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Purpose: Our study aimed to explore the efficacy of Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 on specific neurotransmitters and hormones and the ability to regulate lifestyle behaviors in healthy adults. Methods: In total, 120 healthy adults with high mental stress, overweight, insomnia, and constipation were randomly assigned to receive low-dose B. breve 207-1 (LD, n = 40), high-dose B. breve 207-1 (HD, n = 40), or placebo (n = 40) for 28 days. Fecal and blood samples were collected and questionnaires were answered before and after the trial. Neurotransmitters and serum hormones were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16 S rRNA sequencing. Short–chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations were determined via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: The primary outcome of our study was changes in mental wellness, including neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrena (HPA) axis hormones, and the psychological scales. The results showed that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increased significantly and the HPA axis hormones were suppressed overall in the probiotic groups while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) did not change significantly. However, there was no significant change in mood scale scores. The secondary outcome focused on the ability of 207-1 to regulate the body and lifestyle of healthy adults (e.g., sleep, diet, exercise, etc.). The PSQI scores in the probiotics groups significantly decreased, indicating improved sleep quality. Meanwhile, the probiotic groups had a slight increase in exercise consumption while dietary intake stabilized. By physical examination, the participants showed weight loss although no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Then, validated by gut microbiota, changes in the gut microbiota were observed under the effective intervention of 207-1 while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increased in the LD group, particularly acetic and propionic acids. There was a slight decrease in alpha–diversity in the HD group. Conclusion: Bifidobacterium breve 207-1 entered the organism and affected neurotransmitter and the HPA axis hormone levels via the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Meanwhile, 207-1 supplementation improved daily lifestyle behaviors in healthy adults, which may in turn lead to changes in their bodies (e.g. weight and lipid metabolism). However, this study did not find significant mood-modulating efficacy. The mechanism of the overall study is unclear, but we hypothesize that SCFAs may be the key pathway, and more experiments are needed for validation in the future. Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the accession number ChiCTR2300069453 on March 16, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent meta-analyses estimated 14.6% and 11.2% SNP-based heritability of migraine, compared to twin-heritability estimates of 30–60%. This study aimed to investigate heritability estimates in "migraine-first" individuals, patients for whom G43 (migraine with or without aura) was their first medical diagnosis in their lifetime. Findings: Using data from the UK Biobank (N = 199,929), genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted on 6,139 migraine-first patients and 193,790 healthy controls. SNP-based heritability was estimated using SumHer, yielding 19.37% (± 0.019) for all SNPs and 21.31% (± 0.019) for HapMap3 variants, substantially surpassing previous estimates. Key risk loci included PRDM16, FHL5, ASTN2, STAT6/LRP1, and SLC24A3, and pathway analyses highlighted retinol metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis as important pathways in these patients. Conclusions: The findings underscore that excluding comorbidities at onset time can enhance heritability estimates and genetic signal detection, significantly reducing the extent of "missing heritability" in migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on growing global prevalence of obesity and its associated health complications. Topics include emphasizing the need for more comprehensive treatment strategies beyond traditional non-pharmacological interventions; and potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for weight reduction and cardiovascular benefits.

The human voice is commonly affected by hormonal changes, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Voice changes were reported in a number of endocrine disorders, and dysphonia may be the initial sign of these disorders. A number of studies documented endocrine-related voice changes utilizing both subjective and objective voice assessment tools. The objective of the present review is to draw the phoniatrician's attention to the wide variety of typical changes, as well as the potential for hormonal imbalances that may affect the voice, in order to identify them promptly and generate proper treatment and referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-mediated synthesis methods of nanoflowers (NFs) open a new epoch of extensive application, economical, exceedingly stable, and reproducible synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) NFs. To study the effects of bio-synthesized (BS) NFs and chemically synthesized nanowires (CS NWs) ZnO on soybean, a gel-free/ label-free proteomic technique was used. Length and weight of root including hypocotyl were enhanced by 10 ppm BS NFs and CS NWs ZnO. Oppositely changed proteins between BS NFs and CS NWs ZnO were related to hormone metabolism, protein folding, and redox metabolism. Abundance of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) increased in BS NFs ZnO while did not change in CS NWs ZnO. Abundance of ascorbate peroxidase and peroxiredoxin increased and decreased, respectively, in BS NFs ZnO. Ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide increased, respectively, with BS NFs and CS NWs ZnO. These results suggest that BS NFs ZnO might improve the soybean growth by increasing the protein folding due to accumulation of HSP70 and redox metabolism through detoxification of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, CS NWs ZnO treated soybean experienced loss of protein folding and increased oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a major global health issue and a primary risk factor for metabolic-related disorders. While physical inactivity is one of the main contributors to obesity, it is a modifiable risk factor with exercise training as an established non-pharmacological treatment to prevent the onset of metabolic-related disorders, including obesity. Exposure to hypoxia via normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude via reduced inspired oxygen fraction), termed hypoxic conditioning, in combination with exercise has been increasingly shown in the last decade to enhance blood glucose regulation and decrease the body mass index, providing a feasible strategy to treat obesity. However, there is no current consensus in the literature regarding the optimal combination of exercise variables such as the mode, duration, and intensity of exercise, as well as the level of hypoxia to maximize fat loss and overall body compositional changes with hypoxic conditioning. In this narrative review, we discuss the effects of such diverse exercise and hypoxic variables on the systematic and myocellular mechanisms, along with physiological responses, implicated in the development of obesity. These include markers of appetite regulation and inflammation, body conformational changes, and blood glucose regulation. As such, we consolidate findings from human studies to provide greater clarity for implementing hypoxic conditioning with exercise as a safe, practical, and effective treatment strategy for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ageing is accompanied by decreases in physical capacity and physiological regulatory mechanisms including altered hormonal regulation compared with age-matched sedentary people. The potential benefits of exercise in restoring such altered hormone production and secretion compared to age-matched physically inactive individuals who are ageing remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the findings of exercise training in modulating levels of ostensibly anabolic and catabolic hormones in adults aged > 40 years. Methods: We searched the following electronic databases (to July 2021) without a period limit: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search for published studies in Google Scholar was conducted for analysis of the 'grey literature' (information produced outside of traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels). The initial search used the terms 'ageing' OR 'advanced age' OR 'old people' OR 'older' OR elderly' AND 'anabolic hormones' OR 'catabolic hormones' OR 'steroid hormones' OR 'sex hormones' OR 'testosterone' OR 'cortisol' OR 'insulin' OR 'insulin-like growth factor-1' OR 'IGF-1' OR 'sex hormone-binding globulin' OR 'SHBG' OR 'growth hormone' OR 'hGH' OR 'dehydroepiandrosterone' OR 'DHEA' OR 'dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)' AND 'exercise training' OR 'endurance training' OR 'resistance training' OR ' strength training' OR 'weight-lifting' OR 'high-intensity interval training' OR 'high-intensity interval exercise' OR 'high-intensity intermittent training' OR 'high-intensity intermittent exercise' OR 'interval aerobic training' OR 'interval aerobic exercise' OR 'intermittent aerobic training' OR 'intermittent aerobic exercise' OR 'high-intensity training' OR 'high-intensity exercise' OR 'sprint interval training' OR 'sprint interval exercise' OR 'combined exercise training' OR 'anaerobic training'. Only eligible full texts in English or French were considered for analysis. Results: Our search identified 484 records, which led to 33 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Different exercise training programs were used with nine studies using endurance training programs, ten studies