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Danger signals and inflammaging in osteoarthritis.
Millerand, M, Berenbaum, F, Jacques, C
Clinical and experimental rheumatology. 2019;37 Suppl 120(5):48-56
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common and disabling joint disease worldwide and aging is the most important risk factor for its development. It was considered a ‘wear and tear’ disease for a long time, however it is now clear that low-grade inflammation is at the root of OA. This process is called ‘inflammaging’ – the presence of low-grade inflammation and decreased efficiency of the immune system with aging. This highly technical review paper describes the reaction of the immune system to small molecules that begin to circulate after cell stress or damage in the joints (known as damage-associated molecular patterns or DAMPs), causing inflammation. The paper includes a discussion on potential medication targets, including anti-inflammatory compounds such as ginger. Nutrition Practitioners working with OA and wanting to understand the inflammatory process involved will find this paper useful.
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common age-related chronic and disabling joint disease. Long considered to be a "wear and tear" disease, OA is now seen as a low-grade inflammation disease that affects all tissues of the joint, involving cartilage degradation, bone remodelling, osteophytes, and synovitis. The process, called inflammaging, is characterised by the association of low-grade inflammation, profound changes in intra-cellular mechanisms, and the decreased efficiency of the immune system with ageing. The activation of innate immunity plays a critical role in the development and progression of OA. Innate immunity, including inflammasome activation, is triggered by small endogenous molecules called alarmins or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These molecules are released in the extracellular media after cell stress or damage, bind to pathogen-recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and activate the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, leading to joint inflammation. Moreover, such sterile inflammation triggers cell senescence, characterised by a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Understanding the substantial age-related changes of joint tissues that influence the pathogenesis of OA is critical to improving the quality of life of elderly people in the context of increased life expectancy. This review will focus on age-related sterile inflammation in OA and highlight the various innovative and promising therapies targeting the mechanisms of aging.
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Mechanisms Underlying Metabolic Syndrome-Related Sarcopenia and Possible Therapeutic Measures.
Rubio-Ruiz, ME, Guarner-Lans, V, Pérez-Torres, I, Soto, ME
International journal of molecular sciences. 2019;20(3)
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Sarcopenia is a multifactorial process in which losses occur in both muscle mass and function. Although several studies indicate an association between sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome (MetS), the connection has not been extensively reviewed. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between sarcopenia and MetS to better understand the mechanisms underlying disease and assess current therapeutic options. According to the existing literature, this study found insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity to be major underlying factors of MetS-related sarcopenia. Based on this information, the authors suggest the best option for managing MetS-related sarcopenia is preventative lifestyle change around diet and exercise until a consensus on a therapeutic treatment can be established.
Abstract
Although there are several reviews that report the interrelationship between sarcopenia and obesity and insulin resistance, the relation between sarcopenia and the other signs that compose the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been extensively revised. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying MetS-related sarcopenia and discuss the possible therapeutic measures proposed. A vicious cycle between the loss of muscle and the accumulation of intramuscular fat might be associated with MetS via a complex interplay of factors including nutritional intake, physical activity, body fat, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, hormonal changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The enormous differences in lipid storage capacities between the two genders and elevated amounts of endogenous fat having lipotoxic effects that lead to the loss of muscle mass are discussed. The important repercussions of MetS-related sarcopenia on other illnesses that lead to increased disability, morbidity, and mortality are also addressed. Additional research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of MetS-related sarcopenia and its consequences. Although there is currently no consensus on the treatment, lifestyle changes including diet and power exercise seem to be the best options.
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Plant-Based Diets for Cardiovascular Safety and Performance in Endurance Sports.
Barnard, ND, Goldman, DM, Loomis, JF, Kahleova, H, Levin, SM, Neabore, S, Batts, TC
Nutrients. 2019;11(1)
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Studies suggest that endurance athletes are at higher risk of some types of heart disease. This review looked at the ability of plant-based diets to reduce risk and affect athletic performance. The authors found evidence that plant-based diets are associated with beneficial effects on health, such as reducing body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammation. The authors of this review argue that there is a sound scientific basis for recommending plant-based diets to endurance athletes.
