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Weight reduction improves immune system and inflammatory cytokines in obese asthmatic patients.
Al-Sharif, FM, Abd El-Kader, SM, Neamatallah, ZA, AlKhateeb, AM
African health sciences. 2020;20(2):897-902
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Asthma is a common condition characterised by attacks of obstruction, chronic inflammation and hyper-responsiveness of the airways. Obesity increases severity of asthmatic symptoms through mechanical, anatomical and/or inflammatory mechanisms. 80 adults with asthma were randomly allocated to a weight reduction programme, including aerobic exercise and a calorie reduced diet, or control group with no intervention. After 3 months, body mass index (BMI) reduced significantly in the intervention group (from 31.7 to 27.9). This was associated with significant reductions in the pro-inflammatory markers TNF-alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, and significant increases in CD4 and CD8 cell counts (important immune cells). There were no changes in the control group in any of the parameters and the results were statistically significantly better in the intervention compared to the control group. The authors conclude that weight reduction improved immunological and inflammatory markers in obese asthma patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of immunological and systemic inflammation markers are common in obesity and asthma. OBJECTIVE The target of this study was to assess impact of weight reduction on immunological and systemic inflammation markers in obese asthma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty asthmatic patients of both sex; their age and body mass index (BMI) mean were 38.72 ± 7.14 year and 32.65 ± 3.18 Kg/m2 respectively. Exclusion criteria included smokers, infections, vaccinations, cancer, surgery, immune system disorders and medications that may influence immune system function as anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics and anti-depressant. All subjects were randomly enrolled in weight reduction group (group A) or control group (group B). RESULTS The main findings in the present study indicated that weight reducing program in group (A) was associated with significant reduction in the mean values of IL6, TNF-α, and IL8 in addition to significant increase in the mean values of CD4 and CD8 cell count . However, findings of group (B) showed no significant changes. Moreover, Comparison between both groups at the end of the study revealed significant differences. CONCLUSION Weight reduction improved immunological and systemic inflammation markers in obese asthma patients.
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Time-restricted eating effects on performance, immune function, and body composition in elite cyclists: a randomized controlled trial.
Moro, T, Tinsley, G, Longo, G, Grigoletto, D, Bianco, A, Ferraris, C, Guglielmetti, M, Veneto, A, Tagliabue, A, Marcolin, G, et al
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2020;17(1):65
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Adequate nutrition is important for elite athletes, as nutrient availability influences energy expenditure, body composition, performance and exercise-induced immune responses. Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a form of intermittent fasting that has received much interest in recent years. Previous research of TRE suggested beneficial effects on performance in untrained individuals, by allowing weight loss whilst maintaining muscle functions. These qualities are of interest for endurance cyclists hence the authors of this study sought to investigate the impact of TRE in elite cyclists. Sixteen under-23 year old, elite cyclists were randomly assigned to eat within a TRE window of 8-hr or 15hr window during a 4-week, high-level endurance training phase. Both groups consumed their full estimated energy needs and markers such as fat and fat-free mass, VO2 max, basal metabolism, blood counts, anabolic hormones and inflammatory markers were measured. As a result, TRE produced weight loss, improved body composition and increased peak power output in relation to body weight without compromising aerobic performance. Furthermore, the TRE pattern proved helpful in mitigating some of the exercise-induced suppressions of the immune system. The authors concluded that TRE could be considered as part of a performance nutrition plan in endurance athletes. Particularly where there is a need to reduce body fat mass or for the management of training-induced depression of the immune system and associated respiratory infection susceptibility. This can be of clinical relevance in the support of endurance athletes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is substantial interest in intermittent fasting as a dietary approach in active individuals, information regarding its effects in elite endurance athletes is currently unavailable. The present parallel randomized trial investigated the effects of a particular intermittent fasting approach, called time-restricted eating (TRE), during 4 weeks of high-level endurance training. METHODS Sixteen elite under-23 cyclists were randomly assigned either to a TRE group or a control group (ND). The TRE group consumed 100% of its estimated daily energy needs in an 8-h time window (from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) whilst energy intake in the ND group was distributed in 3 meals consumed between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Fat and fat-free mass were estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and VO2max and basal metabolism by indirect gas analyzer. In addition, blood counts, anabolic hormones (i.e. free testosterone, IGF-1) and inflammatory markers (i.e. IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed. RESULTS TRE reduced body weight (- 2%; p = 0.04) and fat mass percentage (- 1.1%; p = 0.01) with no change in fat-free mass. Performance tests showed no significant differences between groups, however the peak power output/body weight ratio (PPO/BW) improved in TRE group due to weight loss (p = 0.02). Free testosterone and IGF-1 decreased significantly (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively) in TRE group. Leucocyte count decreased in ND group (p = 0.02) whilst the neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) decreased significantly (p = 0.03) in TRE group. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a TRE program with an 8-h feeding window elicits weight loss, improves body composition and increases PPO/BW in elite cyclists. TRE could also be beneficial for reducing inflammation and may have a protective effect on some components of the immune system. Overall, TRE could be considered as a component of a periodized nutrition plan in endurance athletes. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04320784 on 25 March 2020.
