Fabian Sanchis Gomar
Physician-Scientist, Medicine - Med/Cardiovascular Medicine
Bio
Dr. Fabián Sanchis Gomar (M.D., Ph.D.) has published more than 345 manuscripts in international peer-reviewed journals related to several topics, wide-ranging in cardiology, arrhythmias, aging, exercise, and oxidative stress. His most relevant works have been based on the molecular and physiopathological mechanisms implicated in various diseases and identifying potential novel mechanisms and biomarkers associated with those diseases' pathogenesis.
As a dedicated researcher in the field of arrhythmias and sports cardiology, his journey has been driven by a deep-seated passion for unraveling the complexities of the heart, particularly in the context of athletic performance. His fascination with the heart's rhythm and how it adapts to the extreme demands of sports began early in his career as a medical student, where he was captivated by the intricate balance between physical excellence and cardiac health.
Throughout his years in academia and research, Dr. Sanchis-Gomar has been privileged to work at the forefront of sports cardiology, a field that sits at the fascinating intersection of cardiology and sports medicine. His postdoc research focused on the pathophysiology of arrhythmias in elite athletes, shedding light on how intense physical training can alter cardiac function and rhythm. This work laid the foundation for his subsequent research endeavors, which have been dedicated to understanding and preventing sports-related cardiac events.
One of the core objectives of his research has been to develop effective strategies for the early detection and management of arrhythmias in athletes. This pursuit has been academically fulfilling and deeply personal, as it stems from witnessing athletes face unexpected cardiac challenges. Another aspect of his career that he holds in high regard is his role in educating and mentoring the next generation of researchers. He firmly believes that the future of the field hinges on the enthusiastic and informed involvement of young professionals, and he takes great pride in sharing his knowledge and experiences with them.
Community engagement has also been a key component of his career. He has actively participated in numerous outreach programs to raise awareness about athlete heart health. These programs disseminate information and build a community of athletes, coaches, trainers, and healthcare professionals who are informed, vigilant, and proactive about cardiac health in sports.
As he looks to the future, he is excited by the endless possibilities in sports cardiology. The rapid advancements in technology and medicine promise new avenues for research and clinical application. He aims to continue contributing to this dynamic field by advancing scientific understanding and ensuring that this knowledge translates into better care and safer sports participation for athletes at all levels.
Contact
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0424-4208All Publications
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Cardiopulmonary Recovery After Maximal Exercise in Individuals with Neuromuscular Disease and Limited Mobility.
Journal of clinical medicine
2025; 14 (12)
Abstract
Background: Individuals with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) have low physical activity levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Respiratory gas kinetics obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) may provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with NMD. Recovery from exercise is an important marker of exercise performance and overall physical health, and impaired recovery is strongly associated with poor health outcomes. This study evaluates recovery metrics in individuals with NMD after performing maximal exertion during CPET. Methods: A total of 34 individuals with NMD and 15 healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. CPET was performed using a wearable metabolic system and a wheelchair-accessible total body trainer to peak exertion. Recovery metrics assessed were (i) the time to reach 50% O2 recovery compared with peak exercise and (ii) the ratios of ventilation and respiratory gases between peak exercise and the highest values observed during recovery (overshoot). Results: The NMD group had a significantly longer time to reach 50% O2 recovery (T1/2 VO2: 105 ± 43.4 vs. 76 ± 36.4 s, p = 0.02), lower respiratory overshoot (17.1 ± 13.0% vs. 28.8 ± 9.03%), and lower ventilation/VO2 (31.9 ± 28.3 vs. 52.2 ± 23.5) compared to the control group. Conclusions: This study observes significantly impaired recovery metrics following peak exercise in individuals with NMD compared to controls. These insights may improve the understanding of exercise recovery and mechanics, thus improving prognostication and optimizing exercise prescriptions for individuals with NMD.
View details for DOI 10.3390/jcm14124190
View details for PubMedID 40565934
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Influences of Age, Sex, and Heart Rate on Corrected QT Interval Values Calculated by Using Bazett and Fridericia Formulas in Children and Young Adolescent Athletes.
Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine
2025
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze QT characteristics in children and adolescent athletes (11-16 years) using the Bazett and Fridericia formulas and compare the results by age, sex, and heart rate (HR).DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.SETTING: Sports federations in the Spanish autonomous community of La Rioja.PARTICIPANTS: 3672 federated athletes aged 11 to 16 years.INTERVENTIONS: None.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We analyzed the 12-lead resting ECGs performed as part of the baseline screening program of sports federations. Mean corrected QT (QTc) values and percentiles were calculated using the Bazett (QTcB = QT/RR1/2) and Fridericia formulas (QTcF = QT/RR1/3). These values were compared according to age, sex, and HR.RESULTS: Most athletes (99%) showed a normal QTc. Only four adolescent boys had values above 460 ms (with Bazett >455 ms) using the Fridericia formula. One athlete had a significantly prolonged QTc with both formulas. Using the Bazett formula, significant differences in QTc were observed by sex (longer in adolescent girls), age (longer in 11-12 year olds), and HR (increases with higher HR). Still, with the Fridericia formula, no significant differences were observed in this age group, but differences were observed by sex. For HR, substantial differences were observed when comparing the 60 to 90 bpm range with the low and high intervals, with no differences found between bradycardia and tachycardia subgroups.CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that using the Bazett and Fridericia formula to measure QTc is recommended for cardiovascular screening in young athletic populations. The values obtained can serve as a reference for the early detection of long QT syndrome in ECGs performed in this population.
View details for DOI 10.1097/JSM.0000000000001374
View details for PubMedID 40454800
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Detecting cardiac injury: the next generation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponins improving diagnostic outcomes.
Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine
2025
Abstract
Cardiac injury, encompassing a spectrum of heart muscle damage, requires prompt and accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes. Early detection using cardiac biomarkers is vital for timely intervention and reducing mortality. This review highlights the role of high-sensitivity cardiac troponins (hs-cTns) in diagnosing cardiac injury. This article offers an overview of cardiac injury, including its causes, diagnostic challenges, and the evolution of biomarkers, up to the development and commercialization of "high-sensitivity" (hs-) cTns. The molecular structure of cardiac isoforms cTnI and cTnT, release kinetics, guidelines incorporation, diagnostic performance, and clinical application will be analyzed. It is concluded that the advent of hs-cTn assays has further expanded diagnostic capabilities by enabling the detection of low-level cTn elevations, which were previously undetectable using conventional methods. This enhanced sensitivity allows earlier identification of even minor cardiac injuries, facilitating prompt intervention and improving patient outcomes. However, this increased sensitivity also introduces interpretive challenges in understanding the nature of cardiac involvement, especially in distinguishing mild cTn elevations that may signify non-ischemic cardiac injury or be associated with other non-cardiac conditions.
View details for DOI 10.1515/cclm-2025-0418
View details for PubMedID 40319385
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Dietary Trends, Microbiome, and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review
HEART AND MIND
2025; 9 (3): 237-254
View details for DOI 10.4103/hm.HM-D-24-00109
View details for Web of Science ID 001518929900005
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COVID-19 and obesity: 2025 perspective on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and public health implications
JOURNAL OF LABORATORY AND PRECISION MEDICINE
2025; 10
View details for DOI 10.21037/jlpm-24-57
View details for Web of Science ID 001494058300004
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Effect of Exercise Training in Patients with Chronotropic Incompetence and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: The TRAINING-HR Randomized Clinical Trial.
European journal of preventive cardiology
2025
Abstract
Chronotropic incompetence (ChI) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with a reduced exercise capacity. The role of exercise training in improving chronotropic response (ChR) and functional capacity in these patients remains uncertain. This study assessed the effects of four different exercise programs on peak oxygen consumption (peakVO₂), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score and ChR in patients with the ChI HFpEF phenotype.In this randomized clinical trial, 80 symptomatic (NYHA class II-III/IV) patients with the ChI HFpEF phenotype were randomized (1:1:1:1) to one of four interventions: (a) a 12-week supervised aerobic training (AT) program, (b) AT with low-intensity strength training (AT/LRT), (c) AT with moderate- to high-intensity strength training (AT/HRT), or (d) non-supervised exercise recommendations (ER). The primary endpoint was the change in peakVO2 at 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in ChR and KCCQ. A linear regression model was used.The mean age of 80 participants was 75.1±7.2 years, and 59.6% were women. Baseline values for peakVO2, chronotropic index, and KCCQ were 11.8±2.6 mL/kg/min, 0.4±0.2, and 63.5±17.9, respectively, with no significant differences across arms. All supervised training programs led to significant improvements in peakVO2 compared to ER: AT/HRT: Δ+4.0, (95% CI: 2.9 to 5.1, p< 0.001), AT/LRT: Δ+3.6, (95% CI: 2.5-4.6, p<0.001), and AT: Δ+2.9, (95% CI: 1.9-4.0, p<0.001). AT/HRT was superior over AT alone: Δ+1.1, (95% CI, 0.1 to 2.2, p=0.046). Likewise, supervised exercise improved ChR and KCCQ without statistical differences between groups.Different supervised exercise training improved peakVO2, ChR and KCCQ in patients with ChI HFpEF phenotype.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05649787).
View details for DOI 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf269
View details for PubMedID 40294211
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Stepping up physical activity and fitness is needed for longevity.
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2025
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2025.03.012
View details for PubMedID 40122436
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Fall-related mortality in older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic
JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS
2025; 73 (1): 29-31
View details for DOI 10.36150/2499-6564-N767
View details for Web of Science ID 001483143600004
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The recent (2018-2022) US monthly mortality for acute myocardial infarction still peaks in December and January.
The American journal of medicine
2025
Abstract
To verify whether the trend of AMI mortality throughout the different months of the year may have recently changed in the US due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and climate changes.We examined monthly mortality trends for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the U.S. from 2018 to 2022 by conducting an electronic search of the latest version of the CDC Wonder (Wide-Ranging, Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) online database. We calculated and analyzed the mean and standard deviation (SD) of cumulative AMI deaths each month from 2018 to 2022.We observed a notable seasonal pattern, with mortality peaking in December and January and dropping from June to September. AMI-related deaths were significantly higher in January compared to other months, except December, with no significant difference between December and January (p = 0.868). The lowest mortality rates were observed in summer, with a marked decline between March and September. Statistically, the monthly variation in mean AMI deaths was significant (ANOVA, f = 13.1, p < 0.001).Healthcare systems should allocate resources effectively during winter to manage this seasonal burden.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.01.006
View details for PubMedID 39832700
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The Forgotten Connection: Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease
HEART AND MIND
2025; 9 (1): 3-4
View details for DOI 10.4103/hm.HM-D-24-00096
View details for Web of Science ID 001430595600010
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Mortality of Post-COVID-19 Condition: 2025 Update
COVID
2025; 5 (1)
View details for DOI 10.3390/covid5010011
View details for Web of Science ID 001405688700001
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The Acquisition of Cardiovascular Adaptation to Aerobic Exercise: When Does It Begin and How Does It Evolve Depending on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors?
The Canadian journal of cardiology
2024
Abstract
The acquisition and evolution of cardiovascular (CV) adaptation to physical activity or exercise training are critical in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and reducing CV disease (CVD) risk. CV adaptations to exercise occur through structural, functional, and molecular changes that enhance cardiac efficiency. These adaptations, such as increased stroke volume, improved blood pressure regulation, and enhanced endothelial function, collectively reduce CVD morbidity and mortality. This review explores how cardiovascular adaptations vary across different demographics, highlighting the importance of exercise timing, intensity, and recovery periods. It delves into the immediate physiological responses to physical activity, such as increased heart rate and cardiac output, and the longer-term adaptations, including cardiac hypertrophy and improved vascular function. The influence of age, sex, and pre-existing health conditions on cardiovascular responses to exercise is also discussed, emphasizing the need for tailored exercise interventions. Finally, the review highlights the significance of recovery periods in optimizing cardiovascular adaptations and how insufficient recovery may lead to adverse outcomes. Overall, understanding the timing and evolution of cardiovascular adaptations can inform exercise prescriptions to improve cardiovascular health across populations for the primary and secondary prevention of CVD.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.12.023
View details for PubMedID 39709011
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Excess mortality for acute myocardial infarction in the United States during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2024
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.03.006
View details for PubMedID 38519007
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Physical Activity, Long-COVID, and Inactivity: A Detrimental Endless Loop.
Journal of physical activity & health
2024: 1-3
Abstract
The risk of developing medium- and long-term sequelae after recovery from COVID-19 is validated. Long-COVID burden represents a major health care issue, thus paving the way to effective prevention and/or treatment measures. Physical activity prevents many human pathologies, including COVID-19. Being physically active before and immediately after a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection substantially lowers the risk of developing long-COVID. In addition, long-COVID is an important cause of physical inactivity. Physically inactive individuals are at increased risk of developing long-COVID, while patients with long-COVID are more likely to reduce their physical activity levels after recovering from the acute infection, with the risk of generating a continuous loop. This harmful interaction needs to be recognized by public health institutions, and the adoption of physical activity as a routine clinical practice in all individuals after a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection needs to be proactively promoted.
View details for DOI 10.1123/jpah.2024-0057
View details for PubMedID 38467123
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Being fit in the COVID-19 era and future epidemics prevention: Importance of cardiopulmonary exercise test in fitness evaluation.
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2024
Abstract
Endurance and resistance physical activity have been shown to stimulate the production of immunoglobulins and boost the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, natural killer cells, and neutrophils in the bloodstream, thereby strengthening the ability of the innate immune system to protect against diseases and infections. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) greatly impacted people's cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health worldwide. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) remains valuable in assessing physical condition, predicting illness severity, and guiding interventions and treatments. In this narrative review, we summarize the connections and impact of COVID-19 on CRF levels and its implications on the disease's progression, prognosis, and mortality. We also emphasize the significant contribution of CPET in both clinical evaluations of recovering COVID-19 patients and scientific investigations focused on comprehending the enduring health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.03.001
View details for PubMedID 38452909
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Systematic literature review and critical analysis of RDW in patients with aortic pathologies.
Current problems in cardiology
2024; 49 (5): 102476
Abstract
Diseases of the aorta, such as aortic aneurysm, dissection, and rupture, account for a large proportion of acute clinical emergencies. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which directly reflects anisocytosis (i.e., the heterogeneity of erythrocyte volumes), has emerged as a promising biomarker for many cardiovascular pathologies. Thus, we aimed to explore the implication of RDW in aortic pathologies. We searched Scopus and PubMed using the keywords "RDW" OR "red blood cell distribution width" AND "aortic aneurysm" OR "aortic dilatation" OR "aortic dissection" for identifying studies in which RDW values were measured in patients with these aortic diseases. Ten observational studies were finally included. In all studies, RDW value was increased in patients with aortic diseases. In the four studies in which sufficient RDW data were available for pooling, the weighted mean difference (WMD) of RDW in patients with or without complicated aortic pathologies was 0.575 (95 %CI, 0.254-0.896). RDW may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with aortic pathologies.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102476
View details for PubMedID 38395117
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Strict regulations on energy drinks to protect Minors' health in Europe - It is never too late to set things right at home.
Preventive medicine
2024; 180: 107889
Abstract
The consumption of energy drinks poses significant risks to minors' health, and strict regulations are urgently needed to protect them. The high caffeine, high sugar, and high caloric content of energy drinks have drawn concern from health professionals. The consumption of energy drinks has been linked to unhealthy dietary behaviors, obesity, and mental health problems in adolescents. The psychoactive and stimulant effects of energy drinks are particularly worrisome, and the marketing of these drinks on social media platforms is also a cause for alarm. In light of these concerns, we strongly recommend policy measures, such as restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to minors, to prevent their health risks. The evidence clearly suggests that energy drinks pose significant risks to minors' health and well-being, and regulatory standards must be implemented without further delay.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107889
View details for PubMedID 38325607
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The weekly mortality for ischemic heart disease in the US still peaks on mondays.
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2024
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.01.007
View details for PubMedID 38219979
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Another big win for cardiorespiratory fitness now in aortic valve disease.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
2023; 64 (5)
View details for DOI 10.1093/ejcts/ezad353
View details for PubMedID 37933432
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Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a significant predictor of survival in laryngeal cancer patients: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
Journal of medical biochemistry
2023; 42 (4): 557-564
Abstract
This systematic literature review and meta-analysis investigated whether the red blood cell distribution (RDW) may predict survival outcomes in laryngeal cancer patients undergoing curative treatment.We conducted an electronic search in Medline and Scopus using the keywords "red blood cell distribution width" OR "RDW" AND "laryngeal cancer" OR "larynx cancer" OR "laryngeal carcinoma" OR "larynx carcinoma," without time or language restrictions (up to February 2023), for identifying studies investigating the prognostic value of RDW in patients with any form of laryngeal cancer and with a primary endpoint that was set as survival rate and/or disease-free survival between 1 and 10 years after curative treatment. The research was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 reporting checklist.
View details for DOI 10.5937/jomb0-42947
View details for PubMedID 38090509
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10712959
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Gender-Based Clinical, Therapeutic Strategies and Prognosis Differences in Atrial Fibrillation.
Journal of cardiovascular development and disease
2023; 10 (10)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are limited data on gender-based differences in atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment and prognosis. We aimed to examine gender-related differences in medical attention in an emergency department (ED) and follow-up (FU) among patients diagnosed with an AF episode and to determine whether there are gender-related differences in clinical characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and long-term adverse events in this population.METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients who presented to a tertiary hospital ER for AF from 2010 to 2015, with a minimum FU of one year. Data on medical attention received, mortality, and other adverse outcomes were collected and analyzed.RESULTS: Among the 2013 patients selected, 1232 (60%) were female. Women were less likely than men to be evaluated by a cardiologist during the ED visit (11.5% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.001) and were less likely to be admitted (5.9% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.05). Electrical cardioversion was performed more frequently in men, both during the first episode (3.4% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.001) and during FU (15.9% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001), despite a lower AF recurrence rate in women (9.9% vs. 18.1%). During FU, women had more hospitalizations for heart failure (26.2% vs. 16.1%, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF, although there were no gender differences in mortality, there were significant differences in clinical outcomes, medical attention received, and therapeutic strategies. Women underwent fewer attempts at cardioversion, had a lower probability of being evaluated by cardiologists, and showed a higher probability of hospitalization for heart failure. Being alert to these inequities should facilitate the adoption of measures to correct them.
View details for DOI 10.3390/jcdd10100434
View details for PubMedID 37887881
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SARS-CoV-2: An Update on the Biological Interplay with the Human Host
COVID
2023; 3 (10): 1586-1600
View details for DOI 10.3390/covid3100108
View details for Web of Science ID 001178382900001
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Reducing Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease: Stepping Up Our Game.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
2023
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.08.007
View details for PubMedID 37676197
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COVID-19 and smoking: Considerations after two years.
European journal of internal medicine
2023
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.05.026
View details for PubMedID 37246023
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10208265
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Post-COVID or long-COVID? That is the question Reply
POLISH ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE-POLSKIE ARCHIWUM MEDYCYNY WEWNETRZNEJ
2023; 133 (5)
View details for DOI 10.20452/pamw.16507
View details for Web of Science ID 001039051600023
View details for PubMedID 37219465
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Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Athletes - A Dangerous Relationship.
