Antioxidative effects of fermented sesame sauce against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 porcine renal tubule cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of fermented sesame sauce (FSeS) against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in renal proximal tubule LLC-PK1 cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (^•OH), and H₂O₂ scavenging assay was used to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of FSeS. To investigate the cytoprotective effect of FSeS against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 cells, the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) were measured.

RESULTS

The ability of FSeS to scavenge DPPH, ^•OH and H₂O₂ was greater than that of FSS and AHSS. FSeS also significantly inhibited H₂O₂-induced (500 µM) oxidative damage in the LLC-PK1 cells compared to FSS and AHSS (P < 0.05). Following treatment with 100 µg/mL of FSeS and FSS to prevent H₂O₂-induced oxidation, cell viability increased from 56.7% (control) to 83.7% and 75.6%, respectively. However, AHSS was not able to reduce H₂O₂-induced cell damage (viability of the AHSS-treated cells was 54.6%). FSeS more effectively suppressed H₂O₂-induced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation compared to FSS and AHSS (P < 0.05). Compared to the other sauces, FSeS also significantly increased cellular CAT, SOD, and GSH-px activities and mRNA expression (P < 0.05).

CONCULUSIONS

These results from the present study suggest that FSeS is an effective radical scavenger and protects against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 cells by reducing ROS levels, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity.     

Absorption,metabolism and elimination of N,N-dimethylformamide in humans

Summary Excretion of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and DMF metabolites N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylformamide (MF), N-hydroxymethyl-formamide (F) and N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)cysteine (AMCC) has been monitored in the urine of volunteers during and after their 8-h exposure to DMF vapour at a concentration of 10, 30 and 60 mg · m^–3. The pulmonary ventilation in these experiments was typically about 101 · min^–1 and the retention in the respiratory tract was 90%. After exposure to 30 mg DMF · m^–3, the yield of compound determined in the urine represented 0.3% (DMF), 22.3% (MF), 13.2% (F) and 13.4% (AMCC) of the dose absorbed via the respiratory tract. The excretion curves of the particular compounds attained their maximum 6–8h (DMF), 6–8h (MF), 8–14h (F) and 24–34h (AMCC) after the start of the exposure. The half-times of excretion were approximately 2, 4, 7 and 23 h respectively. In contrast to slow elimination of AMCC after exposure to DMF, AMCC was eliminated rapidly after AMCC intake. This discrepancy could be explained by rate-limiting reversible protein binding of a reactive metabolic intermediate of DMF, possibly methylisocyanate.     

Synthesis and structure of new bicopper(II) complexes bridged by N-(2- aminopropyl)-N'-(2-oxidophenyl)oxamide: the effects of terminal ligands on structures, anticancer activities and DNA-binding properties

A novel dissymmetrical N,N′-bis(substituted)oxamide ligand, N-(2-aminopropyl)-N′-(2-oxido- phenyl)oxamide (H₃apopoxd) (L), and its three bicopper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(apopoxd)(bpy)]- (ClO₄)·H₂O (1), [Cu₂(apopoxd)(dabt)](ClO₄)·2H₂O (2), and [Cu₂(apopoxd)(phen)₂](ClO₄) (3) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; dabt = 2,2′-diamino-4,4′-bithiazole; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of the three bicopper(II) complexes have been determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In complexes 1 and 2, the cis-apopoxd³⁻ ligands bridge two copper(II) ions in square-planar geometries with the corresponding separations of 5.1868(3) and 5.2016(4) Å, respectively. While in complex 3, the apopoxd³⁻ ligand adopting a trans conformation bridges the two copper(II) ions in distorted square-pyramid environments with a Cu···Cu distance of 5.2508(7) Å. The anticancer activities and DNA-binding properties of L and the three complexes were investigated.     

(Bi)sulfite Oxidation by Copper,Zinc-Superoxide Dismutase: Sulfite-Derived,Radical-Initiated Protein Radical Formation

Background

Sulfur dioxide, formed during the combustion of fossil fuels, is a major air pollutant near large cities. Its two ionized forms in aqueous solution, sulfite and (bi)sulfite, are widely used as preservatives and antioxidants to prevent food and beverage spoilage. (Bi)sulfite can be oxidized by peroxidases to form the very reactive sulfur trioxide anion radical (^•SO₃⁻). This free radical further reacts with oxygen to form the peroxymonosulfate anion radical (⁻O₃SOO^•) and sulfate anion radical (SO₄^{• −}).

Objective

To explore the critical role of these radical intermediates in further oxidizing biomolecules, we examined the ability of copper,zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) to initiate this radical chain reaction, using human serum albumin (HSA) as a model target.

