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BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Oct 2023There is little scientific literature available on the diversity of physiological responses of judokas to anaerobic interval exercises in warm environments....
BACKGROUND
There is little scientific literature available on the diversity of physiological responses of judokas to anaerobic interval exercises in warm environments. Understanding the dynamics of changes in the concentration of selected hormones during a special endurance test at different ambient temperatures may have significant practical value, as it provides an opportunity for optimal programming and monitoring of the training process. So, the main aim of the research was to survey interval anaerobic exercises in different ambient temperatures on Concentration levels of selected hormones in judokas.
METHODS
15 judokas athletes (age: 20.65 ± 2.03 years; body height: 178.00 ± 6.31 cm; body mass: 76.26 ± 12.57 kg; training experience: 12.1 ± 1.57 years) volunteered for the study. The judokas performed five sequences (each lasting 7.20 min) of pulsatile exercises on a cycle ergometer and hand ergometer in a thermoclimatic chamber at temperatures of 21 ± 0.5 °C and 31 ± 0.5 °C. The exercises were different from typical interval exercises, with varying times, upper and lower limb loads, and were followed by a 15-minute break after each sequence. Total duration of the experiment, including the five sequences of pulsating exercise and four 15-minute rest breaks between each exercise sequence, amounted to 96 min and 20 s. The workload was increased by 20 W for the lower limb tests and 12 W for the upper limb tests every 2 min. Biochemical measurements of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), growth hormone (HGH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), adrenaline (E), noradrenaline (NE), and β-endorphin (β-end)were performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method on blood samples taken before and after five series of pulsatile exercises, at 1, 24, and 48 h.
RESULTS
Pulsatile exercise at ambient temperatures of 21 and 31 °C resulted in a decrease in body weight of the studied athletes (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced body volume and plasma volume after training (p < 0.05). The concentration of HGH, testosterone, cortisol and NE showed a statistically significant difference after the end of the series of pulsating exercises at both temperatures (p < 0.05) and did not significantly affect the concentration of ACTH, FSH and adrenaline concentration.
CONCLUSIONS
An increase in the concentration of growth hormone, cortisol and NE was observed after doing the work at both 21 and 31 °C ambient temperature. Physical exertion in both ambient temperatures contributed to a statistically significant decrease in testosterone concentration. Based on the obtained research results, it can be concluded that physical activity in various thermal conditions of the external environment activates the hormonal response to varying degrees, with the direction of changes depending on the external thermal factor.
PubMed: 37872638
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00751-y -
The Journal of Pain Apr 2024Both endocannabinoid (EC) and endogenous opioid systems are involved in nociceptive processing and may work together synergistically based on preclinical models. This...
Both endocannabinoid (EC) and endogenous opioid systems are involved in nociceptive processing and may work together synergistically based on preclinical models. This study evaluated the interactive effects of preoperative beta-endorphin (BE) concentrations (a key analgesic endogenous opioid) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and ECs (CSF and plasma 2-arachidonoylglycerol and plasma anandamide) on postoperative opioid use and pain intensity in a prospective cohort of n = 112 pregnant patients undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery. Maternal blood and CSF samples were collected preoperatively for BE and EC assays. Patients completed measures of outpatient opioid use (number of tablets used and days of use) and average pain intensity at 2 weeks postoperatively. Results of general linear model analyses controlling for maternal age, body mass index at time of delivery, and race revealed significant multiplicative interactions between EC and BE concentrations on number of opioid tablets used (based on pill count), days of opioid use, and total milligram morphine equivalents used in the 2-week follow-up period. Elevated preoperative plasma and CSF 2-arachidonoylglycerol predicted reduced outpatient opioid analgesic use, particularly for patients low in CSF BE. Similar analyses for pain intensity at 2-week follow-up indicated a significant interaction (P < .02) characterized by higher preoperative BE concentrations being associated with lower subsequent pain only for individuals with low preoperative plasma anandamide concentrations. Further exploration of interactions between EC and endogenous opioid inhibitory systems as they influence responses to opioid analgesics in other clinical pain populations may help guide the development of precision pain management approaches. PERSPECTIVE: In the postoperative setting of patients undergoing cesarean delivery, elevated ECs were linked to reduced outpatient opioid analgesic use in individuals who had low endogenous opioid concentrations in CSF. Further exploration of interactions between these 2 inhibitory systems as they impact responses to pain management interventions appears warranted.