Abstract
Studies suggest that endurance athletes are at higher-than-average risk for atherosclerosis and myocardial damage. The ability of plant-based regimens to reduce risk and affect performance was reviewed. The effect of plant-based diets on cardiovascular risk factors, particularly plasma lipid concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure, and, as part of a healthful lifestyle, reversing existing atherosclerotic lesions, may provide a substantial measure of cardiovascular protection. In addition, plant-based diets may offer performance advantages. They have consistently been shown to reduce body fat, leading to a leaner body composition. Because plants are typically high in carbohydrate, they foster effective glycogen storage. By reducing blood viscosity and improving arterial flexibility and endothelial function, they may be expected to improve vascular flow and tissue oxygenation. Because many vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, they help reduce oxidative stress. Diets emphasizing plant foods have also been shown to reduce indicators of inflammation. These features of plant-based diets may present safety and performance advantages for endurance athletes. The purpose of this review was to explore the role of nutrition in providing cardioprotection, with a focus on plant-based diets previously shown to provide cardiac benefits.
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Impact of Nutritional Changes on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Perdomo, CM, Frühbeck, G, Escalada, J
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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The major established risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) include obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. This in-depth review looks at research into the effects of macronutrient composition and dietary patterns on NAFLD. Lifestyle modifications leading to weight reduction and/or increased physical activity consistently showed improvements in NAFLD. Based on the reviewed studies, the authors recommend a diet that includes whole grains, mono-unsaturated fatty acids (in moderation), omega 3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids, vegetable protein and fibre, whilst avoiding simple sugars, trans and saturated fats, and red and processed meats. The effects of these macronutrients were independent of weight loss. There was insufficient evidence for a beneficial role of probiotics, resveratrol, coffee, taurine and choline. The Western dietary pattern, characterised by high intakes of saturated fats and fructose, was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. The Mediterranean Diet (MD), characterised by a high consumption of plant-based foods (whole grains, cereals, seeds, nuts, legumes, vegetables and fruits), moderate consumption of protein-source foods (fish, seafood, and poultry), low to moderate red wine consumption, low consumption of meat, milk and dairy products, was thought to be beneficial. The “Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension” (DASH) diet, with an emphasis on low intake of sodium, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and added sugars, was also found to be beneficial. The effects of low carbohydrate diets were unclear, as any benefits may be due to the associated weight loss rather than the macronutrient composition per se. The authors point out that much of the research is observational (i.e. epidemiological) and that more prospective clinical trials are needed.
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major global health threat due to its growing incidence and prevalence. It is becoming the leading cause of liver disease in addition to its strong association with cardio-metabolic disease. Therefore, its prevention and treatment are of strong public interest. Therapeutic approaches emphasize lifestyle modifications including physical activity and the adoption of healthy eating habits that intend to mainly control body weight and cardio-metabolic risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle interventions may be reinforced by pharmacological treatment in advanced stages, though there is still no registered drug for the specific treatment of NAFLD. The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence available regarding the impact of dietary recommendations against NAFLD, highlighting the effect of macronutrient diet composition and dietary patterns in the management of NAFLD.
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The Effect of Electrolytes on Blood Pressure: A Brief Summary of Meta-Analyses.
Iqbal, S, Klammer, N, Ekmekcioglu, C
Nutrients. 2019;11(6)
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Hypertension is the major leading risk factor for atherosclerosis and several diseases, especially renal and cardiovascular disorders, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. The aim of this study was to summarize meta-analyses studying the effect and associations of electrolytes as supplements or diets on human blood pressure or risk for hypertension throughout the last years. The study is a review that summarizes meta-analyses of publications studying the effect or association between electrolytes and blood pressure. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials or observational studies were included in this review. The major findings of this review indicate that: 1. Sodium (salt) reduction and a higher intake of potassium have convincing blood pressure lowering effects, 2. Higher magnesium intake is suggested to possibly reduce blood pressure, especially in patients with hypertension, and 3. Sufficient calcium intake confers a protective effect regarding the risk for gestational hypertension. Authors conclude that lowering sodium and increasing potassium intake would exert convincing blood pressure lowering effects, especially in hypertensive patients.
