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Comparative Biochemistry and... Jun 2024Animals living at high-altitude are faced with unremitting low oxygen availability. This can make it difficult to perform daily tasks that require increases in aerobic...
Animals living at high-altitude are faced with unremitting low oxygen availability. This can make it difficult to perform daily tasks that require increases in aerobic metabolism. An activity important for survival is aerobic locomotion, and the rapid recovery of muscle metabolism post exercise. Past work shows that hypoxia acclimated high-altitude mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) have a greater reliance on carbohydrates to power exercise than low altitude mice. However, it is unclear how quickly after aerobic exercise these mice can recovery and replenish muscle glycogen stores. The gastrocnemius muscle of high-altitude deer mice has a more aerobic phenotype and a greater capacity to oxidize lipids than low altitude deer mice. This suggests that high altitude mice may recover more rapidly from exercise than their lowland counterparts due to a greater capacity to support glycogen replenishment using intramuscular triglycerides (IMTG). To explore this possibility, we used low- and high-altitude native deer mice born and raised in common lab conditions and acclimated to chronic hypoxia. We determined changes in oxygen consumption following 15 min of aerobic exercise in 12% O and sampled skeletal muscles and liver at various time points during recovery to examine changes in key metabolites, including glycogen and IMTG. We found depletion in glycogen stores during exercise only in lowlanders, which returned to resting levels following 90 min of recovery. In contrast, IMTG's did not change significantly with exercise or during recovery in either population. These data suggest that exercise recovery is influenced by altitude ancestry in deer mice.
PubMed: 38945522
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2024.111004 -
Journal of the American Medical... Jun 2024Although the cardiac benefits of maintaining a lifelong exercise routine are undisputed, to what extent late-in-life exercise training can ameliorate cardiac aging...
OBJECTIVE
Although the cardiac benefits of maintaining a lifelong exercise routine are undisputed, to what extent late-in-life exercise training can ameliorate cardiac aging remains unclear. We examined the impact of a 12-month exercise training program on cardiac reserve, static cardiac structure, and cardiac function in older adults.
DESIGN
This study was a single-center, randomized trial using Zelen design. Participants in the center-based exercise (CBE) group underwent an individualized multicomponent exercise training program.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
In total, 120 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years were evenly divided into a CBE group and a control group.
METHODS
The primary outcome indicator was absolute change in peak oxygen uptake (peakVO) per kilogram from baseline to 12 months. The secondary outcome indicators were the absolute changes in other cardiopulmonary exercise test indices and cardiac magnetic resonance parameters. This study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Network (ChiCTR XXXX).
RESULTS
In total, 47 older adults in the control group and 49 in the CBE group ultimately completed the 12-month follow-up and were analyzed. Of all participants, 52 (46.4%) were men, and the mean age was 71.22 ± 4.55 years. The absolute change in peakVO/kg was significantly different between the CBE and control groups by +3.32 mL/kg/min (95% CI 2.10-4.53; P < .001), and a sex-related difference was observed. Additionally, the right ventricular peak filling and ejection rate improved to a greater degree in the CBE than control group (+65.57 mL/s, P = .006; +56.39 mL/s, P = .026, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
A 12-month exercise training program started later in life was effective in improving cardiopulmonary reserve, and men showed a better response to training than women. The right ventricular function increased after late-in-life exercise training.
PubMed: 38945172
DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105117 -
The Lancet. Healthy Longevity Jul 2024Little is known about ageing and frailty progression in low-income settings. We aimed to describe frailty changes over time in individuals living in rural Burkina Faso...
BACKGROUND
Little is known about ageing and frailty progression in low-income settings. We aimed to describe frailty changes over time in individuals living in rural Burkina Faso and to assess which sociodemographic, disability, and multimorbidity factors are associated with frailty progression and mortality.