PubMed: 38663651
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104548 -
BMC Nutrition Sep 2023Vitamin D Deficiency is recognized as a pandemic, which is associated with high mortality. An inadequate level of vitamin D is associated with autoimmune diseases,...
Vitamin D supplementation improves spatial memory, muscle function, pain score, and modulates different functional physiological biomarkers in vitamin D deficiency diet (VDD)-induced rats model.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D Deficiency is recognized as a pandemic, which is associated with high mortality. An inadequate level of vitamin D is associated with autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and cancer. The study was aimed to assess the pharmacological effects of chronic vitamin D supplementation on the manipulation diet regiment of deprived cholecalciferol (vitamin D deficient diet, VDD) rats.
METHODS
Memory performance (Y-maze task), muscular function (muscle grip strength), and pain score (pressure application measurement meter) were measured. Functional biomarkers were measured using ELISA method in different matrix viz. in serum (parathyroid hormone; PTH, calcitonin, thyroxine, and C-reactive protein; CRP, 25-OH Vit D), and in CSF (klotho and β-endorphin). 25-OH Vit D was also estimated in liver and kidney homogenate using ELISA. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) was measured spectrophotometrically in liver and adipose tissue.
RESULTS
VDD-induced rats showed a decrease in number of entries and time spent in the novel arm and spontaneous alternations in the Y-maze task. Significant improvements of neuromuscular function and pain score after addition of vitamin D. In comparison to the VDD group, VDR expression (liver) and active metabolites of vitamin D (25-OH vit.D) in serum were significantly higher by 48.23% and 280%, respectively. The PTH and CRP levels were significantly reduced by 32.5% and 35.27%, respectively, whereas calcitonin was increased by 36.67% compared with the VDD group. Klotho and β-endorphin expressions in cerebrospinal fluid were significantly elevated by 19.67% and 133.59%, respectively, compared to VDD group.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the results indicate that supplementation of cholecalciferol significantly improved spatial memory impairment, VDR expression, and may provide an opportunity to manage vitamin D deficiencies.
PubMed: 37749664
DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00767-0 -
Brain Sciences May 2024Once thought of as an immune-privileged site, we now know that the nervous system communicates in a bidirectional manner with the immune system via the neuroimmune axis....
Once thought of as an immune-privileged site, we now know that the nervous system communicates in a bidirectional manner with the immune system via the neuroimmune axis. Neuropeptides constitute a component of this axis, playing critical roles in the brain and periphery. The function of salivary neuropeptides in the acute stress response is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate salivary neuropeptide levels during acute stress. Salivary samples were collected from fire recruits engaged in a stress training exercise previously shown to induce acute stress, at three separate timepoints during the exercise and levels of oxytocin, neurotensin, Substance P, α-MSH, and β-Endorphin were measured using the Human Neuropeptide 5-Plex Custom Assay Eve Technologies. All neuropeptides increased throughout the acute stress simulation and during the recovery phase. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified one factor contributing to baseline values across five neuropeptides and Pairwise Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis showed positive correlations >0.9 for almost all neuropeptide combinations at the pre-stress timepoint. Further analysis identified negative and positive correlations between past-life trauma and self-assessed hardiness, respectively. Calculated neuropeptide scores showed an overall positive correlation to self-assessed hardiness. Altogether, our results suggest that salivary neuropeptides increase synchronously during acute stress and higher levels correlate with an increase in self-assessed hardiness. Further study is required to determine if interventions designed to enhance neuropeptide activity can increase stress resilience, especially in high-stress occupations such as firefighting.
PubMed: 38790470
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050492 -
Ophthalmology and Therapy Mar 2024Chronic ocular pain, particularly prevalent in patients with dry eye disease and post-femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) surgery,...
INTRODUCTION
Chronic ocular pain, particularly prevalent in patients with dry eye disease and post-femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) surgery, presents with unclear clinical characteristics and an undefined pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical characteristics and tear neuropeptide concentrations in patients with dry eye disease (DED) with and without chronic ocular pain following FS-LASIK, and investigate correlations between ocular pain, clinical characteristics, and tear neuropeptide levels.
METHODS
Thirty-eight post-FS-LASIK patients with DED were assigned to two groups: those with chronic ocular pain and those without chronic ocular pain. Dry eye, ocular pain, and mental health-related parameters were evaluated using specific questionnaires and tests. The morphology of corneal nerves and dendritic cells (DCs) was evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy. Function of corneal innervation was evaluated by corneal sensitivity. Concentrations of tear cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-23, IL-17A, and interferon-γ) and neuropeptides (α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, neurotensin, β-endorphin, oxytocin, and substance P [SP]) were measured using the Luminex assay.
