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Kidney & Blood Pressure Research May 2024Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive systemic condition characterized by numerous complications. Among these, alterations in skeletal muscle... (Review)
Review
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive systemic condition characterized by numerous complications. Among these, alterations in skeletal muscle physiology, such as sarcopenia, are particularly significant, as they are associated with poor outcomes and reduced quality of life. Summary Various interventions, including pharmacological approaches and lifestyle modifications have been investigated to slow CKD progression and prevent or treat its complications. Physical exercise, in particular, has emerged as a promising intervention with multiple beneficial effects. These include improvements in physical functioning, increased muscle mass, modulation of metabolic abnormalities, and reduced cardiovascular risk. However, the pathophysiology of physical exercise in patients with kidney disease is complex and remains only partially understood. A crucial advancement in understanding this phenomenon has been the identification of myokines-molecules expressed and released by skeletal muscle in response to physical activity. These myokines can exert both paracrine and systemic effects, influencing not only skeletal muscle physiology but also other processes such as energy metabolism and lipid regulation. Key Messages The interplay among skeletal muscle, physical activity, and myokines may act as a pivotal regulator in various physiological processes, including aging, as well as in pathological conditions like cachexia and sarcopenia, frequently observed in CKD patients at different stages, including patients on dialysis. Despite the potential importance of this relationship, only a limited number of studies have explored the relationship between exercise and myokine, and the effect of this interaction on experimental models or individuals with kidney disease. In the following sections, we review and discuss this topic.
PubMed: 38815556
DOI: 10.1159/000539489 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) May 2024To investigate the influence of aerobic exercise on myocardial injury, NF-B expression, glucolipid metabolism and inflammatory factors in rats with Coronary Heart...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of aerobic exercise on myocardial injury, NF-B expression, glucolipid metabolism and inflammatory factors in rats with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and explore the possible causative role.
METHODS
45 Sprague Dawley® rats were randomized into model, control and experimental groups. A high-fat diet was adopted for generating a rat CHD model, and the experimental group was given a 4-week aerobic exercise intervention. ECG was utilized to evaluate the cardiac function of the rats; HE staining to evaluate the damage of myocardial tissue; TUNEL staining to evaluate cardiomyocyte apoptosis level; ELISA to assay the contents of inflammatory factors and glucolipid metabolism in cardiomyocytes; qPCR to assay IB- and NF-B mRNA expression; Western-blot to assay the apoptosis-related proteins and NF-B signaling pathway-related proteins expressions in myocardial tissue.
RESULTS
In contrast to the model group, aerobic exercise strongly improved the rat's cardiac function and glucolipid metabolism (p < 0.01), enhanced IL-10 content, Bcl-2/Bax level as well as IB- protein and mRNA expression (p < 0.01), and reduced myocardial injury and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, the contents of IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-, Caspase 3 level, NF-B mRNA and protein expression and p-p38 and p-STAT3 expressions (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Aerobic exercise can not only effectively reduce myocardial injury, the release of inflammatory factors and NF-B expression in CHD rats, but also improve cardiac function and glucolipid metabolism. Its mechanism is likely to be related to the inhibition of the NF-B signaling pathway.
PubMed: 38815541
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100386 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) May 2024This study was directed towards exploring the impacts of lncRNA HOXA11-AS-mediated microRNA (miR)-506-3p on chondrocytes proliferation and apoptosis in osteoarthritis...
OBJECTIVES
This study was directed towards exploring the impacts of lncRNA HOXA11-AS-mediated microRNA (miR)-506-3p on chondrocytes proliferation and apoptosis in osteoarthritis (OA).
METHODS
The articular cartilages were provided by OA patients who received total knee arthroplasty, and Human Chondrocyte (HC)-OA (HCOA) was also attained. The miR-506-3p and HOXA11-AS expressions in articular cartilages from OA patients and HCOA cells were analyzed via qPCR. After gain- and loss-of-function assays in HCOA cells, MTT assay and flow cytometry (FC) were used for assessing cell viability and apoptosis, accordingly. The levels of PIK3CA, AKT, and mTOR as well as AKT and mTOR phosphorylation levels assessed using western blotting (WB). The targeting correlation of HOXA11-AS and miR-506-3p as well as miR-506-3p and PIK3CA was assessed through Dual-Luciferase Reporter gene Assay (DLRA).