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The effect of L-theanine supplementation on the immune system of athletes exposed to strenuous physical exercise.
Juszkiewicz, A, Glapa, A, Basta, P, Petriczko, E, Żołnowski, K, Machaliński, B, Trzeciak, J, Łuczkowska, K, Skarpańska-Stejnborn, A
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;16(1):7
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According to previous studies, strenuous exercise may contribute towards an imbalance in Th1/Th2 cytokines that are secreted by the immune system, resulting in an impairment of the immune system. The main aim of this study was to analyse the effect of L-theanine on cytokines of the immune system and establish the role of L-Theanine as immunomodulatory. This double blind randomised study recruited 20 men from the Polish rowing team. The subjects were randomised to the supplemented group and placebo group. The supplemented group received gelatine capsules with 150 mg L-theanine extract whilst the placebo group received visually identical capsules with corn starch. The participants in the study were asked to take two capsules per day for 6 weeks. Athletes from both the groups did not differ significantly in terms of their mean age, body height, body weight and years of training. After 24 hour recovery, the athletes in the supplemented group showed lower amount of cytotoxic cell. The authors concluded based on the study that supplementation with L- theanine in athletes exposed to strenuous exercise had beneficial effect.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze the response of selected components of the immune system in rowers to maximal physical exercise, and to verify if this response could be modulated by supplementation with L-theanine. METHOD The double-blind study included 20 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 10), receiving 150 mg of L-theanine extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group (n = 10). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning (1st examination) and at the end of the supplementation period (2nd examination). Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein before each exercise test, 1 min after completing the test, and after a 24-h recovery. Subpopulations of T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) (CD4+/CD25+/CD127-), cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) (CD8+/TCRαβ+), natural killer (NK) cells (CD3-/CD16+/CD56+) and TCRδγ-positive (Tδγ) cells were determined by means of flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon gamma (INF-ɤ) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined with commercially available diagnostic kits. RESULTS Supplementation with L-theanine contributed to a significant post-exercise decrease in IL-10 concentration, which was reflected by higher values of IL-2 to IL-10 and IFN-γ to IL-10 ratios. Moreover, a significant post-recovery decrease in CTL count, Treg to NK and Treg to CTL ratios was observed in the supplemented group. CONCLUSION Despite the decrease in the number of some cytotoxic cells (CTLs) and an increase in the proportion of Tregs to CTLs, supplementation with LTE seems to exert a beneficial effect on a disrupted Th1/Th2 balance in elite athletes, as shown by the decrease in IL-10 concentration.
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Four weeks of probiotic supplementation reduces GI symptoms during a marathon race.
Pugh, JN, Sparks, AS, Doran, DA, Fleming, SC, Langan-Evans, C, Kirk, B, Fearn, R, Morton, JP, Close, GL
European journal of applied physiology. 2019;119(7):1491-1501
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Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in athletes participating in marathon running. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on GI symptoms and markers of GI permeability and damage during marathon training and racing. 24 runners took part in this double-blind, randomised trial. Participants took a probiotic supplement containing 25 billion organisms (Lactobacilli and bifidobacterial) or placebo for 4 weeks prior to the marathon race. Blood samples were taken before supplementation, pre and post marathon. Participants also completed a questionnaires regarding GI symptoms. All runners experienced GI symptoms during the marathon. Runners supplementing with probiotics reported fewer and less severe GI symptoms, both in training and during the race, and also showed increased performance during the race compared to the placebo group. There was no association between GI symptoms and markers of GI permeability and damage, although both were increased post-race in all participants. The authors conclude that athletes participating in endurance events, where GI symptoms are common and likely to affect performance, could consider probiotic supplementation in the weeks prior to competition.