RESULTS
Most patients with chronic ocular pain experienced mild to moderate pain; the most common types included stimulated pain (provoked by wind and light), burning pain, and pressure sensation. More severe dry eye (P < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (P = 0.026), lower Schirmer I test values (P = 0.035), lower corneal nerve density (P = 0.043), and more activated DCs (P = 0.041) were observed in patients with ocular pain. Tear concentrations of SP and oxytocin were significantly higher in patients with ocular pain (P = 0.001, P = 0.021, respectively). Furthermore, significant correlations were observed among ocular pain severity, SP, and anxiety levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with DED after FS-LASIK who have chronic ocular pain show more severe ocular and psychological discomfort and higher tear levels of neuropeptides. Furthermore, ocular pain severity is correlated with tear SP levels.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05600985.
PubMed: 38190027
DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00861-3 -
Medicine Apr 2024In recent years, the incidence of menopause insomnia has gradually increased, seriously affecting women's physical and mental health. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the incidence of menopause insomnia has gradually increased, seriously affecting women's physical and mental health.
METHODS
Total 82 climacteric insomnia patients received from January 2021 to January 2023 were divided into 2 groups at random. In control group, 41 cases received conventional Western medicine, and in study group, 41 cases received acupuncture combined with Ningshen mixture. Clinical effectiveness of both groups was compared, neurotransmitter levels, TCM syndrome integral and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed in both groups. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate and safety were evaluated in 2 groups.
RESULTS
The curative effect in study group was better than that in control group (P < .05). After treatment, the expressions of 5-hydroxytryptamine and β-endorphin (β-EP) in study group were higher than control group (P < .05); TCM syndrome scores and PSQI scores in study group were lower than control group (P < .05). The total recurrence rate in study group was obviously lower than control group at 3 months after treatment (P < .05). There were no serious adverse reactions in both group, and no distinct difference between 2 groups was found (P > .05).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture united with Ningshen mixture has a significant therapeutic effect and high safety in climacteric insomnia patients. It can effectively improve the neurotransmitter levels, clinical symptoms and sleep quality, and reduce the recurrence rate of climacteric insomnia patients, which has high clinical application value and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Topics: Humans; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Female; Acupuncture Therapy; Middle Aged; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Combined Modality Therapy; Menopause; Treatment Outcome; Sleep Quality; beta-Endorphin; Serotonin
PubMed: 38669364
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037930 -
Journal of Pain Research 2024Our pilot study shows that a modified moxibustion therapy called Ma's bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion can alleviate the symptoms of low back pain in lumbar disc... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
OBJECTIVE
Our pilot study shows that a modified moxibustion therapy called Ma's bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion can alleviate the symptoms of low back pain in lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and has the potential to treat LDH. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ma's bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for low back pain in LDH.
METHODS
A total of 312 LDH patients with low back pain were randomized to receive Ma's bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion (MBMM) or acupuncture (AT). The primary efficacy measure was the change of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on the 14th day compared with that at baseline. The secondary efficacy measures included VAS score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (M-JOA) score, and the content of β-endorphin (β-EP) and substance-P (SP). The safety measures included the occurrence of adverse events and the changes in laboratory indicators.
RESULTS
In total, 304 patients were incorporated for the analysis of efficacy, including 96 males and 208 females, aged 21-65 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the change of VAS score between the two groups on the 14th day [mean difference (95% CI) = -2.31 (-2.48, -2.13) and -2.28 (-2.45, -2.11), respectively; = 0.819]. The VAS, ODI, and M-JOA scores changed after the intervention in both groups ( <0.001), with increased β-EP content ( = 0.014, = 0.032) and decreased SP content ( <0.001, = 0.048). The ODI score ( = 0.039) and M-JOA score ( = 0.032) of the MBMM group on the 28th day were lower than those of the AT group.
CONCLUSION
The efficacy of Ma's bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion therapy in relieving low back pain of LDH patients is comparable to that of acupuncture, and it has post-effect advantages in improving lumbar dysfunction and daily living ability, which can be used as a safe and effective alternative method for LDH treatment.
PubMed: 38803694
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S457724 -
Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany) Jan 2024Serum neuropeptide levels may be linked to schizophrenia (SCZ) pathogenesis. This study aims to examine the relation between five serum neuropeptide levels and the...
