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Considering the role of autonomic nerve activity in blood pressure control, this study aimed to investigate the cardiac autonomic nerve responses after an aerobic exercise session in Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) users. Twenty men (AAS, n = 9; control group, n = 11) performed an aerobic exercise session (60 min, 70 to 80% of HRmax). Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed before and during a 60-min post-exercise recovery period. RMSSD (root mean square successive difference of the RR intervals) and the LF/HF ratio (low frequency/high frequency spectra) were also evaluated. The Student's t-test for independent samples was used to compare differences between initial group characteristics. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare pre- and post-exercise HRV recovery (p < 0.05). AAS had a lower SDNN (standard deviation of the intervals) (40.8 ± 16.8 vs. 71.6 ± 24.7 ms; p = 0.04, d = 1.4) and a higher LF/HF (3.4 ± 2.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9%; p = 0.03, d = 0.9) before exercise. AAS and controls had similar RMSSD (14.0 ± 15.8 vs. 18.9 ± 12.1 ms; p = 0.20) and a LF/HF (2.8 ± 1.6 vs. 2.4 ± 1.2 ms; p = 0.41) immediately post-exercise. The between-groups comparison revealed a higher HF/LF at 30 min (4.3 ± 1.4 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3%; p = 0.008, d = 1.3) and 60 min (5.0 ± 2.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.8%; p = 0.001, d = 1.6) for the AAS group in the recovery time. This study demonstrated impaired parasympathetic activity at rest and immediately after the exercise session as an adverse effect of AAS usage, but similar behavior regarding the restoration of sympathetic activity.

Laine de Carvalho Guerra Pessoa Mamede,1 Rafaela Lira Formiga Cavalcanti de Lima,2 Alexandre Sérgio Silva,1 João Carlos Lima Rodrigues Pita,3 Nadjeanny Ingrid Galdino Gomes,1 Elisama Araújo de Sena,1 Rhayra Priscila Moraes Nobrega,2 João Otávio Scarano Alcântara,2 Julie Hanna Fontes de Souza,2 Glêbia Alexa Cardoso,3 José Luiz de Brito Alves,1 Maria da Conceição Rodrigues Gonçalves1 1Post-Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; 2Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil; 3Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, BrazilCorrespondence: Laine de Carvalho Guerra Pessoa MamedeDepartment of Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I – Jd, Cidade Universitária, João Pessoa, PB, CEP: 58051-900, BrazilTel/Fax +55 83 9 91089818Email laineguerramamede@gmail.comAim: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 (VD3) supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in overweight and obese women with deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D.Methods: Twenty-nine overweight or obese women who had a deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D were placed into two groups according to VD3 intervention. Patients in the supplemented group received a single oral megadose of VD3 (VD3, n=14). Patients in placebo group received a single oral identical capsule without vitamin D (placebo, n = 15). Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed at baseline and after 4-weeks intervention.Results: Anthropometric variables (waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, waist–height ratio and body mass index) were similar between groups (p > 0.05). VD3 supplementation increased the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p=0.000), malondialdehyde (p=0.021) and C-reactive protein (p=0.043) in overweight and obese women. Additionally, VD3 supplementation reduced the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, p=0.035), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, p< 0.0001) in overweight and obese women. Despite this, the serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), fasting glucose (FG), and alpha-1- acid glycoprotein (A1GPA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were similar between groups.Conclusion: In summary, a single oral megadose of VD3 increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels but did not improve oxidative stress and inflammation markers.Keywords: vitamin D, obesity, inflammation, lipid peroxidation

Strength training increases systemic oxygen consumption, causing the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, which in turn, provokes oxidative stress reactions and cellular processes that induce uterine contraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP), an antioxidant blue algae, on the contractile and relaxation reactivity of rat uterus and the balance of oxidative stress/antioxidant defenses. Female Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (CG), trained (TG), and T + supplemented (TG50, TG100) groups. Reactivity was analyzed by AQCAD, oxidative stress was evaluated by the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and the antioxidant capacity was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Strength training increased contractile reactivity and decreased the pharmaco-mechanical component of relaxing reactivity in rat uterus. In addition, training decreased oxidation inhibition in the plasma and exercise increased oxidative stress in the uterine tissue, however, supplementation with algae prevented this effect and potentiated the increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study demonstrated that food supplementation prevents changes in reactivity and oxidative stress induced by strength training in a rat uterus, showing for the first time, that the uterus is a target for this exercise modality and antioxidant supplementation with S. platensis is an alternative means of preventing uterine dysfunction.