examining the effects of high-intensity interval training, and 14 studies investigating the effects of resistance training. Most training programs lasted ≥ 2 weeks. Studies, regardless of the design, duration or intensity of exercise training, reported increases in testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), human growth hormone (hGH) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (effect size: 0.19 < d < 3.37, small to very large) in both older males and females. However, there was no consensus on the effects of exercise on changes in cortisol and insulin in older adults. Conclusion: In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that exercise training increases basal levels of testosterone, IGF-1, SHBG, hGH and DHEA in both male and females over 40 years of age. The increases in blood levels of these hormones were independent of the mode, duration and intensity of the training programs. However, the effects of long-term exercise training on cortisol and insulin levels in elderly people are less clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine is ranked as the second highest cause of disability worldwide and the first among women aged 15-49 years. Overall, the incidence of migraine is threefold higher among women than men, though the frequency and severity of attacks varies during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause. Reproductive hormones are clearly a key influence in the susceptibility of women to migraine. A fall in plasma oestrogen levels can trigger attacks of migraine without aura, whereas higher oestrogen levels seem to be protective. The basis of these effects is unknown. In this Review, we discuss what is known about sex hormones and their receptors in migraine-related areas in the CNS and the peripheral trigeminovascular pathway. We consider the actions of oestrogen via its multiple receptor subtypes and the involvement of oxytocin, which has been shown to prevent migraine attacks. We also discuss possible interactions of these hormones with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system in light of the success of anti-CGRP treatments. We propose a simple model to explain the hormone withdrawal trigger in menstrual migraine, which could provide a foundation for improved management and therapy for hormone-related migraine in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are double agents, which downregulate endogenous concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone whilst simultaneously providing daily supplementation of exogenous oestrogen and progestin during the OCP-taking days. This altered hormonal milieu differs significantly from that of eumenorrheic women and might impact exercise performance, due to changes in ovarian hormone-mediated physiological processes. Objective: To explore the effects of OCPs on exercise performance in women and to provide evidence-based performance recommendations to users. Methods: This review complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A between-group analysis was performed, wherein performance of OCP users was compared with naturally menstruating women, and a within-group analysis was conducted, wherein performance during OCP consumption was compared with OCP withdrawal. For the between-group analysis, women were phase matched in two ways: (1) OCP withdrawal versus the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and (2) OCP consumption versus all phases of the menstrual cycle except for the early follicular phase. Study quality was assessed using a modified Downs and Black Checklist and a strategy based on the recommendations of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation working group. All meta-analyses were conducted within a Bayesian framework to facilitate probabilistic interpretations. Results: 42 studies and 590 participants were included. Most studies (83%) were graded as moderate, low or very low quality, with 17% achieving high quality. For the between-group meta-analysis comparing OCP users with naturally menstruating women, posterior estimates of the pooled effect were used to calculate the probability of at least a small effect (d ≥ 0.2). Across the two between-group comparison methods, the probability of a small effect on performance favouring habitual OCP users was effectually zero (p < 0.001). In contrast, the probability of a small effect on performance favouring naturally menstruating women was moderate under comparison method (1) (d ≥ 0.2; p = 0.40) and small under comparison method (2) (d ≥ 0.2; p = 0.19). Relatively large between-study variance was identified for both between-group comparisons (τ 0.5 = 0.16 [95% credible interval (CrI) 0.01–0.44] and τ 0.5 = 0.22 [95% CrI 0.06–0.45]). For the within-group analysis comparing OCP consumption with withdrawal, posterior estimates of the pooled effect size identified almost zero probability of a small effect on performance in either direction (d ≥ 0.2; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: OCP use might result in slightly inferior exercise performance on average when compared to naturally menstruating women, although any group-level effect is most likely to be trivial. Practically, as effects tended to be trivial and variable across studies, the current evidence does not warrant general guidance on OCP use compared with non-use. Therefore, when exercise performance is a priority, an individualised approach might be more appropriate. The analysis also indicated that exercise performance was consistent across the OCP cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important food legume crop. Salinity soils severely constrain the production of faba bean, however, the seed germination of faba bean, which is a vital plant growth stage, is sensitive to salinity. Planting improved varieties of faba bean, which exhibit salt tolerance in seed germination stage, is an optimal strategy for faba bean product. To investigate the genes dynamics during the seed germination stage under salinity, RNA-seq method was used to investigate genome-wide transcription profiles of two faba bean varieties with contrast salt-tolerance during the seed germination. A total of 4,486 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the comparison of salt-tolerant variety Y134 and salt-sensitive variety Y078 treated with salinity or not. Of these, 1,410 candidate DEGs were identified as salt-stress response genes. Furthermore, 623 DEGs were identified as variety-specific response gene during seed germination at 16 h or 24 h with salt treatment. Based on the pathway enrichment according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database (KEGG), these DEGs involving in cell wall loosening (e.g., xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase, chitinase, and expansin), hormone metabolism (e.g., LEA genes, genes associated with ABA or ethylene signal pathway), chromatin remodeling (e.g., chromatin structure proteins, LHP1), small interfering RNA pathway, etc., were significantly up-regulated in salt-tolerance variety with salt treatment, indicating that they play critical roles in regulation of seed germination. The results indicated that a clearer mechanism of gene regulation that regulates the seed germination responding to salinity in faba bean. These findings are helpful to increase the understanding of the salt tolerance mechanism of crops during seed germination, and provide valuable genetic resource for the breeding of salt-tolerant faba bean varieties in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age at first calving (AFC) plays an important role in the economic efficiency of beef cattle production. This trait can be affected by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, leading to physiological changes in response to heifers' adaptation to a wide range of environments. Genome-wide association studies through the reaction norm model were carried out to identify genomic regions associated with AFC in Nellore heifers, raised under different environmental conditions (EC). The SNP effects for AFC were estimated in three EC levels (Low, Medium, and High, corresponding to average contemporary group effects on yearling body weight equal to 159.40, 228.6 and 297.6 kg, respectively), which unraveled shared and unique genomic regions for AFC in Low, Medium, and High EC levels, that varied according to the genetic correlation between AFC in different EC levels. The significant genomic regions harbored key genes that might play an important biological role in controlling hormone signaling and metabolism. Shared genomic regions among EC levels were identified on BTA 2 and 14, harboring candidate genes associated with energy metabolism (IGFBP2, IGFBP5, SHOX, SMARCAL1, LYN, RPS20, MOS, PLAG1, CHCD7, and SDR16C6). Gene set enrichment analyses identified important biological functions related to growth, hormone levels affecting female fertility, physiological processes involved in female pregnancy, gamete generation, ovulation cycle, and age at puberty. The genomic regions highlighted differences in the physiological processes linked to AFC in different EC levels and metabolic processes that support complex interactions between the gonadotropic axes and sexual precocity in Nellore heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Block periodized (BP) training is an innovative and prospective approach that is drawing increasing attention from coaching scientists and practitioners. However, its further dissemination and implementation demands serious scientific biological underpinnings. More specifically, the fundamental scientific concepts of homeostatic regulation, stress adaptation and the law of supercompensation determine the biological essence and content of appropriate block mesocycles, i.e., the accumulation, transmutation and realization cycles, respectively. Such a separation is intended to prevent conflicting physiological responses and provide a favorable interaction for training effects. Several studies have evaluated the metabolic effects of various training programs, and