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Michalickova, D, Minic, R, Kotur-Stevuljevic, J, Andjelkovic, M, Dikic, N, Kostic-Vucicevic, M, Slanar, O, and Djordjevic, B. Changes in parameters of oxidative stress, immunity, and behavior in endurance athletes during a preparation period in winter.J Strength Cond Res34(10): 2965-2973, 2020-The current study monitored markers of immunological and oxidative status in 9 male elite endurance athletes: V?o(2)max: 68 +/- 11 ml center dot kg(-1)center dot min(-1), age: 24 +/- 2.5 years, and training loads: 128 +/- 21 metabolic equivalents-h center dot wk(-1)during a 3-month preparation period in winter (January-March). Self-rated state of moods evaluation (by Profile of Mood States questionnaire) was performed, and blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study. Spectrophotometric methods and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for parameters' determination. The level of concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was increased (562 [147-852] vs. 1,097 [451-1842] pg center dot ml(-1),p= 0.013). Also, the level of transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-beta 1) in serum was elevated (2.5 [1.4-5.1] vs. 7.2 [4.9-8.2] ng center dot ml(-1),p= 0.015). There was no change in the level of peptidoglycan (PGN)-stimulated interleukin (IL)-10 from PBMCs. There were no significant changes in PBMCs proliferation/viability on stimulation with ConA and PGN during the study. No changes in superoxide dismutase, prooxidative-antioxidative balance, total oxidant status (TOS), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were observed along the study. Total antioxidant status (TAS) was increased (910 +/- 174 vs. 1,090 +/- 102 mu mol center dot L-1,p= 0.018), and activity of paraoxonase (PON1) was decreased (523 +/- 295 vs. 335 +/- 183 U center dot L-1,p= 0.003) at the end of the study. Advanced oxidation protein products were increased (25 +/- 7.9 vs. 42 +/- 7.6 mu mol center dot L-1,p= 0.011). The self-rated sense of vigor significantly declined (20 +/- 2.1 vs. 14 +/- 3.4,p= 0.045). In conclusion, 3 months of regular training in winter induced prominent changes in cytokines, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and antioxidative enzyme activity. These changes might increase susceptibility of athletes to disease and muscle damage and consequently lead to performance reduction.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted, in order to evaluate if Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti® L10 (Lallemand Health Solutions, Montreal, Canada) supplementation during three months could influence oxidative markers in the population of elite athletes: triathletes, cyclists and endurance athletes. Twenty-two elite athletes were randomized to either placebo (n = 12) or probiotic (n = 10) groups. The probiotic group received 2x1010 colony forming units of Lafti® L10. Before and after the supplementation serum samples were collected. Markers of oxidative stress and anti-oxidative defense: superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase (PON), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, oxidative stress index, bilirubin, uric acid and albumin were determined in serum. Parameters of lipid status, as well as susceptibility to copper-induced oxidation of LDL particles in vitro were also determined. There was a significant interaction effect for MDA (p = 0.039), with a decrease in MDA in the probiotic group only (p = 0.049). There was a significant interaction effect for AOPP (p = 0.037), with a significant decrease in the probiotic group (p = 0.045). Interaction effect for SOD was approaching to formal significance (p = 0.108) and the post-hoc test showed a significant decrease in the probiotic group (p = 0.041) only. A significant correlation between AOPP and SOD (p = 0.012, r = -0.40) was found in the probiotic group at the end of the study. PON1 activity was decreased in both the probiotic (p = 0.032) and placebo group (p = 0.035). No significant changes in the remainder of the evaluated parameters were noted. In conclusion, probiotic strain Lafti® L10 exerts certain antioxidant potential, but further research is needed.