Methods

We used electron paramagnetic resonance, optical spectroscopy, oxygen uptake, and immuno-spin trapping to study the protein oxidations driven by sulfite-derived radicals.

Results

We found that when Cu,Zn-SOD reacted with (bi)sulfite, ^•SO₃⁻ was produced, with the concomitant reduction of SOD-Cu(II) to SOD-Cu(I). Further, we demonstrated that sulfite oxidation mediated by Cu,Zn-SOD induced the formation of radical-derived 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) spin-trapped HSA radicals.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that protein oxidative damage resulting from (bi)sulfite oxidation promoted by Cu,Zn-SOD could be involved in oxidative damage and tissue injury in (bi)sulfite-exacerbated allergic reactions.     

Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Philippine potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers

Four potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties – Bengueta, Ganza, Igorota and 125411.22 – were analyzed for total phenolic content and antioxidant activities to provide baseline data for Philippine potato varieties. Bengueta had the highest phenolic content with 50.0 ± 1.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (dry basis, DB). It also had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC₅₀ value of 30.6 ± 3.6 mg/mL (DB). The potato variety125411.22 had the highest reducing power with EC₅₀ equal to 66.2 ± 1.6 mg/mL (DB), while Igorota had the highest iron-chelating capacity with an EC₅₀ of 11.0 ± 3.2 mg/mL (DB) and the best inhibitory action against linoleic acid oxidation at 95.4 ± 2.2% at 50 mg/mL sample concentration. Methanolic potato extracts had better antioxidant activity than α-tocopherol and better iron chelating capacity than ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Significant (^*P < 0.05) negative correlation (R = −0.542) was observed between total phenolic content and the EC₅₀ values for DPPH radical scavenging activity, but none between total phenolic content and reducing power, iron-chelating capacity and total antioxidant activity.     

Aluminium induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in root cells of Allium cepa L

Aluminium (Al) was evaluated for induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage employing the growing roots of Allium cepa L. as the assay system. Intact roots of A. cepa were treated with different concentrations, 0, 1, 10, 50, 100, or 200 μM of aluminium chloride, at pH 4.5 for 4 h (or 2 h for comet assay) at room temperature, 25±1 °C. Following treatment the parameters investigated in root tissue were Al-uptake, cell death, extra cellular generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), viz. O₂⁻, H₂O₂ and OH, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, activities of antioxidant enzymes namely catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX); and DNA damage, assessed by comet assay. The findings indicated that Al triggered generation of extra-cellular ROI following a dose-response. Through application of specific enzyme inhibitors it was demonstrated that extra-cellular generation of ROI was primarily due to the activity of cell wall bound NADH-PX. Generation of ROI in root tissue as well as cell death was better correlated to the levels of root Al-uptake rather than to the concentrations of Al in ambient experimental solutions. Induction of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation by Al were statistically significant. Whereas Al inhibited CAT activity, enhanced SOD, GPX and APX activities significantly; that followed dose-response. Comet assay provided evidence that Al induced DNA damage in a range of concentrations 50–200 μM, which was comparable to that induced by ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS), an alkylating mutagen served as the positive control. The findings provided evidence that Al comparable to biotic stress induced oxidative burst at the cell surface through up- or down-regulation of some of the key enzymes of oxidative metabolism ultimately resulting in oxidative stress leading to DNA damage and cell death in root cells of A. cepa.     

Maternal smoking during pregnancy, polymorphic CYP1A1 and GSTM1, and lung-function measures in urban family children

Purpose

Understanding the interplay between genes and in-utero tobacco exposure in affecting child lung development is of great significance. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tobacco-related lung-function reduction in children differs by maternal polymorphic genes Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1).

Materials and methods

Data were collected among 370 children (6–10 years old, 81.6% African-Americans) and their biological mothers visiting a large children’s hospital. Study hypotheses were tested using multiple regression method.

Results

Among the study sample, 143 mothers smoked throughout pregnancy and 72 smoked on a daily basis. Spirometric measures (mean±SD) included were: forced vital capacity (FVC)=1635±431 mL, forced expiratory volume in the first 1 s (FEV₁)=1440 ±360 mL, percent FEV₁/FVC ratio=89±12, and forced expiratory flow between the 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF_25–75)=1745±603 mL. In addition to a tobacco effect on FVC (−131 mL, 95% CI: −245, −17) and FEV₁/FVC ratio (42, 95% CI: 1, 83), regression analysis controlling for covariates indicated that for the subsample of children whose mothers were CYP1A1?2A homozygous, maternal daily smoking was associated with −734 mL (95% CI: −1206, −262) reductions in FEV₁ and −825 mL (95% CI: −909, −795) reductions in FVC; reduced smoking was still associated with −590 mL (95% CI: −629, −551) reductions in FVC. For children of mothers with GSTM1 deletion, persistent daily smoking was associated with −176 mL (95% CI: −305, −47) reductions in FVC.