Current problems in cardiology
2023: 101799
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a disease characterized by a progressive replacement of myocardium by fibro-adipose material, predisposing to ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Its prevalence is estimated at 1:2000 to 1:5000, with a higher incidence in males, and clinical onset is usually between the 2nd and 4th decade of life. The prevalence of ACM in SCD victims is relatively high, making it one of the most common etiologies in young patients with SCD, especially if they are athletes. Cardiac events occur more frequently in individuals with ACM who participate in competitive sports and/or high-intensity training. In effect, exercise activity can worsen RV function in cases of hereditary ACM. Estimating the incidence of SCD caused by ACM in athletes remains challenging, being reported frequency ranging from 3-20%. Here, we review the potential implications of exercising on the clinical course of the classical genetic form of ACM, as well as the diagnostic tools, risk stratification, and the different therapeutic tools available for managing ACM.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101799
View details for PubMedID 37172878
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Maladaptive versus adaptative cardiovascular phenotype in response to exercise training: Expert opinion of the evidence
HEART AND MIND
2023; 7 (2): 57-61
View details for DOI 10.4103/hm.HM-D-23-00005
View details for Web of Science ID 001144635100002
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COVID-19 and its long-term sequelae: what do we know in 2023?
POLISH ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE-POLSKIE ARCHIWUM MEDYCYNY WEWNETRZNEJ
2023
Abstract
Post‑viral syndrome is a well‑known medical condition characterized by different levels of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairment that may persist with fluctuating severity after recovering from an acute viral infection. Unsurprisingly, COVID‑19 may also be accompanied by medium- and long‑term clinical sequelae after recovering from a SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. Although many clinical definitions have been provided, "long‑COVID" can be defined as a condition occurring in patients with a history of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection, developing 3 months from the symptoms onset, persisting for at least 2 months, and not explained by alternative diagnoses. According to recent global analyses, the cumulative prevalence of long‑COVID seems to range between 9% and 63%, and is up to 6‑fold higher than that of similar postviral infection conditions. Long‑COVID primarily encompasses the presence of at least 1 symptom, such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment / brain fog, postexertional malaise, memory issues, musculoskeletal pain / spasms, cough, sleep disturbances, tachycardia / palpitations, altered smell / taste perception, headache, chest pain, and depression. The most important demographic and clinical predictors to date are female sex, older age, cigarette smoking, pre‑existing medical conditions, lack of COVID‑19 vaccination, infection with pre‑Omicron SARS‑CoV‑2 variants, number of acute phase symptoms, viral load, severe / critical COVID‑19 illness, as well as invasive mechanical ventilation. Concerning the care for long‑COVID patients, the greatest challenge is the fact that this syndrome cannot be considered a single clinical entity, and thus it needs an integrated multidisciplinary management, specifically tailored to the type and severity of symptoms.
View details for DOI 10.20452/pamw.16402
View details for Web of Science ID 000916942100001
View details for PubMedID 36626183
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Body Composition and Pulmonary Diseases
COPD-JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
2022; 19 (1): 262-264
View details for DOI 10.1080/15412555.2022.2070465
View details for Web of Science ID 000799145300001
View details for PubMedID 35604833
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Estimating Worldwide Impact of Low Physical Activity on Risk of Developing Ischemic Heart Disease-Related Disability: An Updated Search in the 2019 Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx).
Medicines (Basel, Switzerland)
2022; 9 (11)
Abstract
We provide here updated analysis of the impact of physical inactivity on risk of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD)-related disability along with the latest 10-year progression. We collected data through an electronic search in the 2019 Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) database using the keywords "low physical activity", complemented with the additional epidemiologic variables "disability-adjusted life years" (DALYs; number); "ischemic heart disease"; "socio-demographic index" (SDI); "age"; "sex" and "year", for calculating volume of DALYs lost due to physical activity (PA)-related disability after IHD (LPA-IHD impairment). Based on this search, the overall LPA-IHD impairment was estimated at 7.6 million DALYs in 2019 (3.9 and 3.7 million DALYs in males and females, respectively), thus representing nearly 50% of all PA-related disabilities. The highest impact of LPA-IHD impairment was observed in middle SDI countries, being the lowest in low SDI countries. The LPA-IHD DALYs increased by 17.5% in both sexes during the past 10 years (19.2% in males, and 15.8% in females, respectively), though this trend was dissimilar among different SDI areas, especially during the past two years. In high and high-middle SDI countries, the LPA-IHD grew during the past 2 years, whilst the trend remained stable or declined in other regions. In conclusion, LPA-IHD impairment remains substantial worldwide, leading the way to reinforce current policies aimed at increasing PA volume in the population.
View details for DOI 10.3390/medicines9110055
View details for PubMedID 36355060
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A systematic review of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in occupational groups - Does occupation matter in the global epidemic of metabolic syndrome?
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2022; 75: 69-77
Abstract
Many occupations can influence the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This systematic review aims to evaluate studies on MetS prevalence in different occupational groups from different countries. An integrative review of the literature was conducted within the PubMed and Web of Science databases between January 2005 and February 2022. Only studies with over 3000 subjects that presented data about the prevalence of MetS in different occupational groups were included. The classification of occupational groups was based on the statistical category of economic activities in the European Community (EC). Of a total of 1942 screened records, ten studies were included, showing that MetS is a common health (main) risk factor in all occupational groups. However, the prevalence of MetS varies between nationalities, between and within occupational groups, and between genders. The reasons for this variation appear complex and supported by several causal explanations. The prevalence of MetS was highest among women in a group of Korean skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers (Prevalence: 39.2%). Similarly, among men, the highest prevalence was found in Korean equipment, machine operating, and assembling workers (Prevalence: 35.4%). Male information and communication technology professionals from the Netherlands (Prevalence: 6.2%) and Spanish female catering and hospitality, personal, and security service workers (Prevalence: 5.9%) had the lowest rates of MetS. Overall, the results indicated that valid data on this topic are insufficient, and more randomized controlled trials are needed. Moreover, the different definitions of MetS complicate the accurate comparison between studies, paving the way to achieving consensus on a universal definition of MetS.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.09.003
View details for PubMedID 36162483
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Benzodiazepines consumption may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
2022; 314: 124-125
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.017
View details for Web of Science ID 000910864800015
View details for PubMedID 35839941
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9276539
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[Estimacion de la carga del deterioro de la salud mental despues de COVID-19].
Revista de psiquiatria y salud mental
2022
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rpsm.2022.09.002
View details for PubMedID 36128011
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Atherosclerosis biomarkers and resting heart rate: Active players or simple bystanders?
KARDIOLOGIA POLSKA
2022; 80 (10): 972-973
View details for DOI 10.33963/KP.a2022.0215
View details for Web of Science ID 000885979300001
View details for PubMedID 36106852
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Increased HDL-C Values and Mortality: Revolutionizing a Historical Paradigm?
SEMINARS IN THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS
2022; 48 (08): 988-990
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0042-1753484
View details for Web of Science ID 000849034500009
View details for PubMedID 36055258
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Coronavirus disease 2019, hypertension, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
Current opinion in cardiology
2022; 37 (5): 419-423
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mostly uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) as cellular receptor for entering the host cells. Some, but not all, animal studies have shown that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors can increase ACE-2 expression. On that premise, it was hypothesized that these agents could make it more likely to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On the other hand, there was also evidence that being on these agents could lessen the severity of the lung injury in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we review the available evidence on the role of RAAS inhibitors on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 development.Recent randomized controlled trials demonstrate that RAAS blockade or withdrawal does not influence the severity of COVID-19 in patients who are already on these medications. Currently, there is no evidence to support stopping RAAS inhibitors in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Several questions still need to be addressed. Ongoing studies are currently evaluating the de novo use of RAAS inhibitors in patients with COVID-19. Another area that needs to be investigated is whether or not using these medications increase the risk of infection.The wealth of evidence indicates that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blocker administration has no harmful effects on hospitalizations and severity of COVID-19 in patients already on these medications and might even reduce mortality among hypertensive patients diagnosed with COVID-19. More evidence and data need to be collected, and at this time, these agents should not be discontinued.
View details for DOI 10.1097/HCO.0000000000000982
View details for PubMedID 35913369
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Fit Is It for Longevity Across Populations.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
2022; 80 (6): 610-612
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacc.2022.05.030
View details for PubMedID 35926934
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Cytokeratin 18 cell death assays as biomarkers for quantification of apoptosis and necrosis in COVID-19: a prospective, observational study.
Journal of clinical pathology
2022; 75 (6): 410-415
Abstract
The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 triggers cell damage and necrosis are yet to be fully elucidated. We sought to quantify epithelial cell death in patients with COVID-19, with an estimation of relative contributions of apoptosis and necrosis.Blood samples were collected prospectively from adult patients presenting to the emergency department. Circulating levels of caspase-cleaved (apoptosis) and total cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) (total cell death) were determined using M30 and M65 enzyme assays, respectively. Intact CK-18 (necrosis) was estimated by subtracting M30 levels from M65.A total of 52 COVID-19 patients and 27 matched sick controls (with respiratory symptoms not due to COVID-19) were enrolled. Compared with sick controls, COVID-19 patients had higher levels of M65 (p = 0.046, total cell death) and M30 (p = 0.0079, apoptosis). Hospitalised COVID-19 patients had higher levels of M65 (p= 0.014) and intact CK-18 (p= 0.004, necrosis) than discharged patients. Intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted COVID-19 patients had higher levels of M65 (p= 0.004), M30 (p= 0.004) and intact CK-18 (p= 0.033) than hospitalised non-ICU admitted patients. In multivariable logistic regression, elevated levels of M65, M30 and intact CK-18 were associated with increased odds of ICU admission (OR=22.05, p=0.014, OR=19.71, p=0.012 and OR=14.12, p=0.016, respectively).Necrosis appears to be the main driver of hospitalisation, whereas apoptosis and necrosis appear to drive ICU admission. Elevated levels CK-18 levels are independent predictors of severe disease, and could be useful for risk stratification of COVID-19 patients and in assessment of therapeutic efficacy in early-phase COVID-19 clinical trials.
View details for DOI 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207242
View details for PubMedID 33789919
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8025250
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Protecting against sedentary lifestyle, left atrial enlargement and atrial fibrillation
OPEN HEART
2022; 9 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1136/openhrt-2022-001962
View details for Web of Science ID 000756897000002
View details for PubMedID 35165169
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8845329
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Role of plakophilin-2 expression on exercise-related progression of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a translational study
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
2022; 43 (12): 1251-1264
Abstract
Exercise increases arrhythmia risk and cardiomyopathy progression in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients, but the mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated transcriptomic changes caused by endurance training in mice deficient in plakophilin-2 (PKP2cKO), a desmosomal protein important for intercalated disc formation, commonly mutated in ARVC and controls.Exercise alone caused transcriptional downregulation of genes coding intercalated disk proteins. The changes converged with those in sedentary and in exercised PKP2cKO mice. PKP2 loss caused cardiac contractile deficit, decreased muscle mass and increased functional/transcriptomic signatures of apoptosis, despite increased fractional shortening and calcium transient amplitude in single myocytes. Exercise accelerated cardiac dysfunction, an effect dampened by pre-training animals prior to PKP2-KO. Consistent with PKP2-dependent muscle mass deficit, cardiac dimensions in human athletes carrying PKP2 mutations were reduced, compared to matched controls.We speculate that exercise challenges a cardiomyocyte "desmosomal reserve" which, if impaired genetically (e.g., PKP2 loss), accelerates progression of cardiomyopathy.
View details for DOI 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab772
View details for Web of Science ID 000771129200015
View details for PubMedID 34932122
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8934688
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Physical Activity, Screen Time, Sedentary and Sleeping Habits of Polish Preschoolers during the COVID-19 Pandemic and WHO's Recommendations: An Observational Cohort Study
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
2021; 18 (21)
Abstract
Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a significant decrease in physical activity, an increase in sedentary behavior, and thus also such things as screen time or a change in health behavior patterns. The survey aimed to compare levels of physical activity, screen time, hours spent sitting and sleeping time among Polish children aged 3-5 years of age before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.We identified 3000 respondents under five years of age, at Polish kindergartens. The questionnaire consists of 62 questions according to the recommendations of health behavior in school-aged children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of these children.Only 30.77% of children complied with WHO criteria before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the percentage of children meeting the recommendations for physical activity decreased even more. Children spent much more time in a sitting position before the restrictions. The children slept as recommended 10-13 h a day, and the pandemic caused an increase in sleep duration of 10-18%. Most children had a limited time allowed for the use of electronic devices already before the pandemic, but during the pandemic the results negatively decreased by 71.54%.The results clearly indicate decreased physical activity and increased screen time. It is also crucial to develop recommendations for prevention management strategies of sedentary lifestyles in the youngest group.
View details for DOI 10.3390/ijerph182111173
View details for Web of Science ID 000718713000001
View details for PubMedID 34769692
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8583704
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Role of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of deleterious cardiovascular effects in sepsis
PROGRESS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
2021; 68: 70-77
Abstract
The mechanisms occurring during sepsis that produce an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) are poorly understood. Even less information exists regarding CV dysfunction as a complication of sepsis, particularly for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. However, recent research has demonstrated that non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, play a crucial role in genetic reprogramming, gene regulation, and inflammation during the development of CVD. Here we describe experimental findings showing the importance of non-coding RNAs mediating relevant mechanisms underlying CV dysfunction after sepsis, so contributing to sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Importantly, non-coding RNAs are critical novel regulators of CVD risk factors. Thus, they are potential candidates to improve diagnostics and prognosis of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and other CVD events occurring after sepsis and set the basis to design novel therapeutic strategies.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2021.07.005
View details for Web of Science ID 000713012700010
View details for PubMedID 34265333
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Cardiac magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of the unusually detected acute myocarditis in the young people: a case report
AME CASE REPORTS
2021; 5: 35
Abstract
Myocarditis is among the causes of arrhythmic sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes, with viral infection being the most common cause worldwide. Myocarditis recently has been reported as one of the cardiac complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in athletes. Here we present a case of a 20-year-old male recreational soccer player with an episode of loss of consciousness in the context of respiratory infection. The patient reports having woken up with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, and after playing a soccer match, he developed dizziness and a headache. He then suffered vasovagal syncope without loss of sphincter control. Physical examination, heart auscultation, peripheral and carotid pulses, and blood, microbiological/serological tests result on admission were normal. Moreover, no jugular engorgement at 45º, malleolar edema, or other heart failure signs were found. The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, 24-hour Holter-ECG did not reveal any significant finding. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was finally performed, revealing an abnormal signal increase was observed at the apical level in the short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR) and 4-chamber sequences. In addition, a pattern of apical fibrosis was observed in 4- and 2-chamber and short-axis late enhancement sequences for assessment of myocardial viability confirming the diagnosis of myocarditis. In athletes with suspected myocarditis, CMR seems to be a useful diagnostic tool, with excellent sensitivity for detecting inflammation, myocardial edema, and/or focal scarring.
View details for DOI 10.21037/acr-21-24
View details for Web of Science ID 000798200100005
View details for PubMedID 34805754
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8572676
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Does abdominal obesity influence immunological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection?
EXPERT REVIEW OF ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
2021: 271-272
View details for DOI 10.1080/17446651.2021.1979392
View details for Web of Science ID 000696877500001
View details for PubMedID 34533093
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8459928
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Exercise Effects On Cardiovascular Disease: From Basic Aspects To Clinical Evidence.
Cardiovascular research
2021
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of major morbidity and CVD- and all-cause mortality in most of the world. It is now clear that regular physical activity (PA) and exercise training (ET) induces a wide range of direct and indirect physiologic adaptations and pleiotropic benefits for human general and CV health. Generally, higher levels of PA, ET, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are correlated with reduced risk of CVD, including myocardial infarction, CVD-related death, and all-cause mortality. Although exact details regarding the ideal doses of ET, including resistance and, especially, aerobic ET, as well as the potential adverse effects of extreme levels of ET, continue to be investigated, there is no question that most of the world's population have insufficient levels of PA/ET, and many also have lower than ideal levels of CRF. Therefore, assessment and promotion of PA, ET, and efforts to improve levels of CRF should be integrated into all health professionals' practices worldwide. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss the exercise effects on many areas related to CVD, from basic aspects to clinical practice.
View details for DOI 10.1093/cvr/cvab272
View details for PubMedID 34478520
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Searching for a clinically validated definition of "asymptomatic" COVID-19 infection
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
2021; 75 (9): e14085
View details for DOI 10.1111/ijcp.14085
View details for Web of Science ID 000684589800027
View details for PubMedID 34388938
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8420327
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Critical role of cardiac magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of left-dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: A paradigmatic case in a recreational middle-aged athlete.
HeartRhythm case reports
2021; 7 (7): 453-456
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hrcr.2021.03.026
View details for PubMedID 34307028
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Body Mass Index and Risk for Intubation or Death in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
2021; 174 (6): 885-886
View details for DOI 10.7326/L21-0014
View details for Web of Science ID 000661788700038
View details for PubMedID 34126017
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Cardiac troponin elevation in patients with influenza virus infections
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
2021; 44 (2): 183-189
Abstract
The association between acute infections and cardiac injury, including myocarditis and acute myocardial infarction, is now well established. We have performed a systematic literature review for analyzing the results of epidemiological studies that measured cardiac troponins (cTn) in patients with Influenza virus infections. Overall, 14 articles were finally identified and analyzed. Taken together, the results of the scientific literature suggest that cTn elevation is a relatively rare phenomenon in patients with Influenza virus infection, with frequency generally comprised between 0 and 33%, more likely in elderly patients with significant comorbidities. In patients with modest cTn elevations, this phenomenon is apparently self-limited, transient and reversible, and especially involves patients with Influenza A (especially H1N1). In the minority of patients exhibiting an abrupt appearance of cardiovascular symptoms and concomitant elevation of cTn values, the relative increase of this biomarker reflects the presence of an underlying cardiac injury, that can be either myocarditis or an acute ischemic episode. Enhanced cTn values can also be more frequently observed in Influenza patients with complicated disease, in those developing acute respiratory distress syndrome and cardiac dysfunction, as well as in those at higher risk of death. cTn measurement shall be considered a valuable option in all patients developing acute cardiovascular symptoms during Influenza virus infections, as well as in those bearing cardiac or extra-cardiac comorbidities who bear a higher risk of complications.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bj.2020.06.001
View details for Web of Science ID 000656663000010
View details for PubMedID 33097442
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8178554
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Link between cardiovascular disease and the risk of falling: a comprehensive review of the evidence.
Polish archives of internal medicine
2021; 131 (4): 369-376
Abstract
Falls are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, rising hospital readmission rates, decreased patient independence, and strained healthcare resources. In aged populations and individuals with multimorbidity, cardiovascular conditions may contribute towards an increased propensity to fall. The prevalence of cardiovascular conditions generally increases with age, and understanding potential fall risk factors may help to minimize the risk of falls and develop preventive interventions. Acting on even one such risk factor or introducing an appropriate intervention may reduce the overall propensity for a patient to fall. Further prevention strategies primed towards cardiovascular ailments should be elucidated and trialed.