The surface of microorganisms is covered with polysaccharide structures which are in immediate contact with receptor structures on host's cells and antibodies. The interaction between microorganisms and their host is dependent on surface glycosylation and in this study we have tested the interaction of plant lectins with different microorganisms. Enzyme-linked lectin sorbent assay - ELLSA was used to test the binding of recombinant Musa acuminata lectin - BL to 27 selected microorganisms and 7 other lectins were used for comparison: Soy bean agglutinin - SBA, Lens culinaris lectin - LCA, Wheat germ agglutinin - WGA, RCA(120) - Ricinus communis agglutinin, Con A - from Canavalia ensiformis, Sambucus nigra agglutinin - SNA I and Maackia amurensis agglutinin - MAA. The goal was to define the microorganisms' surface glycosylation by means of interaction with the selected plant lectins and to make a comparison with BL. Among the tested lectins most selective binding was observed for RCA(120) which preferentially bound Lactobacillus casei DG. Recombinant banana lectin showed specific binding to all of the tested fungal species. The binding of BL to Candida albicans was further tested with fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry and it was concluded that this lectin can differentiate ss-glucan rich surfaces. The binding of BL to S. boulardii could be inhibited with ss-glucan from yeast with IC50 1.81 mu g mL(-1) and to P. roqueforti with 1.10 mu g mL(-1). This unique specificity of BL could be exploited for screening purposes and potentially for the detection of ss-glucan in solutions.

Introduction and objective. Analysis of using dietary supplements (DS) is an important today as it may indicate the need and the ways of rationalising the use of such products. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of use of the DS by the recreationists, as well as the role of health professionals in the process. Methods. A descriptive epidemiological investigation included a total of 100 recreationists who voluntarily completed the anonymous survey. The research was conducted in five fitness centres in Podgorica. In order to collect data, we used the original questionnaire. Results. The study involved 100 subjects with an average age of 28 years. Survey results have shown that there are a major percentage (43%) of those respondents who use DS continuously, 38% use it occasionally, and 19% never use the DS. Among all respondents, 29% of respondents said that they currently use 2-3, and even 8% said that they used more than 5 different products at the same time. The three most commonly used supplements are vitamins 18.7%, protein supplements 17.26% and amino acids 11.87%. Most of the respondents stated that they buy DS at the pharmacy 25%, in the fitness centre / gym 21.51% or at local resellers 18.02%. The polling data have shown that respondents generally receive recommendations on the use of the DS from fitness instructors / trainers or friends, and at least from physicians, pharmacists and nutritionists. Conclusion. The study shows that a large number of recreationists use the DS irrationally, without clear indications and recommendations by health professionals. It is necessary to make additional educational efforts not only regarding health care professionals but also regarding those who work in fitness centres to better inform users about the use of the DS. Uvod i cilj. Analiza upotrebe dijetetskih suplemenata (DS) je danas veoma važna s obzirom na rasprostranjenost njihove upotrebe, a može ukazati na potrebu i puteve racionalizacije upotrebe takvih proizvoda. Cilj ove studije bio je da se utvrdi učestalost upotrebe DS među rekreativnim sportistima u Podgorici, kao i da se sagleda uloga zdravstvenih radnika u tom procesu. Metodologija. Deskriptivnim epidemiološkim ispitivanjem obuhvaćeno je ukupno 100 rekreativnih sportista koji su dobrovoljno pristupili popunjavanju anonimne ankete. Istraživanje je sprovedeno u pet fitnes centara u Podgorici, a u cilju prikupljanja podataka korišćen je originalni upitnik. Rezultati. Istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 100 ispitanika prosječne starosti 28 godina. Rezultati anketiranja pokazali su da je veći procenat onih ispitanika koji koriste DS u kontinuitetu 43%, povremeno ih upotrebljava 38%, a 19% ih uopšte ne koristi. Od ukupnog broja anketiranih 29% ispitanika se izjasnilo da trenutno koristi 2- 3, a čak 8% se izjasnilo da koristi više od 5 različitih proizvoda istovremeno. Tri najčešće korišćene vrste suplemenata su vitaminski 18,7%, proteinski suplementi 17,26% i aminokiseline 11,87%. Najveći broj ispitanika se izjasnio da DS kupuje u apoteci 25%, u fitnes centru / teretani 21,51% ili kod lokalnih distributera 18,02%. Anketiranjem su dobijeni podaci da ispitanici uglavnom dobijaju preporuke o upotrebi DS od strane fitnes instruktora / trenera ili prijatelja, a najmanje od strane ljekara, farmaceuta i nutricionista. Zaključak. Studija pokazuje da veliki broj rekreativnih sportista koristi DS neracionalno, bez jasnih indikacija i preporuka od strane zdravstvenih radnika. Stoga je neophodno uložiti dodatne edukativne napore ne samo prema zdravstvenim radnicima, već i prema svima onima koji rade u fitnes centrima radi boljeg informisanja korisnika o upotrebi DS.