the superiority of the BP model has been confirmed in terms of significant gains of maximal oxygen uptake, maximal power output and positive trends in athletic performance. It was found that the endocrine status of athletes is strictly dependent on appropriate blocks such as voluminous extensive workloads combined with resistance training (accumulation), lower-volume intense training (transmutation), and event-specific precompetitive training (realization). Evidence from molecular biology indicates the major regulators that determine meaningful adaptive events within specific block mesocycles. Specifically, voluminous extensive accumulation blocks stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and protein synthesis in slow-twitch muscle fibres, whereas lower-volume intense workloads of the transmutation blocks evoke adaptive modifications in fast-twitch glycolytic and oxidative-glycolytic muscle fibers. Furthermore, such a training program causes a remarkable elevation of myonuclear content in muscle fibers that enables athletes to regain previously acquired abilities. The precompetitive realization block produces accentuated expression of stress-related and myogenic genes that affect protein synthesis and increase muscle glycogen. In addition, such a program stimulates and increases the size, force and power of fast-twitch fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: PET/CT imaging with 68Ga-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid-D-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide (DOTATOC) is useful in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Functioning NETs by definition secrete abnormal levels of hormones, causing clinical symptoms. It is known that physiologic accumulation can be seen in some organs, but it remains unknown whether elevated hormone levels can affect the physiologic accumulation pattern of 68Ga-DOTATOC. We aimed to investigate the influence of higher hormone levels on physiologic accumulation of 68Ga-DOTATOC.Methods: A total of 167 patients with known or suspected NET lesions were enrolled in this study. The numbers of patients with elevations of ACTH, gastrin, insulin, and no elevation were 10, 25, 7, and 125, respectively. We compared the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in various organs of each group.Results: In the group with elevated ACTH levels, SUVmax in the pituitary gland, the uncinate process of the pancreas and adrenal glands was lower than those in the group with no elevation (5.7 ± 1.9 vs. 8.4 ± 3.1, P = 0.015; 4.7 ± 3.5 vs. 6.4 ± 2.8, P = 0.037; 10.8 ± 4.8 vs. 13.9 ± 4.7, P = 0.020, respectively). There were no differences in physiologic uptake of 68Ga-DOTATOC in the thyroid gland, the pancreatic body, the liver, the spleen, the bowel, or the kidney.Conclusions: In NET patients with elevated ACTH levels, physiologic uptake of 68Ga-DOTATOC in the pituitary gland, the uncinate process of the pancreas and adrenal glands was significantly decreased. Other organs were unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being the major dietary source for countless insects, plants have not only survived but thrived on earth and represent arguably the largest terrestrial biomass. This is because plants, instead of falling passive victims to the insects, have come to possess numerous defense strategies including production of insect poisons, deterrents, and other anti-nutritive compounds. A significant part of these built-in defenses are inducible and tactfully coordinated with plant growth in a manner that maximizes return on investment. The lipid-derived signal jasmonate (JA) orchestrates many of these inducible defense responses. JA has a similar evolutionary origin as eicosanoids which play critical roles in mammalian wound and inflammatory responses indicating cross-kingdom adoption of lipid-derived signals for use against tissue injuries. The molecular perception and signaling mechanism of JA indicates that the intracellular concentration of a derivative, jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine (JA-Ile), is the major determinant factor for the dynamic regulation of the JA signaling system. Interdisciplinary methods including recombinant enzyme assays, mass spectrometry based hormone profiling, genetics, genomics, and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana have assisted in elucidating metabolic pathways controlling JA-Ile homeostasis. Along with the relatively well established biosynthetic enzymes, more recently discovered catabolic pathways as well as areas that need new discoveries are discussed herein. Knowledge obtained from the JA-dependent stress adaptive responses are expected to have agricultural and industrial impact in the future toward the development of environmentally friendly ways of managing pests and tapping into a largely unexplored treasure trove of plant-derived specialized metabolites for human use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is not a well-established finding in migraine that female sexual dysfunction (FSD) emerging as a natural course of disease, as a result of accompanying depression/anxiety, or an underlying endocrinological abnormality. Our aim is evaluating the relationship among frequency and severity of migraine, FSD, depression, anxiety, and related hormones in migrainous women. We examined 80 migrainous female and 62 controls cross sectionally. Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, Female Sexual Dysfunction Inventory, Migraine Disability Assessment Test, and hormonal analysis were done. Independent risk factors were identified by logistic regression analysis and cut-off values were measured with Receiver Operating Curve. FSD was not related to frequency or severity of migraine. Although depression and anxiety was related to arousal and lubrication, they had limited effect in FSD. There were correlations between prolactin (PRL), desire and lubrication, follicular-stimulating hormone FSH and orgasm, luteinizing hormone (LH), and pain. Also FSH-LH combination and PRL were found as independent factors for FSD. FSH-LH combination and PRL were found as independent factors which had effect on FSD in migraine. Our study is a precursor study about the effect of several hormones on FSD and migraine relationship. Hormonal effect on FSD in migraine will be clearer with future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opinion Statement: Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a sarcoma subtype that gathers some singular characteristics, making it a difficult challenge to face in clinical practice. Despite its excellent survival prognosis, these tumors may be unpredictable, ranging from an asymptomatic indolent course to persistent, local, and extended recurrences that significantly impair quality of life. Although surgery was initially considered the first elective treatment, collected published data during the past few years are now pointing to the "wait and see" approach as a reasonable initial strategy because many patients can live a long life with the disease without having symptoms. When symptoms appear or there is a risk of functional impairment, a wide spectrum of therapies (local and systemic) can be useful in improving symptoms and controlling the disease. Because of the low incidence of desmoid-type fibromatosis, there is scarce scientific evidence supporting any specific treatment. Nonetheless, if volumetric responses are needed, chemotherapy may be a reasonable early option. However, if long-term control of disease is desirable, hormonal therapy, NSAIDs, and TKIs are the likely treatments of choice. Recent new findings in the biologic development of these tumors, such as the role of Wnt/β-catenin dependent pathway, have shown that the prognostic information provided by specific CTNNB1 gene mutations and other genetic profiles can lead to better methods of selecting patients as candidates for other approaches. Based on recent research, the Notch pathway inhibition in DF is one of the most promising potential targets to explore. As an orphan disease, it is mandatory that as many patients as possible be included in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with changes in several hormones and metabolic peptides. Crosstalk between these factors and the immune system may be important for homeostasis during inflammation. Here, we studied the levels of hormones, metabolic peptides, and nutrients in individuals at risk for developing RA (at risk). In total, 18 hormones, metabolic peptides, and nutrients were measured in fasting serum samples from 45 autoantibody-positive individuals at risk, 22 RA patients, and 16 healthy subjects. Triglyceride (TG) levels were also measured in an independent validation cohort of 32 individuals at risk, 20 early arthritis patients, and 20 healthy controls. We found an elevated TG level in individuals at risk and significantly higher TG levels in RA patients compared to healthy controls. These results were confirmed in the validation cohort. Similarly, free fatty acid (FFA) levels showed an increase in individuals at risk and were significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy controls. In RA patients, FFA levels were positively correlated with disease activity. Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and norepinephrine levels were highly significantly increased in individuals at risk and RA patients compared to healthy controls. TG and FFA levels are increased in RA patients and positively correlated with disease activity parameters. The results presented here suggest a role for FFAs in the pathogenesis of RA. Furthermore, PP and norepinephrine may be a biomarker that could assist in the identification of individuals at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze weight gain, metabolic hormones, and homocysteine (Hcys) levels in children and adolescents on antipsychotics (AP) during a year-long follow-up. 117 patients, AP-naïve or quasi-naïve (less than 30 days on AP), were included. Weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score (z-BMI), and levels of leptin, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin, ghrelin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and Hcys were measured at baseline, and at 3, 6, and 12 months, while patients remained on the same AP. Patients (mean age: 14.4 ± 3 years; 64.1 % male) were on risperidone ( N = 84), olanzapine ( N = 20) or quetiapine ( N = 13) from baseline up to 1-year follow-up and significantly increased weight (5.8 ± 4.3 kg at 3-month, 8.1 ± 6.1 kg at 6-month, and 11.6 ± 7.0 kg at 1 year), BMI, and z-BMI. Leptin levels significantly increased from baseline to 3 and 6 months, as did TSH levels from baseline to 3 months, while FT4 levels decreased from baseline to 3 and 6 months. Patients with BMI >85th percentile at baseline ( N = 16) significantly increased weight, BMI, and z-BMI, more than patients with normal BMI over time. Higher baseline levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin were associated with increased weight/BMI during follow-up, while higher baseline levels of FT4, adiponectin, and ghrelin were associated with lower weight/BMI during follow-up. All AP were associated with increased weight and BMI/z-BMI in all of the assessments; however, at 1-year assessment, this increase was significantly higher for patients on quetiapine. Both higher baseline levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin, as well as being overweight/obese at baseline were associated with increased weight/BMI during 1-year follow-up in children and adolescents on AP. Awareness of weight-related parameters in this population may help inform decisions regarding AP prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The goals of this experiment were to study therapeutic potential of intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) for obesity, its mechanisms involving gastrointestinal motility and hormones, and role of pulse width in diet-induced obese rats. Methods: In a 4-week study, rats equipped with one pair of electrodes at the duodenum were assigned to receive either a sham or IES of varied pulse widths in a sequential way. Food intake was measured daily and body weight measured weekly. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Solid gastric emptying (GE) and small bowel transit (SIT) tests were performed at the end of the experiment. Results: The results of the study were as follows: (1) Daily food intake, not affected by IES of 0.3 ms, was pulse width-dependently reduced by 1.9 g with 1 ms and by 5.7 g with 3 ms. Accordingly, body weight was pulse width-dependently reduced by 2.4 g with 1 ms and by 12.8 g with 3 ms compared to a gain of 5.6 g in sham. (2) GLP-1 level was elevated by both 0.3 and 3 ms at 15 min, but was elevated only with 3 ms at 60 min. (3) GE was delayed to 52.3 % by IES of 3 ms but not 0.3 ms, compared to that at 64.4 % with sham IES. (4) Compared to the geometric center of 7.0 with sham IES, SIT was accelerated by 3 ms to 7.8 but not by 0.3 ms. Conclusion: IES pulse width-dependently reduces food intake and body weight, attributed to the delay of gastric emptying and the acceleration of small bowel transit, as well as the enhancement of GLP-1 secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) induces many cellular mechanisms associated with drought resistance. Recent years have seen a rapid advance in our knowledge of how increased ABA levels are perceived by ABA receptors, particularly the PYL/RCAR receptors, but there has been relatively less new information about how ABA accumulation is controlled and matched to stress severity. ABA synthesis and catabolism, conjugation and deconjugation to glucose, and ABA transport all are involved in controlling ABA levels. This highly buffered system of ABA metabolism represents both a challenge and opportunity in developing a mechanistic understanding of how plants detect and respond to drought. Recent data have also shown that direct manipulation of cytokinin levels in transgenic plants has dramatic effect on drought phenotypes and prompted new interest in the role of cytokinins and cytokinin signaling in drought. Both ABA and cytokinins will continue to be major foci of drought research but likely with different trajectories both in terms of basic research and in translational research aimed at increasing plant performance during drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytohormones are important regulators of numerous developmental and physiological processes in plants. Spontaneous morphogenesis of the common centaury ( Centaurium erythraea Rafn.) is possible on nutrition medium without addition of any plant growth regulator depending solely on endogenous phytohormone levels. Thus, this plant species represents a very good model system for the investigation of numerous physiological processes under phytohormonal control in vitro. We analysed the total amount of endogenous cytokinins (CKs) including the contents of their individual groups in shoots and roots of C. erythraea plants grown in vitro. The total amount of endogenous CKs was 1.4 times higher in shoots than in roots. Inactive or weakly active N-glucosides found to predominate in both organs of centaury plants, whereas free bases and O-glucosides represented only a small portion of the total CK pool. Consequently, centaury roots showed higher IAA content as well as IAA/free CK base ratios compared to shoots. Centaury tissues also showed increased levels of 'stress hormones'. In contrast to SA, considerably higher levels of ABA were found in centaury shoots than in roots. Our results could serve as a basis for understanding and elucidating spontaneous de novo shoot organogenesis and further plant regeneration of C. erythraea in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) seems to improve cellular bioenergetics by stimulating creatine biosynthesis. However, GAA could have other biological functions that might affect its possible use as a food ingredient in human nutrition. In this paper, we identified several alternative physiological roles of supplemental GAA, including the stimulation of hormonal release and neuromodulation, an alteration of metabolic utilization of arginine, and an adjustment of oxidant-antioxidant status. A better knowledge of how GAA affects human physiology may facilitate its use as an experimental nutritional intervention for novel purposes and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D), one of the major common human health problems, is growing at an alarming rate around the globe. Alpha-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) enzymes play a significant role in development of T2D. Hence, reduction or inhibition of their activity can be one of the important strategies in management of T2D. Studies in the field of bioactive peptides have shown that dietary proteins could be natural source of alpha-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibitory peptides. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of food protein-derived peptides as potential inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and DPP-IV with major focus on milk proteins. Methods: Efforts have been made to review the available information in literature on the relationship between food protein-derived peptides and T2D. This review summarizes the current data on alpha-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory bioactive peptides derived from proteins and examines the potential value of these peptides in the treatment and prevention of T2D. In addition, the proposed modes of inhibition of peptide inhibitors are also discussed. Results: Studies revealed that milk and other food proteins-derived bioactive peptides play a vital role in controlling T2D through several mechanisms, such as the satiety response, regulation of incretin hormones, insulinemia levels, and reducing the activity of carbohydrate degrading digestive enzymes. Conclusions: The bioactive peptides could be used in prevention and management of T2D through functional foods or nutraceutical supplements. Further clinical trials are necessary to validate the findings of in vitro studies and to confirm the efficiency of these peptides for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been proposed that match congestion in elite soccer results in residual fatigue and underperformance in ensuing competition due to insufficient recovery time. In this article, matters relating to match congestion and running performance in elite soccer competition are discussed. We suggest a need to determine the extent to which elite players are, in reality, exposed to periods of match congestion and hence to potential declines in performance. Despite evidence of exercise-induced muscle damage combined with a decline in physical performance up to 72 h post-match, research using time-motion analyses suggests that running performance represented by distances covered is unaffected over periods of match congestion. We recommend analysis of alternative movement variables including accelerations, decelerations and turns that are taxing metabolically and contribute greatly to muscle damage. Moreover, a holistic approach combining subjective ratings with biochemical, hormonal and immunological responses to exercise would be pertinent, especially in players frequently exposed to match congestion. Contemporary practitioners typically implement various post-match recovery treatments during dense schedules in an attempt to accelerate recovery and ensure that subsequent running performance is not unduly affected. However, empirical evidence to support their efficacy in maintaining running performance is lacking and we recommend controlled intervention studies using match simulations in an attempt to verify their effectiveness. These points are critically addressed using findings from the current scientific literature, while gaps in the current body of knowledge and future directions for research are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During periods of intensified physical training, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release