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Effects of a polysaccharide-based multi-ingredient supplement on salivary immunity in non-elite marathon runners.
Roca, E, Cantó, E, Nescolarde, L, Perea, L, Bayes-Genis, A, Sibila, O, Vidal, S
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;16(1):14
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Competing in very strenuous events such as marathons imposes severe metabolic stress and causes acute responses that may negatively alter the immune system. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of Advanced Ambrotose© complex powder (AA) on the levels of salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) [an antibody that plays a critical role in mucosal immunity], pro-inflammatory chemokines and anti-inflammatory proteins before and after running a marathon in non-elite marathoners. The study recruited 41 male participants which were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Twenty participants (48%) received AA supplementation prior to the race (AA group), whilst the rest did not receive AA supplementation. Supplementation was received for 15 days prior to the marathon. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in age, weight, height, and training were found between runners who received AA supplementation and those who did not. However, findings show significant changes in salivary biomarkers of immune function in healthy, non-elite athletes before and after a strenuous exercise. Authors conclude that AA supplementation produces changes in salivary immunity that may have a positive effect on immunity before and after a marathon.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme exercise may alter the innate immune system. Glycans are involved in several biological processes including immune system regulation. However, limited data regarding the impact of glycan supplementation on immunological parameters after strenuous exercise are available. We aimed to determine the impact of a standardized polysaccharide-based multi-ingredient supplement, Advanced Ambrotose© complex powder (AA) on salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and pro- and anti-inflammatory protein levels before and after a marathon in non-elite runners. METHODS Forty-one male marathon runners who completed the 42.195 km of the 2016 Barcelona marathon were randomly assigned to two study groups. Of them, n = 20 (48%) received the AA supplement for 15 days prior the race (AA group) and n = 21 (52%) did not receive any AA supplement (non-AA group). Saliva and blood samples were collected the day before the marathon and two days after the end of the race. Salivary IgA, pro-inflammatory chemokines (Gro-alpha, Gro-beta, MCP-1) and anti-inflammatory proteins (Angiogenin, ACRP, Siglec 5) were determined using commercially ELISA kits in saliva supernatant. Biochemical parameters, including C-reactive protein, cardiac biomarkers, and blood hemogram were also evaluated. RESULTS Marathon runners who did not receive the AA supplement experienced a decrease of salivary sIgA and pro-inflammatory chemokines (Gro-alpha and Gro-beta) after the race, while runners with AA supplementation showed lower levels of anti-inflammatory chemokines (Angiogenin). Gro-alpha and Gro-beta salivary levels were lower before the race in the AA group and correlated with blood leukocytes and platelets. CONCLUSIONS Changes in salivary sIgA and inflammatory chemokines, especially Gro-alfa and Gro-beta, were observed in marathon runners supplemented with AA prior to the race. These findings suggested that AA may have a positive effect on immune response after a strenuous exercise.
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The impact of sleeping with reduced glycogen stores on immunity and sleep in triathletes.
Louis, J, Marquet, LA, Tiollier, E, Bermon, S, Hausswirth, C, Brisswalter, J
European journal of applied physiology. 2016;116(10):1941-54
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Endurance athletes are increasingly using training strategies focused on low glycogen availability in attempt to improve performance. It is well known, however, that increasing training stress could influence immune function and increase the risk of illness or injury. In endurance sports, training load, nutrient intake and sleep are key factors in modulating immune function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 3-week training strategy involving lowered glycogen availability overnight on immune function, upper respiratory tract infections and sleep patterns in 21 trained endurance athletes. This study found that reduced glycogen availability resulted in significantly faster 10km running times, and found no significant changes in the recorded immunity markers. Based on this study, the authors conclude that reduced glycogen availability has no deleterious impact on immune function.
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the effects of a 3-week dietary periodization on immunity and sleep in triathletes. METHODS 21 triathletes were divided into two groups with different nutritional guidelines during a 3-week endurance training program including nine twice a day sessions with lowered (SL group) or maintained (CON group) glycogen availability during the overnight recovery period. In addition to performance tests, sleep was monitored every night. Systemic and mucosal immune parameters as well as the incidence of URTI were monitored every week of the training/nutrition protocol. Two-ways ANOVA and effect sizes were used to examine differences in dependent variables between groups at each time point. RESULTS The SL group significantly improved 10 km running performance (-1 min 13 s, P < 0.01, d = 0.38), whereas no improvement was recorded in the CON group (-2 s, NS). No significant changes in white blood cells counts, plasma cortisol and IL-6 were recorded over the protocol in both groups. The vitamin D status decreased in similar proportions between groups, whereas salivary IgA decreased in the SL group only (P < 0.05, d = 0.23). The incidence of URTI was not altered in both groups. All participants in both groups went to bed earlier during the training program (SL -20 min, CON -27 min, P < 0.05, d = 0.28). In the SL group, only sleep efficiency slightly decreased by 1.1 % (P < 0.05, d = 0.25) and the fragmentation index tended to increase at the end of the protocol (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION Sleeping and training the next morning regularly with reduced glycogen availability has minimal effects on selected markers of immunity, the incidence of URTI and sleeping patterns in trained athletes.