Discussion and conclusions

Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with lung-function reduction in children, particularly for those whose mothers possessed the polymorphic CYP1A1*2A and GSTM1 deletion.     

Nanoparticles Induce Changes of the Electrical Activity of Neuronal Networks on Microelectrode Array Neurochips

Background

Nanomaterials are extensively used in industry and daily life, but little is known about possible health effects. An intensified research regarding toxicity of nanomaterials is urgently needed. Several studies have demonstrated that nanoparticles (NPs; diameter < 100 nm) can be transported to the central nervous system; however, interference of NPs with the electrical activity of neurons has not yet been shown.

Objectives/methods

We investigated the acute electrophysiological effects of carbon black (CB), hematite (Fe₂O₃), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) NPs in primary murine cortical networks on microelectrode array (MEA) neurochips. Uptake of NPs was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied by flow cytometry.

Results

The multiparametric assessment of electrical activity changes caused by the NPs revealed an NP-specific and concentration-dependent inhibition of the firing patterns. The number of action potentials and the frequency of their patterns (spike and burst rates) showed a significant particle-dependent decrease and significant differences in potency. Further, we detected the uptake of CB, Fe₂O₃, and TiO₂ into glial cells and neurons by TEM. Additionally, 24 hr exposure to TiO₂ NPs caused intracellular formation of ROS in neuronal and glial cells, whereas exposure to CB and Fe₂O₃ NPs up to a concentration of 10 μg/cm² did not induce significant changes in free radical levels.

Conclusion

NPs at low particle concentrations are able to exhibit a neurotoxic effect by disturbing the electrical activity of neuronal networks, but the underlying mechanisms depend on the particle type.     

Catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, rutin and resveratrol in red grape: Content, in vitro antioxidant activity and interactions

The extracts obtained from skin and seeds of 10 native Tuscan and international Vitis vinifera varieties were evaluated for their antioxidant activity, total phenolic and anthocyanin content and subjected to HPLC–UV analysis to quantify the content of five phenolic constituents of biological interest: catechin and epicatechin in seeds and quercetin, rutin and resveratrol in skin extracts. The antioxidant activity of the extracts and pure compounds was assessed by means of two different in vitro tests: scavenging of the stable DPPH radical and of authentic peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻). All the extracts showed significant antiradical capacity: Merlot skin was most active towards both radicals. All the five phenols investigated possessed strong antiradical activity. Quercetin, catechin and epicatechin showed maximum activity (respectively, IC_50(DPPH) 5.5, 6.7 and 6.8 μM, IC_50(ONOO^-) 48.8, 55.7 and 56.7 μM). Potential antiradical interactive effects among the five compounds were also investigated and results indicated possible synergy between quercetin, rutin and resveratrol towards ONOO⁻. The effect was additive for catechin and epicatechin.     

Effect of exposure to detergents and other chemicals on biomarkers of pulmonary response in exhaled breath from hospital cleaners: a pilot study

Purpose

The main aim of the study was to provide evidence whether professional cleaning was associated with biomarkers of lung damage in non-invasively collected biological fluids (exhaled air and exhaled breath condensate—EBC).

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study involved 40 cleaners regularly exposed to cleaning detergents and 40 controls. The subjects completed a standard questionnaire from European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS II) and underwent a spirometry. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (F_ENO) was measured online, and pH, ammonium (NH₄ ⁺), H₂O₂ and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were assayed in EBC.