METHODS
This longitudinal, population-based study was conducted at the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) site in northwestern Burkina Faso. Eligible participants were aged 40 years or older and had been primarily resident in a household within the HDSS area for at least the past 6 months before the baseline survey and were selected from the 2015 HDSS household census using a stratified random sample of adults living in unique households within the area. Participants were interviewed in their homes in 2018 (baseline), 2021 (follow-up), or both. We derived the Fried frailty score for each participant at each timepoint using data on grip strength, gait speed, self-reported weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, and physical activity, and described changes in frailty status (no frailty, pre-frailty, or frailty) between 2018 and 2021. We used multivariate regression models to assess factors (ie, sex, age, marital status, educational attainment, wealth quintile, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) score, and multimorbidity) associated with frailty progression (either worsening frailty status or dying, compared with frailty status remaining the same or improving) and with mortality, and developed sequential models: unadjusted, adjusting for sociodemographic factors (sex, age, marital status, educational attainment, and wealth quintile), and adjusting for sociodemographic factors, disability, and multimorbidity.
FINDINGS
Between May 25 and July 19, 2018, and between July 1 and Aug 22, 2021, 5952 individuals were invited to participate: 1709 (28·7%) did not consent, 1054 (17·8%) participated in 2018 only and were lost to follow-up, 1214 (20·4%) participated in 2021 only, and 1975 (33·2%) were included in both years or died between years. Of 1967 participants followed up with complete demographic data, 190 (9·7%) were frail or unable to complete the frailty assessment in 2018, compared with 77 (3·9%) in 2021. Between 2018 and 2021, frailty status improved in 567 (28·8%) participants and worsened in 327 (16·6%), and 101 (5·1%) participants died. The relative risk of frailty status worsening or of dying (compared with frailty impRoving or no change) increased with age and WHODAS score, whereas female sex appeared protective. After controlling for all sociodemographic factors, multimorbidity, and WHODAS score, odds of mortality were 1·07 (odds ratio 2·07, 95% CI 1·05-4·09) times higher among pre-frail individuals and 1·1 (2·21, 0·90-5·41) times higher among frail individuals than among non-frail individuals.
INTERPRETATION
Frailty status was highly dynamic in this low-income setting and appears to be modifiable. Given the rapid increase in the numbers of older adults in low-income or middle-income countries, understanding the behaviour of frailty in these settings is of high importance for the development of policies and health systems to ensure the maintenance of health and wellbeing in ageing populations. Future work should focus on designing context-appropriate interventions to improve frailty status.
FUNDING
Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, Institute for Global Innovation, University of Birmingham, and Wellcome Trust.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Longitudinal Studies; Aged; Middle Aged; Frailty; Burkina Faso; Rural Population; Adult; Disease Progression; Aged, 80 and over; Frail Elderly
PubMed: 38945131
DOI: 10.1016/S2666-7568(24)00096-5 -
The Lancet. Healthy Longevity Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Exercise; Age Factors; Aging; Aged
PubMed: 38945124
DOI: 10.1016/S2666-7568(24)00115-6 -
Journal of Electromyography and... Jun 2024This study aimed to develop an insertion technique for intramuscular EMG recording of the oblique head of adductor hallucis (AddH) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI)...
This study aimed to develop an insertion technique for intramuscular EMG recording of the oblique head of adductor hallucis (AddH) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles in humans via the dorsum of the foot, and report feasibility of intramuscular EMG data acquisition during walking in shoes. In eight individuals without musculoskeletal pain or injury (5 males; 32 ± 8 years), intramuscular electrodes were inserted into AddH (oblique head) and FDI through the right foot's dorsum (between metatarsals I-II) with ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound transducer was positioned on the plantar surface. Intramuscular EMG was also recorded from abductor hallucis, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus and peroneus longus. Participants performed six overground walking trials wearing modified shoes, and rated pain associated with the intramuscular electrodes during walking (numerical rating scale, 0-10). High-quality EMG recordings were obtained from intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles. Analyses of power spectral densities indicated that movement artefacts commonly observed during gait were removed by filtering. Pain associated with AddH/FDI electrodes during walking was low (median[IQR] 1[2]; range 0-4) and similar to other sites. Findings demonstrate that intramuscular EMG recording from AddH (oblique head) and FDI using this insertion technique is feasible and associated with minimal pain when walking in shoes.