View details for DOI 10.20452/pamw.15849
View details for PubMedID 33629828
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In Reply - Cardio respiratory Fitness Attenuates the Impact of Risk Factors Associated With COVID-19 Hospitalization
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2021; 96 (3): 823-824
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.01.004
View details for Web of Science ID 000632259400042
View details for PubMedID 33673936
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7816951
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CT-Determined Maximum Pulmonary Artery to Ascending Aorta Diameter Ratio in Nonsevere COVID-19 Patients
ACADEMIC RADIOLOGY
2021; 28 (3): 440-441
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.acra.2020.12.023
View details for Web of Science ID 000632824300026
View details for PubMedID 33478887
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7834716
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Response to: Is newly diagnosed diabetes a stronger risk factor than pre-existing diabetes for COVID-19 severity?
Journal of diabetes
2021; 13 (2): 179-180
View details for DOI 10.1111/1753-0407.13127
View details for PubMedID 33128349
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Atrial fibrillation in athletes and non-athletes: evidence of different causative mechanisms
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
2021; 22 (6): 723
View details for DOI 10.1093/ehjci/jeab018
View details for Web of Science ID 000661131100033
View details for PubMedID 33517428
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Fit Is It for Cardiovascular Disease Prediction, Prevention, and Treatment
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2021; 37 (2): 193-195
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.05.007
View details for Web of Science ID 000620798900009
View details for PubMedID 32413548
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Web searches for anxiolytic drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak in the USA
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL PHARMACY
2022; 29 (3): e2
View details for DOI 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002671
View details for Web of Science ID 000728287400001
View details for PubMedID 33504508
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9047903
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Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Coagulopathy
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2021; 96 (1): 203-217
Abstract
Patients with the severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been frequently found to suffer from both arterial and venous thrombotic events due to the perpetuation of a hypercoagulable state. This phenomenon, termed COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, is now considered a major component of the pathophysiology of this novel infectious disease, leading to widespread thrombosis. While at first, the vascular insults may be limited to the pulmonary microvasculature, as the disease progresses, systemic involvement occurs, culminating in distant organ thrombosis and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. In this review article, we discuss recent insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and review the clinical, histopathologic, and laboratory evidence, which leads us to conclude that COVID-19 is both a pulmonary and vascular disorder.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.10.031
View details for Web of Science ID 000607506900028
View details for PubMedID 33413819
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7604017
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Fit Is It in COVID-19, Future Pandemics, and Overall Healthy Living
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2021; 96 (1): 7-9
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.11.013
View details for Web of Science ID 000607506900003
View details for PubMedID 33413836
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7685131
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Place of residence, physical activity, use of electronic devices and health consequences in girls with scoliosis
ANNALS OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
2021; 28 (3): 509-515
Abstract
Physical activity has been reduced in the 21st century and is a phenomenon which is now an important problem. The study focuses on the reasons for this lack of physical activity in adolescent girls diagnosed with scoliosis, and the possibility of preventing and effectively promoting a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between place of residence (rural and urban) and physical activity in girls with scoliosis.A group of 43 girls aged 16-18 years (x = 16.97 ± 0.88) with AIS (mean Cobb angle = 16.32 ± 3.55) who were rural inhabitants were examined. The control group included 39 young girls in the same age group and AIS who were living in towns (mean Cobb angle = 18.53 ± 4.3). BMI was calculated in percentiles and the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire s) was administered.The results showed decreased physical activity and a reduction in total sedentary time each week, which was higher in girls living in the countryside than in those living in towns (P<.001). Electronic devices were commonly used in both groups of girls.The global weekly physical activity in girls living in the countryside was higher than that in girls living in the towns. A lower level of physical activity was noted in the girls exempted from PE at school. Body acceptance and fewer body image issues were noted in girls living in the countryside.
View details for DOI 10.26444/aaem/130268
View details for Web of Science ID 000701684300024
View details for PubMedID 34558277
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In reply- Association of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers with Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2020; 95 (11): 2561-2563
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.09.011
View details for Web of Science ID 000588152700039
View details for PubMedID 33153643
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7489921
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Consumer wearable technologies to identify and monitor exercise-related arrhythmias in athletes.
Current opinion in cardiology
2020
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to synthesize the current evidence supporting and against the use of wearable devices to detect underlying heart conditions in athletes and the most significant limitations.RECENT FINDINGS: Although several large studies have been conducted to evaluate the ability of wearables devices to identify atrial fibrillation among the general population, no studies evaluating their ability to detect other exercise-related arrhythmias in athletes are very sparse. Most of the studies or case reports are focused on the wearables' reliability and accuracy compared with standard ECG. Only small studies evaluating the accuracy of one wearable device in athletes have been carried out to date. Unfortunately, none of them have investigated their ability to detect specific arrhythmias in the athletic population.SUMMARY: Rapidly detecting dangerous arrhythmias in a symptomatic athlete continues to be an elusive goal. The use of smartphone ECG monitors can provide diagnostic data in athletes with symptoms that could represent a helpful instrument. However, many uncertainties remain and need to be addressed and validated in large-scale trials to incorporate these devices into the healthcare system and be part of an athlete's daily monitoring and healthcare.
View details for DOI 10.1097/HCO.0000000000000817
View details for PubMedID 33074935
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Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients dying from COVID-19 in Italy vs China.
Journal of medical virology
2020; 92 (10): 1759-1760
View details for DOI 10.1002/jmv.25860
View details for PubMedID 32275075
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7262193
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Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in COVID-19-Associated Sepsis: The Potential Role of Anti-Oxidant Therapy in Avoiding Disease Progression
ANTIOXIDANTS
2020; 9 (10)
Abstract
Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak emerged, countless efforts are being made worldwide to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an attempt to identify the specific clinical characteristics of critically ill COVID-19 patients involved in its pathogenesis and provide therapeutic alternatives to minimize COVID-19 severity. Recently, COVID-19 has been closely related to sepsis, which suggests that most deceases in intensive care units (ICU) may be a direct consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced sepsis. Understanding oxidative stress and the molecular inflammation mechanisms contributing to COVID-19 progression to severe phenotypes such as sepsis is a current clinical need in the effort to improve therapies in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. This article aims to review the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to sepsis progression. We also provide an overview of potential antioxidant therapies and active clinical trials that might prevent disease progression or reduce its severity.
View details for DOI 10.3390/antiox9100936
View details for Web of Science ID 000584181800001
View details for PubMedID 33003552
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7599810
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Repeated Testing in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2020; 95 (10): 2283-2284
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.08.007
View details for Web of Science ID 000581142500033
View details for PubMedID 33012357
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7416701
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Statins and other drugs: Facing COVID-19 as a vascular disease
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
2020; 159: 105033
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105033
View details for Web of Science ID 000566430900007
View details for PubMedID 32562814
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7834489
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Do genetic polymorphisms in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene play a role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine
2020; 58 (9): 1415-1422
Abstract
Although some demographic, clinical and environmental factors have been associated with a higher risk of developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and progressing towards severe disease, altogether these variables do not completely account for the different clinical presentations observed in patients with comparable baseline risk, whereby some subjects may remain totally asymptomatic, whilst others develop a very aggressive illness. Some predisposing genetic backgrounds can hence potentially explain the broad inter-individual variation of disease susceptibility and/or severity. It has been now clearly established that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19, infects the host cell through biding and being internalized with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a surface protein expressed in a noticeable number of human cells, especially in those of upper and lower respiratory tracts, heart, kidney, testis, adipose tissue, gastrointestinal system and in lymphocytes. Accumulating evidence now suggests that genetic polymorphisms in the ACE2 gene may modulate intermolecular interactions with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and/or contribute to pulmonary and systemic injury by fostering vasoconstriction, inflammation, oxidation and fibrosis. We hence argue that the development of genetic tests aimed at specifically identifying specific COVID-19-susceptible or -protective ACE2 variants in the general population may be a reasonable strategy for stratifying the risk of infection and/or unfavorable disease progression.
View details for DOI 10.1515/cclm-2020-0727
View details for PubMedID 32598305
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Should atrial fibrillation be considered a cardiovascular risk factor for a worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients?
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
2020; 41 (32): 3092-3093
View details for DOI 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa509
View details for Web of Science ID 000581008800012
View details for PubMedID 32688380
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7454510
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Why is COVID-19 especially impacting the African American population?
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
2020; 52 (7): 331-333
View details for DOI 10.1080/07853890.2020.1808695
View details for Web of Science ID 000560481500001
View details for PubMedID 32776788
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7877917
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Amiodarone in the COVID-19 Era: Treatment for Symptomatic Patients Only, or Drug to Prevent Infection?
American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions
2020
Abstract
Amiodarone, one of the most widely prescribed antiarrhythmic drugs to treat both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, has been identified as a candidate drug for use against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We present the rationale of using amiodarone in the COVID-19 scenario, as well as whether or not amiodarone administration represents a potential strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, rather than simply used to treat patients already symptomatic and/or with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), based on current evidence.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s40256-020-00429-7
View details for PubMedID 32737841
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Diabetes Mellitus Association with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Severity and Mortality: A Pooled Analysis.
Journal of diabetes
2020
View details for DOI 10.1111/1753-0407.13091
View details for PubMedID 32677321
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In reply-Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and the Resolution of Inflammation: In Support of Continuation of Prescribed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers.
Mayo Clinic proceedings
2020; 95 (7): 1553-1556
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.05.003
View details for PubMedID 32622458
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7241409
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Obesity and Outcomes in COVID-19: When an Epidemic and Pandemic Collide
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2020; 95 (7): 1445-1453
Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and in much of the westernized world, contributing to considerable morbidity. Several of these obesity-related morbidities are associated with greater risk for death with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 penetrates human cells through direct binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors on the cell surface. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in adipose tissue is higher than that in lung tissue, which means that adipose tissue may be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Obese patients also have worse outcomes with COVID-19 infection, including respiratory failure, need for mechanical ventilation, and higher mortality. Clinicians need to be more aggressive when treating obese, especially severely obese, patients with COVID-19 infection.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.05.006
View details for Web of Science ID 000549815300023
View details for PubMedID 32622449
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7236707
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Active smoking and COVID-19: a double-edged sword.
European journal of internal medicine
2020; 77: 123-124
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.04.060
View details for PubMedID 32439289
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7252038
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COVID-19 and obesity: links and risks.
Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism
2020; 15 (4): 215-216
View details for DOI 10.1080/17446651.2020.1767589
View details for PubMedID 32441223
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COVID-19: unravelling the clinical progression of nature's virtually perfect biological weapon.
Annals of translational medicine
2020; 8 (11): 693
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shocked the world and caused morbidity and mortality on an unprecedented level in the era of modern medicine. Evidence generated to-date on the virulence and pathogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suggests that COVID-19 may be considered a perfect storm, caused by a nature's virtually perfect biological weapon. This conclusion is supported by an updated analysis of pathogenesis and clinical progression of this infectious disease. It is now readily apparent that COVID-19 is not a clear-cut disorder, but is instead a gradually evolving pathology, characterized by a series of stages sustained by different molecular and biological mechanisms. The disease can hence be divided in at least five different phases (incubation, respiratory, pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, and death or remission). Whilst the virus triggers direct cytopathic injury during the initial stage of illness, in the following evolving phases, it is the host itself that undergoes an almost suicidal reaction, sustained, amplified and maintained by the immune, complement and hemostatic systems. Another peculiar property making SARS-CoV-2 a devious and vicious pathogen is the biophysical structure of its receptor biding domain, which needs to be primed by human proteases, thus being less efficiently targetable by the host immune system. The unique pathophysiology of COVID-19 requires the customization of therapy by individual patient characteristics and according to the phase-specific, evolving derangement of the multiple biological pathways.
View details for DOI 10.21037/atm-20-3989
View details for PubMedID 32617313
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7327324
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Antisense lipoprotein[a] therapy: State-of-the-art and future perspectives
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
2020; 76: 8-13
Abstract
Several lines of evidence now attest that lipoprotein[a] (Lp[a]) is a significant risk factor for many cardiovascular disorders. This enigmatic lipoprotein, composed of a single copy of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apolipoprotein[a] (apo [a]), expresses peculiar metabolism, virtually independent from lifestyle interventions. Several therapeutic options have hence been proposed for lowering elevated Lp[a] values, with or without concomitant effect on low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, mostly encompassing statins, ezetimibe, nicotinic acid, lipoprotein apheresis, and anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies. Since all these medical treatments have some technical and clinical drawbacks, a novel strategy is currently being proposed, based on the use of antisense apo[a] and/or apoB inhibitors. Although the role of these agents in hypercholesterolemic patients is now nearby entering clinical practice, the collection of information on Lp[a] is still underway. Preliminary evidence would suggest that apo[a] antisense therapy seems more appropriate in patients with isolated Lp[a] elevations, while apoB antisense therapy is perhaps more advisable in patients with isolated LDL elevations. In patients with concomitant elevations of Lp[a] and LDL, either combining the two apo[a] and apoB antisense therapies (a strategy which has never been tested), or the combination of well-known and relatively inexpensive drugs such as statins with antisense apo[a] inhibitors can be theoretically suggested. The results of an upcoming phase 3 study with antisense apo[a] inhibitors will hopefully provide definitive clues as to whether this approach may become the standard of care in patients with increased Lp[a] concentrations.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.04.036
View details for Web of Science ID 000539254000003
View details for PubMedID 32336611
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Metabolic Impacts of Confinement during the COVID-19 Pandemic Due to Modified Diet and Physical Activity Habits
NUTRIENTS
2020; 12 (6)
Abstract
While the detrimental effects of a chronic positive energy balance due to a sedentary lifestyle have been well established, the impacts of a short period of abruptly reduced physical activity and overeating arising from strict confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic will soon start to emerge. To reasonably anticipate major consequences according to the available evidence, we hereby review the literature for studies that have explored the health impacts of several weeks of a reduction in physical activity and daily step-count combined with modified eating habits. These studies identify as main metabolic consequences increases in insulin resistance, total body fat, abdominal fat and inflammatory cytokines. All these factors have been strongly associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, which in turn increases the risk of multiple chronic diseases. A plausible mechanism involved in these impacts could be a positive energy balance promoted by maintaining usual dietary intake while reducing energy expenditure. This means that just as calorie intake restriction could help mitigate the deleterious impacts of a bout of physical inactivity, overeating under conditions of home confinement is very likely to exacerbate these consequences. Moreover, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have been identified as potential risk factors for more severely ill patients with COVID-19. Thus, adequate control of metabolic disorders could be important to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19.
View details for DOI 10.3390/nu12061549
View details for Web of Science ID 000549268500001
View details for PubMedID 32466598
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7352228
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Physical inactivity and cardiovascular disease at the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
European journal of preventive cardiology
2020; 27 (9): 906-908
View details for DOI 10.1177/2047487320916823
View details for PubMedID 32270698
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7717305
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Antihypertensives (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors) in Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Mayo Clinic proceedings
2020; 95 (6): 1222-1230
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, is being defined as the worst pandemic disease of modern times. Several professional health organizations have published position papers stating that there is no evidence to change the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the management of elevated blood pressure in the context of avoiding or treating COVID-19 infection. In this article, we review the evidence on the relationship between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and COVID-19 infection. In agreement with current guidelines, patients with hypertension should continue taking antihypertensive medications as prescribed without interruption. Because ACEIs and ARBs are also used to retard the progression of chronic kidney disease, we suggest that these recommendations also apply to the use of these agents in chronic kidney disease. No differences generally exist between ARBs and ACEIs in terms of efficacy in decreasing blood pressure and improving other outcomes, such as all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and end-stage renal disease. The ACEIs are associated with cough secondary to accumulation of bradykinin and angioedema, and withdrawal rates due to adverse events are lower with ARBs. Given their equal efficacy but fewer adverse events, ARBs could potentially be a more favorable treatment option in patients with COVID-19 at higher risk for severe forms of disease.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.03.026
View details for PubMedID 32376099
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7129862
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Health risks and potential remedies during prolonged lockdowns for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany)
2020; 7 (2): 85-90
Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, an increasing number of countries and territories are adopting restrictive measures based on physical ("social") distancing, aimed at preventing human-to-human transmission and thereby limiting virus propagation. Nationwide lockdowns, encompassing mass quarantine under stay-at-home ordinances, have already been proven effective to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in some countries. Nevertheless, a prolonged homestay may also be associated with potential side effects, which may jeopardize people's health and thus must be recognized and mitigated in a way without violating local ordinances. Some of the most important undesirable consequences of prolonged homestay such as physical inactivity, weight gain, behavioral addiction disorders, insufficient sunlight exposure and social isolation will be critically addressed in this article, which also aims to provide some tentative recommendations for the alleviation of side effects.
View details for DOI 10.1515/dx-2020-0041
View details for PubMedID 32267243
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Do Antioxidant Vitamins Prevent Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage? A Systematic Review
ANTIOXIDANTS
2020; 9 (5)
Abstract
Free radicals produced during exercise play a role in modulating cell signaling pathways. High doses of antioxidants may hamper adaptations to exercise training. However, their benefits are unclear. This review aims to examine whether vitamin C (VitC) and/or vitamin E (VitE) supplementation (SUP) prevents exercise-induced muscle damage. The PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched, and 21 articles were included. Four studies examined the effects of acute VitC SUP given pre-exercise: in one study, lower CK levels post-exercise was observed; in three, no difference was recorded. In one study, acute VitE SUP reduced CK activity 1 h post-exercise in conditions of hypoxia. In three studies, chronic VitE SUP did not reduce CK activity after an exercise session. Chronic VitE SUP did not reduce creatine kinase (CK) concentrations after three strength training sessions, but it was effective after 6 days of endurance training in another study. Chronic SUP with VitC + E reduced CK activity post-exercise in two studies, but there was no such effect in four studies. Finally, three studies described the effects of chronic VitC + E SUP and long-term exercise, reporting dissimilar results. To conclude, although there is some evidence of a protective effect of VitC and/or VitE against exercise-induced muscle damage, the available data are not conclusive.
View details for DOI 10.3390/antiox9050372
View details for Web of Science ID 000539284200015
View details for PubMedID 32365669
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7278664
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Cardiac troponin release during and after endurance exercise: epidemiologic health implications
FUTURE CARDIOLOGY
2020; 16 (3): 147-150
View details for DOI 10.2217/fca-2019-0071
View details for Web of Science ID 000539059900002
View details for PubMedID 32125185
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Large-scale epidemiological data on vascular disorders of the intestine
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
2020; 55 (5): 621-625
Abstract
Objectives: This article aims to provide updates on the worldwide epidemiology of vascular disorders of the intestine.Methods: A comprehensive search for obtaining worldwide epidemiologic information on the burden of vascular disorders of the intestine was carried out in the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) repository. The condition 'vascular intestinal disorders' was associated with other epidemiologic variables such as year, sex, age, location and socioeconomic status.Results: The current global incidence and mortality of vascular disorders of the intestine are 8.11 per 100,000 cases/year and 1.26 per 100,000 deaths/year, respectively, translating into a death rate of 15.5%. Both global incidence and mortality are 32% higher in the female sex and have both displayed a continuous increase during the past 20 years (+29.3% and +18.4% since 1998, respectively). Incidence and mortality curves appear similar between sexes, with the incidence increasing after the age of 40 years and mortality after the age of 50 years, respectively. The peak of both worldwide incidence and mortality was seen in very elderly people. The death rate increased in parallel with incidence and mortality, from ∼1% to 3% in childhood up to ∼50% after the age of 95 years. Both incidence and mortality displayed a positive association with socioeconomic status. Future projections suggest that incidence and mortality will display 44% and 24% growths by the year 2050.Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that the clinical and societal burden of vascular disorders of the intestine is especially higher in women, in the elderly and in people with higher socioeconomic status.