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Feasibility outcomes of a presurgical randomized controlled trial exploring the impact of caloric restriction and increased physical activity versus a wait-list control on tumor characteristics and circulating biomarkers in men electing prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Demark-Wahnefried, W, Nix, JW, Hunter, GR, Rais-Bahrami, S, Desmond, RA, Chacko, B, Morrow, CD, Azrad, M, Frugé, AD, Tsuruta, Y, et al
BMC cancer. 2016;16:61
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There is a strong body of evidence associating obesity and increased risk for more aggressive and progressive cancer. This paper aims to assess the feasibility of a presurgical diet and exercise weight loss intervention in men with newly-diagnosed prostate cancer who elected for prostatectomy. It also aims to explore the intervention’s effects on tumour proliferation rates and other biomarkers. The 3-weeks randomised controlled study included 40 overweight or obese men newly-diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants in experimental arm were assigned to a healthy energy-restricted diet versus wait-list control arm. All feasibility endpoints were achieved with accrual completed within 2 years, retention of 85%, adherence of 95% and no adverse events. Biologic outcomes were not included in this paper, as biological testing was still ongoing. Authors concluded that this study’s methods and data on feasibility could provide useful framework for the design of future trials. They also highlighted the importance of presurgical trials as a feasible and safe means to assess the impacts of diet and exercise on tumour tissue.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with tumor aggressiveness and disease-specific mortality for more than 15 defined malignancies, including prostate cancer. Preclinical studies suggest that weight loss from caloric restriction and increased physical activity may suppress hormonal, energy-sensing, and inflammatory factors that drive neoplastic progression; however, exact mechanisms are yet to be determined, and experiments in humans are limited. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial among 40 overweight or obese, newly-diagnosed prostate cancer patients who elected prostatectomy to explore feasibility of a presurgical weight loss intervention that promoted a weight loss of roughly one kg. week(-1) via caloric restriction and physical activity, as well as to assess effects on tumor biology and circulating biomarkers. Measures of feasibility (accrual, retention, adherence, and safety) were primary endpoints. Exploratory aims were directed at the intervention's effect on tumor proliferation (Ki-67) and other tumor markers (activated caspase-3, insulin and androgen receptors, VEGF, TNFβ, NFκB, and 4E-BP1), circulating biomarkers (PSA, insulin, glucose, VEGF, TNFβ, leptin, SHBG, and testosterone), lymphocytic gene expression of corresponding factors and cellular bioenergetics in neutrophils, and effects on the gut microbiome. Consenting patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either: 1) weight loss via a healthful, guidelines-based diet and exercise regimen; or 2) a wait-list control. While biological testing is currently ongoing, this paper details our methods and feasibility outcomes. RESULTS The accrual target was met after screening 101 cases (enrollment rate: 39.6%). Other outcomes included a retention rate of 85%, excellent adherence (95%), and no serious reported adverse events. No significant differences by age, race, or weight status were noted between enrollees vs. non-enrollees. The most common reasons for non-participation were "too busy" (30%), medical exclusions (21%), and "distance" (16%). CONCLUSIONS Presurgical trials offer a means to study the impact of diet and exercise interventions directly on tumor tissue, and other host factors that are feasible and safe, though modifications are needed to conduct trials within an abbreviated period of time and via distance medicine-based approaches. Pre-surgical trials are critical to elucidate the impact of lifestyle interventions on specific mechanisms that mediate carcinogenesis and which can be used subsequently as therapeutic targets. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01886677.
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Influence of a montmorency cherry juice blend on indices of exercise-induced stress and upper respiratory tract symptoms following marathon running--a pilot investigation.
Dimitriou, L, Hill, JA, Jehnali, A, Dunbar, J, Brouner, J, McHugh, MP, Howatson, G
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12:22
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Prolonged exercise, such as marathon running, is associated with upper respiratory tract (URT) symptoms and airway inflammation. Tart Montmorency cherry juice, high in phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and quercetin, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and therefore may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by exercise. In this pilot study, twenty marathon runners were randomly assigned to receive two servings a day of either a placebo drink or cherry juice for eight days ─ prior, during and after a marathon run. Any URT symptoms were reported, and inflammatory markers were measured pre- and post-race and 24 and 48 hrs after the race, from saliva (immunoglobulins and cortisol) and serum (C-reactive protein, CRP). No differences in the effect on immunoglobulins and cortisol were found between the two groups. The increase in CRP was significantly lower in the cherry juice group compared to the placebo group. 50% of the runners in the placebo group developed URT symptoms, while none were reported in the cherry juice group. The authors conclude that Montmorency cherry juice may protect the URT from inflammatory symptoms triggered by exercise. They propose further studies with larger sample size of participants, suffering from various inflammatory respiratory conditions.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged exercise, such as marathon running, has been associated with an increase in respiratory mucosal inflammation. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of Montmorency cherry juice on markers of stress, immunity and inflammation following a Marathon. METHODS Twenty recreational Marathon runners consumed either cherry juice (CJ) or placebo (PL) before and after a Marathon race. Markers of mucosal immunity secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), salivary cortisol, inflammation (CRP) and self-reported incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) were measured before and following the race. RESULTS All variables except secretory IgA and IgG concentrations in saliva showed a significant time effect (P <0.01). Serum CRP showed a significant interaction and treatment effect (P < 0.01). The CRP increase at 24 and 48 h post-Marathon was lower (P < 0.01) in the CJ group compared to PL group. Mucosal immunity and salivary cortisol showed no interaction effect or treatment effect. The incidence and severity of URTS was significantly greater than baseline at 24 h and 48 h following the race in the PL group and was also greater than the CJ group (P < 0.05). No URTS were reported in the CJ group whereas 50 % of runners in the PL group reported URTS at 24 h and 48 h post-Marathon. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that provides encouraging evidence of the potential role of Montmorency cherries in reducing the development of URTS post-Marathon possibly caused by exercise-induced hyperventilation trauma, and/or other infectious and non-infectious factors.