Abstract
Nutrition is known to exert an undeniable impact on blood pressure with especially salt (sodium chloride), but also potassium, playing a prominent role. The aim of this review was to summarize meta-analyses studying the effect of different electrolytes on blood pressure or risk for hypertension, respectively. Overall, 32 meta-analyses evaluating the effect of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium on human blood pressure or hypertension risk were included after literature search. Most of the meta-analyses showed beneficial blood pressure lowering effects with the extent of systolic blood pressure reduction ranging between -0.7 (95% confidence interval: -2.6 to 1.2) to -8.9 (-14.1 to -3.7) mmHg for sodium/salt reduction, -3.5 (-5.2 to -1.8) to -9.5 (-10.8 to -8.1) mmHg for potassium, and -0.2 (-0.4 to -0.03) to -18.7 (-22.5 to -15.0) mmHg for magnesium. The range for diastolic blood pressure reduction was 0.03 (-0.4 to 0.4) to -5.9 (-9.7 to -2.1) mmHg for sodium/salt reduction, -2 (-3.1 to -0.9) to -6.4 (-7.3 to -5.6) mmHg for potassium, and -0.3 (-0.5 to -0.03) to -10.9 (-13.1 to -8.7) mmHg for magnesium. Moreover, sufficient calcium intake was found to reduce the risk of gestational hypertension.
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New Insights about How to Make an Intervention in Children and Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome: Diet, Exercise vs. Changes in Body Composition. A Systematic Review of RCT.
Albert Pérez, E, Mateu Olivares, V, Martínez-Espinosa, RM, Molina Vila, MD, Reig García-Galbis, M
Nutrients. 2018;10(7)
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Metabolic Syndrome is the term used to group a cluster of health concerns including overweight, obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, blood glucose intolerance and insulin resistance which together can contribute to the development of Type II Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Diagnosis is usually given if a patient has three or more of these conditions however the diagnosis in children and adolescents is often inconsistent, and so guidelines for therapeutic strategies for metabolic syndrome also vary greatly. This review looked at 9 studies of children aged up to 19 years old, all diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, and given dietary, physical, psychological, and pharmacological interventions, to try and understand what the best clinical approach might be. It was found that a balanced diet combined with aerobic and resistance exercise helped to significantly reduce body mass, more so than the trials which included treatment with Metformin. A balance diet included calorie restriction and carbohydrate reduction, carefully planned around the daily exercise program of 2-3 resistance sessions each week and frequent cardio sessions of differing intensity and duration. They concluded that a minimum of 6 months was needed to reach optimal weight loss and body fat loss. Overall, the findings of this study support diet and physical exercise as beneficial clinical interventions, whilst the use of medication is still unclear.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To record which interventions produce the greatest variations in body composition in patients ≤19 years old with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHOD search dates between 2005 and 2017 in peer reviewed journals, following the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). The selection criteria were: diagnostic for MS or at least a criterion for diagnosis; randomized clinical trials, ≤19 years of age; intervention programs that use diet and/or exercise as a tool (interventions showing an interest in body composition). RESULTS 1781 clinical trials were identified under these criteria but only 0.51% were included. The most frequent characteristics of the selected clinical trials were that they used multidisciplinary interventions and were carried out in America. The most utilized parameters were BMI (body mass index) in kg/m² and BW (body weight) in kg. CONCLUSIONS Most of the clinical trials included had been diagnosed through at least 2 diagnostic criteria for MS. Multidisciplinary interventions obtained greater changes in body composition in patients with MS. This change was especially prevalent in the combinations of dietary interventions and physical exercise. It is proposed to follow the guidelines proposed for patients who are overweight, obese, or have diabetes type 2, and extrapolate these strategies as recommendations for future clinical trials designed for patients with MS.
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Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on intermittent high-intensity exercise efforts.