View details for DOI 10.1080/00365521.2020.1752300
View details for Web of Science ID 000527340700001
View details for PubMedID 32301364
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): the portrait of a perfect storm.
Annals of translational medicine
2020; 8 (7): 497
Abstract
The "novel" coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated "COVID-19") is the third coronavirus outbreak emerging during the past two decades. This infectious disease, sustained by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been recently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Despite the concerning epidemiological burden, many people, including some policymakers, are underestimating this pandemic and are remaining enigmatically inactive against a human pathology which, for a combination of reasons, can be reasonably defined as a perfect storm (i.e., the "wrong virus" at the "wrong time"). These many paradigmatic aspects include SARS-CoV-2 structure and peculiar biology of infection, high risk of inter-human transmission, long incubation time combined with early and sustained viral load, existence of asymptomatic or mildly-symptomatic carriers, viral shedding for days after symptom relief, unfavorable progression towards respiratory distress and death in up to 5-10% of patients thus causing dramatic healthcare challenges, as well as environmental contamination. Last but not least, the combination of the current case fatality rate with the extraordinary number of people that could be potentially infected by SARS-CoV-2 would permit to estimate that the worldwide deaths for COVID-19 may even approximate those recorded during World War II if appropriate restrictive measures for preventing human-to-human transmission are not readily undertaken. Everybody should be inexcusably aware that this is not a drill, and that the consequences of inadequate action will be tragedy.
View details for DOI 10.21037/atm.2020.03.157
View details for PubMedID 32395541
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7210187
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Cardiac troponin I in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Evidence from a meta-analysis.
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2020; 63 (3): 390-391
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.03.001
View details for PubMedID 32169400
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7127395
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Prognostic Value of Troponins in Patients With or Without Coronary Heart Disease: Is it Dependent on Structure and Biology?
HEART LUNG AND CIRCULATION
2020; 29 (3): 324-330
Abstract
Convincing evidence has emerged that cardiac troponins (cTns) T and I are the biochemical gold standard for diagnosing cardiac injury, and may also be used as efficient screening and risk stratification tools, especially when measured with the new high-sensitivity (hs-) immunoassays. In this narrative review, we aim to explore and critically discuss the results of recent epidemiological studies that have attempted to characterise the prognostic value of cTns in patients with or without cardiovascular disease, and then interpret this information according to cTn biology. Overall, all recent studies agree that higher blood levels of cTns reflect the larger risk of cardiovascular events and/or death, both in the general population and in patients with cardiovascular disease. Additional evidence has shown that the clinical information provided by assessment of both cTns molecules is greater compared to that of either protein alone, and this is mostly due to differential metabolism and clearance of cTnI and cTnT after release in the bloodstream. Although it seems likely that the prognostic value of these biomarkers may be higher than that of other conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol or C reactive protein, large and reliable cost-effectiveness investigations are needed to define whether cTns-based population screening may be biologically plausible, clinically effective and economically sustainable.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hlc.2019.10.005
View details for Web of Science ID 000518389700007
View details for PubMedID 31786115
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Worldwide burden of LDL cholesterol: Implications in cardiovascular disease
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
2020; 30 (2): 241-244
Abstract
an increased value of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is now universally considered a major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. LDL-C is included in the vast majority of worldwide cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms, as well as in the guidelines for cardiovascular risk prevention. We aimed to provide an overview of the worldwide adverse healthcare impact of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).Data on the epidemiologic burden of LDL-C >1.3 mmol/L were retrieved from Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) registry. The current burden is 94.92 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with an exponential increase occurred during the past 25 years. 4.32 million deaths can be attributed to LDL cholesterol values > 1.3 mmol/L. DALYs and deaths due to LDL-C have significantly increased in all countries except those with high socio-demographic index.More effective structural healthcare policies shall be planned at a worldwide scale for contrasting the epidemics of LDL-C attributable heath loss.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.numecd.2019.09.008
View details for Web of Science ID 000509763100008
View details for PubMedID 31748177
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An Estimation of the Worldwide Epidemiologic Burden of Physical Inactivity-Related Ischemic Heart Disease
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
2020; 34 (1): 133-137
Abstract
Although physical inactivity (PI) is universally considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, no previous study has investigated its putative contribution on the societal and healthcare burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Therefore, we aimed to provide an objective assessment of the worldwide epidemiology of PI-related IHD.An electronic search was performed in the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) registry, a large database of health-related data, for assessing the worldwide epidemiology of PI-related IHD.The current burden of PI-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths caused by IHD is 9.1% (15.42 out of 170.27 million DALYs) and 9.9% (5.46 out of 55.14 million deaths), respectively. Women have a ~ 14% higher risk of both PI-related DALYs and mortality. The impact of PI on IHD remains stable around 7% up to the middle age, then gradually increases in parallel with aging, up to over 11%. A ~ 20% higher risk of PI-related DALYs and mortality caused by IHD can be found in countries with middle-to-high socio-demographic index (SDI) compared with countries with lower SDIs. In multivariable analysis, PI-related DALYs and mortality caused by IHD were significantly predicted by female sex, advanced age, and higher SDI.The results of our analysis suggest that reinforced efforts shall be prioritized and scaled up for broadening and ameliorating the application of physical activity recommendations in populations more vulnerable to the risk of PI-related IHD.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10557-019-06926-5
View details for Web of Science ID 000515980900001
View details for PubMedID 32034645
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Global epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: An increasing epidemic and public health challenge
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE
2021; 16 (2): 217-221
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia. It has been estimated that 6-12 million people worldwide will suffer this condition in the US by 2050 and 17.9 million people in Europe by 2060. Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke and provokes important economic burden along with significant morbidity and mortality.We provide here comprehensive and updated statistics on worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation.An electronic search was conducted for atrial fibrillation. The epidemiologic information was retrieved from the Global Health Data Exchange database, which is regarded as one of the most comprehensive worldwide catalogs of surveys, censuses, vital statistics, and other health-related data.A total of 3.046 million new cases of atrial fibrillation worldwide were registered in the database during 2017. The estimated incidence rate for 2017 (403/millions inhabitants) was 31% higher than the corresponding incidence in 1997. The worldwide prevalence of atrial fibrillation is 37,574 million cases (0.51% of worldwide population), increased also by 33% during the last 20 years. The highest burden is seen in countries with high socio-demographic index, though the largest recent increased occurred in middle socio-demographic index countries. Future projections suggest that absolute atrial fibrillation burden may increase by >60% in 2050.Our analyses suggest that atrial fibrillation incidence and prevalence have increased over the last 20 years and will continue to increase over the next 30 years, especially in countries with middle socio-demographic index, becoming one of the largest epidemics and public health challenges.
View details for DOI 10.1177/1747493019897870
View details for Web of Science ID 000508526800001
View details for PubMedID 31955707
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Exercise-induced right ventricular injury or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM): The bright side and the dark side of the moon.
Progress in cardiovascular diseases
2020
Abstract
There is still debate on the range of normal physiologic changes of the right ventricle or ventricular (RV) function in athletes. Genetic links to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) are well-established. There is no current consensus on the importance of extensive exercise and exercise-induced injury to the RV. During the intensive exercise of endurance sports, the cardiac structures adapt to athletic load over time. Some athletes develop RV cardiomyopathy possibly caused by genetic predisposition, whilst others develop arrhythmias from the RV. Endurance sports lead to increased volume and pressure load in both ventricles and increased myocardial mass. The extent of volume increase and changes in myocardial structure contribute to impairment of RV function and pose a challenge in cardiovascular sports medicine. Genetic predisposition to ACM may play an important role in the risk of sudden cardiac death of athletes. In this review, we discuss and evaluate existing results and opinions. Intensive training in competitive dynamic/power and endurance sports leads to specific RV adaptation, but physiological adaptation without genetic predisposition does not necessarily lead to severe complications in endurance sports. Discriminating between physiological adaptation and pathological form of ACM or RV impairment provoked by reinforced exercise presents a challenge to clinical sports cardiologists.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.03.015
View details for PubMedID 32224113
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Sex-Specific Ventricular Arrhythmias and Mortality in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Recipients.
JACC. Clinical electrophysiology
2020
Abstract
The study goal was to examine whether there are sex-related differences in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) recipients.Few studies have evaluated sex-related benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Moreover, data on sex-related differences in the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in this population are limited.A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 460 patients (355 male subjects and 105 female subjects) from the UMBRELLA (Incidence of Arrhythmia in Spanish Population With a Medtronic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator Implant) national registry. Patients were followed up through remote monitoring after the first implantation of a CRT-D during a median follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.0 years. Sex differences were analyzed in terms of ventricular arrhythmia-treated incidence and death during the follow-up period, with a particular focus on primary prevention patients.Baseline New York Heart Association functional class was worse in women compared with that in men (67.0% of women in New York Heart Association functional class III vs. 49.7% of men; p = 0.003), whereas women had less ischemic cardiac disease (20.8% vs. 41.7%; p < 0.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of ventricular arrhythmias (hazard ratio: 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.19 to 0.86; p = 0.020), as well as left ventricular ejection fraction and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Mortality in women was one-half that of men, although events were scarce and without significant differences (2.9% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.25).Women with left bundle branch block and implanted CRT have a lower rate of ventricular tachyarrhythmias than men. All-cause mortality in patients is, at least, similar between female and male subjects.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.10.009
View details for PubMedID 33358670
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Red blood cell distribution width: A marker of anisocytosis potentially associated with atrial fibrillation
WORLD JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2019; 11 (12): 292-304
Abstract
The incorporation of biomarkers in the actually used risk scores seem to be helpful for early identifying atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at higher risk. The aim of this critical review of the scientific literature is to investigate the potential clinical significance of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in AF. A systematic electronic search was carried out to identify all articles describing an epidemiological association between RDW and AF in adult human populations. Data abstraction was conducted on a final number of 35 articles (13 cross-sectional, 12 prospective and 10 retrospective studies). The results of these epidemiological investigations were all virtually concordant to emphasize that an enhanced RDW value is not only a predictive factor and a marker of AF but its measurement may also be helpful for predicting the risk of developing many adverse complications in patients with AF, such as recurrence and duration of AF, hospitalization for heart failure, bleeding, left atrial thrombosis and stasis, thromboembolic events and mortality. AF patients with RDW values exceeding the local reference range may be more aggressively investigated and managed, in order to identify and attenuate the impact of possible underlying disorders causing both anisocytosis and AF.
View details for DOI 10.4330/wjc.v11.i12.292
View details for Web of Science ID 000505516500002
View details for PubMedID 31908729
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6937412
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AN EIGHTEEN-MINUTE SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE TEST TO ASSESS CARDIAC FITNESS IN RESPONSE TO AEROBIC TRAINING
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
2018; 32 (10): 2846-2852
Abstract
Romagnoli, M, Alis, R, Sanchis-Gomar, F, Lippi, G, and Arduini, A. An 18-minute submaximal exercise test to assess cardiac fitness in response to aerobic training. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2846-2852, 2018-We aimed to evaluate the utility of a submaximal heart rate recovery (HRR) test to monitor changes in cardiac fitness after aerobic training. Twenty healthy subjects were assigned to a control (n = 10) or a training (n = 10) group. Subjects in the training group performed 8 weeks of bicycle training, followed by 8 weeks of detraining. Heart rate recovery was assessed after exercises at 65% and 80% HRmax. The HRR test was performed at weeks 0 (W0), 4 (W4), 8 (W8), and 16 (W16) in the training group and at W0 and W8 in the control group. Heart rate recovery indices changed in response to training and detraining. Absolute HRR at 60, 120, and 180 seconds after exercise increased at both exercise intensities at W8 of training (p < 0.01, W8 vs. W0) and returned to the pretraining level after detraining (p > 0.05, W16 vs. W0). Time constants of fast HRR recovery (<1 minute) changed with training (p < 0.05-0.01, W8 vs. W0) and detraining (p > 0.05, W16 vs. W0) but only at 65% HRmax. At the end of the 3-minute recovery period, the predicted heart rate (HR) value (A0) and the HR recovered (Amax) from the monoexponential analysis changed with training (p < 0.05-0.01, W8 vs. W0) and detraining (p > 0.05, W16 vs. W0). We conclude that this novel submaximal HRR test is highly sensitive for monitoring cardiac fitness during training and detraining in healthy people. Because this test is simple, inexpensive, and the data are reliable and easy to analyze, we hope that it may be of interest to the sports science community.
View details for DOI 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000685
View details for Web of Science ID 000454031900019
View details for PubMedID 25226325
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Influence of middle-distance running on muscular micro RNAs
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL & LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
2018; 78 (3): 165-170
Abstract
A specific subset of micro RNAs (miRs), including miR-133 and miR-206, is specifically expressed in muscle tissue, so that they are currently defined as muscular miRs (myomiRs). To further elucidate the role of myomiRs in muscle biology, we measured miR-133a and miR-206 in plasma of 28 middle-age recreational athletes. The study population consisted of 28 middle aged, recreation athletes (11 women and 17 men; mean age, 46 years) who completed a 21.1 km, half-marathon. The plasma concentration of miR-133a and miR-206, the serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK) and high-sensitivity (HS) cardiac troponin T (cTnT), as well as capillary lactate, were measured before and immediately after the run. The median serum concentration of total CK (257 versus 175 U/L; p < .001), cTnT (17.8 versus 5.6 ng/L; p < .001), and the plasma values of both miR-133a (4.22 versus 0.64 × 10-4; p < .001) and miR-206 (1.36 versus 0.63 × 10-4; p = .001) were considerably increased immediately after the half-marathon run. In multivariate analysis only post-exercise capillary lactate was found to be independently associated with running time. A significant and independent correlation was observed between plasma variations of the two miRs, but not with other physiological or laboratory parameters. The results of this study suggest that the biological significance of miR-133a and 206 variation after middle-distance running parallels but not overlaps the release of biomarkers of nonspecific tissue damage. Enhanced plasma values of these myomiRs may hence reflect a physiological response to high-intensity and/or prolonged exercise rather than tissue injury.
View details for DOI 10.1080/00365513.2018.1426104
View details for Web of Science ID 000429241200002
View details for PubMedID 29325455
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Is it time to be concerned about the effects of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health?
EXPERT REVIEW OF CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY
2018; 16 (8): 547-549
View details for DOI 10.1080/14779072.2018.1497486
View details for Web of Science ID 000440628700001
View details for PubMedID 29975562
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Procalcitonin in inflammatory bowel disease: Drawbacks and opportunities
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
2017; 23 (47): 8283-8290
Abstract
The measurement of procalcitonin has recently become a mainstay for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of severe bacterial infections, especially those sustained by Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide a narrative overview on the potential role of procalcitonin measurement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to the available scientific literature, the clinical significance of procalcitonin for diagnosing IBD or monitoring disease activity remains elusive, and its association with disease severity is confined to a limited number of case-control studies, with low sample size. Nevertheless, literature data also suggests that a supranormal procalcitonin serum concentration (i.e., > 0.5 ng/mL) may reflect the presence of a number of infective complications in IBD, especially bacterial enterocolitis, bacterial gastroenteritis, intraabdominal abscess, postsurgical infection and sepsis. Rather than for diagnosing or assessing disease activity, the measurement of this biomarker may hence retain practical clinical significance for early prediction, timely diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of many IBD-associated infections and complications.
View details for DOI 10.3748/wjg.v23.i47.8283
View details for Web of Science ID 000418241900003
View details for PubMedID 29307988
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5743499
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Effects of an acute high-intensity interval training protocol on plasma viscosity
JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
2015; 55 (6): 647-653
Abstract
High-intensity interval training (HIT) is an exercise model that has been seen to cause similar muscle adaptations and improvements in exercise performance to other traditional exercise models. This study aimed to examine the effects of low-volume HIT exercise on plasma viscosity (PV).Ten healthy male subjects (25.80±3.39 years) randomly performed a HIT running protocol (2-min warm up at 8 km/h, 5x2-min bouts at 90% maximal heart rate, separated by 2-min at 8 km/h, finished with another 2-min period at 8 km/h) or an aerobic (AER) running exercise (60'at 55% VO2max). Blood samples were drawn before and after exercise, and after 30-minute recovery. PV, hematocrit (Hct), fibrinogen, total proteins, triglycerides, total-cholesterol and glucose levels were analyzed. Plasma volume loss during exercise was calculated.PV rose after HIT (P<0.05) while Hct rose after both protocols. Plasma volume loss was higher after HIT (-6.35±3.47%) than after AER (-3.11±2.49%) (P=0.045). Total-proteins (P<0.001), triglycerides (P=0.013), total-cholesterol (P<0.001) and glucose (P=0.001) concentrations increased after HIT. After AER no statistically significant differences were found in plasma constituents concentrations.A low-volume HIT session causes a sufficient loss in plasma volume that leads to significantly incremented plasma constituents' concentrations and, therefore, a mild transient rise in PV.
View details for Web of Science ID 000362933800014
View details for PubMedID 24921613
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Where Are Supercentenarians Located? A Worldwide Demographic Study
REJUVENATION RESEARCH
2015; 18 (1): 14-19
Abstract
The world population is continuously aging, and centenarians may be considered to be the most successfully aged individuals. Among people who reach extreme longevity (EL; i.e., >95 years), supercentenarians (SCs; aged ≥110 years) represent a subgroup of great scientific interest. Unfortunately, data on the worldwide distribution of SCs remain scarce. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate this issue. Current available data indicate that Japan is the country with the highest number of currently alive SCs. Interestingly, Puerto Rico would show the highest prevalence of SCs among people who reach EL (approximately one SC per 10,000 inhabitants aged ≥95 years), although data on this country must be intrepreted with caution owing to potential methodological limitations, mainly related to its small population. Our findings highlight the need to investigate in greater detail the genetic and lifestyle background of SCs, with the ultimate goal of unraveling new potential mechanisms underlying human EL.
View details for DOI 10.1089/rej.2014.1609
View details for Web of Science ID 000349682800003
View details for PubMedID 25386976
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Allopurinol prevents cardiac and skeletal muscle damage in professional soccer players
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
2015; 25 (1): E110-E115
Abstract
Xanthine oxidase (XO), a free radical-generating enzyme, is involved in tissue damage produced during exhaustive exercise. Our aim was to test whether allopurinol, a powerful inhibitor of XO, may be effective in preventing exercise-induced tissue damage in soccer players. Twelve soccer players were randomized into two experimental groups. One received allopurinol, before a match of the premier Spanish Football League, and the other placebo. Allopurinol prevented the exercise-induced increase in all the markers of skeletal muscle damage analyzed: creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and myoglobin. Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme and highly sensitive troponin T, specific biomarkers of myocardial injury, increased significantly in the placebo but not in the allopurinol-treated group after the football match. We also found that the exercise-induced lipid peroxidation, as reflected by malondialdehyde measurements, was prevented after allopurinol administration. However, inhibition of XO did not prevent the increment in the activity of alanine aminotransferase found after the match. No changes in the serum gamma glutamyltransferase activity was found after the match on either the placebo and the allopurinol groups. These two enzymes were determined as biomarkers of liver injury. Allopurinol represents an effective and inexpensive pharmacological agent to prevent tissue damage in soccer players.