RESULT
The articular cartilages from OA patients and Human Chondrocyte (HC)-OA (HCOA) cells showed increased HOXA11-AS and decreased miR-506-3p. Mechanistically, HOXA11-AS was capable of binding to miR-506-3p to increase PIK3CA, the target gene of miR-506-3p. miR-506-3p suppression facilitated HCOA cell proliferation and reduced their apoptosis, which was nullified by further silencing HOXA11-AS or silencing PIK3CA. The down-regulation of HOXA11-AS disrupted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which was counteracted by further miR-506-3p inhibition.
CONCLUSION
The silencing of HOXA11-AS might block the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway through miR-506-3p up-regulation, thereby restricting HCOA cell proliferation and provoking apoptosis.
PubMed: 38815540
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100393 -
Redox Biology May 2024Cysteine, the rate-controlling amino acid in cellular glutathione synthesis is imported as cystine, by the cystine/glutamate antiporter, xCT, and subsequently reduced to...
Cysteine, the rate-controlling amino acid in cellular glutathione synthesis is imported as cystine, by the cystine/glutamate antiporter, xCT, and subsequently reduced to cysteine. As glutathione redox is important in muscle regeneration in aging, we hypothesized that xCT exerts upstream control over skeletal muscle glutathione redox, metabolism and regeneration. Bioinformatic analyses of publicly available datasets revealed that expression levels of xCT and GSH-related genes are inversely correlated with myogenic differentiation genes. Muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) isolated from Slc7a11 mice, which harbour a mutation in the Slc7a11 gene encoding xCT, required media supplementation with 2-mercaptoethanol to support cell proliferation but not myotube differentiation, despite persistently lower GSH. Slc7a11 primary myotubes were larger compared to WT myotubes, and also exhibited higher glucose uptake and cellular oxidative capacities. Immunostaining of myogenic markers (Pax7, MyoD, and myogenin) in cardiotoxin-damaged tibialis anterior muscle fibres revealed greater MuSC activation and commitment to differentiation in Slc7a11 muscle compared to WT mice, culminating in larger myofiber cross-sectional areas at 21 days post-injury. Slc7a11 mice subjected to a 5-week exercise training protocol demonstrated enhanced insulin tolerance compared to WT mice, but blunted muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration in response to exercise training. Our results demonstrate that the absence of xCT inhibits cell proliferation but promotes myotube differentiation by regulating cellular metabolism and glutathione redox. Altogether, these results support the notion that myogenesis is a redox-regulated process and may help inform novel therapeutic approaches for muscle wasting and dysfunction in aging and disease.
PubMed: 38815331
DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103213 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance May 2024The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health.
BACKGROUND
The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health.
OBJECTIVE
This study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in older adults in China. Moreover, it seeks to explore the associations between distinct exercise behaviors-such as exercise types, the purpose motivating engagement in exercise, the accessibility of exercise fields, and the inclination toward exercise-and cognitive function.
METHODS
Using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS conducted in 2016, cognitive function was meticulously assessed through the modified Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, encompassing measures of orientation, memory, and calculation. Using self-report structured questionnaires, a myriad of information about physical activity during leisure time, exercise engagement, exercise intensity, primary exercise types, reasons for exercise participation, availability of sports facilities, and exercise willingness was diligently gathered. Robust ordinary least squares regression models were then used to compute coefficients along with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
A discernible inverted U-shaped trend in cognitive scores emerged as the level of physical activity surpassed the threshold of 500 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week. Notably, individuals with a physical activity level between 500 and 999 MET minutes per week exhibited a coefficient of 0.31 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.54), those with a physical activity level between 1000 and 1499 MET minutes per week displayed a coefficient of 0.75 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.97), and those with a physical activity level above 1500 MET minutes per week demonstrated a coefficient of 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.68). Older individuals engaging in exercise at specific MET levels showcased superior cognitive function compared to their inactive counterparts. Furthermore, individuals driven by exercise motivations aimed at enhancing physical fitness and health, as well as those using sports facilities or public spaces for exercise, exhibited notably higher cognitive function scores.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings underscore the potential of exercise as a targeted intervention for the prevention and treatment of dementia or cognitive decline associated with aging in older individuals. Leveraging these insights to formulate informed exercise recommendations holds promise in addressing a significant public health challenge linked to aging populations.
Topics: Humans; China; Exercise; Male; Female; Aged; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38815262
DOI: 10.2196/49790 -
JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting May 2024Fathers play a pivotal role in parenting and child feeding, but they remain underrepresented in intervention studies, especially those focused on disadvantaged...
BACKGROUND
Fathers play a pivotal role in parenting and child feeding, but they remain underrepresented in intervention studies, especially those focused on disadvantaged populations. A better understanding of fathers' experiences and needs regarding support access and child nutrition information in the context of disadvantage can inform future interventions engaging fathers.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore fathers' experiences; perceived enablers; and barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting, child feeding, and nutrition and to co-design principles for tailoring child nutrition interventions to engage fathers.