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, circulatory markers of GI permeability, damage, and markers of immune response during a marathon race. METHODS Twenty-four recreational runners were randomly assigned to either supplement with a probiotic (PRO) capsule [25 billion CFU Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL60 and CUL21), Bifidobacterium bifidum (CUL20), and Bifidobacterium animalis subs p. Lactis (CUL34)] or placebo (PLC) for 28 days prior to a marathon race. GI symptoms were recorded during the supplement period and during the race. Serum lactulose:rhamnose ratio, and plasma intestinal-fatty acid binding protein, sCD14, and cytokines were measured pre- and post-races. RESULTS Prevalence of moderate GI symptoms reported were lower during the third and fourth weeks of the supplement period compared to the first and second weeks in PRO (p < 0.05) but not PLC (p > 0.05). During the marathon, GI symptom severity during the final third was significantly lower in PRO compared to PLC (p = 0.010). The lower symptom severity was associated with a significant difference in reduction of average speed from the first to the last third of the race between PLC (- 14.2 ± 5.8%) and PRO (- 7.9 ± 7.5%) (p = 0.04), although there was no difference in finish times between groups (p > 0.05). Circulatory measures increased to a similar extent between PRO and PLC (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Probiotics supplementation was associated with a lower incidence and severity of GI symptoms in marathon runners, although the exact mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. Reducing GI symptoms during marathon running may help maintain running pace during the latter stages of racing.
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The Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Upper Respiratory Illness in High School Athletes: A Randomised Control Trial.
Somerville, V, Moore, R, Braakhuis, A
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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When an individual exercises, there is a 3 to 72 hour subsequent period known as the ‘open window’ where they are susceptible to illness due to altered immune function and activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of olive leaf extract (OLE) supplementation on upper respiratory illness (URI) incidence and duration in high school athletes. The study was a two-month parallel double-blind randomised controlled trial. The study recruited 32 students (females n = 22) aged between 16 and 19 years. The participants were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: OLE or placebo tablets group. Results indicate that there were 17 participants who experienced a total of 26 URI episodes. There was no significant difference in incidence; however, there was a significant 28% reduction in sick days. Authors conclude that OLE supplementation could be used to alleviate the effect of URI on high school athletes.
Abstract
Upper respiratory illness (URI) has a major impact on both training and competition in an athletic setting. High school athletes are a sub-category who have reported higher illness rates than professional and sub-elite high school athletes of the same sport. Olive leaf extract (OLE) is an over-the-counter supplement that contains polyphenols, notably oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, that have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may reduce URI rates. Thirty-two high school students who play sport for the elite team at their school were recruited to a randomised controlled trial and allocated to a daily placebo or OLE (extent equivalent to 20 g of olive leaf, containing 100 mg oleuropein) supplementation for nine weeks during their competitive season. Twice weekly measures of wellbeing, training load and respiratory illness (sporting upper respiratory illness (SUPPRESS) questionnaire) were recorded at trainings, meetings or games. There was no significant difference in illness incidence (odds ratio (OR): 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21⁻4.44)), but there was a significant 28% reduction in sick days (OR: 0.72 (95% CI 0.56⁻0.93) p-value = 0.02) when supplemented with OLE. The dietary intakes of the athletes were sub-optimal with regard to immune support. OLE supplementation over a season did not significantly reduce URI incidence, but did decrease duration in high school athletes, potentially aiding return to play.
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Proprietary Milk Protein Concentrate Reduces Joint Discomfort While Improving Exercise Performance in Non-Osteoarthritic Individuals.
Ziegenfuss, TN, Kerksick, CM, Kedia, AW, Sandrock, J, Raub, B, Lopez, HL
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder of the different forms of arthritis. Key symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include the onset of pain, development of various disabilities such as increased difficulty with climbing stairs, walking and other activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of ingesting a concentrated milk protein derived from the milk produced by hyperimmunized cows on alleviating pain (discomfort) and function with and without an external physical stimulus in non-osteoarthritic participants. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation using two parallel supplementation groups (milk protein concentrate group n = 24 and placebo group n = 34) that spanned eight weeks. Results indicate that treatment with proprietary milk protein concentrate resulted in greater improvements in several components within the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) assessment, walking performance, as well as self-reported levels of pain, discomfort, stiffness and stability. Authors conclude that daily doses of proprietary milk protein concentrate yielded improvements in several components and it was well tolerated with no significant changes in whole-blood or serum markers of clinical safety.