View details for DOI 10.1111/sms.12213
View details for Web of Science ID 000348839100012
View details for PubMedID 24690021
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The <i>ApoE</i> Gene Is Related with Exceptional Longevity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
REJUVENATION RESEARCH
2015; 18 (1): 3-13
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the association of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene with exceptional longevity (EL) (i.e., reaching 100+ years) by identifying possible unequal distribution of alleles/genotypes in the common variants ε2, ε3, and ε4 among centenarians and younger population. The association of ApoE with EL was analyzed in a total of 2776 centenarians (cases) and 11,941 younger controls (from 13 case-control studies) using the chi-squared test with the Yates correction. We conducted combined and separate analyses for all ethnic groups studied in the literature (Caucasian and Asian). The main result for all ethnic groups combined was that the likelihood of reaching EL was negatively associated with ε4 allele carriage [pooled odds ratio (OR)=0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36, 0.50; p<0.001] and with ε4/ε4 (OR=0.18; 95% CI 0.08, 0.39; p<0.001), ε3/ε4 (OR=0.44; 95% CI 0.37, 0.53; p<0.001) and ε2/ε4 genotypes (OR=0.48; 95% CI 0.31, 0.74; p<0.001). In contrast, the ε2/ε3 genotype was positively associated with EL (OR=1.35; 95% CI 1.06, 1.72; p=0.017). When compared with the ε3 allele, the ε2 allele was not associated with increased odds of EL (OR=1.08; 95% CI 0.77, 1.50, p=0.660). The present meta-analysis confirms that, besides its previously documented influence on Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease risk, the ApoE gene is associated with the likelihood of reaching EL.
View details for DOI 10.1089/rej.2014.1605
View details for Web of Science ID 000349682800002
View details for PubMedID 25385258
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Effect of exhaustive running exercise on red blood cell distribution width
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
2015; 53 (2): E29-E31
View details for DOI 10.1515/cclm-2014-0749
View details for Web of Science ID 000347651500002
View details for PubMedID 25153414
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Serum Copeptin and Midregion Proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) After an Ultramarathon
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
2015; 29 (1): 15-20
Abstract
Although it is widely acknowledged that physical activity confers several health benefits, it remains uncertain whether strenuous and physically demanding exercise might determine biological effects that might turn to be ultimately unfavorable for health. Copeptin and midregion proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) are emerging cardiovascular and stress biomarkers, but little is known about the influence of strenuous physical exercise on their concentrations.The present study was performed to investigate the variation of copeptin and MRproADM, along with that of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate before and after a 60 km ultramarathon in 16 healthy Caucasian males.The serum concentrations of both copeptin and MR-proADM remarkably increased after the 60 km run, by 6.4 times (interquartile range (IQR), 2.710.4) and 2.3 times (IQR, 1.8-2.6), respectively. A highly significant correlation was observed between the increase of creatinine and MR-proADM, but not between serum creatinine and copeptin. The percentage of subjects exhibiting values above the upper limit of the reference range in male was 0% for both copeptin and MR-proADM before the ultramarathon, but increased to respectively 81 and 63% postexercise.The evidence that an ultramarathon causes a substantial increase of copeptin and MR-proADM raises doubts as to whether exhaustive exercise might be considered globally beneficial or even safe, especially in unfit or/and untrained population.
View details for DOI 10.1002/jcla.21720
View details for Web of Science ID 000347974100004
View details for PubMedID 24659530
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6807168
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Effects of allopurinol on exercise-induced muscle damage: new therapeutic approaches?
CELL STRESS & CHAPERONES
2015; 20 (1): 3-13
Abstract
Intensive muscular activity can trigger oxidative stress, and free radicals may hence be generated by working skeletal muscle. The role of the enzyme xanthine oxidase as a generating source of free radicals is well documented and therefore is involved in the skeletal muscle damage as well as in the potential transient cardiovascular damage induced by high-intensity physical exercise. Allopurinol is a purine hypoxanthine-based structural analog and a well-known inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. The administration of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol may hence be regarded as promising, safe, and an economic strategy to decrease transient skeletal muscle damage (as well as heart damage, when occurring) in top-level athletes when administered before a competition or a particularly high-intensity training session. Although continuous administration of allopurinol in high-level athletes is not recommended due to its possible role in hampering training-induced adaptations, the drug might be useful in non-athletes. Exertional rhabdomyolysis is the most common form of rhabdomyolysis and affects individuals participating in a type of intense exercise to which they are not accustomed. This condition can cause exercise-related myoglobinuria, thus increasing the risk of acute renal failure and is also associated with sickle cell trait. In this manuscript, we have reviewed the recent evidence about the effects of allopurinol on exercise-induced muscle damage. More research is needed to determine whether allopurinol may be useful for preventing not only exertional rhabdomyolysis and acute renal damage but also skeletal muscle wasting in critical illness as well as in immobilized, bedridden, sarcopenic or cachectic patients.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s12192-014-0543-2
View details for Web of Science ID 000345994600002
View details for PubMedID 25181966
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4255256
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Can Enhanced Autophagy Be Associated with Human Longevity? Serum Levels of the Autophagy Biomarker Beclin-1 Are Increased in Healthy Centenarians
REJUVENATION RESEARCH
2014; 17 (6): 518-524
Abstract
Autophagy is a major clearance mechanism that degrades organelles and large protein aggregates to maintain cell survival and protein homeostasis. Although induction of autophagy can promote longevity in experimental models, the question as to whether increased basal levels of autophagy can be associated with human longevity remains open. In this pilot study, we investigated the association between serum concentrations of beclin-1, a key regulator of autophagy, and human exceptional longevity (EL). Serum beclin-1 was measured in three study groups: 79 healthy centenarians (39 males, aged 100-104 years); 178 non-diabetic patients who had experienced an acute myocardial infarction at a young age (101 males, 28-39 years); and 180 age- and sex-matched healthy young volunteers (103 males, 27-39 years) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Healthy centenarians had significantly higher beclin-1 levels (2.2±0.8 ng/mL) compared with both young patients with myocardial infarction (1.5±0.7 ng/mL; p<0.001) and healthy controls (1.4±0.9 ng/mL; p<0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between the two groups of young subjects. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio for having serum beclin-1 levels >1.5 ng/mL (i.e., 75th percentile of the young controls' levels) was 3.4 (95% confidence interval 1.8-5.7; p<0.001) for healthy centenarians. Our preliminary data suggest that elevated basal levels of autophagy as reflected by high serum beclin-1 levels may be a biomarker of healthy human EL.
View details for DOI 10.1089/rej.2014.1607
View details for Web of Science ID 000346408200007
View details for PubMedID 25307612
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Association between irisin and homocysteine in euglycemic and diabetic subjects
CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
2014; 47 (18): 333-335
Abstract
The aim of study was to explore whether a relationship exists between homocysteine and irisin in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients-a population with a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease-and euglycemic controls.69 T2D patients and 75 control subjects (adjusted by body mass index (BMI)) were included in the study. Irisin and homocysteine concentrations and anthropometric and biochemical variables were determined.Levels of homocysteine were significantly higher (11.0±3.0 vs 12.4±4.2 μmol/l) and levels of irisin were lower (279±58 vs 263±38 ng/ml) in T2D patients. When both T2D and controls were considered, irisin was found to correlate only with homocysteine (r=-0.215; p=0.011). Moreover, a decreasing trend in irisin levels was observed according to homocysteine tertile (p=0.034).Our results provide evidence of an association between irisin and homocysteine, which may be due to nicotinamide metabolism. The clinical significance of this relationship is unclear, but our findings may prompt further mechanistic research to investigate the role played by irisin in vascular disorders.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2014.08.017
View details for Web of Science ID 000346125500016
View details for PubMedID 25192692
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Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and ischemic heart disease. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
2014; 46 (7): 456-463
Abstract
Several lines of evidence demonstrate that the immune system plays a pivotal role in development and progression of ischemic heart disease (IHD). More recently, a series of biological and clinical investigations has generated new interest about the existence of a relationship between a specific class of immunoglobulin, that is immunoglobulin E (IgE), and IHD. Data obtained in several epidemiological studies have convincingly demonstrated that the concentration of total serum IgEs is significantly increased in patients with IHD and often correlates with the prognosis. The putative mechanisms are essentially mediated by a physiological interaction between IgEs and mast cells, which triggers the direct or indirect release of a variety of substances that are actively involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia and thrombosis. Regardless of these important evidences, a causality dilemma remains, since it is still unclear whether increased IgE levels are a consequence of IHD or, rather, IHD is an underlying cause of increased IgE levels. The answer would allow us to recognize whether total IgEs may be considered simple biomarkers or risk factors of IHD, thus paving the way to investigations focused on immunotherapy or avoidance of allergenic foods for reducing serum IgEs in patients at risk of IHD.
View details for DOI 10.3109/07853890.2014.927714
View details for Web of Science ID 000344869500002
View details for PubMedID 24984051
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p16INK4a, NAD<SUP>+</SUP>, and Sestrins: New Targets for Combating Aging-Related Chronic Illness?
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
2014; 229 (11): 1575-1576
Abstract
Aging-related chronic illness is a price we have to pay to live longer. Prevalent among the oldest old, the condition limits their functional independence and also aggravates the course of several age-related chronic diseases. Thus, the search is on for efficient therapies that will mitigate age-related pathologies. In this article, we point out the potential clinical implications of recent provocative basic research in the field. New possible targets have been recently discovered, are clearly involved in age-related pathologies and might benefit the treatment of other age-related conditions, particularly metabolic diseases.
View details for DOI 10.1002/jcp.24627
View details for Web of Science ID 000341646000002
View details for PubMedID 24664908
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Strenuous exercise and the heart: Are we not seeing the wood for the trees?
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2014; 176 (3): 1304-1305
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.07.159
View details for Web of Science ID 000343893300206
View details for PubMedID 25125000
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PTK2 rs7460 and rs7843014 Polymorphisms and Exceptional Longevity: A Functional Replication Study
REJUVENATION RESEARCH
2014; 17 (5): 430-438
Abstract
Focal adhesion is critical for cell survival. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK, or PTK2) is an important component of the human interactome and thus is a potential longevity-related protein. Here we studied the association between two PTK2 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7843014, rs7460) and exceptional longevity (EL). In addition to gaining insight into their functionality by determining luciferase gene reporter activity, we studied the genotype/allele frequency of these two SNPs among three different cohorts: (1) Spanish centenarians (n=175, 100-111 years, 144 women) and healthy controls (n=355, 20-50 years, 284 women); (2) Italian centenarians (n=79, 100-104 years, 40 women) and controls (n=316, 29-50 years, 156 women); and (3) Japanese centenarians (n=742, 100-116 years, 623 women) and healthy controls (n=499, 23-59 years, 356 women). Both SNPs had functional significance, with the A allele up-regulating luciferase activity compared to the other allele (rs7460 T allele and rs7843014 C allele, respectively). The A allele of both SNPs was negatively associated with EL in the Spanish cohort (rs7460, odds ratio [OR] adjusted by sex=0.40, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.3, 0.6, p<0.001); rs7843014, OR=0.37, 95% CI 0.3, 0.5, p<0.001). The OR of being a centenarian if having the rs7460-TT genotype was 6.68 (95% CI 4.1, 10.8, p<0.001). The rs7843014 CC genotype was also positively associated with EL (OR=7.58, 95% CI 4.6, 12.3, p<0.001]. No association was, however, found for the Italian or Japanese cohorts. Thus, two genotypes of the FAK gene, rs7460 TT and rs7843014 CC, are possibly associated with lower gene expression and might favor the likelihood of reaching EL in the Spanish population. Further research is needed to unveil the mechanisms by which FAK expression could perhaps influence the rate of aging.
View details for DOI 10.1089/rej.2014.1570
View details for Web of Science ID 000343246900004
View details for PubMedID 24930376
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4203112
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PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone does not enhance performance in mice
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
2014; 6 (9): 922-929
Abstract
Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) delta and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinases (AMPKs) regulate the metabolic and contractile characteristics of myofibres. PPAR proteins are nuclear receptors that function as transcription factors and regulate the expression of multiple genes. AMPK has been described as a master metabolic regulator which also controls gene expression through the direct phosphorylation of some nuclear proteins. Since it was discovered that both PPARdelta agonists (GW1516) and AMPK activators (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, known as AICAR) are very effective performance-enhancing substances in sedentary mice, the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) included AICAR and GW1516 in the prohibited list of substances as metabolic modulators in the class 'Hormone and metabolic modulators'. Thiazolidinediones are PPARgamma agonists that can induce similar biological effects to those of PPARdelta and PPARdelta-AMPK agonists. Thus in this study, the effects of pioglitazone on mitochondrial biogenesis and performance were evaluated. Blood glucose levels and the protein expression of the intermediates involved in the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway and the citrate synthase activity were determined in both gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), endurance capacity, and grip strength before and after the training period were also determined. The MAV endurance capacity and grip strength of trained animals significantly increased. We found that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and the nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) protein content and citrate synthase activity significantly increased in the soleus muscle of trained animals. No effect of treatment was found. Therefore in our study, pioglitazone administration did not affect mitochondrial biogenesis signaling pathway.
View details for DOI 10.1002/dta.1587
View details for Web of Science ID 000342960400004
View details for PubMedID 24259440
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Elite Athletes Live Longer Than the General Population: A Meta-Analysis
MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS
2014; 89 (9): 1195-1200
Abstract
To perform a meta-analysis of cohort studies aimed at providing an accurate overview of mortality in elite athletes.We reviewed English-language scientific articles available in Medline and Web of Science databases following the recommendations of the Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology group. We searched for publications on longevity and professional or elite athletes (with no restriction on the starting date and up to March 31, 2014).Ten studies, including data from a total of 42,807 athletes (707 women), met all inclusion criteria. The all-cause pooled standard mortality ratio (SMR) was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.55-0.81; P<.001) with no evidence of publication bias (P=.24) but with significant heterogeneity among studies (I(2)=96%; Q=224.46; P<.001). Six studies provided data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 5 on cancer (in a total of 35,920 and 12,119 athletes, respectively). When only CVD was considered as a cause of mortality, the pooled SMR was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65-0.82; P<.001) with no evidence of bias (P=.68) or heterogenity among studies (I(2)=38%; Q=8.07; P=.15). The SMR for cancer was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.38-0.94; P=.03) with no evidence of bias (P=.20) despite a significant heterogeneity (I(2)=91%; Q=44.21; P<.001).The evidence available indicates that top-level athletes live longer than the general population and have a lower risk of 2 major causes of mortality, namely, CVD and cancer.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.06.004
View details for Web of Science ID 000341411300008
View details for PubMedID 25128074
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Serum Irisin Levels, Precocious Myocardial Infarction, and Healthy Exceptional Longevity
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
2014; 127 (9): 888-890
Abstract
Skeletal muscles produce irisin. Growing controversy exists on the association between this myokine and chronic disease risk. On the basis of the potential protective effects that irisin could exert on both vascular function and skeletal muscle mass, we hypothesized that an elevated level of this molecule may contribute to successful aging.Serum irisin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in disease-free centenarians, young healthy controls, and patients with precocious acute myocardial infarction.We found the highest levels of serum irisin in disease-free centenarians (35.3 ± 5.5 ng/mL) compared with young healthy controls (20.7 ± 6.3 ng/mL) and especially with young patients with acute myocardial infarction (15.1 ± 5.4 ng/mL).Our study demonstrates that healthy centenarians are characterized by increased serum irisin levels, whereas levels of this molecule were found to be significantly lower in young patients with myocardial infarction. Our findings may prompt further research into the role played by irisin not only in vascular disorders but also in life span modulation.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.04.025
View details for Web of Science ID 000341431000045
View details for PubMedID 24813865
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Protective effect of trehalose-loaded liposomes against UVB-induced photodamage in human keratinocytes
BIOMEDICAL REPORTS
2014; 2 (5): 755-759
Abstract
Trehalose, a naturally occurring non-reducing disaccharide, is known to act as a major protein stabilizer that can reduce ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced corneal damage when topically applied to the eye. However, due to the low skin permeability of trehalose, which makes the development of topical formulations difficult, its use as a skin photoprotective agent has been limited. Previous findings demonstrated that liposomes may significantly improve the intracellular delivery of trehalose. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the protective effects of trehalose-loaded liposomes against UVB-induced photodamage using the immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The effects were also compared to those of the common skin photoprotective compounds, including L-carnosine, L-(+)-ergothioneine, L-ascorbic acid and DL-α-tocopherol. The levels of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and protein carbonylation in HaCaT cells were used as biological markers of UVB-induced damage. Compared to other compounds, trehalose-loaded liposomes showed the highest efficacy in reducing the levels of the three markers following UVB irradiation of HaCaT cells (all P<0.001 when compared to each of the four other photoprotective compounds). Therefore, these findings indicate that there may be a clinical application for trehalose-loaded liposomes, and further studies should be performed to assess the potential usefulness in skin photoprotection and the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer.
View details for DOI 10.3892/br.2014.310
View details for Web of Science ID 000218833400025
View details for PubMedID 25054023
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4106593
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The hMTH1 paradox: Antioxidants recommended in cancer?
DNA REPAIR
2014; 21: 163-164
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.dnarep.2014.04.010
View details for Web of Science ID 000340982300017
View details for PubMedID 24802094
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Circulating irisin levels are not correlated with BMI, age, and other biological parameters in obese and diabetic patients
ENDOCRINE
2014; 46 (3): 674-677
View details for DOI 10.1007/s12020-014-0170-9
View details for Web of Science ID 000339804200042
View details for PubMedID 24510629
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'Olympic' centenarians: Are they just biologically exceptional?
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2014; 175 (1): 216-217
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.04.247
View details for Web of Science ID 000339790700054
View details for PubMedID 24852831
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New molecular targets and lifestyle interventions to delay aging sarcopenia
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
2014; 6: 156
View details for DOI 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00156
View details for Web of Science ID 000339638400001
View details for PubMedID 25071565
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4078253
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Inconsistency in Circulating Irisin Levels: What is Really Happening?
HORMONE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH
2014; 46 (8): 591-596
Abstract
The discovery of irisin as a novel and promising peptidic hormone for the treatment of obesity and diabetes has recently been reported. As a result, great hopes have been raised based on this finding, hypothesizing that irisin might provide additional benefits, not only for obesity and diabetes, but also for a wide range of pathological conditions requiring therapeutical and clinical attention. However, controversial results and conclusions on circulating irisin concentrations and correlations with other variables, including its role in metabolism, have recently been reported. Although laboratory assessment of irisin by ELISA is easily available and may provide interesting information for therapeutics and clinical practice, the heterogeneous and often discrepant results published so far, raise serious concerns about its measurement, indicating that it may still not be ready for use or whether irisin really exists. We highlight here some aspects on these discrepancies and contradictions, and put forward their implications.
