic distribution and pacing during a 4000-m cycling time trial.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on pacing strategy and energy expenditure during a 4000-m cycling time-trial (TT). Eight recreationally-trained male cyclists volunteered and performed a maximal incremental test and a familiarization test on their first and second visits, respectively. On the third and fourth visits, the participants performed a 4000-m cycling TT after ingesting capsules containing either caffeine (5 mg.kg(-1) of body weight, CAF) or cellulose (PLA). The tests were applied in a double-blind, randomized, repeated-measures, cross-over design. When compared to PLA, CAF ingestion increased mean power output [219.1±18.6 vs. 232.8±21.4 W; effect size (ES)  = 0.60 (95% CI = 0.05 to 1.16), p = 0.034] and reduced the total time [419±13 vs. 409±12 s; ES = -0.71 (95% CI = -0.09 to -1.13), p = 0.026]. Furthermore, anaerobic contribution during the 2200-, 2400-, and 2600-m intervals was significantly greater in CAF than in PLA (p<0.05). However, the mean anaerobic [64.9±20.1 vs. 57.3±17.5 W] and aerobic [167.9±4.3 vs. 161.8±11.2 W] contributions were similar between conditions (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences between CAF and PLA for anaerobic work (26363±7361 vs. 23888±6795 J), aerobic work (68709±2118 vs. 67739±3912 J), or total work (95245±8593 vs. 91789±7709 J), respectively. There was no difference for integrated electromyography, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion between the conditions. These results suggest that caffeine increases the anaerobic contribution in the middle of the time trial, resulting in enhanced overall performance.

Caffeine increases anaerobic work and restores cycling performance following a protocol designed to lower endogenous carbohydrate availability.

The purpose this study was to examine the effects of caffeine ingestion on performance and energy expenditure (anaerobic and aerobic contribution) during a 4-km cycling time trial (TT) performed after a carbohydrate (CHO) availability-lowering exercise protocol. After preliminary and familiarization trials, seven amateur cyclists performed three 4-km cycling TT in a double-blind, randomized and crossover design. The trials were performed either after no previous exercise (CON), or after a CHO availability-lowering exercise protocol (DEP) performed in the previous evening, followed by either placebo (DEP-PLA) or 5 mg.kg(-1) of caffeine intake (DEP-CAF) 1 hour before the trial. Performance was reduced (-2.1%) in DEP-PLA vs CON (421.0±12.3 vs 412.4±9.7 s). However, performance was restored in DEP-CAF (404.6±17.1 s) compared with DEP-PLA, while no differences were found between DEP-CAF and CON. The anaerobic contribution was increased in DEP-CAF compared with both DEP-PLA and CON (67.4±14.91, 47. 3±14.6 and 55.3±14.0 W, respectively), and this was more pronounced in the first 3 km of the trial. Similarly, total anaerobic work was higher in DEP-CAF than in the other conditions. The integrated electromyographic activity, plasma lactate concentration, oxygen uptake, aerobic contribution and total aerobic work were not different between the conditions. The reduction in performance associated with low CHO availability is reversed with caffeine ingestion due to a higher anaerobic contribution, suggesting that caffeine could access an anaerobic "reserve" that is not used under normal conditions.

Modulação autonômica durante o exercício incremental com membros superiores em indivíduos com lesão medular / Autonomic modulation during incremental exercise with upper limbs in individuals with spinal cord injury

Indivíduos com lesão medular (LM) possuem alterações na regulação autonômica em repouso, o que poderia afetar a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) durante o exercício. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o limiar de VFC (LVFC) entre um grupo com LM e dois grupos controle sem LM. Participaram deste estudo 24 homens, sendo sete com LM (24,8 ± 2,0 anos, 76,5 ± 6,9kg, 176,3 ± 1,9cm), oito sem LM sedentários (CONSED) (24,1 ± 1,8 anos, 75,1 ± 3,6kg, 176,3 ± 3,0cm) e nove sem LM atletas (CONTRE) (22,6 ± 1,4 anos, 73,8 ± 5,3kg, 175,6 ± 2,5cm). Os participantes foram submetidos a um teste incremental em cicloergômetro de MS (17,2W/dois minutos) até a exaustão. O índice SD1 da VFC foi medido a cada estágio, sendo o LVFC identificado na primeira carga em que o valor de SD1 foi inferior a 3ms (LVFC3ms) e o primeiro estágio em que a diferença entre o SD1 de dois estágios consecutivos foi inferior a 1ms (LVFC1ms). O SD1, tanto em repouso quanto a 30 por cento da Wmax, foi maior (p < 0,05) no grupo CONSED (45,8 ± 6,8ms) do que o grupo CONTRE (19,5 ± 4,4ms), mas nenhum deles foi diferente (p > 0,05) do grupo LM (25,8 ± 4,5ms). O LVFC3ms expresso em valores absolutos e relativos a carga e a frequência cardíaca máxima não foi diferente entre os grupos. No entanto, a carga do LVFC1msno grupo CONTRE (68,8 ± 8,3W) foi significante maior (p < 0,05) do que no grupo LM (21,5 ± 4,3W), mas ambos não foram diferentes do grupo CONSED (41,3 ± 8,7W). Esses resultados sugerem alterações no controle autonômico durante o exercício no grupo com LM, com tendência a retirada parassimpática precoce durante o exercício incremental.

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) show alterations in the autonomic regulation at rest which can affect the heart rate variability (HRV) during exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the HRV threshold of a group with SCI with two control groups. Twenty-four men, seven with SCI (24.8 ± 2.0 years, 76.5 ± 6.9kg, 176.3 ± 1.9cm), eight sedentary subjects without SCI (CONSED) (24.1 ± 1.8 years, 75.1 ± 3.6kg, 176.3 ± 3.0cm) and nine athletes without SCI (CONATH) (22.6 ± 1.4 years, 73.8 ± 5.3kg, 175.6 ± 2.5cm) volunteered in this study. The participants performed an upper limb incremental test on a cycle ergometer (17.2W/two minutes) until exhaustion. The SD1 index of HRV was measured every stage, and the HRV threshold was identified at: 1) the first workload that elicited SD1 values lesser than 3ms; 2) the first stage that elicited a difference between SD1 values from two consecutive stages lesser than 1ms. SD1 values at rest or at 30 percent of Wmax were higher (p < 0.05) in CONSED (45.8 ± 6.8ms) than CONATH group (19.5 ± 4.4ms) but none of them were different (p > 0.05) from group SCI (25.8 ± 4.5ms). The 3ms HRV threshold expressed in absolute values or in relative to maximal workload and heart rate was not different between groups. However, the workload of 1ms HRV threshold in control group (68.8 ± 8.3W) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than SCI group (21.5 ± 4.3W), but these groups were not different from CONSED group (41.3 ± 8.7W). These results suggest changes in autonomic control during exercise in subjects with SCI, which might lead to an early parasympathetic withdrawal during incremental exercise.