Domínguez, R, Maté-Muñoz, JL, Cuenca, E, García-Fernández, P, Mata-Ordoñez, F, Lozano-Estevan, MC, Veiga-Herreros, P, da Silva, SF, Garnacho-Castaño, MV
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15:2
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Beetroot juice supplementation has been shown to effectively increase blood nitric oxide (NO) concentrations, promoting vasodilation and increasing blood circulation. Several studies have found an ergogenic effect of beetroot juice supplementation in endurance training, which requires high oxidative energy, however only few have examined the efficacy of supplementation for high-intensity, short-duration exercise. The aim of this paper was to review experiments that specifically tested beetroot supplementation on high-intensity, intermittent exercise. Nine published articles indicated that beetroot juice did improve performance by diminishing muscular fatigue and recovering phosphocreatine reserves. Based on these results, the authors conclude that the current observations will need confirmation from larger studies in the future.
Abstract
Beetroot juice contains high levels of inorganic nitrate (NO3-) and its intake has proved effective at increasing blood nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. Given the effects of NO in promoting vasodilation and blood flow with beneficial impacts on muscle contraction, several studies have detected an ergogenic effect of beetroot juice supplementation on exercise efforts with high oxidative energy metabolism demands. However, only a scarce yet growing number of investigations have sought to assess the effects of this supplement on performance at high-intensity exercise. Here we review the few studies that have addressed this issue. The databases Dialnet, Elsevier, Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science were searched for articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish published from 2010 to March 31 to 2017 using the keywords: beet or beetroot or nitrate or nitrite and supplement or supplementation or nutrition or "sport nutrition" and exercise or sport or "physical activity" or effort or athlete. Nine articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. Results indicate that beetroot juice given as a single dose or over a few days may improve performance at intermittent, high-intensity efforts with short rest periods. The improvements observed were attributed to faster phosphocreatine resynthesis which could delay its depletion during repetitive exercise efforts. In addition, beetroot juice supplementation could improve muscle power output via a mechanism involving a faster muscle shortening velocity. The findings of some studies also suggested improved indicators of muscular fatigue, though the mechanism involved in this effect remains unclear.
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Physical activity, diet and other behavioural interventions for improving cognition and school achievement in children and adolescents with obesity or overweight.
Martin, A, Booth, JN, Laird, Y, Sproule, J, Reilly, JJ, Saunders, DH
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2018;3:CD009728
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Obesity in children and teenagers is markedly high worldwide and this has been linked to poor performance in school. While physical activity and diet are known to impact cognitive function, studies have not considered to what extent healthy lifestyle interventions can improve school performance in this cohort. The aim of this systematic review was to explore whether these interventions can improve school performance in children and teenagers with obesity. Based on the current literature, increased nutrition education and improved food offered within schools can lead to moderate improvements in school achievement when compared with standard school practice in children with obesity. The authors conclude that more high quality, school subject-specific research is needed to shed light on the extent of these benefits.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity is high. Lifestyle changes towards a healthy diet, increased physical activity and reduced sedentary activities are recommended to prevent and treat obesity. Evidence suggests that changing these health behaviours can benefit cognitive function and school achievement in children and adolescents in general. There are various theoretical mechanisms that suggest that children and adolescents with excessive body fat may benefit particularly from these interventions. OBJECTIVES To assess whether lifestyle interventions (in the areas of diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and behavioural therapy) improve school achievement, cognitive function (e.g. executive functions) and/or future success in children and adolescents with obesity or overweight, compared with standard care, waiting-list control, no treatment, or an attention placebo control group. SEARCH METHODS In February 2017, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE and 15 other databases. We also searched two trials registries, reference lists, and handsearched one journal from inception. We also contacted researchers in the field to obtain unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioural interventions for weight management in children and adolescents with obesity or overweight. We excluded studies in children and adolescents with medical conditions known to affect weight status, school achievement and cognitive function. We also excluded self- and parent-reported outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four review authors independently selected studies for inclusion. Two review authors extracted data, assessed quality and risks of bias, and evaluated the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We contacted study authors to obtain additional information. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Where the same outcome was assessed across different intervention types, we reported standardised effect sizes for findings from single-study and multiple-study analyses to allow comparison of intervention effects across intervention types. To ease interpretation of the effect size, we also reported the mean difference of effect sizes for single-study outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 18 studies (59 records) of 2384 children and adolescents with obesity or overweight. Eight studies delivered physical activity interventions, seven studies combined physical activity programmes with healthy lifestyle education, and three studies delivered dietary interventions. We included five RCTs and 13 cluster-RCTs. The studies took place in 10 different countries. Two were carried out in children attending preschool, 11 were conducted in primary/elementary school-aged children, four studies were aimed at adolescents attending secondary/high school and one study included primary/elementary and secondary/high school-aged children. The number of studies included for each outcome was low, with up to only three studies per outcome. The quality of evidence ranged from high to very low and 17 studies had a high risk of bias for at least one item. None of the studies reported data on additional educational support needs and adverse events.Compared to standard practice, analyses of physical activity-only interventions suggested high-quality evidence for improved mean cognitive executive function scores. The mean difference (MD) was 5.00 scale points higher in an after-school exercise group compared to standard practice (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 9.32; scale mean 100, standard deviation 15; 116 children, 1 study). There was no statistically significant beneficial effect in favour of the intervention for mathematics, reading, or inhibition control. The standardised mean difference (SMD) for mathematics was 0.49 (95% CI -0.04 to 1.01; 2 studies, 255 children, moderate-quality evidence) and for reading was 0.10 (95% CI -0.30 to 0.49; 2 studies, 308 children, moderate-quality evidence). The MD for inhibition control was -1.55 scale points (95% CI -5.85 to 2.75; scale range 0 to 100; SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.28; 1 study, 84 children, very low-quality evidence). No data were available for average achievement across subjects taught at school.There was no evidence of a beneficial effect of physical activity interventions combined with healthy lifestyle education on average achievement across subjects taught at school, mathematics achievement, reading achievement or inhibition control. The MD for average achievement across subjects taught at school was 6.37 points lower in the intervention group compared to standard practice (95% CI -36.83 to 24.09; scale mean 500, scale SD 70; SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.93 to 0.58; 1 study, 31 children, low-quality evidence). The effect estimate for mathematics achievement was SMD 0.02 (95% CI -0.19 to 0.22; 3 studies, 384 children, very low-quality evidence), for reading achievement SMD 0.00 (95% CI -0.24 to 0.24; 2 studies, 284 children, low-quality evidence), and for inhibition control SMD -0.67 (95% CI -1.50 to 0.16; 2 studies, 110 children, very low-quality evidence). No data were available for the effect of combined physical activity and healthy lifestyle education on cognitive executive functions.There was a moderate difference in the average achievement across subjects taught at school favouring interventions targeting the improvement of the school food environment compared to standard practice in adolescents with obesity (SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.66; 2 studies, 382 adolescents, low-quality evidence), but not with overweight. Replacing packed school lunch with a nutrient-rich diet in addition to nutrition education did not improve mathematics (MD -2.18, 95% CI -5.83 to 1.47; scale range 0 to 69; SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.72 to 0.20; 1 study, 76 children, low-quality evidence) and reading achievement (MD 1.17, 95% CI -4.40 to 6.73; scale range 0 to 108; SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.61; 1 study, 67 children, low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Despite the large number of childhood and adolescent obesity treatment trials, we were only able to partially assess the impact of obesity treatment interventions on school achievement and cognitive abilities. School and community-based physical activity interventions as part of an obesity prevention or treatment programme can benefit executive functions of children with obesity or overweight specifically. Similarly, school-based dietary interventions may benefit general school achievement in children with obesity. These findings might assist health and education practitioners to make decisions related to promoting physical activity and healthy eating in schools. Future obesity treatment and prevention studies in clinical, school and community settings should consider assessing academic and cognitive as well as physical outcomes.