Western life style, and high calorie diet in particular is causing major health problems such as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and heart disease in the modern age. High fat diet (HFD) induces similar changes in mice, such as increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia and accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. These changes can be ameliorated by the administration of some Lactobacillus species. The focus of this study was to analyze the fatty acid content of liver, heart and brain tissues of mice fed HFD and administered with either Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68, and to analyze the fatty acid content of these organs after a two months washout period. The fatty acid composition of mouse liver tissue changed significantly due to probiotic administration during a 12 weeks HFD regime and active Lactobacillus administration had a slightly reversing effect toward the standard mouse diet group, but after the washout period these changes disappeared. The fatty acid composition of the heart and brain tissues was significantly changed in the HFD regime but probiotic administration had no significant influence on the fatty acid profile of these two organs. Upon the 8 weeks washout period the only remaining beneficial effect was the significantly lower mouse weight in the supplemented groups compared to the HFD group.

To test the influence of probiotic supplementation on humoral immune response, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Thirty athletes (24 males and 6 females, females: (V)over dotO(2)max 38.2 +/- 4.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), age 23.2 +/- 1.4 years; males: (V)over dotO(2)max 57.5 +/- 9.2 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), age 24.0 +/- 2.4 years, mean +/- SD) were randomized either to the probiotic group (Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10, 2 x 10(10) colony-forming units) or to the placebo group. Serum and saliva samples were collected at the baseline and after 14 weeks. Total and specific antibacterial antibody levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA classes were determined for different bacteria in the serum, and in saliva, total and specific antibacterial IgA levels were examined. Total IgM was elevated in both probiotic (18%, 15-20%; mean, 90% confidence interval; p = 0.02) and placebo group (35%, 22-47%; p = 0.02), without observed differences in changes between the groups. No significant changes in IgM levels specific for tested bacteria were found. Total IgG level was constant in both groups. A significant (16%, 22.8 to 35%, p = 0.04) reduction of anti-Enterococcus faecalis IgG was noted in the placebo group, in comparison with the probiotic group. There was a substantial decrease in total IgA level in the placebo group, when measured either in serum (15%, 12-18%, p = 0.04) or in saliva (35%, -1.4 to 53%, p = 0.03). Significantly reduced levels of serum anti-lactic acid bacteria IgA antibodies in the placebo group compared with the probiotic group were detected for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68 (24%, 5.8-42%, p = 0.02) and for L. rhamnosus LB64 (15%, 2.7-27%, p = 0.02). Probiotic administration could have beneficial effects on systemic humoral and mucosal immune responses. This is peer-reviewed version of the following article: Michalickova, D. M.; Kostic-Vucicevic, M. M.; Vukasinovic-Vesic, M. Dj.; Stojmenovic, T. B.; Dikic, N. V.; Andjelkovic, M. S.; Djordjevic, B. I.; Tanaskovic, B. P.; Minic, R. D. Lactobacillus Helveticus Lafti L10 Supplementation Modulates Mucosal and Humoral Immunity in Elite Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2017, 31 (1), 62–70. [https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001456]

