Virgile Lecoultre | University of Fribourg (original) (raw)

Papers by Virgile Lecoultre

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2016

Exercise prevents the adverse effects of a high-fructose diet through mechanisms that remain unkn... more Exercise prevents the adverse effects of a high-fructose diet through mechanisms that remain unknown. We assessed the hypothesis that exercise prevents fructose-induced increases in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides by decreasing the fructose conversion into glucose and VLDL-triglyceride and fructose carbon storage into hepatic glycogen and lipids. Eight healthy men were studied on 3 occasions after 4 d consuming a weight-maintenance, high-fructose diet. On the fifth day, the men ingested an oral (13)C-labeled fructose load (0.75 g/kg), and their total fructose oxidation ((13)CO2 production), fructose storage (fructose ingestion minus (13)C-fructose oxidation), fructose conversion into blood (13)C glucose (gluconeogenesis from fructose), blood VLDL-(13)C palmitate (a marker of hepatic de novo lipogenesis), and lactate concentrations were monitored over 7 postprandial h. On one occasion, participants remained lying down throughout the experiment [fructose treatment al...

The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2014

Obesity, 2015

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a highly metabolic tissue that generates heat and is negatively ass... more Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a highly metabolic tissue that generates heat and is negatively associated with obesity. BAT has been proposed to mediate both cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) and diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Therefore, it was investigated whether there is a relationship between CIT and DIT in humans. Nine healthy men (23 ± 3 years old, 23.0 ± 1.8 kg m(-2) ) completed 20 min of cold exposure (4°C) 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, CIT (the increase in resting metabolic rate at 16°C relative to 22°C) was measured by a ventilated hood indirect calorimeter, whereas DIT was measured as the 24-h thermic response to 1 day of 50% overfeeding (TEF150% ) in a respiratory chamber. After the cold intervention, CIT more than doubled from 5.2% ± 14.2% at baseline to 12.0% ± 11.1% (P = 0.05), in parallel with increased sympathetic nervous system activity. However, 24-h energy expenditure (2,166 ± 206 vs. 2,118 ± 188 kcal day(-1) ; P = 0.15) and TEF150% (7.4% ± 2.7% vs. 7.7% ± 1.6%; P = 0.78) were unchanged. Moreover, there was no association between CIT and TEF150% at baseline or post-intervention, nor in their changes (P ≥ 0.47). Cold acclimation resulted in increased CIT but not TEF150% . Therefore, it is likely that CIT and DIT are mediated by distinct regulatory mechanisms.

Journal of physical activity & health, 2013

Physical activity (PA) and related energy expenditure (EE) is often assessed by means of a single... more Physical activity (PA) and related energy expenditure (EE) is often assessed by means of a single technique. Because of inherent limitations, single techniques may not allow for an accurate assessment both PA and related EE. The aim of this study was to develop a model to accurately assess common PA types and durations and thus EE in free-living conditions, combining data from global positioning system (GPS) and 2 accelerometers. Forty-one volunteers participated in the study. First, a model was developed and adjusted to measured EE with a first group of subjects (Protocol I, n = 12) who performed 6 structured and supervised PA. Then, the model was validated over 2 experimental phases with 2 groups (n = 12 and n = 17) performing scheduled (Protocol I) and spontaneous common activities in real-life condition (Protocol II). Predicted EE was compared with actual EE as measured by portable indirect calorimetry. In protocol I, performed PA types could be recognized with little error. The...