may exceed the protective capacity of the antioxidant system and lead to dysregulation within the inflammatory and neuroendocrinological systems. Consequently, the efficacy of exogenous antioxidant supplementation to maintain the oxidative balance in states of exercise stress has been widely investigated. The aim of this review was to (1) collate the findings of prior research on the effect of intensive physical training on oxidant-antioxidant balance; (2) summarise the influence of antioxidant supplementation on the reduction-oxidation signalling pathways involved in physiological adaptation; and (3) provide a synopsis on the interactions between the oxidative, inflammatory and neuroendocrinological response to exercise stimuli. Based on prior research, it is evident that ROS are an underlying aetiology in the adaptive process; however, the impact of antioxidant supplementation on physiological adaptation remains unclear. Equivocal results have been reported on the impact of antioxidant supplementation on exercise-induced gene expression. Further research is required to establish whether the interference of antioxidant supplementation consistently observed in animal-based and in vivo research extends to a practical sports setting. Moreover, the varied results reported within the literature may be due to the hormetic response of oxidative, inflammatory and neuroendocrinological systems to an exercise stimulus. The collective findings suggest that intensified physical training places substantial stress on the body, which can manifest as an adaptive or maladaptive physiological response. Additional research is required to determine the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation to minimise exercise-stress during intensive training and promote an adaptive state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of intermittent team sports require that two consecutive periods of play (lasting for ~30-45 min) are separated by a 10-20 min half-time break. The half-time practices employed by team-sports players generally include returning to the changing rooms, temporarily relaxing from the cognitive and physical demands of the first half, rehydration and re-fuelling strategies, addressing injury or equipment concerns, and receiving tactical instruction and coach feedback. However, the typically passive nature of these actions has been associated with physiological changes that impair performance during the second half. Both physical and cognitive performances have been found to decline in the initial stages of subsequent exercise that follows half-time. An increased risk of injury has also been observed during this period. Therefore, half-time provides sports scientists and strength and conditioning coaches with an opportunity to optimise second-half performance. An overview of strategies thought to benefit team-sports athletes is presented; specifically, the efficacy of heat maintenance strategies (including passive and active methods), post-activation potentiation, hormonal priming, and modified hydro-nutritional practices are discussed. A theoretical model of applying these strategies in a manner that compliments current practice is also offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has traditionally been believed that resistance training can only induce muscle growth when the exercise intensity is greater than 65 % of the 1-repetition maximum (RM). However, more recently, the use of low-intensity resistance exercise with blood-flow restriction (BFR) has challenged this theory and consistently shown that hypertrophic adaptations can be induced with much lower exercise intensities (<50 % 1-RM). Despite the potent hypertrophic effects of BFR resistance training being demonstrated by numerous studies, the underlying mechanisms responsible for such effects are not well defined. Metabolic stress has been suggested to be a primary factor responsible, and this is theorised to activate numerous other mechanisms, all of which are thought to induce muscle growth via autocrine and/or paracrine actions. However, it is noteworthy that some of these mechanisms do not appear to be mediated to any great extent by metabolic stress but rather by mechanical tension (another primary factor of muscle hypertrophy). Given that the level of mechanical tension is typically low with BFR resistance exercise (<50 % 1-RM), one may question the magnitude of involvement of these mechanisms aligned to the adaptations reported with BFR resistance training. However, despite the low level of mechanical tension, it is plausible that the effects induced by the primary factors (mechanical tension and metabolic stress) are, in fact, additive, which ultimately contributes to the adaptations seen with BFR resistance training. Exercise-induced mechanical tension and metabolic stress are theorised to signal a number of mechanisms for the induction of muscle growth, including increased fast-twitch fibre recruitment, mechanotransduction, muscle damage, systemic and localised hormone production, cell swelling, and the production of reactive oxygen species and its variants, including nitric oxide and heat shock proteins. However, the relative extent to which these specific mechanisms are induced by the primary factors with BFR resistance exercise, as well as their magnitude of involvement in BFR resistance training-induced muscle hypertrophy, requires further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant hormones cytokinins (CKs) regulate a number of physiological processes. Their homeostasis is controlled by the rate of de novo synthesis and the rate of catabolism. The aim of this work was to analyze the content of total as well as individual groups of endogenous CKs in AtCKX1 and AtCKX2-overexpressing centaury ( Centaurium erythraea Rafn.) plants grown in vitro. Transgenic CKX plants represent a suitable model system for studying physiological and morphological processes controlled by CKs. In this work we clearly demonstrate a significant effect of AtCKX transgenes on CK metabolism in transgenic centaury plants. However, shoots and roots of only one AtCKX1 line and three AtCKX2 lines with a significant reduction of bioactive CKs were obtained. We also show that changes in the CKs metabolism considerably affected endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels in plant tissues. All analyzed transgenic AtCKX centaury lines exhibited decreased amount of endogenous IAA in shoots as well as in roots. Consequently, the IAA/bioactive CK forms ratios showed a significant variation in the shoots and roots of all analyzed AtCKX centaury transformants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric bypass (GBP) results in rapid type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission in most cases. Consequences of GBP reversal are unknown. A GBP-operated T2D patient was given mixed-meal tests before (MMT), 2 months (MMT) and 12 months (MMT) after GBP reversal. Glucose, hormones and metabolite profiles were assessed. MMT displayed slightly lower glucose levels; MMT displayed higher glucose and insulin levels, indicating deteriorating glycaemia. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-β was higher at MMT, but reduced at MMT. Matsuda index revealed slightly reduced insulin sensitivity at MMT, which deteriorated further at MMT. Markers for metabolic stress and insulin resistance were elevated at MMT. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels were increased at MMT and decreased at MMT. Glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1) decreased at MMT and further decreased at MMT. In conclusion, in this patient, GBP reversal provoked deteriorating glycaemia and long-term development of insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many athletes, coaches, and support staff are taking an increasingly scientific approach to both designing and monitoring training programs. Appropriate load monitoring can aid in determining whether an athlete is adapting to a training program and in minimizing the risk of developing non-functional overreaching, illness, and/or injury. In order to gain an understanding of the training load and its effect on the athlete, a number of potential markers are available for use. However, very few of these markers have strong scientific evidence supporting their use, and there is yet to be a single, definitive marker described in the literature. Research has investigated a number of external load quantifying and monitoring tools, such as power output measuring devices, time-motion analysis, as well as internal load unit measures, including perception of effort, heart rate, blood lactate, and training impulse. Dissociation between external and internal load units may reveal the state of fatigue of an athlete. Other monitoring tools used by high-performance programs include heart rate recovery, neuromuscular function, biochemical/hormonal/immunological assessments, questionnaires and diaries, psychomotor speed, and sleep quality and quantity. The monitoring approach taken with athletes may depend on whether the athlete is engaging in individual or team sport activity; however, the importance of individualization of load monitoring cannot be over emphasized. Detecting meaningful changes with scientific and statistical approaches can provide confidence and certainty when implementing change. Appropriate monitoring of training load can provide important information to athletes and coaches; however, monitoring systems should be intuitive, provide efficient data analysis and interpretation, and enable efficient reporting of simple, yet scientifically valid, feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bartter patients may be hypercalciuric. Additional abnormalities in the metabolism of calcium, phosphate, and calciotropic hormones have occasionally been reported. Methods: The metabolism of calcium, phosphate, and calciotropic hormones was investigated in 15 patients with Bartter syndrome and 15 healthy subjects. Results: Compared to the controls, Bartter patients had significantly reduced plasma phosphate {mean [interquartile range]:1.29 [1.16-1.46] vs. 1.61 [1.54-1.67] mmol/L} and maximal tubular phosphate reabsorption (1.16 [1.00-1.35] vs. 1.41 [1.37-1.47] mmol/L) and significantly increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) level (6.1 [4.5-7.7] vs. 2.8 [2.2-4.4] pmol/L). However, patients and controls did not differ in blood calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin levels. In patients, an inverse correlation ( P < 0.05) was noted between total plasma calcium or glomerular filtration rate and PTH concentration. A positive correlation was also noted between PTH and osteocalcin concentrations ( P < 0.005), as well as between chloriduria or natriuria and phosphaturia ( P < 0.001). No correlation was noted between calciuria and PTH concentration or between urinary or circulating phosphate and PTH. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate a tendency towards renal phosphate wasting and elevated circulating PTH levels in Bartter patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital obstructive nephropathy remains one of the leading causes of chronic renal failure in children. The direct link between obstructed urine flow and abnormal renal development and subsequent dysfunction represents a central paradigm of urogenital pathogenesis that has far-reaching clinical implications. Even so, a number of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic quandaries still exist in the management of congenital obstructive nephropathy. Studies in our laboratory have characterized a unique mutant mouse line that develops in utero megabladder, variable hydronephrosis, and progressive renal failure. Megabladder mice represent a valuable functional model for the study of congenital obstructive nephropathy. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the genetic etiology of mgb mice as well as the molecular pathways controlling disease progression in these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermittent fasting of Ramadan could affect various aspects of body physiology and biochemistry important to athletic success. Much of the available information on this subject has been collected from sedentary subjects or low-level competitors, often without well matched controls. Other issues requiring clearer definition include the duration of fasting, the local environment, the timing of observations, and changes in training, diet and sleep patterns. Sleep may be shortened or made good with daytime naps. Circadian rhythms of temperature, metabolism, hormonal secretions and physical performance may be disrupted and incidental activities curtailed. Disturbances of psychomotor performance include daytime sleepiness, impaired vigilance and slower reactions. Food intake is limited to night-time meals. Sedentary individuals sometimes exploit Ramadan to reduce body fat stores. Well disciplined athletes usually maintain energy balance unless daily energy expenditures are very high. Protein intake must allow for gluconeogenesis, and provide quality protein ingested around training times. Blood sugar levels are likely to fall over a long and active day, even if morning glycogen reserves are maximized. Metabolism of fat should be encouraged, beginning prior to Ramadan; inclusion of fat in the pre-dawn meal also slows gastric emptying. Daytime fluid depletion is inevitable if athletes exercise in the heat, but the immediate deficit can usually be made good at night. Some studies show an initial fluid depletion, with recovery as Ramadan continues, possibly reflecting changes in urine and sweat production. Top athletes can maintain training throughout Ramadan, although coaches sometimes reduce demands through a pre-competitive tapering of effort. Late night or early morning training requires negotiation with players who are not observing Ramadan, and dietary adjustments to maintain optimal plasma amino acid levels when training. Performance of repeated anaerobic exercise is impaired, but aerobic power and muscular strength show little change during Ramadan. Ratings of fatigue are increased, and vigilance and reaction times are impaired, particularly during the afternoon. Medical issues during Ramadan are few. Athletes with diabetes mellitus should seek a medical exemption from fasting, and prescribed drug schedules should be carefully maintained. There is no major increase of injury rates, but competitors may have difficulty in producing urine for doping controls. Logical measures to minimize the effects of Ramadan include the optimization of mood state, maintenance of training, minimization of sleep loss, appropriate adjustments of diet, and the monitoring of competitors for chronic dehydration. Future research should concentrate on the changes observed in top athletes, particularly women, with data collected in the late afternoon after a known period of fasting in a well defined environment. It will be important to ensure that the lifestyle of those studied has been optimized. Implications of chronic dehydration for doping control also merit further investigation. Current data suggest that the impact of Ramadan upon athletic performance is small relative to the precision of test procedures, although it may be sufficient to cause a loss of medals. Negative effects vary widely with the type of sport, the season when fasting is observed, the local culture and the discipline exercised by the athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the ubiquitous downregulation of insulin receptor ( InR) gene expression on the metabolism of juvenile hormone (JH) and dopamine (DA) in young females of D. melanogaster under normal conditions and heat stress is studied. The level of JH degradation and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP, an enzyme regulating DA synthesis) were used as indicators of JH and DA levels, respectively. We demonstrated that, under normal conditions, the ubiquitous inhibition of the InR gene expression in D. melanogaster females induced an increase in the JH degradation and ALP activity. As we have already shown, this is indicative of the decrease in the concentration of the above hormones. It was also found that the total inactivation of InR does not affect the initiation of JH and DA metabolic system response to heat stress; however, it does affect its intensity. Thus, the involvement of the insulin signaling pathway in the regulation of the JH and DA metabolism in Drosophila females was demonstrated in vivo under normal and stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In target tissues, cortisol is metabolised by two 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) isoenzymes, namely 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2, both of which are co-expressed in the boar testis and reproductive tract. The present study has assessed whether cortisol-cortisone metabolism in boar testis and caput epididymidis can be regulated via the gonadotrophin-cAMP signalling pathway. 11βHSD activities were measured by using a radiometric conversion assay in static tissue culture. In both testis and caput epididymidis, the net reduction of cortisone but not the net oxidation of cortisol, was significantly decreased by luteinising hormone (by 53 ± 20% and 45 ± 9%, respectively, P < 0.05), forskolin (by 60 ± 7% and 57 ± 9%, respectively, P < 0.01) and 8-bromo-cAMP (by 54 ± 4% and 64 ± 1%, respectively, P < 0.01). This suppression of 11-ketosteroid reductase activity in the boar testis by forskolin could be attenuated by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89. Hence, within the boar testis and the caput epididymidis, the local actions of glucocorticoids are modulated by gonadotrophin-cAMP-PKA signalling via their selective effects on the reductase activity of 11βHSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that regimented resistance training can promote increases in muscle hypertrophy. The prevailing body of research indicates that mechanical stress is the primary impetus for this adaptive response and studies show that mechanical stress alone can initiate anabolic signalling. Given the dominant role of mechanical stress in muscle growth, the question arises as to whether other factors may enhance the post-exercise hypertrophic response. Several researchers have proposed that exercise-induced metabolic stress may in fact confer such an anabolic effect and some have even suggested that metabolite accumulation may be more important than high force development in optimizing muscle growth. Metabolic stress pursuant to traditional resistance training manifests as a result of exercise that relies on anaerobic glycolysis for adenosine triphosphate production. This, in turn, causes the subsequent accumulation of metabolites, particularly lactate and H. Acute muscle hypoxia associated with such training methods may further heighten metabolic buildup. Therefore, the purpose of this paper will be to review the emerging body of research suggesting a role for exercise-induced metabolic stress in maximizing muscle development and present insights as to the potential mechanisms by which these hypertrophic adaptations may occur. These mechanisms include increased fibre recruitment, elevated systemic hormonal production, alterations in local myokines, heightened production of reactive oxygen species and cell swelling. Recommendations are provided for potential areas of future research on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In elite soccer, players are frequently required to play consecutive matches interspersed by 3 days and complete physical performance recovery may not be achieved. Incomplete recovery might result in underperformance and injury. During congested schedules, recovery strategies are therefore required to alleviate post-match fatigue, regain performance faster and reduce the risk of injury. This article is Part I of a subsequent companion review and deals with post-match fatigue mechanisms and recovery kinetics of physical performance (sprints, jumps, maximal strength and technical