Serum neuropeptide levels may be linked to schizophrenia (SCZ) pathogenesis. This study aims to examine the relation between five serum neuropeptide levels and the cognition of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), chronic stable schizophrenia (CSS), and in healthy controls (HC). Three groups were assessed: 29 TRS and 48 CSS patients who were hospitalized in regional psychiatric hospitals, and 53 HC. After the above participants were enrolled, we examined the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the blood serum levels of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), β-endorphin (BE), neurotensin (NT), oxytocin (OT) and substance.P (S.P). Psychiatric symptoms in patients with SCZ were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. SCZ patients performed worse than HC in total score and all subscales of the RBANS. The levels of the above five serum neuropeptides were significantly higher in SCZ than in HC. The levels of OT and S.P were significantly higher in CSS than in TRS patients. The α-MSH levels in TRS patients were significantly and negatively correlated with the language scores of RBANS. However, the BE and NT levels in CSS patients were significantly and positively correlated with the visuospatial/constructional scores of RBANS. Moreover, the interaction effect of NT and BE levels was positively associated with the visuospatial/constructional scores of RBANS. Therefore, abnormally increased serum neuropeptide levels may be associated with the physiology of SCZ, and may cause cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms, especially in patients with TRS.
PubMed: 38172494
DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00425-1 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The present study evaluated the effect of preslaughter stress intensities on the behavioral, physiological, blood biochemicals, and hormonal responses in goats.
INTRODUCTION
The present study evaluated the effect of preslaughter stress intensities on the behavioral, physiological, blood biochemicals, and hormonal responses in goats.
METHODS
Twenty-seven intact male goats (Ardi breed, 10 months of age, 27 kg liveweight) were divided into three treatment groups ., the control (C) group, ear pulling (EP) group, and leg pulling (LP) group. Various behavioral, physiological, blood biochemical and hormonal responses were recorded before and after handling.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The EP and LP goats had a higher frequency and intensity of vocalization as compared to control goats. The preslaughter handling stress intensities had a significant effect on the before and after handling values of heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and ear temperature. Further, among groups, the glucose value increased significantly upon preslaughter handling as compared to the baseline value. The LP goats had significantly higher after-handling value for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as compared to the before-handling value. The catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and β-endorphin concentrations increased significantly upon preslaughter handling. The higher physiological, behavioral, blood biochemical, and hormonal response indicated higher preslaughter stress in EP and LP goats. Both levels of intensity revealed unfavorable responses in goats that may adversely affect animal welfare and meat quality. Thus, to ensure minimal adverse effects on behavior, physiology, blood enzymes, and hormonal responses, it is recommended to follow animal welfare principles when implementing preslaughter handling practices.
PubMed: 38756507
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1381806 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Feb 2024Most anti-inflammatory drugs currently adopted to treat chronic inflammatory joint diseases can alleviate symptoms but they do not lead to remission. Therefore, new and...
Most anti-inflammatory drugs currently adopted to treat chronic inflammatory joint diseases can alleviate symptoms but they do not lead to remission. Therefore, new and more efficient drugs are needed to block the course of joint inflammatory diseases. Animal venoms, rich in bioactive compounds, can contribute as valuable tools in this field of research. In this study, we first demonstrate the direct action of venoms on cells that constitute the articular joints. We established a platform consisting of cell-based assays to evaluate the release of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-10) by human chondrocytes, synoviocytes and THP1 macrophages, as well as the release of neuropeptides (substance-P and β-endorphin) by differentiated sensory neuron-like cells, 24 h after stimulation of cells with 21 animal venoms from snake and arthropod species, sourced from different taxonomic families and geographic origins. Results demonstrated that at non-cytotoxic concentrations, the venoms activate at varying degrees the secretion of inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of articular diseases, such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α by chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and macrophages and of substance P by neuron-like cells. Venoms of the Viperidae snake family were more inflammatory than those of the Elapidae family, while venoms of Arthropods were less inflammatory than snake venoms. Notably, some venoms also induced the release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 by macrophages. However, the scorpion Buthus occitanus venom induced the release of IL-10 without increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Since the cell types used in the experiments are crucial elements in joint inflammatory processes, the results of this work may guide future research on the activation of receptors and inflammatory signaling pathways by selected venoms in these particular cells, aiming at discovering new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Interleukin-10; Arthropod Venoms; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Snake Venoms; Viperidae; Cytokines; Arthropods; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Scorpion Venoms; Joint Diseases; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Animals, Poisonous; Scorpions
PubMed: 38110040
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107568