Results

Among the cleaners, the frequency of asthma and rhinitis was, respectively, 2.5 and 20%. The most frequently reported symptoms were sneezing (27.5%), nasal and/or pharyngeal pruritus (25%), ocular pruritus (22.5%) and cough (22.5%). There were no significant differences in comparison with the control group. Median F_ENO levels were higher in African than in Caucasian cleaners (21.5 [16.5–30.0] ppb and 18.0 [13.5–20.5] ppb; p < 0.05). H₂O₂-EBC (0.26 [0.09–0.53] μM vs. 0.07 [0.04–0.15] μM; p < 0.01), NH₄ ⁺-EBC (857 [493–1,305] μM vs. 541 [306–907] μM; p < 0.01) and pH-EBC (8.17 [8.09–8.24] vs. 8.06 [7.81–8.10]; p < 0.01) were higher in the cleaners than in the controls. Finally, the cleaners showed significant correlations between pH-EBC and NH₄ ⁺-EBC (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and a weak correlation between 4-HNE-EBC and H₂O₂-EBC (r = 0.37, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The promising role of EBC analysis in biomonitoring of exposed workers was confirmed. It was also possible to identify the potential biomarkers of exposure to alkaline products (increased ammonium-EBC and pH-EBC levels) and potential biomarkers of oxidative stress (increased H₂O₂-EBC levels correlated with 4-HNE-EBC levels) in workers with no signs of airway diseases.

     

Antioxidant responses of rice seedling to Ce⁴+ under hydroponic cultures

Since the 1980s, rare earth elements have been commonly used in China because of their enriched fertilizers. To understand the potential benefits or damages of Ce⁴⁺ on rice, the antioxidant responses (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase activities, and ascorbate and glutathione contents) of rice seedling to Ce⁴⁺ under hydroponic cultures were investigated. The results showed that Ce⁴⁺ induced H₂O₂ and O₂⁻ production of rice seedling. The inhibition studies with diphenylene iodonium suggested that the key enzyme responsible for oxidative bursts was primarily NADPH oxidase. Ce⁴⁺ (0.02 mM) increased the antioxidant capacity of reduced ascorbate and glutathione and the levels of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase. However, antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant capacity of rice seedling were decreased by 0.2 mM Ce⁴⁺ treatment, indicating that higher content of Ce⁴⁺ damaged the mechanism of defense responses and emerged the peroxidation of membrane lipids. These results will help us to understand the mechanism of Ce⁴⁺ on rice and concern about its environmental impact in agricultures.     

Malnutrition syndrome, but not body mass index, is associated to worse prognosis in heart failure patients

Background & aims

Many studies have suggested that obese patients with chronic heart failure have a better prognosis than leaner patients. The main purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of body mass index in patients with chronic heart failure, independently of other poor prognosis parameters.

Methods

This retrospective study included 405 heart failure patients. Anthropometric, body composition, clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data were collected from all patients. Patients were classified as: underweight (<20 kg/m²), normal (20–24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m²), and obese (≥30 kg/m²). The endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

Cox regression analysis on all-cause mortality showed that normal weight patients were at significantly lower risk of death [RR = 0.231 (CI_95% 0.085–0.627)] as compared with obese patients, while underweight and overweight categories did not show a significantly different risk compared with the reference category. Age, gender, ejection fraction, systolic heart failure, angiotensin II receptor blockers use, hemoglobin levels, and handgrip strength were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Cardiovascular deaths showed the same trend.

Conclusion

A lower body mass index does not predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among chronic heart failure patients, independently of other nutritional, body composition, and clinical status parameters.     

Fatal work‐related falls in the United States, 2003‐2014

Background

Falls are the second leading cause of work‐related fatalities among US workers. We describe fatal work‐related falls from 2003 to 2014, including demographic, work, and injury event characteristics, and changes in rates over time.

Methods

We identified fatal falls from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and estimated rates using the BLS Current Population Survey.

Results

From 2003 to 2014, there were 8880 fatal work‐related falls, at an annual rate of 5.5 per million FTE. Rates increased with age. Occupations with the highest rates included construction/extraction (42.2 per million FTE) and installation/maintenance/repair (12.5 per million FTE). Falls to a lower level represented the majority (n = 7521, 85%) compared to falls on the same level (n = 1128, 13%).

Conclusions

Falls are a persistent source of work‐related fatalities. Fall prevention should continue to focus on regulation adherence, Prevention through Design, improving fall protection, training, fostering partnerships, and increasing communication.

     

In vitro biological properties and health benefits of a novel sulfated polysaccharide isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cymodocea nodosa</Emphasis>

Background

During the last few decades, there has been a growing interest in the search for novel bioactive compounds from marine origins.

Methods

The present study is the first to determine the molecular characterization which it was deposited in the genebank database, to investigate and evaluate the biological properties of sulfated polysaccharide from Cymodocea nodosa (CNSP) seagrass.

Results

The results revealed that CNSP had high activity in total antioxidant assay (59.03 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g extract), reducing power (OD?=?0.3), DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀?=?1.22 mg/ml) and ABTS radical scavenging (IC₅₀?=?1.14 mg/ml). It was also noted to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, with important inhibition zones. The results revealed that CNSP was able to inhibit the proliferation of Hela cell lines with a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Overall, the results presented in this study demonstrate that CNSP has several attractive antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties with potential benefits towards health.