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0033-1363283
View details for Web of Science ID 000339684800011
View details for PubMedID 24459033
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Prevention of acute skeletal muscle wasting in critical illness
MINERVA ANESTESIOLOGICA
2014; 80 (6): 748
View details for Web of Science ID 000339598800017
View details for PubMedID 24280827
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Influence of training and a maximal exercise test in analytical variability of muscular, hepatic, and cardiovascular biochemical variables
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL & LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
2014; 74 (3): 192-198
Abstract
Short, middle, and long-term exercise, as well as the relative intensity of the physical effort, may influence a broad array of laboratory results, and it is thereby of pivotal importance to appropriately differentiate the 'physiologic' from the 'pathological' effects of exercise. Therefore, the values of some biomarkers in physically active subjects may be cautiously interpreted since the results may fall outside the conventional reference ranges. It has been demonstrated that middle and long-term endurance and/or strenuous exercise triggers transient elevations of muscular and cardiac biomarkers. However, no data have been published about the effect of short-term maximal exercise test on the most useful muscular, hepatic and cardiovascular biomarkers. The aim of the present study was to assess the baseline concentrations of muscular, hepatic, and cardiovascular makers between trained and untrained subjects, along with changes induced by maximal exercise test. We measured C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), Hs-TnT, NT-proBNP, CK, LDH, AST, and ALT in serum samples of physically active (trained) and physically inactive (sedentary) male collected before, immediately after a maximal exercise test and after a 30-min recovery period. Trained subjects tend to have significantly raised base concentrations of CK, CK-MB, ALT, and LDH compared to sedentary individuals, and this can be clearly interpreted as a mild injury of skeletal muscle. A single maximal exercise was also effective to transiently increase the concentrations of NT-proBNP, but not those of Hs-TnT, thus suggesting that the cardiac involvement is mostly benign in nature.
View details for DOI 10.3109/00365513.2013.873948
View details for Web of Science ID 000334738200003
View details for PubMedID 24484196
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Physical Exercise and Epigenetic Modulation: Elucidating Intricate Mechanisms
SPORTS MEDICINE
2014; 44 (4): 429-436
Abstract
Physical exercise induces several metabolic adaptations to meet increased energy requirements. Promoter DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, or microRNA expression are involved in the gene expression changes implicated in metabolic adaptation after exercise. Epigenetic modifications and many epigenetic enzymes are potentially dependent on changes in the levels of metabolites, such as oxygen, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, 2-oxoglutarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate, and β-hydroxybutyrate, and are therefore susceptible to the changes induced by exercise in a tissue-dependent manner. Most of these changes are regulated by important epigenetic modifiers that control DNA methylation (DNA methyl transferases, and ten-eleven-translocation proteins) and post-translational modifications in histone tails controlled by histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylases, and histone demethylases (jumonji C proteins, lysine-specific histone demethylase, etc.), among others. Developments in mass spectrometry approaches and the comprehension of the interconnections between epigenetics and metabolism further increase our understanding of underlying epigenetic mechanisms, not only of exercise, but also of disease and aging. In this article, we describe several of these substrates and signaling molecules regulated by exercise that affect some of the most important epigenetic mechanisms, which, in turn, control the gene expression involved in metabolism.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s40279-013-0138-6
View details for Web of Science ID 000333528400002
View details for PubMedID 24399634
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Acetaminophen and sport performance: doping or what?
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
2014; 114 (4): 881-882
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00421-014-2852-7
View details for Web of Science ID 000332952700022
View details for PubMedID 24563094
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Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion in Human Diseases REPLY
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
2014; 370 (11): 1074
View details for Web of Science ID 000332689100032
View details for PubMedID 24620885
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How does the journal impact factor affect the CV of PhD students?
EMBO REPORTS
2014; 15 (3): 207
View details for DOI 10.1002/embr.201338351
View details for Web of Science ID 000332390200006
View details for PubMedID 24473241
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3989683
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Altitude exposure in sports: the Athlete Biological Passport standpoint
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
2014; 6 (3): 190-193
Abstract
The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is principally founded on monitoring an athlete's biological variables over time, to identify abnormal biases on a longitudinal basis. Several factors are known to influence the results of these markers. However, the manner in which the altitude factor is taken into account still needs to be standardized. Causal relationships between haematological variables should be correctly integrated into ABP software. In particular, modifications of haematological parameters during and after exposure to different altitudes/hypoxic protocols need to be properly included within detection models.
View details for DOI 10.1002/dta.1539
View details for Web of Science ID 000333006300002
View details for PubMedID 24115763
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Erythropoietin and the heart: Physiological effects and the therapeutic perspective
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2014; 171 (2): 116-125
Abstract
Erythropoietin (Epo) has been thought to act exclusively on erythroid progenitor cells. The identification of Epo receptor (EpoR) in non-haematopoietic cells and tissues including neurons, astrocytes, microglia, immune cells, cancer cell lines, endothelial cells, bone marrow stromal cells, as well as cells of myocardium, reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, pancreas and skeletal muscle indicates that Epo has pleiotropic actions. Epo shows signals through protein kinases, anti-apoptotic proteins and transcription factors. In light of interest of administering recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) and its analogues for limiting infarct size and left ventricular (LV) remodelling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in humans, the foremost studies utilising rhEpo are reviewed. The putative mechanisms involved in Epo-induced cardioprotection are related to the antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects of Epo. Thus, cardioprotective potentials of rhEpo are reviewed in this article by focusing on clinical applicability. An overview of non-haematopoietic Epo analogues, which are a reliable alternative to the classic EpoR agonists and may prevent undesired side effects, is also provided.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.12.011
View details for Web of Science ID 000329982200028
View details for PubMedID 24377712
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Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase and Exercise on Serum Uric Acid, 25(OH)D<sub>3</sub>, and Calcium Concentrations
CLINICAL LABORATORY
2014; 60 (8): 1409-1411
Abstract
It has been shown that serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 are decreased in patients with gout. A short-term administration of allopurinol increases plasma concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 in mild to moderate renal failure, with or without hyperuricemia. It has been reported that subjects who perform regular vigorous and/ or moderate physical activities have higher plasma and serum 25(OH)D3 levels. However, little is known about the influence of allopurinol and/or physical exercise on serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations in humans.We investigated the effect of allopurinol administration and/or physical activity on vitamin D metabolism by measuring serum uric acid, 25(OH)D3, and calcium levels in twelve professional soccer players.The athletes supplemented with allopurinol, but not those who received placebo, exhibited a significant decrease in uric acid serum concentrations after the match. We also found a significant increase in serum calcium and 25(OH)D3 concentrations in the supplemented group.We conclude that allopurinol administration might be an effective drug to lower hyperuricemia and treat hypovitaminosis D.
View details for DOI 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2013.130830
View details for Web of Science ID 000342857800021
View details for PubMedID 25185430
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The p38-PGC-1α-irisin-betatrophin axis Exploring new pathways in insulin resistance
ADIPOCYTE
2014; 3 (1): 67-68
Abstract
The discovery of irisin as a novel and promising peptidic hormone has raised hopes regarding the hypothesis that irisin may provide additional benefits, not only for obesity and diabetes, but also for a wide range of pathological conditions since this hormone may prove to be therapeutically and clinically beneficial. In addition, a new hormone, betatrophin, has recently been identified by Yi and coworkers. Both hormones are connected by a new pathway clearly involved in insulin resistance. We hypothesize here how these hormones may be linked and their possible implications in both aged-reduced restricted regenerative capacity and dedifferentiated β cells of diabetic patients.
View details for DOI 10.4161/adip.27370
View details for Web of Science ID 000218794000011
View details for PubMedID 24575373
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3917937
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Blood rheology effect of submaximal exercise on young subjects
CLINICAL HEMORHEOLOGY AND MICROCIRCULATION
2014; 56 (2): 111-117
Abstract
Nowadays cardiac and metabolic diseases are a matter of concern. Exercise is a valid treatment and method of prevention for not only adults, but also young subjects. Physical activity causes transient blood rheology impairment in adults. However little is known about the effects of exercise on blood flow characteristics in young subjects. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of a light aerobic exercise session on blood rheology in young subjects. Ten young subjects (aged 12-16 years) performed 1 hour of submaximal aerobic exercise (70% HRmax). Blood samples were drawn just before and after exercise. We determined blood and plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, erythrocyte deformability and aggregability. No changes in blood viscosity (p > 0.05), erythrocyte aggregation (p > 0.05) and fibrinogen (p > 0.05) were observed. Hematocrit (p = 0.025) and plasma viscosity (p = 0.018) rose with exercise, while erythrocyte elongation index lowered (p < 0.001). Plasma volume slightly reduced which may explain the lack of changes in blood viscosity. The results of the present study indicate a similar hemorheological response to submaximal exercise in both young people and adults.
View details for DOI 10.3233/CH-121657
View details for Web of Science ID 000333079700003
View details for PubMedID 23302596
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Pharmacological Properties of Physical Exercise in the Elderly
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
2014; 20 (18): 3019-3029
Abstract
Scientific evidence links physical activity to several benefits. Recently, we proposed the idea that exercise can be regarded as a drug. As with many drugs, dosage is of great importance. However, to issue a public recommendation of physical activity in aging is not an easy task. Exercise in the elderly needs to be carefully tailored and individualized with the specific objectives of the person or group in mind. The beneficial effects of exercise in two of the main age-related diseases, sarcopenia and Alzheimer's Disease, are dealt with at the beginning of this report. Subsequently, dosage of exercise and the molecular signaling pathways involved in its adaptations are discussed. Exercise and aging are associated with oxidative stress so the paradox arises, and is discussed, as to whether exercise would be advisable for the aged population from an oxidative stress point of view. Two of the main redox-sensitive signaling pathways altered in old skeletal muscle during exercise, NF-κB and PGC-1α, are also reviewed. The last section of the manuscript is devoted to the age-associated diseases in which exercise is contraindicated. Finally, we address the option of applying exercise mimetics as an alternative for disabled old people. The overall denouement is that exercise is so beneficial that it should be deemed a drug both for young and old populations. If old adults adopted a more active lifestyle, there would be a significant delay in frailty and dependency with clear benefits to individual well-being and to the public's health.
View details for DOI 10.2174/13816128113196660704
View details for Web of Science ID 000336792400005
View details for PubMedID 24079769
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Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Health and Disease. Molecular and Therapeutic Approaches
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
2014; 20 (35): 5619-5633
Abstract
Mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) is the essential mechanism by which cells control the number of mitochondria. Cells respond to different physiologic, metabolic, and pathologic changes by regulating this organelle with high morphological and functional adaptability. A considerable number of proteins, transcription factors, upstream regulatory proteins and secondary mechanisms are involved in MB and the stabilization of new mitochondrial DNA. These MB activators and regulators, including the main participating proteins (e.g. PGC-1α and mtTFA), are candidates for therapeutic intervention in diverse diseases, like neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndrome, sarcopenia, cardiac pathophysiology and physiological processes like aging. In this review, we analyze the implication of MB in several diseases in which the MB pathway is affected. Furthermore, we describe therapeutical interventions on MB targets to boost MB for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Furthermore, evidence based results and the knowledge gained during last years for some of these drugs aim us hypothesize about the value of a given treatment involved in the activation of MB.
View details for DOI 10.2174/1381612820666140306095106
View details for Web of Science ID 000342004900007
View details for PubMedID 24606801
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Biological Markers in Older People at Risk of Mobility Limitations
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
2014; 20 (19): 3222-3244
Abstract
Due to the progressive ageing of the worldwide population, prevention and treatment of late-life dysfunctions, including functional decline and mobility limitations, represent leading targets of scientists and clinicians, but are also receiving growing attention from governments and healthcare systems. The early identification of elderly patients more prone to physical decline represents a crucial step for establishing preventive measures. Although functional capacity can easily be assessed, the use of additional criteria that anticipate the onset of mobility limitations seems much more advantageous. The most challenging issues in the identification of biological markers for assessing the risk of functional decline in the elderly originates from the complex and multifaceted pathogenesis of sarcopenia and the resulting physiological decrement, so that bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice may appear intricate. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence now confirm the existence of negative associations between functional mobility and values of hemoglobin, total and HDL-cholesterol, vitamin D, testosterone, adiponectin and antioxidants such carotenoids, vitamin C and E, selenium and magnesium, whereas positive associations have been reported with the values of uric acid, white blood cells, plasma and blood viscosity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), triglycerides, homocysteine, plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), markers of renal functions (i.e., creatine and cystatin C), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), as well as several inflammatory (e.g., C reactive protein, Intereleukin-6, Interleukin- 1 receptor antagonist), hemostatic (e.g., fibrinogen, Von Willebrand Factor, factors VIII and IX) and oxidative (oxidized lipoproteins, 8-oxo-7,8-2'-deoxyguanosine, protein carbonylation) biomarkers. In the foreseeable future, proteomic studies might predictably help identify novel associations between putative biomarkers and functional decline.
View details for DOI 10.2174/13816128113196660697
View details for Web of Science ID 000337104200012
View details for PubMedID 24050159
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Physical activity - an important preanalytical variable
BIOCHEMIA MEDICA
2014; 24 (1): 68-79
Abstract
The concentration of several biochemical and hematological biomarkers is strongly influenced by a number of preanalytical variables. Several lines of evidence attest that short, middle, and long-term exercise, as well as the relative intensity of physical effort (from mild to strenuous), may influence a broad array of laboratory variables. The amount of extracellular release and clearance from blood of most of these biomarkers is markedly influenced by the biological characteristics of the molecule(s), level of training, type, intensity and duration of exercise, and time of recovery after training. It is hence noteworthy that test results that fall outside the conventional reference ranges in athletes not only may reflect the presence of a given disease, but may frequently mirror an adaptation to regular training or changes that have occurred during and/or following strenuous exercise, and which should be clearly acknowledged to prevent misinterpretation of laboratory data. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update about the most significant changes of some biochemical and hematological biomarkers in response to physical exercise, for appropriate interpretation of these changes in the context of physically active subjects.
View details for DOI 10.11613/BM.2014.009
View details for Web of Science ID 000331269800010
View details for PubMedID 24627716
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3936967
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Intravenous iron therapy in patients with heart failure. A double-edged sword
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2013; 168 (5): 4863
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.07.059
View details for Web of Science ID 000326219800070
View details for PubMedID 23890881
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Impact of exercise training on neuroplasticity-related growth factors in adolescents
JOURNAL OF MUSCULOSKELETAL & NEURONAL INTERACTIONS
2013; 13 (3): 368-371
Abstract
We aimed to determine the effect of exercise training on plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as well as cAMP response element-binding (CREB) activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in adolescents.Nine trained and seven sedentary male adolescents, matched in age (14.0±2.2 years), were recruited for the study. Trained boys performed higher physical activity levels (expressed both as total energy expenditure and as physical activity energy expenditure) and showed significant bradycardia when compared with sedentary ones.We found that BDNF and IGF-1 levels were significantly higher in trained adolescents than in sedentary ones. However, no effect of training was found in the activation of CREB in PBMCs.We demonstrated the increase of neuroplasticity-related proteins due to exercise training in adolescents. Our results emphasize the significance and impact of exercise in this developmental period.
View details for Web of Science ID 000327696800012
View details for PubMedID 23989258
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Effects of acute exercise and xanthine oxidase inhibition on novel cardiovascular biomarkers
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
2013; 162 (2): 102-109
Abstract
Several sports have been associated with a postexercise increase of cardiac, liver, and skeletal muscle biomarkers of injury. Exhaustive or acute physical exercise causes an increased generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in cellular injury. Thus, exercise and training may trigger pathophysiological changes in serum concentrations of a variety of biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the variation of novel biomarkers of stress and cardiovascular disease such as copeptin, midregional part of proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and placental growth factor along with uric acid before and after acute high-intensity exercise and allopurinol administration. We also assessed whether allopurinol administration may affect the circulating levels of these biomarkers by inhibition of XO activity. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 12 professional football players were divided into 2 experimental groups. An oral dose of 300 mg of allopurinol was administered to one group of six participants 4 hours before a match of the Spanish Football League, whereas the other 6 participants received placebo (cellulose). Venous blood samples were obtained before the match (baseline) and twelve hours afterwards (post-match). Serum MR-proADM levels increased significantly in the placebo group, whereas serum GDF15 levels increased significantly in both the placebo and allopurinol group after the match. No differences in the other parameters tested were found after the match in any experimental group. The trend toward postexercise increase of serum MR-proADM and GDF15 levels shows that the metabolism of these proteins is clearly imbalanced after exercise, which thereby represents a potential source of biological variability in their clinical assessment.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.trsl.2013.02.006
View details for Web of Science ID 000322748100004
View details for PubMedID 23507375
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Sestrins: Novel antioxidant and AMPK-modulating functions regulated by exercise?
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
2013; 228 (8): 1647-1650
Abstract
Oxidative stress results from damage to tissues caused by free radicals and is increased by exercise. Peroxiredoxins (PRXs) maintain the cellular reducing environment by scavenging intracellular hydrogen peroxide. It has been recently noted that physical exercise has a positive effect on the PRX system, exerting a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced damage. However, other compounds, such as sestrins (SESNs), a stress-inducible protein family with antioxidant properties, should also be considered in the function of PRXs. SESNs are clearly involved in the regeneration process of PRXs and therefore may also be modulated by physical exercise. In addition, SESNs are clearly involved in TOR, AMPK, p53, FoxO, and PRXs signaling pathways. The aforementioned pathways are implicated in aging processes by inducing an increased resistance to subsequent stress, thus delaying age-related changes, such as sarcopenia and frailty, and consequently promoting longevity. Likewise, exercise also modulates these pathways. In fact, exercise is one of the most important recommended strategies to prevent sarcopenia and frailty, increase longevity, and improve health in the elderly. Loss of SESNs can cause several chronic pathologies, such as fat accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmia, and/or muscle degeneration. Accordingly, physical inactivity leads to accumulation of visceral fat and consequently the activation of a network of inflammatory pathways, which promote development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and tumor growth. To date, the SESNs-exercise relationship has not been explored. However, this emerging family of stress proteins may be part of the redox-based adaptive response to exercise.
View details for DOI 10.1002/jcp.24338
View details for Web of Science ID 000318165300004
View details for PubMedID 23359071
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Venous Thrombosis Associated with HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
SEMINARS IN THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS
2013; 39 (5): 515-532
Abstract
Among the various hypolipidemic drugs, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (also known as "statins") belong to a heterogeneous class of compounds, sharing an identical hypocholesterolemic effect that develops through direct inhibition of a rate-limiting step in endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Their mechanism of action entails competitive inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. Several lines of evidence suggest that the pleiotropic effects of statins may also play a role in prevention of venous thrombosis, wherein hypercholesterolemic patients are characterized by enhanced thrombin generation, increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperreactivity, so that limiting or counteracting the burden of one or more of these mechanisms would provide an effective means of prophylaxis. Plausible biological links can also be found between statin therapy and reduction of thrombotic risk, mainly targeting immune system, blood coagulation, endothelium, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The earlier JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention) trial provided appealing evidence that the risk of venous thrombosis may be lowered by statins. The results of the following studies and those of recent meta-analyses have, however, questioned this assumption. Currently, it seems thereby cautious to conclude that the use of statins as part of the approach used for preventing venous thromboembolism appears unwarranted. This is due to the existence of controversial clinical evidence, to the large number of patients who would need to be treated to prevent one case of venous thrombosis, as well as to the tangible risk of side effects. More randomized and the larger studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0033-1343892
View details for Web of Science ID 000320367100008
View details for PubMedID 23629822
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Autism spectrum disorders: possible implications of BDNF modulation through epigenetics
ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA
2013; 128 (1): 97
View details for DOI 10.1111/acps.12071
View details for Web of Science ID 000320133000014
View details for PubMedID 23331212
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Hemoglobin Point-of-Care Testing: The HemoCue System
JALA
2013; 18 (3): 198-205
Abstract
Besides the use of traditional laboratory resources, the diagnosis of anemia can also be accomplished by assessing hemoglobin (Hb) concentration with point-of-care testing (POCT) devices such as the HemoCue test systems. In several situations, these devices might suitably replace traditional laboratory testing, including several areas of health care where a very rapid Hb measurement might be required to make immediate therapeutic decisions. The use of these devices, however, should fulfill some basic criteria, including economic, clinical, and regulatory issues; appropriate training of the users and knowledge of test requirements, performance, limitations, and potential interferences; the use of venous and arterial sampling, when possible; and a rigorous quality assessment, which should be under the responsibility of laboratory professionals. Because of its optimal performance along with the fact that the HemoCue is probably one of the most commonly used devices worldwide, the aim of this article is to review the literature data about the performance of this test system as compared with laboratory reference testing estimations and according to the biological matrix.