This study aimed to verify the association between the genotypic of the receptor gene activated by peroxisome proliferators gamma 2 (PPARy2) and the body composition and the specific indicators of adiposity in practitioners physical exercises, considering nutritional intake, age, and training load as influencing factors. It was conducted a cross-sectional study with 335 adults (47.9 ± 12.7 years, 138 men, body mass index/BMI = 27.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2), practitioners of aerobic exercises in cyclical modalities (running, walking and/or cycling, who spent 328.3 ± 193.6 kcal/day on physical training). The genotyping of the Pro12Ala polymorphism was performed using the PCR-RFLP technique and the body composition measured by bioimpedance (InBody 720). Energy expenditure was based on the compendium of physical activities and caloric intake was measured by 24 h recall questionnaire. The higher prevalence was for the Pro/Pro genotype (76.1% vs. 23.9% of Pro/Ala). Pro/Pro genotypic group showed significant higher mean values for body mass (BM) (p < 0.03 for men and p < 0.02 for women) and BMI (p < 0.00 for men and p < 0.02 for women) and %FAT (p < 0.00), waist-hip ratio (WHR) (p < 0.04), and visceral fat (VF) (p < 0.00) only in men compared to Pro/Ala. Higher frequency of Pro/Pro was observed in the category indicating BMI (p < 0.00 for men and p < 0.03 for women), WRH (p < 0.03 for men and p < 0.00 for women), and %FAT (p < 0.03) (in the latter case, only among men. It was also observed that the frequency of distribution of Pro/Ala in the eutrophic category of the BMI remained independent of all influencers, while WHR and %FAT were independent of the training load, but influenced by nutritional intake and age. In women, the frequency of Pro/Ala distribution at the lowest BMI and WHR values remained independent of all confounding variables. It is concluded that the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPARy2 gene consistently influences indicators of body composition and adiposity, regardless of the practitioners of physical training, but the relationship needs to be considered according to age and nutritional intake.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of the polymorphism in Intron 7 G/C (rs 4253778) of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) gene with the magnitude of changes in the body composition of an overweight and obese population that underwent an aerobic training program. Fifty-eight previously inactive men and women, body mass index (BMI) 31.5 ± 2.8 kg / m 2 , 46.5% ( n = 27 ) genotyped as CC genotype and 53.5% ( n = 31 ) as CA+AA, underwent a 12-week aerobic training (walking/running). Aerobic capacity (ergospirometry), body composition (DXA), and nutritional assessment were made before and 48 h after the experimental protocol. Two-way ANOVA, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used ( p < 0.05 ). Twenty-seven volunteers (46.5%) were identified as CC genotype and 31 (53.5%) as CA+AA genotype. Time-group interaction showed that there was no difference in these between two allele groups. However, differences in distribution of respondents or nonresponders according to allele A were identified for fat mass ( p ≤ 0.003 ), percentage fat mass ( p ≤ 0.002 ), the waist ( p ≤ 0.009 ), abdomen ( p ≤ 0.000 ), and hip ( p ≤ 0.001 ), this difference being independent for the fat mass. Meanwhile, sex, age, and nutritional management have also been found to be influential factors. It is concluded that the PPARα gene is involved in varying body composition in response to an aerobic training program.

Background High levels of oxidative stress promote degradation of the cell membrane impairing cellular function in fat oxidation. However, the influence of oxidative stress on exercise-induced weight-loss has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the influence of a lipidic peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde, MDA) and antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity marker, TAC) on the magnitude of weight-loss by aerobic-induced exercise in previously sedentary overweight or obese individuals. Methods Seventy-five physically inactive adults were randomized into experimental (N.=58) and control (N.=17) groups, who engaged in a 12-week program of aerobic training walking and/or running (3 to 5 days/week) or stretching (1 day/week), respectively. Body composition (DXA), aerobic capacity (ergospirometric) and blood collections for oxidative stress analysis (MDA and TAC) were determined before and after the experimental protocol. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures or Friedman's test were used to evaluate differences in time/group interaction. Pearson correlation was used to verify the relationship between the variables of oxidative stress and of body composition. Results Significant reduction was found in fat body mass of experimental when compared to control group (-1.3±1.9 kg versus -0.3±1.3, P=0.04). Experimental group also altered significantly the total body mass (-1.2±4.7 kg; effect size 0.44), body mass index - BMI (-0.3±1.1 effect size 0.37), fat percentage (1.3±1.6%; effect size 0.50) and lean body mass (0.6±1.5 kg; effect size 0.32).There was increase in MDA of 2.3 μmol/L to 2.7 μmol/L (P=0.00), without changes to TAC (25.6±13.9% to 28.0±10.4%). No correlation was found between these variations in body composition with either the initial values of MDA and TAC or delta variation of these indicators of oxidative stress in response to the training program. Conclusions Indicators of oxidative stress (MDA and TAC) does not influence the magnitude of weight-loss induced by aerobic training.