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of physical training on the gene expression levels of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) in young soccer players at the beginning of their professional careers. The non-trained young men underwent a professional soccer training program of 12 weeks. Blood was obtained at two time points: before and after the 12-week endurance soccer training. Plasmatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, concentration of sulfhydryl (SH) groups, superoxide anion (O-2(.-)), malondialdehyde (MDA), and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) were determined. Messenger RNA (mRNA) relative levels of SOD isoenzymes were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by Real-time PCR. After 12-week training, the soccer group experienced a significant decrease in plasmatic SOD activity and increase of O-2(.-) concentration. Concentration of SH groups, MDA and AOPP were not affected by physical training, although they showed a trend to increase. Cu/Zn SOD mRNA expression levels were stable during the endurance training period but Mn SOD mRNA levels were significantly higher after the training period The variation in Mn SOD mRNA levels was dependent on MDA concentration. Negative prediction of AIDA concentration on Mn SOD mRNA expression levels remained significant after inclusion of all the other oxidative stress status parameters in a multiple regression model (p = 0.017). Positive prediction of Cu/Zn SOD mRNA levels on plasmatic SOD activity remained significant after inclusion of MDA, log O-2(.-) and AOPP concentrations in a multiple regression model (p = 0.025). Intensive endurance soccer training stimulated a beneficial increase in lymphocyte Mn SOD rather than in Cu/Zn SOD mRNA expression levels. An interaction between the oxidative stress/antioxidative defence status parameters in blood and gene expression levels of Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD in PBMCs was also observed.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate if Lactobacillus helveticus Lafti L10 (Lallemand Health Solutions, Montreal, Que., Canada) supplementation during 14 weeks in winter can influence the duration, severity, and incidence of upper respiratory tract illness (URTI), as well as to monitor different immune parameters in the population of elite athletes. Before and after the treatment, cardiopulmonary testing and self-rated state of moods evaluation (by Profile of Mood States questionnaire) were performed and blood samples were collected. Thirty-nine elite athletes were randomized either to the placebo (n = 19) or the probiotic (n = 20) group. The probiotic group received L. helveticus Lafti L10, 2 x 10(10) Colony Forming Units. Lafti L10 significantly shortened the URTI episode duration (7.25 +/- 2.90 vs. 10.64 +/- 4.67 days, p = 0.047) and decreased the number of symptoms in the probiotic group (4.92 +/- 1.96 vs. 6.91 +/- 1.22, p = 0.035). Severity and incidence of URTI did not differ between the treatments. There were no significant changes in leukocyte subpopulation abundance, transforming growth factor-beta serum levels, level of interleukin-10 secreted from peptidoglican stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), interferon-gamma level secreted from concanavalin A-stimulated PBMCs or viability/proliferation of PBMCs upon antigen stimulation. Group effect for CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significant (F-[1,F-37] = 6.99, p = 0.020, eta(2) = 0.350); this difference was not significant at baseline, but was evident after 14 weeks (p = 0.02). A significant interaction effect was noted for self-rated sense of vigor (F-[1,F-37] = 11.76, p = 0.009, eta(2) = 0.595). Self-rated sense of vigor increased in the probiotic group (18.5 +/- 4.1 vs. 21.0 +/- 2.6, p = 0.012). Probiotic strain Lafti L10 can be a beneficial nutritional supplement for the reduction of URTI length in elite athletes. This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article: Michalickova, D.; Minić, R.; Dikić, N.; Anđelković, M.; Kostić-Vučićević, M.; Stojmenović, T.; Nikolić, I.; Đorđević, B. Lactobacillus Helveticus Lafti L10 Supplementation Reduces Respiratory Infection Duration in a Cohort of Elite Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism 2016, 41 (7), 782–789. [https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2015-0541].