     

Co(III), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline thiosemicarbazone: Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structures and antibacterial activity

The new ligand 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline thiosemicarbazone (HATtsc) and the complexes [Co(ATtsc)₂]₂[CoCl₄]·2H₂O (1), [Co(ATtsc)₂]NO₃·H₂O (2), [Ni(HATtsc)₂](NO₃)₂ (3), [ZnCl₂(HATtsc)]·CH₃CN (4), [{CdCl(HATtsc)}₂(μ-Cl)₂]·2H₂O (5) and [{Cd(NO₃)(HATtsc)}₂(μ-NO₃)₂] (6) were isolated and characterized by a variety of physico-chemical techniques and X-ray diffraction. The structure of HATtsc in 1 and 2 presented a thiolate form while in 3-6 the thione form was present, as it was in free ligand. In addition, we studied the antibacterial activity of the ligand and complexes 2-6 against some representative bacteria. Cd(II) complexes were more active against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis than organic ligand. Conversely, Cd(II) compounds seemed to interfere in the cell separation of B. subtilis.     

Synthesis of new 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-4'-azido nucleoside analogues as potent anti-HIV agents

We prepared 1-(4′-azido-2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-d-arabinofuranosyl)cytosine (10) and its hydrochloride salt (11) as potential antiviral agents based on the favorable antiviral profiles of 4′-substituted nucleosides. Compounds 10 and 11 were synthesized from 1,3,5-O-tribenzoyl-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-d-arabinofuranoside in multiple steps, and their structures were unequivocally established by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and X-ray crystallography. Compounds 10 and 11 exhibited potent anti-HIV-1 activity (EC₅₀: 0.3 and 0.13 nM, respectively) without significant cytotoxicity in concentrations up to 100 μM. Compound 11 exhibited extremely potent anti-HIV activity against NL4-3 (wild-type), NL4-3 (K101E), and RTMDR viral strains, with EC₅₀ values of 0.086, 0.15, and 0.11 nM, respectively. Due to the high potency of 11, it was also screened against an NIH Reagent Program NRTI-resistant virus panel containing eleven mutated viral strains and for cytotoxicity against six different human cell lines. The results of this screening indicated that 11 is a novel NRTI that could be developed as an anti-AIDS clinical trial candidate to overcome drug-resistance issues.     

Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects of whey protein and Spirulina in rats

Objectives

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the antioxidant, radical scavenging, and metal-chelating activity of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and Spirulina alone or in combination in vitro and to evaluate their hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄ in vivo.

Methods

Five concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/100 mL) of WPC, Spirulina, and their combination were tested in vitro. In the in vivo study, eight groups of male rats comprised the control group and the groups treated with WPC, Spirulina alone, or in combination with or without CCl₄ were used.

Results

The in vitro study showed that WPC and Spirulina showed antioxidant, radical scavenging, and metal-chelating activities in dose-dependent manner. The in vivo study showed that both agents succeeded in preventing liver damage induced by CCl₄. This prevention was more pronounced in rats receiving the combination of WPC and Spirulina.

Conclusion

Whey protein concentrate and Spirulina have free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant activity.     

The association between physical activity,cardiorespiratory fitness and self-rated health

Objective

To investigate the joint association between self-reported physical activity as well as cardiorespiratory fitness and self-rated health among healthy women and men.

Method

Data from 10,416 participants in The Danish Health Examination Survey 2007–2008 which took part in 13 Danish municipalities were analyzed. Leisure time physical activity level and self-rated health were based on self-reported questionnaire data. Optimal self-rated health was defined as “very good” or “good” self-rated health. Cardiorespiratory fitness (mL O₂·min^− 1·kg^− 1) was estimated from maximal power output in a maximal cycle exercise test.

Results

A strong dose–response relation between cardiorespiratory fitness and self-rated health as well as between physical activity level and self-rated health among both women and men was found. Within categories of physical activity, odds ratios for optimal self-rated health increased with increasing categories of cardiorespiratory fitness, and vice versa. Hence, participants who were moderately/vigorously physically active and had a high cardiorespiratory fitness had the highest odds ratio for optimal self-rated health compared with sedentary participants with low cardiorespiratory fitness (odds ratio = 12.2, 95% confidence interval: 9.3–16.1).

Conclusion

Although reluctant to conclude on causality, this study suggests that an active lifestyle as well as good cardiorespiratory fitness probably increase self-rated health.