Background Clinical studies related to the obesity pandemic have intensified in recent years, being the animal studies are also considered of great relevance. However, despite the fact that many diets have been reported in the literature to induce obesity in animal models, there is still a gap regarding evidence of the efficacy of these models, considering not only changes in somatic parameters, but also the triggering of comorbidities associated with obesity. In this scenario, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of western and cafeteria diets as obesity-inducing protocols, focusing on the evaluation of metabolic, somatic, oxidative, histological and behavioural parameters of Wistar rats. Methods The rats were fed a control (CON), western (WTD) or cafeteria (CAF) diet for 16 weeks. Results The CAF diet caused anxiogenic-like behaviour. Body mass (BMI), Lee and adiposity indices increased in the CAF group. CAF and WTD diets reduced glucose and insulin tolerance, caused dyslipidemia, increased lipid peroxidation and decrease antioxidant capacity in the liver, kidneys and brain. The WTD and CAF groups shows greater IL-6 protein expression in adipose tissue, developed hepatic steatosis and ischaemic neurons, whereas interstitial nephritis was observed only in the CAF group. Conclusion The CAF diet was most effective in inducing obesity, as shown both by the somatic parameters and by the greater number of obesity-related metabolic and neurobehavioural disorders in the evaluated rats.

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease of the airways characterized by chronic inflammation associated with bronchial and smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness. Currently, different murine models for the study of asthma show poor bronchial hyperresponsiveness due to a scarcity of smooth muscle and large airways, resulting in a failure to reproduce smooth muscle hyperreactivity. Thus, we aimed to standardize a guinea pig model of chronic allergic lung inflammation mimicking airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity observed in asthmatics (Asth). Animals were randomly divided into a control group (Ctrl), which received saline (0.9% NaCl), and the Asth group, subjected to in vivo sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) nebulization. Morphological analysis was performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was evaluated by nebulization time in the fifth, sixth, and seventh inhalations (NT5-7) and tracheal isometric contractions were assessed by force transducer. Total antioxidant capacity was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and protein expression by Western blot. Histologically, the Asth group developed peribronchial cellular infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia and smooth muscle thickening. After the fourth nebulization, the Asth group developed bronchial hyperreactivity. The trachea from the Asth group contracted after in vitro stimulation with OVA, differing from the Ctrl group, which showed no response. Additionally, airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity to carbachol and histamine was observed in the Asth group only in intact epithelium preparations, but not to KCl, and this effect was associated with an augmented production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, lung inflammation impaired the relaxant potency of isoproterenol only in intact epithelium preparations, without interfering with nifedipine, and it was found to be produced by transforming growth factor-β negative modulation of β adrenergic receptors and, furthermore, big-conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels. These effects were also associated with increased levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases but not extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 or phosphorylation, and augmented α-actin content as well, explaining the increased smooth muscle mass. Furthermore, pulmonary antioxidant capacity was impaired in the Asth group. Therefore, we developed a standardized and easy-to-use, reproducible guinea pig model of lung inflammation that mimics airway smooth muscle hypercontractility, facilitating the investigation of the mechanisms of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma and new therapeutic alternatives.

This study investigated the chronic and acute influence of resistance exercise on blood pressure in women with metabolic syndrome before and after climacteric. Twenty sedentary women, nine non-menopausal (RNM) and 11 menopausal (RM), performed training for 12 weeks. Meanwhile, 23 controls, 11 not menopausal (CNM) and 12 menopausal (CM), remained sedentary. Blood pressure was measured before and after the training period in conditions of rest and after a session of exercise. Training promoted variations in blood pressure at rest from 116±13 to 118±10 mmHg (p=0.73) and from 128±12 mmHg to 120±11mmHg (p=0.12) in RNM and RM, respectively. CNM and CM varied from 115±11 to 116±12 mmHg (p=0.9) and from 115±14 mmHg to 116±13 mmHg (p=0.74). Blood pressure values in one acute session did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Resistance training did not improve blood pressure in women with metabolic syndrome, regardless of climacteric.