Abstract
Milk and dairy products are known to contain various bioactives with potential anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects. Previous research has indicated that milk produced from hyperimmunized cows provided meaningful health benefits to individuals suffering from varying degrees of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. PURPOSE To examine the impact of MicroLactin®, a proprietary milk protein concentrate, on joint discomfort and physical function, exercise performance, quality of life and various measures of affect. METHODS Non-osteoarthritic men (42.5 ± 8.9 years, 176.7 ± 6.7 cm, 89.9 ± 11.5 kg, 28.8 ± 3.5 kg/m², n = 30) and women (46.4 ± 9.6 years, 163.1 ± 8.2 cm, 72.2 ± 13.1 kg, 27.2 ± 5.3 kg/m², n = 28) with mild to moderate knee pain during physical activity were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to consume daily either a placebo (PLA) or MicroLactin® (ML) for a period of 8 weeks. Participants completed a functional capacity test pre and post-supplementation and completed visual analog scales (VAS), a 6-min walking test, WOMAC and profile of mood states (POMS) to assess changes in joint health, discomfort, physical function, exercise performance and affect. Mixed factorial ANOVA was used for all statistical analysis and significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Distance covered in the 6-min walking significantly improved 9% in ML versus 2% in PLA (mean difference: 110 ± 43 m, p = 0.012) in addition to 11 WOMAC components and 5 VAS reflective of ML improving joint health, discomfort and joint stability (all p < 0.05 vs. PLA). Additionally, ML also improved overall perceptions of neck and back health compared to PLA. Serum and whole blood indicators of clinical safety remained within normal ranges throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS In comparison to placebo, daily doses of MicroLactin® yielded improvements in several components of the WOMAC, multiple visual analog scales indicative of joint health and stability, discomfort and pain, as well as significant improvements in distance covered during a 6-min walking test. Supplementation was well tolerated with no significant changes in whole-blood or serum markers of clinical safety.
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The effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on in vivo immunity following prolonged exercise: a randomised controlled trial.
Jones, AW, March, DS, Thatcher, R, Diment, B, Walsh, NP, Davison, G
European journal of nutrition. 2019;58(1):335-344
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Upper respiratory tract symptoms (URS) are the most common ailment reported by athletes to medicine clinics at major sporting events. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum (COL) supplementation on the induction of invivo immune responses to a novel antigen, diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) [a topically administered experimental drug], following prolonged exercise. The study is a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial which recruited 34 healthy male participants aged between 18 and 45 years. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: COL group (n = 17) or placebo group (n = 17). Results indicate that COL did not significantly affect the overall response to the novel antigen, DPCP, but COL supplementation induced greater sensitivity of antigen-specific memory recalled 4 weeks following the initial sensitisation. Authors conclude that their findings may suggest a nutritional strategy to counter exercise-induced immunodepression assessed via an established, clinically relevant in vivo marker of immunity.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine colostrum (COL) has been advocated as a nutritional countermeasure to exercise-induced immune dysfunction, but there is a lack of research with clinically relevant in vivo measures. AIM: To investigate the effects of COL supplementation on in vivo immunity following prolonged exercise using experimental contact hypersensitivity (CHS) with the novel antigen diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). METHODS In a double-blind design, 31 men were randomly assigned to COL (20 g/day) or placebo (PLA) for 58 days. Participants ran for 2 h at 60% maximal aerobic capacity on day 28 and received a primary DPCP exposure (sensitisation) 20 min after. On day 56, participants received a low-dose-series DPCP challenge to elicit recall of in vivo immune-specific memory (quantified by skinfold thickness 24 and 48 h later). Analysis of the dose-response curves allowed determination of the minimum dose required to elicit a positive response (i.e., sensitivity). RESULTS There was no difference in summed skinfold thickness responses between COL and PLA at 24 h (p = 0.124) and 48 h (p = 0.405). However, sensitivity of in vivo immune responsiveness was greater with COL at 24 h (p < 0.001) and 48 h (p = 0.023) with doses ~ twofold greater required to elicit a positive response in PLA. CONCLUSIONS COL blunts the prolonged exercise-induced decrease in clinically relevant in vivo immune responsiveness to a novel antigen, which may be a mechanism for reduced illness reports observed in the previous studies. These findings also suggest that CHS sensitivity is highly relevant to host defence.
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Influence of combined functional resistance and endurance exercise over 12 weeks on matrix metalloproteinase-2 serum concentration in persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis - a community-based randomized controlled trial.
