Short-duration β-alanine supplementation increases training volume and reduces subjective feelings of fatigue in college football players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 30 days of β-alanine supplementation in collegiate football players on anaerobic performance measures. Subjects were randomly divided into a supplement (β-alanine group [BA], 4.5 g·d⁻¹ of β-alanine) or placebo (placebo group [P], 4.5 g·d⁻¹ of maltodextrin) group. Supplementation began 3 weeks before preseason football training camp and continued for an additional 9 days during camp. Performance measures included a 60-second Wingate anaerobic power test and 3 line drills (200-yd shuttle runs with a 2-minute rest between sprints) assessed on day 1 of training camp. Training logs recorded resistance training volumes, and subjects completed questionnaires on subjective feelings of soreness, fatigue, and practice intensity. No difference was seen in fatigue rate in the line drill, but a trend (P = .07) was observed for a lower fatigue rate for BA compared with P during the Wingate anaerobic power test. A significantly higher training volume was seen for BA in the bench press exercise, and a trend (P = .09) for a greater training volume was seen for all resistance exercise sessions. In addition, subjective feelings of fatigue were significantly lower for BA than P. In conclusion, despite a trend toward lower fatigue rates during 60 seconds of maximal exercise, 3 weeks of β-alanine supplementation did not result in significant improvements in fatigue rates during high-intensity anaerobic exercise. However, higher training volumes and lower subjective feelings of fatigue in BA indicated that as duration of supplementation continued, the efficacy of β-alanine supplementation in highly trained athletes became apparent.     

Vitamin C supplementation decreases oxidative DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells of smokers

Summary. Background: Antioxidants, in particular vitamin C, have been suggested to decrease oxidative DNA damage. Such effects have been shown in mononuclear blood cells in the first few hours after ingestion, whereas studies of longer-term effects in well-nourished humans have been mainly negative. Aim: To investigate the antioxidant effect of vitamin C in terms of oxidative DNA damage measured by the comet assay and DNA repair measured by expression of OGG1 mRNA in blood cells of male smokers given 2 × 250 mg vitamin C daily as plain or slow release tablets combined with plain release vitamin E 2 × 91mg, or placebo for 4 wk. Results: This study showed a difference in DNA protective effects between a slow release and a plain release vitamin C formulation. Ingestion of slow release vitamin C formulation was associated with fewer endonuclease III and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase sensitive sites measured by the comet assay in mononuclear blood cells obtained 4 h and 8 h after a single tablet and 4 wk after two tablets a day. Ingestion of the vitamin formulation with plain release only indicated a damage-reducing effect 4 h after intake of a single tablet, and the effect was more apparent on endonuclease III than formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase sites. Overall the slow release tablets of vitamin C formulation had a more pronounced and a sustained protective effect on base damage compared with the plain release tablets. Plasma vitamin E was unaltered in the first 12 h after ingestion of a single tablet, suggesting that the antioxidant effect was mediated by vitamin C. Differences in plasma vitamin C levels at steady state could not explain the difference between the two vitamin C formulations, whereas wider amplitudes of plasma vitamin C were seen after ingestion of plain release formulation compared to slow release formulation. Assessment of OGG1 mRNA levels by RT-PCR did not indicate increased expression of this DNA repair gene after 4 wk of vitamin supplementation. Conclusion: This study suggests that long-term vitamin C supplementation at high dose, i. e. 500 mg together with vitamin E in moderate dose, 182mg, decreases the steady-state level of oxidative DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells of smokers.     

Vitamin E supplementation and oxidative status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphocyte subsets in hemodialysis patients.