View details for DOI 10.1177/2211068212457560
View details for Web of Science ID 000325923700002
View details for PubMedID 22961038
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Exercise and antioxidant supplements in the elderly
JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE
2013; 2 (2): 94-100
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jshs.2013.03.007
View details for Web of Science ID 000329871500006
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Anemia, heart failure and exercise training
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2013; 165 (3): 587-588
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.09.028
View details for Web of Science ID 000318569400053
View details for PubMedID 23031281
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Rest heart rate and mortality: More physical exercise for the rabbit?
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
2013; 165 (2): 358
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.08.034
View details for Web of Science ID 000317747600033
View details for PubMedID 22981276
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Exercise as an Adjuvant Intervention in Opiate Dependence
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
2013; 34 (2): 87-88
View details for DOI 10.1080/08897077.2012.752778
View details for Web of Science ID 000317742700001
View details for PubMedID 23577897
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<i>Ex vivo</i> erythrocyte generation and blood doping
BLOOD TRANSFUSION
2013; 11 (2): 161-163
View details for DOI 10.2450/2012.0028-12
View details for Web of Science ID 000318058100001
View details for PubMedID 23114519
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3626461
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Antiplatelet Therapy in Marathon Runners: More Harm than Benefits?
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
2013; 126 (3): E19
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2012.07.027
View details for Web of Science ID 000314873800008
View details for PubMedID 23410574
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Association of red blood cell distribution width with plasma lipids in a general population of unselected outpatients
KARDIOLOGIA POLSKA
2013; 71 (9): 931-936
Abstract
Increased values of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) are frequent in patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders, and are associated with traditional or less conventional risk factors. Nevertheless, limited and controversial information exists on the association between anisocytosis and plasma lipids.We performed a retrospective search to retrieve test results of RDW and plasma lipids of unselected outpatients aged 18 years or older referred for routine testing over a six-month period. No restrictive inclusion or exclusion criteria were applied for extracting data of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, total to HDL-cholesterol ratio (COL/HDL) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Cumulative results were retrieved for 4,874 outpatients (2,150 men, 2,724 women).A significantly higher median RDW was found in females than in males (13.2 vs. 13.1; p < 0.01). After stratification of the study population into RDW quartiles, significant differences were observed in all parameters, except triglycerides and COL/HDL in men. RDW was negatively correlated with haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and positively associated with age. After comparison of lipid values across RDW quartiles by multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, haemoglobin and MCV, the RDW was negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol (OR 3.20 in females and OR 1.67 in males), and positively associated with AIP (1.53 in females and 1.43 in males), hypertriglyceridaemia (OR 1.66) and COL/HDL (OR 1.28) in women.Higher RDW is associated with a globally unfavourable lipid profile, especially in women.
View details for DOI 10.5603/KP.2013.0228
View details for Web of Science ID 000329875900007
View details for PubMedID 24065422
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Erythropoietin Receptor (EpoR) Agonism Is Used to Treat a Wide Range of Disease
MOLECULAR MEDICINE
2013; 19: 62-64
Abstract
The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) was discovered and described in red blood cells (RBCs), stimulating its proliferation and survival. The target in humans for EpoR agonists drugs appears clear-to treat anemia. However, there is evidence of the pleitropic actions of erythropoietin (Epo). For that reason, rhEpo therapy was suggested as a reliable approach for treating a broad range of pathologies, including heart and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease), spinal cord injury, stroke, diabetic retinopathy and rare diseases (Friedreich ataxia). Unfortunately, the side effects of rhEpo are also evident. A new generation of nonhematopoietic EpoR agonists drugs (asialoEpo, Cepo and ARA 290) have been investigated and further developed. These EpoR agonists, without the erythropoietic activity of Epo, while preserving its tissue-protective properties, will provide better outcomes in ongoing clinical trials. Nonhematopoietic EpoR agonists represent safer and more effective surrogates for the treatment of several diseases such as brain and peripheral nerve injury, diabetic complications, renal ischemia, rare diseases, myocardial infarction, chronic heart disease and others.
View details for DOI 10.2119/molmed.2013.00025
View details for Web of Science ID 000328604200007
View details for PubMedID 23615965
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3646093
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Improvement in sprint performance: doping or nature?
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
2013; 5 (2): 135
View details for DOI 10.1002/dta.1435
View details for Web of Science ID 000315697400013
View details for PubMedID 23175473
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An Overview of Doping in Sports
NUTRITION AND ENHANCED SPORTS PERFORMANCE: MUSCLE BUILDING, ENDURANCE, AND STRENGTH
2013: 183-196
View details for DOI 10.1016/B978-0-12-396454-0.00018-7
View details for Web of Science ID 000326684800019
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Irisinemia: A Novel Concept to Coin in Clinical Medicine?
ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
2013; 63 (1-2): 60-61
Abstract
Skeletal muscle can express and release substances such as cytokines or other peptides capable of modulating metabolic processes. These cytokines, named 'myokines', function as hormones either locally within the muscle or by targeting distant organs. A novel peptidic myokine named 'irisin' has been recently identified. It has been noted that circulating irisin levels are lower in type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with nondiabetic controls as well as in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, a negative correlation between the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and circulating levels of irisin has been also observed. Thus, the blood concentration of irisin may reflect the metabolic status of patients suffering from metabolism disorders. In addition to glycemia or HbA1c, 'irisinemia' may also become a new promising concept employed to monitor metabolic disorders such as T2D or obesity, representing a novel and useful tool in the management of metabolic diseases in the near future.
View details for DOI 10.1159/000354090
View details for Web of Science ID 000325385800008
View details for PubMedID 23941905
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Effects of Acute Exercise and Allopurinol Administration on Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR)
CLINICAL LABORATORY
2013; 59 (1-2): 207-210
Abstract
Although physical exercise acutely increases the most widely used inflammatory biomarkers, there is no information on its effect on soluble urokinase plasminogen activating receptor (suPAR), a circulating biomarker increasingly used for the assessment of systemic inflammation.suPAR was assessed with the quantitative suPARnostic Standard ELISA Assay (Virogates, Birkerød, Denmark) in 12 professional football players before and after a football match. The athletes were divided into two experimental groups. An oral dose of 300 mg of allopurinol was administered to one group of six participants four hours before a match; the other six participants received placebo.Serum suPAR concentration did not vary significantly after the match in both the placebo and allopurinol group. No significant differences were observed between placebo and allopurinol groups at baseline and after the game.At variance with other consolidated inflammatory biomarkers, suPAR is not influenced by either physical exercise or administration of xanthine oxidase inhibitors.
View details for DOI 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2012.120728
View details for Web of Science ID 000328912900028
View details for PubMedID 23505929
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The Skeletal Muscle-Metabolism Axis in Prostate-Cancer Therapy
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
2012; 367 (23): 2257-2258
View details for Web of Science ID 000311890600022
View details for PubMedID 23215572
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Vitamin C Supplementation Does not Improve Hypoxia-Induced Erythropoiesis
HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICINE & BIOLOGY
2012; 13 (4): 269-274
Abstract
Hypoxia induces reactive oxygen species production. Supplements with antioxidant mixtures can compensate for the decline in red cell membrane stability following intermittent hypobaric hypoxia by decreasing protein and lipid oxidation. We aimed to determine whether supplementation with vitamin C is implicated in the regulation of erythropoiesis and in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and also whether antioxidant supplementation prevents the oxidative stress associated to intermittent hypoxia. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: normoxia control (n=6), normoxia + vitamin C (n=6), hypoxia control (12 h pO(2) 12%/12 h pO(2) 21%) (n=6), and hypoxia + vitamin C (n=6). Animals were supplemented with vitamin C at a dose of 250 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) for 21 days. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, erythropoietin, and oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde and protein oxidation in plasma were analyzed at two different time points: basal sample (day zero) and final sample (day 21). Similar RBC, Hb, Hct, and Epo increments were observed in both hypoxic groups regardless of the vitamin C supplementation. There was no change on MDA levels after intermittent hypoxic exposure in any experimental group. However, we found an increase in plasma protein oxidation in both hypoxic groups. Vitamin C does not affect erythropoiesis and protein oxidation in rats submitted to intermittent hypoxic exposure.
View details for DOI 10.1089/ham.2012.1028
View details for Web of Science ID 000313001900007
View details for PubMedID 23270444
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3533831
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PHYSICAL EXERCISE AS AN EPIGENETIC MODULATOR: EUSTRESS, THE "POSITIVE STRESS" AS AN EFFECTOR OF GENE EXPRESSION
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
2012; 26 (12): 3469-3472
Abstract
Physical exercise positively influences epigenetic mechanisms and improves health. Several issues remain unclear concerning the links between physical exercise and epigenetics. There is growing concern about the negative influence of excessive and persistent physical exercise on health. How an individual physically adapts to the prevailing environmental conditions might influence epigenetic mechanisms and modulate gene expression. In this article, we put forward the idea that physical exercise, especially long-term repetitive strenuous exercise, positively affects health, reduces the aging process, and decreases the incidence of cancer through induced stress and epigenetic mechanisms. We propose herein that stress may stimulate genetic adaptations through epigenetics that, in turn, modulate the link between the environment, human lifestyle factors, and genes.
View details for DOI 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825bb594
View details for Web of Science ID 000311895100038
View details for PubMedID 22561977
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Three weeks of erythropoietin treatment hampers skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis in rats
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
2012; 68 (4): 593-601
Abstract
The blood O(2)-carrying capacity is maintained by the O(2)-regulated production of erythropoietin (Epo), which stimulates the proliferation and survival of red blood cell progenitors. Epo has been thought to act exclusively on erythroid progenitor cells. However, recent studies have identified the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) in other cells, such as neurons, astrocytes, microglia, heart, cancer cell lines, and skeletal muscle provides evidence for a potential role of Epo in other tissues. In this study we aimed to determine the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) on skeletal muscle adaptations such as mitochondrial biogenesis, myogenesis, and angiogenesis in different muscle fibre types. Fourteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups, and saline or rHuEpo (300 IU) was administered subcutaneously three times a week for 3 weeks. We evaluated the protein expression of intermediates involved in the mitochondrial biogenesis cascade, the myogenic cascade, and in angiogenesis in the oxidative soleus muscle and in the glycolytic gastrocnemius muscle. Contrary to our expectations, rHuEpo significantly hampered the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway in gastrocnemius muscle (PGC-1α, mTFA and cytochrome c). We did not find any effect of the treatment on cellular signals of myogenesis (MyoD and Myf5) or angiogenesis (VEGF) in either soleus or gastrocnemius muscles. Finally, we found no significant effect on the maximal aerobic velocity at the end of the experiment in the rHuEpo-treated animals. Our findings suggest that 3 weeks of rHuEpo treatment, which generates an increase of oxygen carrying capacity, can affect mitochondrial biogenesis in a muscle fibre-specific dependent manner.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s13105-012-0178-7
View details for Web of Science ID 000311313300012
View details for PubMedID 22627788
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Epigenetic biomarkers: A new perspective in laboratory diagnostics
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
2012; 413 (19-20): 1576-1582
Abstract
Epigenetics comprises the study of chemical modifications in the DNA and histones that regulates the gene expression or cellular phenotype. However, during the last decade this term has evolved after the elucidation of different mechanisms (microRNAs and nuclear organization of the chromosomes) involved in regulating gene expression. Epigenetics and the new designed technologies capable to analyze epigenetic changes (e.g., methylated DNA, miRNAs expression, post-translational modifications on histones among others) have disclosed an appealing scenario that will offer for the biomedical sciences new biomarkers for the study of neurodegenerative diseases, multifactorial complex diseases, rare diseases and cancer. Moreover, new technologies adapted for epigenetic studies will offer promising applications that in the next years will be common technologies in clinical laboratories. In this review we discuss epigenetic modifications used as possible biomarkers in several diseases. We also present the potential of methodologies to purify histones, and high throughput technologies as candidates to be set in clinical laboratories for their high potential analyzing epigenetic processes.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cca.2012.05.021
View details for Web of Science ID 000307924000028
View details for PubMedID 22664147
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Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase by Allopurinol Prevents Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Role of p38 MAPKinase and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases
PLOS ONE
2012; 7 (10): e46668
Abstract
Alterations in muscle play an important role in common diseases and conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during hindlimb unloading due, at least in part, to the activation of xanthine oxidase (XO). The major aim of this study was to determine the mechanism by which XO activation causes unloading-induced muscle atrophy in rats, and its possible prevention by allopurinol, a well-known inhibitor of this enzyme. For this purpose we studied one of the main redox sensitive signalling cascades involved in skeletal muscle atrophy i.e. p38 MAPKinase, and the expression of two well known muscle specific E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in proteolysis, the Muscle atrophy F-Box (MAFbx; also known as atrogin-1) and Muscle RING (Really Interesting New Gene) Finger-1 (MuRF-1). We found that hindlimb unloading induced a significant increase in XO activity and in the protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes CuZnSOD and Catalase in skeletal muscle. The most relevant new fact reported in this paper is that inhibition of XO with allopurinol, a drug widely used in clinical practice, prevents soleus muscle atrophy by ~20% after hindlimb unloading. This was associated with the inhibition of the p38 MAPK-MAFbx pathway. Our data suggest that XO was involved in the loss of muscle mass via the activation of the p38MAPK-MAFbx pathway in unloaded muscle atrophy. Thus, allopurinol may have clinical benefits to combat skeletal muscle atrophy in bedridden, astronauts, sarcopenic, and cachexic patients.
View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0046668
View details for Web of Science ID 000309827300046
View details for PubMedID 23071610
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3465256
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Current limitations and future perspectives of the Athlete Blood Passport
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
2012; 112 (10): 3693-3694
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00421-012-2386-9
View details for Web of Science ID 000308646000026
View details for PubMedID 22441832
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Variation of serum and urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) after strenuous physical exercise
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
2012; 50 (9): 1585-1589
Abstract
Strenuous exercise may trigger acute complications, such as exertional rhabdomyolysis and gastrointestinal complaint. As less is known about the potential renal impairment after long distance running, we assessed creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) in serum (sNGAL) and urine (uNGAL) before and after an ultramarathon.The study population consisted of 16 trained male athletes who ran a 60 km ultramarathon. Blood and spot urine samples were collected 20 min before and immediately after the run. Creatinine was assessed by Jaffe assay on Beckman Coulter AU5800 and renal function was expressed as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by MDRD formula. NGAL was measured by fully-automated immunoassay NGAL Test™ on AU 5800.Serum and urinary creatinine increased significantly by 38% and 78%, respectively. The eGFR contextually decreased by 31%. sNGAL, uNGAL and uNGAL/creatinine ratio increased by 1.6-fold, 7.7-fold and 2.9-fold. In six of 16 athletes (38%), the acute post-exercise increase of serum creatinine met the criteria of acute kidney injury. No significant relationship was found between pre-exercise, post-exercise values and post-exercise variation of sNGAL, uNGAL and uNGAL/creatinine ratio. A significant correlation was found between pre- and post-exercise changes of serum creatinine and sNGAL, but not with either uNGAL or uNGAL/creatinine ratio.The acute variations of serum creatinine and uNGAL attest that renal impairment is likely to develop after long distance running. The uNGAL seems more independent from creatinine variation and extra-renal sources, and thereby more reliable for monitoring the renal involvement in these types of kidney impairment.
View details for DOI 10.1515/cclm-2011-0954
View details for Web of Science ID 000309954500015
View details for PubMedID 22962218
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Efecto del ejercicio fisico sobre las alteraciones cognitivas y el estres oxidativo en un modelo transgenico APP/PSN1 para la enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Revista espanola de geriatria y gerontologia
2012; 47 (5): 198-204
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The beneficial effects of physical exercise, in both the treatment and the prevention of several diseases, have been extensively demonstrated. The most common dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a disorder in which exercise induces significant improvement at pathophysiopathological and cognitive levels. In the present work, we studied the relationship between physical exercise, oxidative stress, and cognition in the double transgenic mice model (2*Tg) for AD, APP/PSN1. This model is mainly based on the cerebral deposition of amyloid beta plaques.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen ten-month-old mice were divided into four experimental groups: exercised 2*Tg (2*Tg-E) (n=5), rested 2*Tg (2*Tg-R) (n=5), exercised controls (control-E) (n=4) and rested controls (control-R) (n=4). We trained the animals for twelve weeks with a combination of forced exercise (treadmill running three days/week) and spontaneous wheel running. The animals were evaluated with physical and cognitive tests before and after the training period. We analyzed systemic and cortical oxidative damage and the induction of antioxidant enzymes.RESULTS: The 2*Tg-R mice showed a decrease in their grip strength and VO(2max) as they grew older which was prevented by training. The 2*Tg-E group showed better memory than the 2*Tg-R animals. All the trained groups demonstrated greater exploratory capacity and less anxiety than the sedentary animals. Systemic oxidative damage was slightly decreased in the 2*Tg, although we found no difference in the lipoperoxidation and in the induction of the antioxidant defense in cortex between groups.CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise leads to improvements in the grip strength, VO(2max), cognition, and memory in 2*Tg mice. These improvements are not significantly related to changes in the antioxidant defenses or a reduction in the oxidative damage brought about by exercise.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.regg.2012.05.004
View details for PubMedID 22884639
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Irisin: A new potential hormonal target for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes
JOURNAL OF DIABETES
2012; 4 (3): 196
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1753-0407.2012.00194.x
View details for Web of Science ID 000307932500004
View details for PubMedID 22372821
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Exercise acts as a drug; the pharmacological benefits of exercise
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
2012; 167 (1): 1-12
Abstract
The beneficial effects of regular exercise for the promotion of health and cure of diseases have been clearly shown. In this review, we would like to postulate the idea that exercise can be considered as a drug. Exercise causes a myriad of beneficial effects for health, including the promotion of health and lifespan, and these are reviewed in the first section of this paper. Then we deal with the dosing of exercise. As with many drugs, dosing is extremely important to get the beneficial effects of exercise. To this end, the organism adapts to exercise. We review the molecular signalling pathways involved in these adaptations because understanding them is of great importance to be able to prescribe exercise in an appropriate manner. Special attention must be paid to the psychological effects of exercise. These are so powerful that we would like to propose that exercise may be considered as a psychoactive drug. In moderate doses, it causes very pronounced relaxing effects on the majority of the population, but some persons may even become addicted to exercise. Finally, there may be some contraindications to exercise that arise when people are severely ill, and these are described in the final section of the review. Our general conclusion is that exercise is so effective that it should be considered as a drug, but that more attention should be paid to the dosing and to individual variations between patients.