In this study, two Lactobacillus strains (L. rhamnosus LA68 and L. plantarum WCFS1) were evaluated for their effects on high fat diet induced pathology in mice. The aim was to determine whether the administration of lactic acid bacteria had beneficial effects on ameliorating pathology. C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat diet were orally administered with the Lactobacillus strains. Both the metabolic and immunological parameters were analyzed. The administration of both of the strains had beneficial effects on mouse weight, serum cholesterol, TNF-alpha levels and liver histology. LA68 lowered the total cholesterol and HDL levels more prominently, whereas WCFS1 was more potent in lowering the TG and LDL levels. Leptin and adiponectin levels were increased in all experimental groups to different extents. The administration of L. plantarum WCFS1 led to a marked increase in leptin levels, as well as an increase in CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells, and a decrease of CD25+ cells, and had a lowering effect on IL-6 production and cell metabolic activity. In conclusion, active administration of both Lactobacillus strains had a positive effect on HFD-induced pathology. Although both of the tested strains had beneficial effects, oral administration of WCFS1 increased leptin levels and had a more prominent immunomodulatory effect, which should be taken into consideration in case of humane usage.

Recent reports suggest that the metabolic activity of the enteric microbiota may influence the fatty acid composition of the host tissue. There are many studies dealing with the influence of lactobacilli on various pathological conditions, and some of the effects are strain-specific. This study was designed to test the effects of a particular Lactobacillus strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68 on fatty acid composition of the liver and the brain of C57BL/6 mice in the absence of an underlying pathological condition. Female mice were supplemented with live L. rhamnosus LA68 bacteria for the duration of 1 month. Serum biochemistry was analyzed and liver and brain fatty acid composition was assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. Significant changes in liver and brain fatty acid composition were detected. In the liver tissue we detected an increase in palmitoleic acid (p = 0.038), while in the brain compartment we found an increase in palmitic (p = 0.042), stearic (p = 0.017), arachidonic acid (p = 0.009) and docosahexaenoic acid (p = 0.004) for control versus experimental group. These results show discrete changes caused by LA68 strain consumption. Even short duration of administration of LA68 influences the fatty acid composition of the host which adds to the existing knowledge about Lactobacillus host interaction, and adds to the growing knowledge of metabolic intervention possibilities.

Probiotic bacteria have been used in human nutrition for centuries and are now attracting more attention. In order to examine the immunological aspects of probiotic consumption,Lactobacillus rhamnosusLA68 was orally administrated using gavage to healthy C57BL/6 mice. After one month splenocytes were isolated, and analysed by flow cytometry. The magnitude of splenocyte proliferation upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan and cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17) was assessed. Cytokine levels in the serum were also analysed. Oral application of strain LA68 leads to a significant decrease of CD3+, CD25+ and CD19+ cells, and an increase of CD11b+ and CD16/CD32+ positive cell populations in the mouse spleen. Increased sensitivity to stimulation through proliferation and IL-6 secretion was detected. Increased serum IFN-γ and decreased IL-10 levels were found. Our results show increased responsiveness of splenocytes, activation of the Th1 type of immune response, and a shift of leucocyte populations towards monocyte/granulocyte populations.

The main aim of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and aerobic and anaerobic performance induced by supplementation of coffeeberry (CB) formulation for 4 weeks in college athletes. Twenty college athletes (14 males and 6 females) were allocated to two randomly assigned trials. Subjects in the CB group orally ingested capsules that contained CB formulation at a dose of 800 mg per day in two equal doses for 28 days, while subjects in the placebo (P) group ingested an equal number of identical-looking caps that contained cellulose. There were no changes in glucose, cholesterol, and lipoproteins within or between trials (p > 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly higher in the CB versus P trial at the post- supplementation trial (1.66 ± 0.16 vs. 1.51 ± 0.05 mmol/L; p lt 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in average anaerobic power, index of anaerobic fatigue, maximal heart rate, blood lactate, and maximal oxygen uptake within or between trials (p > 0.05). Heart rate recovery (HRR) index increased significantly in CB group as compared with baseline level (38 ± 4 vs. 32 ± 5 beats/min; p lt 0.05). Blood lactate after 10 min of recovery (Lactrec) significantly decreased in the CB group after supplementation protocol as compared with initial results (7.6 ± 4.2 vs. 5.5 ± 2.6 mmol/L; p lt 0.05). No subject reported any side effects from CB or P. The results of the present study indicate that supplementation with a CB formulation slightly increased antioxidant capacity, but there were minimal effects on recovery parameters after exercise in college athletes.