Increased oxidative damage to cell membrane constituents causes profound changes in the membrane cytoarchitecture and modifications of the membrane physiological properties, e.g., the ability to respond to hormonal stimuli. In uremic patients receiving intermittent hemodialysis, a metabolic block of the phosphate pentose shunt has been described. This leads to insufficient detoxication of the hydroxyl radicals formed within the cells and therefore to increased oxidative damage to the polyunsaturated fatty acid constituents of the cell membranes. Vitamin E is known to reduce this oxidative damage and its harmful effects. We studied vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) administration in 10 chronically uremic patients receiving intermittent hemodialysis for positive effects on cell membrane-receptor response. The patients were studied before and after treatment for the extent of oxidative damage in peripheral mononuclear cells and for response to monoclonal antibodies to specific markers of T-lymphocyte subsets. After vitamin E treatment, oxidative damage decreased, and the membranes of peripheral mononuclear cells contained greater amounts of some unsaturated fatty acids. This is in agreement with a modification of the membrane phenotype markers of T-lymphocyte subsets and seems to confirm in vivo that changes in membrane structure first induced by increased oxidative damage due to the blockage of the phosphate pentose shunt can be reduced by the antioxidant action of vitamin E, which significantly influences the expression of membrane determinants.     

Glutamine attenuates tumor necrosis factor-alpha release and enhances heat shock protein 72 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

OBJECTIVE: Overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can contribute to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and septic shock in critically ill patients. We previously found that glutamine (GLN) can attenuate cytokine expression, induce heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72), and protect against endotoxin-induced mortality and organ injury in an in vivo rat model. However, data on the effect of GLN on direct attenuation of cytokine release and HSP 72 expression in human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PBMCs) is lacking.METHODS: In this study, we assessed the effect of GLN on TNF-alpha and HSP 72 expression in human PBMCs. After treating with various doses of GLN, human PBMCs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TNF-alpha release was analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and HSP 72 via western blot. RESULTS: GLN at doses greater than 4 mM decreased TNF-alpha release at 4 and 24 h after LPS stimulation. Sublethal heating of PBMCs before LPS also markedly decreased TNF-alpha after LPS. Doses of GLN greater than 2 to 4 mM led to an increase in HSP 72 expression after LPS. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that GLN, which may improve outcomes in critically ill patients, can directly attenuate pro-inflammatory cytokine release in PBMCs. This effect may be related to enhanced HSP 72 expression.     

Oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves clinical symptoms and recovers pathologic alterations in blood mononuclear cells in a fibromyalgia patient

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with unknown etiology. Recent studies have shown evidence demonstrating that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may have a role in the pathophysiology of FM. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Low CoQ10 levels have been detected in patients with FM, and a significant decrease of clinical symptoms has been reported after oral CoQ10 supplementation. In this report, we show the effect of CoQ10 treatment on clinical symptoms, blood mononuclear cells, and mitochondrial and oxidative stress markers from a woman with FM. After CoQ10 treatment, the patient reported a significant improvement of clinical symptoms. At the cellular level, CoQ10 treatment restored mitochondrial dysfunction and the mtDNA copy number, decreased oxidative stress, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. Our results suggest that CoQ10 could be an alternative therapeutic approach for FM.     

Schoolchildren's food consumption and dietary intake during the dry season in north-west Namibia

The diet of school-aged children in north-west Namibia was investigated. Data on food consumption were collected using the 24-h recall interview method. The field study was conducted during the dry season. The subjects were schoolchildren aged between 8 and 15 years living in either a small town (n=43) or a rural area (n=10). In town, the main sources of energy were maize porridge and wheat bread, and for the rural children, sour milk and maize. The consumption of vegetables, fruit and legumes was very low in both groups. The mean intakes of energy were 6.7 MJ/day for children living in town and 4.7 MJ/day for rural subjects. The intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate were inadequate in both groups. Our findings show that during the dry season, the diets of Namibian school-aged children are monotonous.     

Schoolchildren's food consumption and dietary intake during the dry season in north-west Namibia

The diet of school-aged children in north-west Namibia was investigated. Data on food consumption were collected using the 24-h recall interview method. The field study was conducted during the dry season. The subjects were schoolchildren aged between 8 and 15 years living in either a small town (n=43) or a rural area (n=10). In town, the main sources of energy were maize porridge and wheat bread, and for the rural children, sour milk and maize. The consumption of vegetables, fruit and legumes was very low in both groups. The mean intakes of energy were 6.7 MJ/day for children living in town and 4.7 MJ/day for rural subjects. The intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate were inadequate in both groups. Our findings show that during the dry season, the diets of Namibian school-aged children are monotonous.     