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Effects of caffeine intake on muscle strength and power: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Grgic, J, Trexler, ET, Lazinica, B, Pedisic, Z
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15:11
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The possible physical performance enhancing (or 'ergogenic) effects of caffeine have been extensively studied since the early 1900s. Recent focus has shifted to its impact on anaerobic physical performance outcomes such as muscular strength, endurance and jumping tasks that require power. Although it has been found to enhance muscle endurance, less is known about its impact on strength and power. This is the first meta-analysis on caffeine and muscle power, and includes 20 studies - ten on muscle strength outcomes and ten on muscle power. The analysis found that caffeine significantly improves muscle strength (SMD = 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03, 0.36; p = 0.023) but only for upper and not lower body strength. These results were found for men but more robust studies are needed to examine the impact for women (although the limited research suggests there may be a positive impact). This is in contrast to a previous meta-analysis that found no impact of caffeine on muscle strength (Polito, Souza, Casonatto & Farinatti, 2016). It was also found to significantly improve muscle power (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.34; p = 0.047). Although the pooled effect of caffeine on performance outcomes was small to medium, even small improvements can make a big difference competitively. Future research is needed to identify the best dosage and form of caffeine to maximise its performance enhancing effects. Additionally, more robust research is needed to reduce bias, and studies including women. It is important to recognise that individual physical performance changes as a result of caffeine are variable, so these findings must be applied on a case-by-case basis. * Polito MD, Souza DB, Casonatto J, Farinatti P. Acute effect of caffeine consumption on isotonic muscular strength and endurance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Sports. 2016;31:119–28.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caffeine is commonly used as an ergogenic aid. Literature about the effects of caffeine ingestion on muscle strength and power is equivocal. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize results from individual studies on the effects of caffeine intake on muscle strength and power. METHODS A search through eight databases was performed to find studies on the effects of caffeine on: (i) maximal muscle strength measured using 1 repetition maximum tests; and (ii) muscle power assessed by tests of vertical jump. Meta-analyses of standardized mean differences (SMD) between placebo and caffeine trials from individual studies were conducted using the random effects model. RESULTS Ten studies on the strength outcome and ten studies on the power outcome met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analyses. Caffeine ingestion improved both strength (SMD = 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03, 0.36; p = 0.023) and power (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.34; p = 0.047). A subgroup analysis indicated that caffeine significantly improves upper (SMD = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.39; p = 0.026) but not lower body strength (SMD = 0.15; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.34; p = 0.147). CONCLUSION The meta-analyses showed significant ergogenic effects of caffeine ingestion on maximal muscle strength of upper body and muscle power. Future studies should more rigorously control the effectiveness of blinding. Due to the paucity of evidence, additional findings are needed in the female population and using different forms of caffeine, such as gum and gel.
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Physical exercise, gut, gut microbiota, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
Chen, J, Guo, Y, Gui, Y, Xu, D
Lipids in health and disease. 2018;17(1):17
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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as heart attacks and strokes, are the leading cause for mortality worldwide. Many studies have shown beneficial effects of physical exercise on cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and diabetes. However, some of the mechanisms, by which these beneficial effects occur, are not well understood. It is believed that gut microbiota, affected by physical exercise, altering the intestinal environment, plays a role. This review paper summarised the current understanding on the effects of physical exercise on CVD, through its effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal function. The authors reviewed animal and human studies looking at how various types of exercise, such as high-intensity interval training (mice), running (rats and mice) and rugby (humans), affect diversity and distribution of microbes, metabolites produced by microbiota, intestinal wall integrity and systemic inflammation. Based on the reviewed papers, the authors concluded that, although further research is warranted, many studies confirm the premise that physical exercise can prevent CVD through modifying gut microbiota and alleviating systemic inflammation.
Abstract
Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and its risk can be independently decreased by regular physical activity. Recently, ASCVD and its risk factors were found to be impacted by the gut microbiota through its diversity, distribution and metabolites. Meanwhile, several experiments demonstrated the relationship between physical exercise and diversity, distribution, metabolite of the gut microbiota as well as its functions on the lipid metabolism and chronic systematic inflammation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the effects of physical exercise on ASCVD through modulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal function.