skills), cognitive, subjective and biochemical markers. The companion review will analyse recovery strategies used in contemporary professional soccer. Soccer involves many physically demanding activities including sprinting, changes in running speed, changes of direction, jumps and tackles, as well as technical actions such as dribbling, shooting and passing. These activities lead to a post-match fatigue that is linked to a combination of dehydration, glycogen depletion, muscle damage and mental fatigue. The magnitude of soccer match-induced fatigue, extrinsic factors (i.e. match result, quality of the opponent, match location, playing surface) and/or intrinsic factors (i.e. training status, age, gender, muscle fibre typology), potentially influence the time course of recovery. Recovery in soccer is a complex issue, reinforcing the need for future research to estimate the quantitative importance of fatigue mechanisms and identify influencing factors. Efficient and individualized recovery strategies may consequently be proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Soy consumption may protect against breast cancer through modification of estrogen metabolism.Objectives:We examined the effect of soy foods on urinary estrogens and the 2-hydroxy (OH)/16α-OH estrone (E1) ratio in two dietary interventions with premenopausal women.Subjects/methods:The Breast, Estrogens, And Nutrition (BEAN1) study was a 2-year randomized trial and BEAN2 a 13-month randomized crossover study. In both interventions, study participants consumed a high-soy diet with 2 soy food servings/day and a low-soy diet with <3 servings of soy/week. Urine samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the diet periods, analyzed for nine estrogen metabolites by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and adjusted for creatinine levels. For BEAN1, two samples for 188 participants and for BEAN2, three samples for 79 women were analyzed. We applied mixed-effects regression models with log-transformed values of estrogen metabolites and soy intake as the exposure variable.Results:In BEAN1, no effect of the high-soy diet on individual estrogen metabolites or hydroxylation pathways was observed. The median 2-OH/16α-OHE1 ratio decreased non-significantly in the intervention group from 6.2 to 5.2 as compared with 6.8 and 7.2 in the control group (P=0.63). In BEAN2, only 4-OHE1 was significantly lower after the high-soy diet. Interaction terms of the high-soy diet with equol producer status, ethnicity and weight status revealed no significant effect modification.Conclusions:Contrary to our hypothesis and some previous reports, the results from two well-controlled dietary interventions do not support an effect of a high-soy diet on a panel of urinary estrogen metabolites and the 2-OH/16α-OHE1 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In subjects with obesity, the implementation of long-term exercise intervention increases lean tissue mass and lowers adipose tissue mass. However, data indicate a blunted lipolytic response, and/or skeletal muscle protein synthesis, when subjects with obesity are exposed to acute endurance or resistance exercise, respectively. Therefore, subjects with obesity seem to display a suboptimal physiological response to acute exercise stimuli. It might be hypothesized that hormonal disturbances contribute, at least in part, to these abnormal physiological reactions in the obese. This review discusses the impact of acute endurance and resistance exercise on endocrine hormones directly related to lipolysis and/or skeletal muscle protein synthesis (insulin, [nor]epinephrine, cortisol, growth hormone, testosterone, triiodothyronine, atrial natriuretic peptide, insulin-like growth factor-1), as well as the impact of long-term endurance and resistance exercise intervention on these hormonal responses to acute endurance and resistance exercise. In the obese, some endocrinological disturbances during acute endurance and resistance exercise have been identified: a blunted blood growth hormone, atrial natriuretic peptide and epinephrine release, and greater cortisol and insulin release. These hormonal disturbances might contribute to a suppressed lipolytic response, and/or suppressed skeletal muscle protein synthesis, as a result of acute endurance or resistance exercise, respectively. In subjects with obesity, the impact of acute endurance and resistance exercise on other endocrine hormones (norepinephrine, testosterone, triiodothyronine, insulin-like growth factor-1) remains elusive. Furthermore, whether long-term endurance and resistance exercise intervention might reverse these hormonal disturbances during acute endurance and resistance exercise in these individuals remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is produced by bone and reduces serum phosphate by inhibiting proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption and intestinal phosphate absorption. Excess actions of FGF23 cause several kinds of hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia while deficient actions of FGF23 result in hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis. In addition, FGF23 has been shown to prevent the development of hyperphosphatemia during the progression of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder. Epidemiological studies have indicated that high FGF23 levels are associated with unfavorable events including higher mortality, cardiovascular events, progression of CKD and fracture; however, these associations are not observed unequivocally and it is not evident why they are present. While FGF23 has been shown to be a hormone that regulates phosphate metabolism, it remains to be established whether FGF23 has roles other than regulating mineral homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of transiently elevated endogenous hormone concentrations during exercise on strength training adaptations. Nine subjects performed four unilateral strength training session per week on the elbow flexors for 11 weeks. During two of the weekly sessions, leg exercises were performed to acutely increase the systemic anabolic hormone concentration immediately before the exercises for one of the elbow flexors (L + A). On the two other weekly training sessions, the contralateral elbow flexors were trained without prior leg exercises (A). By randomizing one arm of the subjects to serve as a control and the other as experimental, both conditions have the same nutritional and genetic environment. Serum testosterone and growth hormone was significantly increased during the L - A training session, while no hormonal changes occurred in the A session. Both A and L + A increased 1RM in biceps curl, peak power in elbow flexors at 30 and 60% of 1RM, and muscle volume of the elbow flexors (p < 0.05). However, only L + A achieved increase in CSA at the part of the arm flexors with largest cross sectional area (p < 0.001), while no changes occurred in A. L + A had superior relative improvement in 1RM biceps curl and favorable muscle adaptations in elbow flexors compared to A (p < 0.05). In conclusion, performing leg exercises prior to arm exercises, and thereby increasing the levels of serum testosterone and growth hormone, induced superior strength training adaptations compared to arm training without acute elevation of hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of exercise in promoting bone health is typically attributed to increased mechanical loading, which induces functional adaptation. Recent evidence suggests that habitual aerobic exercise has influence at the cellular level as well. The effect of aerobic capacity on osteoblast-lineage cell differentiation and function as well as skeletal phenotype is unknown. Using a rat model of high-capacity and low-capacity runners (HCRs and LCRs, respectively), in which an intrinsic functional genomic difference in aerobic capacity exists between nontrained animals, this study evaluated the effects of aerobic capacity on measures of bone mass and strength as well as osteoblast activity following ovariectomy. The ovariectomized rat emulates the clinical features of the estrogen-depleted human skeleton and represents a valuable model for studying short-term upregulation of osteoblast activity. We hypothesized that intrinsically high aerobic capacity would augment osteoblast response, which would mitigate the deleterious effects of hormone withdrawal. Femora and tibiae were assessed by micro-computed tomography, mechanical testing, and dynamic histomorphometry. HCRs had enhanced femoral tissue mineral density and estimated elastic modulus relative to LCRs. At 4 weeks postovariectomy, HCRs demonstrated a more robust osteoblast response. Markers of bone formation were upregulated to a greater extent in HCRs than LCRs, suggesting a role for aerobic capacity in governing osteoblast activity. Results from this and future studies will help to identify the influence of cellular aerobic metabolism on bone health, which may lead to new strategies for targeting diseases of the skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) administered intermittently is a bone-building peptide. In joint replacements, implants are unavoidably surrounded by gaps despite meticulous surgical technique and osseointegration is challenging. We examined the effect of human PTH(1-34) on implant fixation in an experimental gap model. We inserted cylindrical (10 × 6 mm) porous coated titanium alloy implants in a concentric 1-mm gap in normal cancellous bone of proximal tibia in 20 canines. Animals were randomized to treatment with PTH(1-34) 5 μg/kg daily. After 4 weeks, fixation was evaluated by histomorphometry and push-out test. Bone volume was increased significantly in the gap. In the outer gap (500 μm), the bone volume fraction median (interquartile range) was 27% (20-37%) for PTH and 10% (6-14%) for control. In the inner gap, the bone volume fraction was 33% (26-36%) for PTH and 13% (11-18%) for control. At the implant interface, the bone fraction improved with 16% (11-20%) for PTH and 10% (7-12%) (P = 0.07) for control. Mechanical implant fixation was improved for implants exposed to PTH. For PTH, median (interquartile range) shear stiffness was significantly higher (PTH 17.4 [12.7-39.7] MPa/mm and control 8.8 [3.3-12.4] MPa/mm) (P < 0.05). Energy absorption was significantly enhanced for PTH (PTH 781 [595-1,198.5] J/m(2) and control 470 [189-596] J/m(2)). Increased shear strength was observed but was not significant (PTH 3.0 [2.6-4.9] and control 2.0 [0.9-3.0] MPa) (P = 0.08). Results show that PTH has a positive effect on implant fixation in regions where gaps exist in the surrounding bone. With further studies, PTH may potentially be used clinically to enhance tissue integration in these challenging environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock climbing is rapidly increasing in popularity as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport. Few studies have tested acute physiological responses to climbing, and no studies to date have tested hormone responses to a climbing-based workout. This study aimed to measure testosterone (T), growth hormone (GH), and cortisol (C) responses to continuous vertical climbing in young male rock climbers. Ten male rock climbers, aged between 21 and 30 years, climbed laps on a submaximal 55' climbing route for 30 min, or until exhaustion, whichever came first. Heart rate (HR) was recorded after every lap. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture before (Pre), immediately post (IP), and 15 min after the climbing exercise (P15) to assess blood lactate and plasma GH, T, and C. Subjects climbed 24.9 ± 1.9 min and 507.5 ± 82.5 feet. Peak HR was 182.1 ± 2.3 bpm, and lactate (Pre: 2.9 ± 0.6 mmol/dL, IP: 11.1 ± 1.0 mmol/dL) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from Pre to IP. T concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) increased from Pre (6.04 ± 0.31 ng/mL) to IP (7.39 ± 0.40 ng/mL) and returned to baseline at P15 (6.23 ± 0.33 ng/mL). Cortisol levels did not significantly change during the protocol. GH significantly (P < 0.01) increased from Pre (0.63 ± 0.17 ng/mL) to IP (19.89 ± 4.53 ng/mL) and remained elevated at P15 (15.03 ± 3.89 ng/mL). An acute, short-term bout of high-intensity continuous climbing was an effective exercise stimulus for elevating plasma testosterone and growth hormone levels in young males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings indicate a greater risk of postmenopausal breast cancer with estrogen–progestagen therapy than estrogen monotherapy, and more so for current than past use. Few studies have examined individual genetic susceptibility to the effects of menopausal hormone therapy. We used two population-based case-control studies with 3,155 postmenopausal breast cancer patients and 5,496 controls to evaluate modification of breast cancer risk associated with duration of hormone use by genes involved in hormone metabolism and detoxification. Twenty-eight polymorphisms in eight genes of phase I ( CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7) and nine genes of phase II enzymes ( COMT, GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1, GSTT1, SULT1A1, UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT2B7) were genotyped. The risk associated with duration of use of combined estrogen–progestagen therapy was significantly modified by genetic polymorphisms located in CYP1B1, GSTP1, and GSTT1. In homozygote carriers of the CYP1B1_142_G and the CYP1B1_355 _T variant alleles, adjusted odds ratios (OR) per year of use were 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.09) and 1.06 (95% CI = 1.03–1.09), respectively, compared with 1.02 (95% CI = 1.01–1.03) in non-carriers of either polymorphism ( pinteraction = 0.01). Carriers of the functional GSTT1 allele and the GSTP1_341_T allele were at significantly higher risks associated with hormone use compared with non-carriers ( pinteraction = 0.0001 and 0.02). CYP1A1_2452_C>A significantly reduced the risk associated with duration of use of estrogen monotherapy ( pinteraction = 0.01). The finding regarding GSTT1 was still statistically significant after corrections for multiple comparisons. Postmenopausal breast cancer risk associated with hormone therapy may be modified by genetically determined variations in phase I and II enzymes involved in steroid hormone metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of the effect of dehydration on physiological responses to hypoxia is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hypohydration severity on physiological, renal hormonal and psychological responses to acute hypoxia. Eight males completed intermittent walking tests under normobaric hypoxic conditions (FI O(2) = 0.13) after completing four separate hypohydration protocols, causing change in body mass of approximately 0% (EU), -1% (H1), -2% (H2) and -3% (H3). Physiological and psychological markers were monitored throughout the 125 min test. Fluid controlling hormones were measured pre and post exposure. Heart rate, core temperature, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), minute ventilation and urine osmolality were found to be significantly different between hydration conditions and correlated with Lake Louise Questionnaire score (LLQ) (P < 0.05). LLQ score increased with hypohydration severity above H2 (EU 1.3 +/- 1; H1 1.2 +/- 1; H2 2.7 +/- 2; H3 3.9 +/- 2) (P < 0.001). Antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone increased over the test, but were not different between hydration conditions (P < 0.05). Atrial natriuretic peptide showed no change over time, or with conditions. Therefore, renal hormones are not influenced by hypohydration severity during moderate intensity hypoxic exercise. Hypohydration less than -2% induces greater physiological strain during hypoxic exercise and may cause rise in symptoms such as, fatigue, headache, nausea and lightheadedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pregnancies reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and among multiparous women, levels of circulating progesterone might be higher during pregnancies with wider birth spacing. We hypothesized that childbirth with wider birth spacing might reduce maternal risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer more than births with narrower spacing.Methods: We conducted a case-control study nested in a nationwide cohort of Swedish women from 1961 to 2001. We selected five individually age-matched controls for each case of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer, and analysis for the effect of birth spacing was performed for 5,341 cases and 29,047 controls. We applied unconditional logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, ages at childbirth, educational level, area of residence, and gender of offspring.Results: Relative risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer associated with each one-year increase in average birth spacing is 1.00 (95% CI = 0.98-1.01) among all women and 0.99 (0.98-1.01) among those born before 1935 and less likely to have used oral contraceptives. Further analyses on the biparous and triparous women did not find a consistent association between birth spacing and the risk of ovarian cancer.Conclusions: Birth spacing is unlikely to be a major determinant underlying the protective effects of childbirth on ovarian cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thyroid hormone plays a fundamental role in the development, growth, and metabolic homeostasis in all vertebrates by affecting the expression of different sets of genes. A group of thioredoxin fold-containing selenoproteins known as deiodinases control thyroid hormone action by activating or inactivating the precursor molecule thyroxine that is secreted by the thyroid gland. These pathways ensure regulation of the availability of the biologically active molecule T3, which occurs in a time-and tissue-specific fashion. In addition, because cells and plasma are in equilibrium and deiodination affects central thyroid hormone regulation, these local deiodinase-mediated events can also affect systemic thyroid hormone economy, such as in the case of non-thyroidal illness. Heightened interest in the field has been generated following the discovery that the deiodinases can be a component in both the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway and the TGR-5 signaling cascade, a G-protein-coupled receptor for bile acids. These new mechanisms involved in deiodinase regulation indicate that local thyroid hormone activation and inactivation play a much broader role than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decreased hemoglobin concentration is a common clinical condition in elderly subjects, and in at least 20% of the cases it is not possible to directly attribute the anemia to specific factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of different levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) with the blood concentration of hemoglobin in persons aged 80 years and older. Data are from a baseline evaluation of the Aging and Longevity in the Sirente Geographic Area (ilSIRENTE) study (n=253). Analysis of covariance was used to examine the effect of different IGFBP-3 levels on hemoglobin concentration. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, which included age, sex, number of diseases, renal failure, cancer, gastric ulcer, albumin, and iron concentrations, individuals in the group with higher IGFBP-3 concentrations showed a significantly higher mean hemoglobin concentration than participants in the group with lower IGFBP-3 concentrations (13.4 +/- 1.4 g/dL versus 12.9 +/- 1.9 g/dL, respectively; P=.03). In conclusion, the present study has shown that a higher IGFBP-3 level is associated with a higher hemoglobin concentration among older people living in the community. This finding suggests that the growth hormone/IGF axis may play an important role in hematopoiesis, and it may be implicated in the age-related decline in hemoglobin concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]