Effect of an 8-weeks aerobic training program in elderly on oxidative stress and Hsp72 expression in leukocytes during antioxidant supplementation

Objective  

To investigate the effect of aerobic training in the context of antioxidant supplementation on systemic oxidative stress and leukocytes heat shock protein (Hsp)72 expression in the elderly.     

Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6 production by mononuclear cells following dietary fish-oil supplementation in healthy men and response to antioxidant co-supplementation

Increased dietary consumption of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n-6; DHA) is associated with their incorporation into circulating phospholipid and increased production of lipid peroxide metabolites. The relationship between peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) function, n-3 PUFA intake and antioxidant co-supplementation is poorly defined. We therefore investigated tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL) 6 production by PBMC and phospholipid fatty acid composition in plasma and erythrocytes of healthy male subjects (n 16) receiving supplemental intakes of 0.3, 1.0 and 2.0 g EPA+DHA/d, as consecutive 4-week courses. All subjects were randomised in a double-blind manner to receive a concurrent antioxidant supplement (200 microg Se, 3 mg Mn, 30 mg D-alpha-tocopheryl succinate, 90 mg ascorbic acid, 450 microg vitamin A (beta-carotene and retinol)) or placebo. There was a positive dose-dependent relationship between dietary n-3 PUFA intake and EPA and DHA incorporation into plasma phosphatidylcholine and erythrocyte phosphatidylethanolamine, with a tendency towards a plateau at higher levels of intake. Production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 by PBMC decreased with increasing n-3 PUFA intake but tended towards a 'U-shaped' dose response. Both responses appeared to be augmented by antioxidant co-supplementation at intermediate supplementary n-3 PUFA intakes. Thus, increased dietary n-3 PUFA consumption resulted in defined but contrasting patterns of modulation of phospholipid fatty acid composition and PBMC function, which were further influenced by antioxidant intake.     

Dietary supplementation of milk fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum enhances systemic immune response and antioxidant capacity in aging mice

Although probiotics are known to enhance the host immune response, their roles in modulating immunosenescence, resisting infection, and improving redox homeostasis during aging remain unclear. Therefore, the present study was devised in aging mice to assess the antiimmunosenescence potential from the consumption of milk that is fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 5898 (LF). We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation would boost immunity, improve antioxidant capacity, and resist severity of pathogenic infection in aging mice. To test this hypothesis, during a trial period of 2 months, 16-month-old male Swiss mice were kept on 3 experimental diets: basal diet (BD), BD supplemented with skim milk, and BD supplemented with probiotic LF-fermented milk. A concurrent analysis of several immunosenescence markers that include neutrophil functions, interleukins profile, inflammation and antibody responses in the intestine as well as analysis of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and red blood cells was performed. Neutrophil respiratory burst enzymes and phagocytosis increased significantly in probiotic LF-fed groups, whereas no exacerbation in plasma levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and tumor necrosis factor α was observed. Splenocytes registered increased interferon-γ but decreased interleukin 4 and interleukin 10 production, whereas humoral antibodies registered decreases in immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1)/IgG2a ratio and IgE levels in the probiotic-fed groups. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) in LF-fed groups showed increased activities, which were more pronounced in the liver than in red blood cell. An Escherichia coli–based infection model in aging mice was also designed to validate the protective attributes of LF. Administration of probiotic LF significantly reduced E coli population in organs (intestine, liver, spleen, and peritoneal fluid), as compared with control groups, by enhancing E coli–specific antibodies and inflammatory proteins. Based on these results, it appears that LF supplementation alleviated immunosenescence, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and resisted E coli infection in aging mice; thereby, signifying its potential in augmenting healthy aging.     

Expressions of interferon-stimulated genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with secondary syphilis

BackgroundSyphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that threatens human health worldwide. However, the immune regulation cascade caused by treponemia pallidum (TP) infection remains still largely unclear.MethodsTo investigate the expression of ISGs in secondary syphilis (SS), we recruited 64 patients with SS and equal number of healthy participants to obtain their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). qRT-PCR was performed to estimate the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) including CXCL10, OAS3, OAS1, MX1, IFIT3, IFIT2, IFI6 and AIM2. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was adapted to diagnostic value of these genes to distinguish healthy controls and patients with SS.ResultsISGs including CXCL10, OAS3, OAS1, MX1, IFIT3, IFIT2, IFI6 and AIM2 were all upregulated in PBMCs of patients with SS. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the 8 ISGs were all more than 0.5. IFIT3 exhibited the highest diagnostic value, followed by AIM2, IFIT2 and CXCL10, according to the Yoden Index.ConclusionISGs including CXCL10, OAS3, OAS1, MX1, IFIT3, IFIT2, IFI6 and AIM2 were upregulated in patients with SS and they have diagnostic value for syphilis.     