METHODS
Australian fathers of children aged 6 months to 5 years with lived experience of disadvantage participated in semistructured interviews and co-design workshops, primarily conducted via videoconference. Creative analogies were used to guide the ideation process in the workshops.
RESULTS
A total of 25 interviews and 3 workshops (n=10 participants) were conducted, with data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior model. The interview data illuminated factors influencing fathers' initiation in seeking support for parenting, child feeding, and nutrition, including their experiences. It highlighted fathers' diverse information needs and the importance of an inclusive environment and encouragement. Enablers and barriers in accessing support related to parenting and child nutrition were identified at the individual (eg, personal goals and resource constraints), interpersonal (family support and false beliefs about men's caregiving role), organizational (inadequate fathering support), and systemic levels (father-inclusive practice and policy). Digital data collection methods enabled Australia-wide participation, overcoming work and capacity barriers. Videoconferencing technology was effectively used to engage fathers creatively. Key principles for engaging fathers were co-designed from the workshop data. Interventions and resources need to be father specific, child centered, and culturally appropriate; promote empowerment and collaboration; and provide actionable and accessible strategies on the what and how of child feeding. Fathers preferred multiformat implementation, which harnesses technology-based design (eg, websites and mobile apps) and gamification. It should be tailored to the child's age and targeted at fathers using comprehensive promotion strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
Fathers faced barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting and feeding that may not adequately address their needs. Future interventions could integrate the co-designed principles to engage fathers effectively. These findings have implications for health service delivery and policy development, promoting father-inclusive practice.
PubMed: 38815260
DOI: 10.2196/57849 -
PloS One 2024Motor Competence (MC) is related to the development of healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents, and many studies have compared it with different variables,...
INTRODUCTION
Motor Competence (MC) is related to the development of healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents, and many studies have compared it with different variables, including sports participation. This investigation aimed to characterize the components and total scores of MC regarding different physical activity practices, such as physical education (PE) classes, futsal, volleyball, and ballet, and to compare MC regarding sports, sex, and age-groups.
METHODS
Using a cross-sectional study, 398 Portuguese children and adolescents (398 participants: 200 boys and 198 girls; 12.649±3.46 years) were conveniently chosen between 2022 and 2023. Four groups of different sports were created: PE classes (n = 187), futsal (n = 80), volleyball (n = 101) and ballet (n = 30), and four different age groups: 7 to 9 years old (n = 117); 10 to 12 years old (n = 65), 13 to 15 years old (n = 96) and, 16 to 19 years old (n = 120). All participants reported to participate in at least two training sessions per week (1 hour each) for at least two years. MC was assessed with Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) comprising three components with six tests (two tests for each component). Participants' total MC was calculated as the average of the three components of the MCA. Data were analyzed by applying ANOVA one-way with LSD post-hoc.
RESULTS
Differences were found in MC among groups, where futsal participants showed better scores in general. Sex comparison showed that boys have a higher MC when practicing futsal, especially compared to volleyball players. Age-group analysis showed that younger participants had better MC levels compared to older ones.
CONCLUSION
The whole group showed the 50th percentile of MC, but volleyball adolescents showed results below this reference. MC is intrinsically linked to an individual's motor experiences and motivations rather than depending directly on the specific practice of the sport.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Female; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Motor Skills; Sports; Portugal; Physical Education and Training; Movement; Young Adult; Exercise
PubMed: 38814979
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304524 -
PloS One 2024Due to the health consequences arising from climate change, medical students will inevitably interact with affected patients during their training and careers....
INTRODUCTION
Due to the health consequences arising from climate change, medical students will inevitably interact with affected patients during their training and careers. Accordingly, medical schools must incorporate education on the impacts of climate change on health and equity into their curricula. We created a curricular thread called "Climate Change, Health, and Equity" in the first-year preclinical medical program to teach foundational concepts and foster self-reflection and critical consciousness.
METHODS
The authors developed a continuum of practice including administrators, educators and faculty members, students, and community partners to plan and design curricular activities. First-year medical students at Duke University School of Medicine participated in seven mandatory foundational lectures and two experiential learning opportunities in the local community. Following completion of activities, students wrote a critical reflection essay and completed a self-directed learning exercise. Essays were evaluated using the REFLECT rubric to assess if students achieved critical reflection and for thematic analysis by Bloom's Taxonomy.