Highlights • Post-exercise hypotension did not occur in anabolic steroid users. • The rehabilitation of hypertension is blunted by anabolic steroids. • Damage caused by anabolic steroids should be reported in educational programs., Background There is evidence of hypertensive effects caused by anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). A single exercise session promotes the acute reduction of blood pressure, but the effects of AAS on this phenomenon are unknown. Objectives To investigate the post-exercise blood pressure response in androgenic-anabolic steroid users. Methods Thirteen AAS users (23.9 ± 4.3 years old) and sixteen controls (22.1 ± 4.5 years old) performed a session of aerobic exercise. Heart rate and blood pressure were assessed before exercise and during a 60 min post-exercise resting period. Repeated ANOVA measures were used to determine differences between the groups. Results While the control group had a significant reduction in post-exercise systolic blood pressure of up to 13.9 ± 11.6 mmHg at 40 min, this phenomenon was limited among AAS users who reached a maximum of 6.2 ± 11.5 mmHg at 60 min. The between groups comparison revealed significant higher post-exercise hypotension (PEH) for the control group at 30 min (−12.9 ± 14.1 mmHg versus −2.9 ± 7.6 mmHg), 40 min (−13.9 ± 11.6 mmHg versus −2.5 ± 8.3 mmHg), 50 min (−13.9 ± 13.9 mmHg versus −5.0 ± 7.9 mmHg) and 60 min (−12.5 ± 12.8 mmHg versus −6.2 ± 11.5 mmHg). There was no significant diastolic PEH in any of the groups. Conclusions This study demonstrated impaired systolic post-exercise hypotension as a new adverse effect of AAS usage.

FUNDAMENTO: A Hipertensão arterial (HA) é uma condição tanto agravante quanto agravada pela Síndrome Metabólica (SM). A menopausa pode tornar o tratamento da hipertensão mais difícil porque é uma condição que favorece a piora nos componentes da SM. Embora existam evidências de que o treinamento com exercícios físicos reduza a pressão arterial, se as condições da menopausa e da SM afetam os benefícios induzidos pelo exercício é algo ainda não evidenciado. OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento aeróbio na pressão arterial entre mulheres com SM não menopausadas e menopausadas. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutadas 44 mulheres divididas em quatro grupos experimentais: controle não menopausada (CNM: 39,5 ± 1,1 anos, n = 11); controle menopausada (CM: 54,9 ± 1,7 anos, n = 12); aeróbio não menopausada (ANM: 43,1 ± 2,1 anos, n = 11) e aeróbio menopausada (AM: 52,1 ± 1,6 anos, n = 10). Os grupos de exercício realizaram treinamento aeróbio durante três meses, cinco vezes por semana, com intensidade entre 60% e 70% da frequência cardíaca de reserva. A pressão arterial de repouso e a resposta pressórica clínica após 60 minutos de exercício foram medidas antes e após o período treinamento. O teste de ANOVA de dois fatores foi usado, considerando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: O programa de treinamento resultou em redução da gordura abdominal, glicemia e melhora do VO2 máx. Em comparação aos valores pré-intervenção, Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS) e Pressão Arterial Diastólica (PAD) não se alteraram após o treinamento nos grupos CNM, CM, ANM e AM (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Três meses de treinamento aeróbio melhora componentes da SM, mas não altera a pressão arterial de repouso, nem a resposta pressórica aguda após uma sessão de exercício aeróbio em mulheres com SM. BACKGROUND: Arterial Hypertension (AH) is an aggravating condition for Metabolic Syndrome (MS), as well as being aggravated by it. Menopause can make hypertension treatment more difficult, as it favors the worsening of MS components. Although there is evidence that exercise training reduces blood pressure, whether menopause and SM affect the exercise-induced benefits is yet to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of aerobic training on blood pressure in non-menopausal and menopausal women with MS METHODS: A total of 44 women were recruited and divided into four groups: non-menopausal control (NMC: 39.5 ± 3.6 years, n = 11); menopausal control (MC: 54.9 ± 5.9 years, n = 12), non-menopausal aerobics (NMA: 43.1 ± 6.8 years, n = 11) and menopausal aerobics (MA: 52.1 ± 5 years, n = 10). The exercise groups performed aerobic training for three months, five times a week, at an intensity between 60% and 70% of heart rate reserve. The resting blood pressure and blood pressure response after 60 minutes of exercise were measured before and after the training period. The two-way ANOVA test was used, considering a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: The training program resulted in a decrease in abdominal fat, blood glucose and improved VO2 max. Compared to pre-intervention values, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) did not change after training in NMC, MC, MA and NMA groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Three months of aerobic training improved MS components, but did not alter resting blood pressure or the BP response after an acute exercise session in women with MS.