肺血栓栓塞患者DNA氧化损伤的研究

目的探讨急性期及病情缓解后肺血栓栓塞（PE）患者氧化应激状态、外周血单个核细胞（PBMcs）DNA氧化损伤情况。方法采用单细胞凝胶电泳法（彗星试验）检测35例急性PE患者（试验组）及33例健康体检者（对照组）PBMCsDNA损伤程度;菲罗啉比色法检测血浆总抗氧化能力（TAC）;硫代巴比妥酸比色法检测血浆丙二醛（MDA）含量;改良Hafeman直接测定法（DNTB）检测血浆谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH—PX）活力。结果试验组病情缓解后血浆TAC、GSH．PX活性均较急性期明显升高[（6．86±1．21）kU／L比（5．18±1．13）kU／L、（165．25±41．96）kU／L比（137．23±38．52）kU／L],但均显著低于对照组[（7．85±1．44）,（189．92±51．32）kU／L],差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;试验组病情缓解后血浆MDA含量较急性期明显降低[（5．58±1．89）μmol／L比（7．26±2．25）μmol／L],但均显著高于对照组[（3．71±1．52）μmol／L],差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。试验组病情缓解后PBMCsDNA损伤程度（29．01±6．75）较急性期（42．13±8．01）明显减轻,但均显著高于对照组（15．12±4．36）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。试验组病情缓解后及急性期PBMCsDNA损伤均与血浆TAC呈负相关（r=-0．695,P〈0．01;r=-0．536,P〈0．01）、与血浆MDA含量呈正相关（r=0．513,P〈0．01;r=0．628,P〈0．01）;试验组病情缓解后及急性期血浆TAC均与MDA含量呈负相关（r=-0．534,P〈0．01;r=-0．486,P〈0．05）、与GSH．PX活性呈正相关（r=0．512,P〈0．01;r=0．497,P〈0．01）。结论PE患者急性期体内氧化／抗氧化失衡,存在氧化应激及其介导的PBMCsDNA损伤;PE患者病情缓解后,氧化应激及其介导的PBMCsDNA损伤减轻。     

Estradiol receptors in the cytosol of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hepatitis virus carriers

Sex hormones are known to affect the immune system. Asymptomatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers are thought to be immunologically tolerant to HBV, but in some HBV carriers, the immune response to HBV is induced, especially in females during their sexually-mature periods. This may be caused by the effects of estrogen on the immune system. In this study, we found that the level of estradiol receptors in the cytosol of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly lower in asymptomatic HBV carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis (B type and non A non B type) compared to healthy controls. This suggests that one cause of the deficiency in virus elimination in hepatitis virus carriers may be the unresponsiveness of the immune system to sex hormones, as a result of the low level of cytosol estradiol receptors.     

谷氨酰胺抑制单个核细胞细胞因子过度表达的研究

目的:探讨谷氨酰胺(Gln)抑制人外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)细胞因子过度表达的分子机制。方法:用Ficoll密度梯度离心法提取健康志愿者新鲜外周血单个核细胞,在培养液中加入Gln、P38MAPK通路阻滞剂(SB203580)和HSP70阻断剂(Quercetin),用内毒素刺激4 h后,留取细胞和上清液,ELISA法测定内毒素刺激下单个核细胞肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)和IL-10的表达,Western blot方法检测细胞内磷酸化P38的表达情况。结果:Gln能明显增加HSP70的表达,同时TNF-α和IL-10表达受抑;使用Quercetin和SB203580后,磷酸化P38减少的同时TNF-α和IL-10也减少了。结论:Gln下调LPS刺激下PBMC细胞因子的过度表达依赖于P38MAPK信号蛋白的抑制。