PubMed: 38945047
DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102914 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jun 2024For patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHD-PAH), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can reflect cardiopulmonary reserve...
BACKGROUND
For patients with congenital heart disease-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHD-PAH), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can reflect cardiopulmonary reserve function. However, CPET may not be readily accessible for patients with high-risk conditions or limited mobility due to disability. Echocardiography, on the other hand, serves as a widely available diagnostic tool for all CHD-PAH patients. This study was aimed to identify the parameters of echocardiography that could serve as indicators of cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity.
METHODS
A cohort of 70 patients contributed a total of 110 paired echocardiogram and CPET results to this study, with 1 year interval for repeated examinations. Echocardiography and exercise testing were conducted following standardized procedures, and the data were collected together with clinically relevant indicators for subsequent statistical analysis. Demographic comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential predictors of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO) and the carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent slope (VE/VCO slope). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of the parameters.
RESULTS
The ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) was found to be the only independent indicator significantly associated with both peak VO and VE/VCO slope (both p < 0.05). Additionally, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular fractional area change (FAC) were independently correlated with the VE/VCO slope (both p < 0.05). TAPSE/PASP showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting both a peak VO ≤ 15 mL/kg/min and a VE/VCO slope ≥ 36 (AUC = 0.91, AUC = 0.90, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of TAPSE/PASP at the optimal threshold exceeded 0.85 for both parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
TAPSE/PASP may be a feasible echocardiographic indicator for evaluating exercise tolerance.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Exercise Test; Heart Defects, Congenital; Echocardiography; Adult; ROC Curve; Exercise Tolerance; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Oxygen Consumption; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Pulmonary Artery
PubMed: 38944669
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03113-7 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024This study aimed to examine prospective associations of different intensity levels and types of physical activity (PA) in early pregnancy with premature rupture of...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to examine prospective associations of different intensity levels and types of physical activity (PA) in early pregnancy with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) among Chinese pregnant women.
METHODS
A total of 6284 pregnant women were included from the Tongji-Shuangliu Birth Cohort. Household/caregiving, occupational, sports/exercise and transportation activities during early pregnancy were investigated by the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ), and the diagnosis of PROM was ascertained during the whole pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the associations between PA and PROM.
RESULTS
Among the 6284 pregnant women, 1246 were identified to have PROM (19.8%). Women undertaking the highest level (3 third tertile) of PA during pregnancy appeared to have a lower risk of PROM [OR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.58-0.80) when compared to those at the lowest tertile of PA. Similarly, women with increased levels of light intensity activity, moderate-vigorous intensive, household/caregiving activity and meeting exercise guidelines during pregnancy were associated with reduced risks of PROM (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.59-0.81, OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.60-0.82, OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.53-0.73 and OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.70-0.97, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
High levels of PA of different intensities and PA of household/caregiving activities and meeting exercise guidelines during the first trimester were associated with a lower incidence of PROM.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The data of human participants in this study were conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China ([2017] No. S225). All participants provided written informed consent prior to enrollment. A statement to confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Exercise; Adult; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; China; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prospective Studies; Birth Cohort; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Cohort Studies; East Asian People
PubMed: 38944666
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18791-5 -
Pharmacological Research Jun 2024The global incidence of cardiac diseases is increasing, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is... (Review)
Review
The global incidence of cardiac diseases is increasing, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is complex and not fully understood, and the physiological function of the heart is inextricably linked to well-regulated cardiac muscle movement. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is essential for myocardial contraction and diastole, cardiac electrophysiological homeostasis, vasoconstriction of vascular nerves and blood pressure regulation. In this sense, MLCK appears to be an attractive therapeutic target for cardiac diseases. MLCK participates in myocardial cell movement and migration through diverse pathways, including regulation of calcium homeostasis, activation of myosin light chain phosphorylation, and stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell contraction or relaxation. Recently, phosphorylation of myosin light chains has been shown to be closely associated with the activation of myocardial exercise signaling, and MLCK mediates systolic and diastolic functions of the heart through the interaction of myosin thick filaments and actin thin filaments. It works by upholding the integrity of the cytoskeleton, modifying the conformation of the myosin head, and modulating innervation. MLCK governs vasoconstriction and diastolic function and is associated with the activation of adrenergic and sympathetic nervous systems, extracellular transport, endothelial permeability, and the regulation of nitric oxide and angiotensin II. Additionally, MLCK plays a crucial role in the process of cardiac aging. Multiple natural products/phytochemicals and chemical compounds, such as quercetin, cyclosporin, and ML-7 hydrochloride, have been shown to regulate cardiomyocyte MLCK. The MLCK-modifying capacity of these compounds should be considered in designing novel therapeutic agents. This review summarizes the mechanism of action of MLCK in the cardiovascular system and the therapeutic potential of reported chemical compounds in cardiac diseases by modifying MLCK processes.