Proschinger, S, Joisten, N, Rademacher, A, Schlagheck, ML, Walzik, D, Metcalfe, AJ, Oberste, M, Warnke, C, Bloch, W, Schenk, A, et al
BMC neurology. 2019;19(1):314
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative autoimmune neuroinflammatory disease where the blood-brain barrier is compromised, causing inflammation. Regular exercise has been shown to support psychomotor symptoms and improve mobility. This trial examines the effects of resistance and endurance exercise in 64 patients, aged 18-45 years, with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The patients are divided into an exercise group and a passive group. The exercise group will perform 60 min of combined functional resistance and endurance exercises 3x per week over a period of 12 weeks. Blood samples will be taken to measure proteolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) as an indicator of neurological inflammation. Secondary measures will also be taken to evaluate patient-reported outcomes regarding gait, sleep, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life. The study is currently ongoing, so the results are not yet published. From an ethical perspective the passive group will also be offered the opportunity to perform the same exercises at the end of the trial.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relevance of regular moderate to intense exercise for ameliorating psychomotor symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is becoming increasingly evident. Over the last two decades, emerging evidence from clinical studies and animal models indicate immune regulatory mechanisms in both periphery and the central nervous system that may underlie these beneficial effects. The integrity of the blood-brain barrier as the main structural interface between periphery and brain seems to play an important role in MS. Reducing the secretion of proteolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), i.e. MMP-2, as disruptors of blood-brain barrier integrity could have profound implications for MS. METHODS In this two-armed randomized controlled trial 64 participants with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (EDSS 0-4.0) will be allocated to either an intervention group or a passive wait list control group. The intervention group will perform 60 min of combined functional resistance and endurance exercises 3x per week over a period of 12 weeks in a community-based and publicly available setting. Changes in serum concentration of MMP-2 will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes are numbers of immune cell subsets, soluble (anti-) inflammatory factors, physical capacity, cognitive performance, physical activity behavior, gait performance, and patient-reported outcomes. All outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after week 12 with an additional blood sampling before, during and immediately after a single training session in week 6. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this will be the first RCT to investigate both the acute and chronic effects of a community-based intense functional resistance and endurance exercise regimen in persons with RRMS. Combining analysis of biological and cognitive or psychological outcomes may provide a better understanding of the MS-specific symptomology. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00017091; 05th of April, 2019; International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.
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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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Cashew apple juice supplementation enhances leukocyte count by reducing oxidative stress after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men.
Prasertsri, P, Roengrit, T, Kanpetta, Y, Tong-Un, T, Muchimapura, S, Wattanathorn, J, Leelayuwat, N
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;16(1):31
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High-intensity aerobic training has been shown to suppress leukocyte counts in moderately fit athletes. The aim of this study to explore possible advantageous effects of cashew apple juice (CAJ) supplementation, and, if present, to identify the possible mechanisms underlying those effects. The study is a double-blind randomised cross-over design with two treatment arms: CAJ supplementation and placebo. Ten moderately (endurance) trained and untrained men were randomized to one of the two groups for four weeks, with a four-week wash out period. Results showed that CAJ supplementation for four weeks increased leukocyte (a type of blood cell) counts, while simultaneously decreasing oxidative stress, following an acute bout of high-intensity exercise in trained men. Furthermore, the CAJ supplementation increased neutrophil (a type of white blood cell) counts while simultaneously reducing oxidative stress and stress hormone concentrations in untrained men. The antioxidant effects following exercise were observed in both endurance-trained and untrained men. Authors conclude that CAJ supplementation is beneficial to men, both in resting states and in response to an acute bout of high-intensity aerobic exercise.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cashew apple juice (CAJ) was shown to improve immunological mechanisms by regulating a balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant concentrations. However, no study exploring the effects of the CAJ and training status on the immune system and oxidative stress induced by exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CAJ supplementation primarily on leukocyte counts and secondary on oxidative stress and cortisol changes after high-intensity exercise in trained and untrained men. METHODS Ten moderately (endurance) trained (Age = 21.5 ± 0.97 yr., VO2max = 45.6 ± 4.12 mL/kgBM/min) and ten sedentary men (Age = 20.4 ± 2.72 yr., VO2peak = 32.2 ± 7.26 mL/kgBM/min) were randomized to ingest either daily CAJ or a placebo at 3.5 mL/kgBM/day for 4 weeks, with a four-week washout period. Before and after each period, they performed 20-min, high-intensity cycling (85% VO2max), with blood samples collected immediately preceding and the following exercise. Samples were analyzed to determine leukocyte counts, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, and cortisol concentrations. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of supplement and training status over time with an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS There was no interaction between supplement and training status on those variables before and after exercise. However, CAJ raised resting neutrophil counts and exercise-induced leukocyte counts in the trained group (all p < 0.05). Besides, CAJ significantly reduced plasma malondialdehyde concentrations at rest and after exercise and reduced the post-exercise plasma 8-isoprostane concentration in both groups of subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAJ reduced plasma cortisol after exercise in the untrained subjects. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that 4-week CAJ supplementation can enhance exercise-induced leukocyte and resting neutrophil counts in trained men. The possible mechanism is a reduction in oxidative stress. However, the supplementation did not change the immune responses of untrained men, but it did reduce stress hormone concentrations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER TCTR20181127002 Registered 26 November 2018 "retrospectively registered".