RESULTS
All students (118) submitted essays. A random sample of 30 (25%) essays underwent analysis. Evaluation by the REFLECT rubric underscored that all students were reflecting or critically reflecting on thread content. Thematic analysis highlighted that all students (30/30, 100%) were adept at identifying new areas of medical knowledge and connecting concepts to individual experiences, institutional practices, and public health and policy. Most students (27/30; 90%) used emotionally laden words, expressing negative feelings like frustration and fear but also positive sentiments of solidarity and hope regarding climate change and effects on health. Many students (24/30; 80%) expressed actionable items at every level including continuing self-directed learning and conversing with patients, minimizing healthcare waste, and advocating for climate-friendly policies.
CONCLUSION
After participating in the curricular thread, most medical students reflected on cognitive, affective, and actionable aspects relating to climate change, health, and equity.
Topics: Humans; Climate Change; Students, Medical; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Health Equity; Problem-Based Learning; Female; Male
PubMed: 38814920
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303615 -
PloS One 2024The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of a person-centred active rehabilitation programme on symptoms associated with suspected Chronic Traumatic...
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of a person-centred active rehabilitation programme on symptoms associated with suspected Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This was accomplished by (1) assessing the effect that a person-centred active rehabilitation programme had on participant symptoms, and (2) exploring how temporal contextual factors affected the participants' experience with, and perceived effectiveness of, the active rehabilitation programme.
METHODS
A twelve-month mixed-methods single case experimental research design was used with six cases (participants). Individual cases were involved in a 51-week study period including an initial interview and three-week baseline phase. Cases were then randomly allocated to one of two n-of-1 study designs (i.e., A-B, B-A, B-A, A-B or B-A, A-B, A-B, B-A) where A and B represent a non-intervention and intervention phase, respectively. Interviews were conducted regularly throughout the study whilst outcome measures were assessed at each follow-up. Analysis of the data included visual, statistical, and qualitative analysis.
RESULTS
Visual and statistical analysis of cognitive and executive function, and mindful attention, demonstrated trivial-to-large effects with the summary reflecting positive or unclear results. A mixed picture was observed for mood and behaviour with effects considered trivial-to-large, and the summary demonstrating positive, unclear and negative effects. Qualitative analysis indicated a perceived improvement in outcome measures such as memory, attention, anxiety, and emotional control despite mixed quantitative findings whilst a clear impact of contextual factors, such as COVID-19, the political atmosphere, exercise tolerance, programme progression, and motivation were evident during the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
This study has provided primary-level evidence to suggest active rehabilitation as a potential intervention for the management of suspected CTE symptoms. This study has also demonstrated the benefit of a person-centred approach to both clinical research and practice, particularly by considering contextual factors for a better understanding of an intervention effect.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; Patient-Centered Care; Cognition; Executive Function; COVID-19; Single-Case Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38814891
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302260 -
Translational Vision Science &... May 2024We aimed to determine the causal effects of physical activities with different frequencies, durations, and intensities on the risk of senile cataracts using Mendelian...
PURPOSE
We aimed to determine the causal effects of physical activities with different frequencies, durations, and intensities on the risk of senile cataracts using Mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS
A bidirectional two-sample MR approach was used to determine the association between physical activity and senile cataract risk. Our primary analysis used the inverse variance weighted method, and secondary analyses included MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, and Cochran's Q statistic to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Causal estimates were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
RESULTS
Genetically predicted moderate physical activity ≥ 10 min/wk (OR = 0.765, 95% CI = 0.627-0.936, P = 8.73E-03), vigorous physical activity ≥ 10 min/wk (OR = 0.691, 95% CI = 0.521-0.917, P = 1.04E-02), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (OR = 0.552, 95% CI = 0.369-0.823, P = 3.75E-03), and overall acceleration average (OR = 0.952, 95% CI = 0.926-0.978, P = 3.80E-04) were associated with a decreased risk of senile cataract while walking ≥ 10 min/wk (OR = 0.972, 95% CI = 0.741-1.275, P = 8.36E-01) had no significant correlation. The reverse MR analysis showed no reversal causality from senile cataract to physical activity except for walking ≥ 10 min/wk (OR = 0.951, 95% CI = 0.923-0.979, P = 7.30E-04).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that moderate to vigorous physical activity with higher frequency and longer duration will causally reduce the risk of senile cataracts, and there is no reverse causal relationship.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE
These findings underscore the potential of incorporating physical activity into preventive health strategies for senile cataracts.
Topics: Humans; Cataract; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Exercise; Risk Factors; Aged; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Odds Ratio; Time Factors
PubMed: 38814746
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.5.26