PubMed: 38944220
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107276 -
ESMO Open Jun 2024Evidence demonstrates that physical exercise confers several psycho-physical benefits on patients with cancer. This study aims to investigate the role of oncologists in...
BACKGROUND
Evidence demonstrates that physical exercise confers several psycho-physical benefits on patients with cancer. This study aims to investigate the role of oncologists in exercise promotion.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire to patients with cancer. The questionnaire enclosed demographic, health, and exercise variables. The exercise-related questions included in the study used the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire to measure the amount of physical exercise. In addition, the survey gathered information on whether exercise was discussed with patients, and whether oncologists followed the assess, advise, reinforce, and refer (AARR) process regarding exercise. The survey also asked if patients preferred that exercise be discussed during their consultations. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied.
RESULTS
With a response rate of 75%, a total of 549 patients completed the survey. Regarding the exercise discussion, 38% of patients stated that their oncologist initiated an exercise discussion, 14% started the discussion themselves, and 48% said that the issue was not considered. Overall, 35% of patients reported that the oncologist assessed their exercise level, 22% and 42% received advice or reinforcement to increase their exercise, respectively, and 10% were referred to a dedicated service. Regarding preferences, 72% of patients thought that the oncologists should initiate an exercise discussion, 2% that only patients should start the discussion, and 26% thought that the issue should not be discussed. Similarly, 74% of patients are willing to receive the exercise assessment, 59% and 75% the advice and reinforcement to increase their exercise, and 46% to be referred to an exercise service.
CONCLUSIONS
Although exercise promotion rates are low, patients are willing to receive exercise information. Dedicated strategies should be developed to support oncologists in promoting exercise to their patients.
PubMed: 38943736
DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103624 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Jun 2024Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is implicated in extinction learning, which is a primary mechanism of exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)....
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is implicated in extinction learning, which is a primary mechanism of exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brief aerobic exercise has been shown to promote BDNF release and augment extinction learning. On the premise that the Val allele of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism facilitates greater release of BDNF, this study examined the extent to which the Val allele of the BDNF polymorphism predicted treatment response in PTSD patients who underwent exposure therapy combined with aerobic exercise or passive stretching. PTSD patients (N = 85) provided saliva samples in order to extract genomic DNA to identify Val/Val and Met carriers of the BDNF Val66Met genotype, and were assessed for PTSD severity prior to and following a 9-week course of exposure therapy combined with aerobic exercise or stretching. The sample comprised 52 Val/Val carriers and 33 Met carriers. Patients with the BDNF high-expression Val allele display greater reduction of PTSD symptoms at posttreatment than Met carriers. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that greater PTSD reduction was specifically observed in Val/Val carriers who received exposure therapy in combination with the aerobic exercise. This finding accords with animal and human evidence that the BDNF Val allele promotes greater extinction learning, and that these individuals may benefit more from exercise-augmented extinction. Although preliminary, this result represents a possible avenue for augmented exposure therapy in patients with the BDNF Val allele.
PubMed: 38943720
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107106