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01970.x
View details for Web of Science ID 000307101300001
View details for PubMedID 22486393
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3448908
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Hb<sub>mass</sub> for Anti-Doping Purposes Should be Assessed in Combination with Hemoglobin and Blood Volume
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
2012; 33 (6): 502
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0032-1312625
View details for Web of Science ID 000304619500015
View details for PubMedID 22644878
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Anti-"negative-doping" testing: a new perspective in anti-doping research?
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
2012; 112 (6): 2383-2384
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00421-011-2193-8
View details for Web of Science ID 000304141600040
View details for PubMedID 21975574
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Age associated low mitochondrial biogenesis may be explained by lack of response of PGC-1α to exercise training
AGE
2012; 34 (3): 669-679
Abstract
Low mitochondriogenesis is critical to explain loss of muscle function in aging and in the development of frailty. The aim of this work was to explain the mechanism by which mitochondriogenesis is decreased in aging and to determine to which extent it may be prevented by exercise training. We used aged rats and compared them with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α deleted mice (PGC-1α KO). PGC-1α KO mice showed a significant decrease in the mitochondriogenic pathway in muscle. In aged rats, we found a loss of exercise-induced expression of PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), and of cytochrome C. Thus muscle mitochondriogenesis, which is activated by exercise training in young animals, is not in aged or PGC-1α KO ones. Other stimuli to increase PGC-1α synthesis apart from exercise training, namely cold induction or thyroid hormone treatment, were effective in young rats but not in aged ones. To sum up, the low mitochondrial biogenesis associated with aging may be due to the lack of response of PGC-1α to different stimuli. Aged rats behave as PGC-1α KO mice. Results reported here highlight the role of PGC-1α in the loss of mitochondriogenesis associated with aging and point to this important transcriptional coactivator as a target for pharmacological interventions to prevent age-associated sarcopenia.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s11357-011-9264-y
View details for Web of Science ID 000303507400013
View details for PubMedID 21590341
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3337936
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Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia applicability in myocardial infarction prevention and recovery
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
2012; 16 (5): 1150-1154
Abstract
Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) has been the focus of important research in cardioprotection, and it has been associated with several mechanisms. Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia inhibits prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) activity, increasing the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and activating crucial adaptative genes. It has been hence suggested that IHH might be a simple intervention, which may offer a thoughtful benefits to patients with acute myocardial infarction and no complications. Nevertheless, several doubts exist as to whether IHH is a really safe technique, with little to no complications in post-myocardial infarction patients. Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia might produce instead unfavourable changes such as impairment of vascular hemodynamics and hypertensive response, increased risk of hemoconcentration and thrombosis, cardiac rhythm perturbations, coronary artery disease and heart failure, insulin resistance, steatohepatitis and even high-altitude pulmonary oedema in susceptible or nonacclimatized patients. Although intermittent and chronic exposures seem effective in cardioprotection, IHH safety issues have been mostly overlooked, so that assorted concerns should be raised about the opportunity to use IHH in the post-myocardial infarction period. Several IHH protocols used in some studies were also aggressive, which would hamper their widespread introduction within the clinical practice. As such, further research is needed before IHH can be widely advocated in myocardial infarction prevention and recovery.
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01508.x
View details for Web of Science ID 000303239500021
View details for PubMedID 22151473
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4365893
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The financial crisis implications on the expected 2012 Olympics public health effect
PERSPECTIVES IN PUBLIC HEALTH
2012; 132 (2): 59
View details for Web of Science ID 000301890600008
View details for PubMedID 22616420
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Plasticizer detection in urine samples after autologous blood transfusion
TRANSFUSION
2012; 52 (3): 680
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03433.x
View details for Web of Science ID 000301229200032
View details for PubMedID 22404513
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TELMISARTAN AS METABOLIC MODULATOR: A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN SPORTS DOPING?
JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH
2012; 26 (3): 608-610
Abstract
The World Antidoping Agency (WADA) has introduced some changes in the 2012 prohibited list. Among the leading innovations to the rules are that both 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ [PPAR-δ]-5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase [AMPK] agonist) and GW1516 (PPAR-δ-agonist) are no longer categorized as gene doping substances in the new 2012 prohibited list but as metabolic modulators in the class "Hormone and metabolic modulators." This may also be valid for the angotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan. It has recently been shown that telmisartan might induce similar biochemical, biological, and metabolic changes (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis and changes in skeletal muscle fiber type) as those reported for the former call of substances. We suspect that metabolic modulators abuse such as telmisartan might become a tangible threat in sports and should be thereby targeted as an important antidoping issue. The 2012 WADA prohibited list does not provide telmisartan for a potential doping drug, but arguments supporting the consideration to include them among "metabolic modulators" are at hand.
View details for DOI 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31824301b6
View details for Web of Science ID 000300633900002
View details for PubMedID 22130396
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Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling and Obesity Implications
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
2012; 42 (1): E1
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.09.025
View details for Web of Science ID 000298294000001
View details for PubMedID 22176858
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Laboratory medicine and sports: between Scylla and Charybdis
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
2012; 50 (8): 1309-1316
Abstract
Laboratory medicine is complex and contributes to the diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring and follow-up of acquired and inherited human disorders. The regular practice of physical exercise provides important benefits in heath and disease and sports medicine is thereby receiving growing focus from almost each and every clinical discipline, including laboratory medicine. Sport-laboratory medicine is a relatively innovative branch of laboratory science, which can provide valuable contributions to the diagnosis and follow-up of athletic injuries, and which is acquiring a growing clinical significance to support biomechanics and identify novel genomics and "exercisenomics" patterns that can help identify specific athlete's tendency towards certain types of sport traumas and injuries. Laboratory medicine can also provide sport physicians and coaches with valuable clues about personal inclination towards a certain sport, health status, fitness and nutritional deficiencies of professional, elite and recreational athletes in order to enable a better and earlier prediction of sport injuries, overreaching and overtraining. Finally, the wide armamentarium of laboratory tests represents the milestone for identifying cheating athletes in the strenuous fight against doping in sports.
View details for DOI 10.1515/cclm-2012-0062
View details for Web of Science ID 000309200500005
View details for PubMedID 22868795
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Mitochondria as sources and targets of damage in cellular aging
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
2012; 50 (8): 1287-1295
Abstract
Mitochondria are considered as the most important cellular sources and targets of free radicals. They are also a source of signalling molecules that regulate cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis. Denham Harman postulated the free radical theory of aging in 1956. Previously Rebecca Gershman showed that radiation toxicity could be attributed to free radical damage. Subsequently, Jaime Miquel formulated the mitochondrial free radical theory of aging. We have shown that mitochondrial size, membrane potential, inner membrane mass and peroxide production is altered inside cells in old animals. These result in an increase in the oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA with aging that can be prevented by antioxidant supplementation. Aging is also associated with a lower renewal of mitochondria. This is mainly due to the lack of reactivity of proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in old animals. PGC-1α acts as a master regulator of energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis and recent evidence shows that it interacts with p53 and telomerase. The promotion of mitochondriogenesis is critical to prevent aging. In skeletal muscle it has relevance to prevent sarcopenia and frailty.
View details for DOI 10.1515/cclm-2011-0795
View details for Web of Science ID 000309200500002
View details for PubMedID 22868792
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Erythropoietin and Myocardial Infarction
CTS-CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
2011; 4 (6): 478
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2011.00360.x
View details for Web of Science ID 000298587600018
View details for PubMedID 22212231
View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5439821
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The loss of muscle mass and sarcopenia: Non hormonal intervention
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
2011; 46 (12): 967-969
Abstract
Muscle aging is a key component of the increase in frailty in human populations. The generation of critical levels of power is a prerequisite to perform simple tasks of daily living, such as rising from a chair or climbing stairs. There is great scientific and social interest to determine which behaviors can lead to the maintenance of the muscle mass in young immobilized subjects and in the elderly. Several hormonal treatments have been proposed for the treatment of sarcopenia. However, the side effects associated to these treatments emphasize the need of finding non-toxic and non-hormonal treatments that help increase muscle strength, improve muscle function, and decrease the degree of dependency in the old population. Recently, several studies have shed new light on this topic. Any medical efforts to develop treatments to prevent muscle dysfunction leading to sarcopenia, and eventually frailty, will be a major breakthrough in the public health in advances countries. Moreover, any significant improvement in the loss of muscle function will be a major breakthrough in the health and welfare of the population.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.exger.2011.08.012
View details for Web of Science ID 000297891900001
View details for PubMedID 21920428
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The health risks of acute exercise should also matter to internal medicine
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
2011; 22 (6): E143
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejim.2011.05.014
View details for Web of Science ID 000296762000017
View details for PubMedID 22075302
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Different types of storage devices for blood transportation in the anti-doping field
CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
2011; 44 (16): 1361
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.08.1127
View details for Web of Science ID 000296123100021
View details for PubMedID 21889929
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Current limitations of the Athlete's Biological Passport use in sports
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
2011; 49 (9): 1413-1415
Abstract
The Athletes Biological Passport (ABP) has received both criticisms and support during this year. In a recent issue of The Lancet, Michael Wozny considered that the use of the ABP makes it more difficult to take banned substances and that it was successfully used against the Italian elite cyclist Franco Pellizotti. After that, Italy's anti-doping tribunal considered that there was not enough evidence to prove manipulation of his own blood profile in Pellizotti's case. However, the UCI appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that sanctioned Pellizotti with a suspension of 2 years. Since its implementation, some problems have emerged. From 2010 to date, a large number of reports regarding the stability of the blood variables used to determine the ABP have been published, showing mixed results. This study considers that there is a risk of misinterpreting the physiological variations of the hematological parameters determined by the anti-doping authorities in the ABP. The analytical variability due to exercise training and competitions and/or to different metabolic energy demands, hypoxia treatments, etc. could lead to an increase in false-positives when using the ABP with the dramatic consequences that they might cause in major sports events like the forthcoming London Olympic Games. Moreover, the ABP characteristics, procedures, thresholds, or individual determination of reference ranges, abnormal out-comes, strikes, "how the profile differs from what is expected in clean athletes" should be clearly stated and explained in a new public technical document to avoid misunderstandings and to promote transparency.
View details for DOI 10.1515/CCLM.2011.609
View details for Web of Science ID 000294841100004
View details for PubMedID 21619474
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Cycling: To Race or to Live - Reflections on Skewed Priorities?
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
2011; 32 (8): 648-649
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0031-1283202
View details for Web of Science ID 000293460100015
View details for PubMedID 21815113
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Increased Average Longevity among the "Tour de France" Cyclists
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
2011; 32 (8): 644-647
Abstract
It is widely held among the general population and even among health professionals that moderate exercise is a healthy practice but long term high intensity exercise is not. The specific amount of physical activity necessary for good health remains unclear. To date, longevity studies of elite athletes have been relatively sparse and the results are somewhat conflicting. The Tour de France is among the most gruelling sport events in the world, during which highly trained professional cyclists undertake high intensity exercise for a full 3 weeks. Consequently we set out to determine the longevity of the participants in the Tour de France, compared with that of the general population. We studied the longevity of 834 cyclists from France (n=465), Italy (n=196) and Belgium (n=173) who rode the Tour de France between the years 1930 and 1964. Dates of birth and death of the cyclists were obtained on December 31 (st) 2007. We calculated the percentage of survivors for each age and compared them with the values for the pooled general population of France, Italy and Belgium for the appropriate age cohorts. We found a very significant increase in average longevity (17%) of the cyclists when compared with the general population. The age at which 50% of the general population died was 73.5 vs. 81.5 years in Tour de France participants. Our major finding is that repeated very intense exercise prolongs life span in well trained practitioners. Our findings underpin the importance of exercising without the fear that becoming exhausted might be bad for one's health.
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0031-1271711
View details for Web of Science ID 000293460100014
View details for PubMedID 21618162
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Living at high altitude in combination with sea-level sprint training increases hematological parameters but does not improve performance in rats
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
2011; 111 (6): 1147-1156
Abstract
The regimen of aerobic training at sea level with recovery at high altitude has been used by athletes to improve performance. However, little is known about the effects of hypoxia when combined with sprint interval training on performance. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a "living high-sprint training low" strategy on hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythropoietin levels in rats. We also wanted to test whether the addition of a hypoxic stress to the program of daily treadmill running at high speeds induces expressional adaptations in skeletal muscle and affects performance. The protein content of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), cytochrome C, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK1), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and citrate synthase activity were determined in different muscle fiber types in our animals (red and white gastrocnemius muscle). We also determined the maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) before and after the training period. A total of 24 male Wistar rats (3 month old) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: the normoxic control group (n = 6), the normoxic trained group (n = 6), the hypoxic control group (12 h pO(2) 12%/12 h pO(2) 21%) (n = 6) and the hypoxic trained group (12 h pO(2) 12%/12 h pO(2) 21%). Living in normobaric hypoxia condition for 21 days significantly increased hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythropoietin levels in both the rest and the trained groups. The trained animals (normoxia and hypoxia) significantly increased their maximal aerobic velocity. No changes were found in the skeletal muscle in PGC-1α, cytochrome C, PDK1, HSP70, MnSOD protein content and in the citrate synthase activity in any experimental group. Regardless of whether it is combined with sprint interval training or not, after 21 days of living at high altitude we found a significant increase in the hematological values determined in our study. However, contrary to our starting hypothesis, the combination of normobaric hypoxia and sprint training did not improve MAV in our animals.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00421-010-1740-z
View details for Web of Science ID 000290539100026
View details for PubMedID 21120517
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Could Thiazolidinediones Increase the Risk of Heart Failure in Friedreich's Ataxia Patients?
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
2011; 26 (5): 769-771
Abstract
Clinical evidence and the recent decisions of the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration challenge the safety of thiazolidinediones treatment. Recently, this treatment has been suggested for Friedreich's ataxia because thiazolidinediones improve neurological symptoms. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most prevalent cardiac feature and the cause of premature death in Friedreich's ataxia patients. We recommend that therapy with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists like thiazolidinediones be taken with caution, as they cause a decrease in the number of fast fibers and an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis in cardiac muscle because of the induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α. Furthermore, the incidence of heart failure may increase when thiazolidinediones are combined with insulin, and moreover, they produce cyclooxygenase 2 inhibition, inducing a thrombotic response. Thus, patients are predisposed to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In our opinion, the possible fatal consequences must be taken into account when peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist drugs are considered as possible therapeutic agents for Friedreich's ataxia patients.
View details for DOI 10.1002/mds.23711
View details for Web of Science ID 000290445400028
View details for PubMedID 21469214
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The hybrid algorithm (Hbmr) to fight against blood doping in sports
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
2010; 20 (6): 789-790
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01224.x
View details for Web of Science ID 000283325000001
View details for PubMedID 21182670
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Alternate methods to prevent protease use as a masking agent in sport
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT
2010; 13 (5): 473-474
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2010.02.003
View details for Web of Science ID 000281537000002
View details for PubMedID 20382074
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It is not hypoxia itself, but how you use it
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
2010; 109 (2): 355-356
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00421-009-1347-4
View details for Web of Science ID 000277177000022
View details for PubMedID 20044787
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Desmopressin and Hemodilution: Implications in Doping
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
2010; 31 (1): 5-9
Abstract
Blood doping improves physical performance in sport. This is the reason why the antidoping authorities subject athletes to blood tests. Plasma volume expanders are prohibited agents used to reduce an artificial increase in hematological values using different illegal practices. The aim of our study was to test whether desmopressin (DDAVP)-induced hemodilution would alter the concentration of hematological parameters used to detect blood doping in sports. This was an intra-subject crossover study. Venous blood samples were obtained from eight physically active males on two occasions. On the first occasion the subjects ingested 1.5 L of mineral water and 4.3 microg/kg of DDAVP. On the second occasion the subjects ingested 1.5 L of mineral water. The samples were analyzed for hematocrit, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, OFF Hr-Score, glucose, albumin, creatinine and total proteins. After treatment with DDAVP we found a significant decrease in the hematocrit, hemoglobin and in the OFF Hr-Score values. We also found a significant decrease in glucose, albumin, creatinine and total proteins concentration; however, in this case, all the values were significantly below the physiological levels. Treatment with DDAVP has a very effective hemodilution effect. We consider that this substance should be included in the WADA's prohibited list.
View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0029-1239500
View details for Web of Science ID 000273770800002
View details for PubMedID 19885778
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Mitochondrial biogenesis in exercise and in ageing
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
2009; 61 (14): 1369-1374
Abstract
Mitochondrial biogenesis is critical for the normal function of cells. It is well known that mitochondria are produced and eventually after normal functioning they are degraded. Thus, the actual level of mitochondria in cells is dependent both on the synthesis and the degradation. Ever since the proposal of the mitochondrial theory of ageing by Jaime Miquel in the 70's, it was appreciated that mitochondria, which are both a target and a source of radicals in cells, are most important organelles to understand ageing. Thus, a common feature between cell physiology of ageing and exercise is that in both situations mitochondria are critical for normal cell functioning. Mitochondrial synthesis is stimulated by the PGC-1alpha-NRF1-TFAM pathway. PGC-1alpha is the first stimulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. NRF1 is an intermediate transcription factor which stimulates the synthesis of TFAM which is a final effector activating the duplication of mitochondrial DNA molecules. This pathway is impaired in ageing. On the contrary, exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, activates mitochondriogenesis in the young animal but its effects on mitochondrial biogenesis in the old animal are doubtful. In this chapter we consider the interrelationship between mitochondrial biogenesis stimulated by exercise and the possible impairment of this pathway in ageing leading to mitochondrial deficiency and eventually muscle sarcopenia.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.addr.2009.06.006
View details for Web of Science ID 000272600300013
View details for PubMedID 19716394
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Effect of intermittent hypoxia on hematological parameters after recombinant human erythropoietin administration
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
2009; 107 (4): 429-436
Abstract
Recent publications reflect the anti-doping authorities' concern about the use of altitude simulator systems as violating the spirit of sport criterion (Levine 2006; Loland and Murray 2007; Spriggs 2005). The aim of our study was to determine whether intermittent hypoxic treatments could modify the hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, and erythropoietic stimulation index (OFF-Hr Score) values after administration of rHuEPO-alpha. Although these hematological parameters are of secondary nature some international sport federations currently exclude athletes who show aberrant values of these parameters from competition. Ten young male Wistar rats were treated, three times a week for 2 weeks, with 500 IU of rHuEPO-alpha. After the treatment, the animals were randomly divided into two groups: normoxic and hypoxic. The normoxic group was maintained at 21% O(2) 24 h a day for 23 days. The hypoxic group was maintained 12 h at 21% O(2) and 12 h at 12% O(2) (~4,000 m) the same time period. After the rHuEPO-alpha treatment, the hypoxic group of animals had a faster recovery rate in the reticulocyte count, elevated concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit and a significant increase in the endogenous EPO levels when compared with the normoxic group of animals. These changes led to significant modifications in the OFF-Hr Score between the hypoxic and normoxic animals. Intermittent hypoxic treatments after rHuEPO administration can significantly modify the main hematological parameters tested by the anti-doping authorities. Our results in an animal model suggest checking the described phenomena in humans in order to reach major conclusions.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s00421-009-1141-3
View details for Web of Science ID 000270869700006
View details for PubMedID 19669157