Nutrition & Metabolism, 2013

Epidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of fructose-containing caloric sweeteners (... more Epidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of fructose-containing caloric sweeteners (FCCS: mainly sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup) is associated with obesity. The hypothesis that FCCS plays a causal role in the development of obesity however implies that they would impair energy balance to a larger extent than other nutrients, either by increasing food intake, or by decreasing energy expenditure. We therefore reviewed the literature comparing a) diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) after ingestion of isocaloric FCCS vs glucose meals, and b) basal metabolic rate (BMR) or c) post-prandial energy expenditure after consuming a high FCCS diet for > 3 days vs basal,weight-maintenance low FCCS diet. Nine studies compared the effects of single isocaloric FCCS and glucose meals on DIT; of them, six studies reported that DIT was significantly higher with FCCS than with glucose, 2 reported a non-significant increase with FCCS, and one reported no difference. The higher DIT with fructose than glucose can be explained by the low energy efficiency associated with fructose metabolism. Five studies compared BMR after consumption of a high FCCS vs a low FCCS diet for > 3 days. Four studies reported no change after 4-7 day on a high FCCS diet, and only one study reported a 7% decrease after 12 week on a high FCCS diet. Three studies compared post-prandial EE after consumption of a high FCCS vs a low FCCS diet for > 3 days, and did not report any significant difference. One study compared 24-EE in subjects fed a weight-maintenance diet and hypercaloric diets with 50% excess energy as fructose, sucrose and glucose during 4 days: 24-EE was increased with all 3 hypercaloric diets, but there was no difference between fructose, sucrose and glucose. We conclude that fructose has lower energy efficiency than glucose. Based on available studies, there is presently no hint that dietary FCCS may decrease EE. Larger, well controlled studies are however needed to assess the longer term effects of FCCS on EE.

Journal of Neurosurgery, 2013

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011

Leptin is involved in the hormonal regulation of the reproductive, somatotropic, thyroid, and aut... more Leptin is involved in the hormonal regulation of the reproductive, somatotropic, thyroid, and autonomic axes and ultimately in the regulation of energy balance. In parallel to the metabolic adaptation observed in response to caloric restriction (CR), plasma leptin concentrations are substantially decreased, suggesting a role for this hormone in the drop in energy expenditure beyond that predicted by the changes in body composition (metabolic adaptation). The aim of the study was to explore the changes in 24-h leptin circadian rhythm in response to CR and to investigate the relationship between these changes and metabolic adaptation. In a randomized, controlled trial (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy), 48 subjects were assigned to a control group or one of three CR groups for 6 months. Leptin concentration was assessed every 30 min for 24 h, and leptin circadian variations were fitted by Cosinor analysis. Sedentary energy expenditure and urinary catecholamine excretion were measured for 24 h in a metabolic chamber. Six months of CR decreased body weight by -11.4 ± 0.6% (mean ± sem; P < 0.001). Mean 24-h circulating leptin concentration decreased by -44 ± 3% (P < 0.001), whereas leptin diurnal amplitude slightly increased over the 6 months of CR. CR caused a metabolic adaptation of -126 ± 25 kcal/d (P <0.001) and a significant decrease in urinary norepinephrine (-13 ± 3%) and T(3) concentrations (10 ± 2%). The metabolic adaptation was significantly and independently related to the changes in 24-h leptin (r(2) = 0 .22, P < 0.01) but not to the changes in leptin amplitude. Our results confirm an important role for leptin as an independent determinant of the metabolic adaptation in response to CR.

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2011

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease and a major global health challenge. Apart from bariat... more Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease and a major global health challenge. Apart from bariatric surgery, which is costly and not without risk, there are currently no successful long-term treatment options for obesity. The history of pharmacological agents for obesity has been turbulent with many examples of drugs being removed from the market due to significant side effects. Orlistat and sibutramine (the latest drugs on the market) provide only modest weight loss and are both associated with high attrition rates due to intolerable side effects. Furthermore, sibutramine was recently withdrawn from the market. There is a need for the development of safe and efficacious drug treatments for obesity. Areas covered: This review covers the history of leptin therapy as an orphan drug, leptin-replacement therapy as a treatment for obesity, preclinical studies showing the efficacy of leptin/amylin combination and finally, the very promising early clinical findings using pramlintide/meteleptin combination therapy in overweight to obese individuals. Expert opinion: Combination pharmacological therapy, such as pramlintide/ metreleptin, for the treatment of obesity is very promising and is supported by encouraging weight loss results and improvement in metabolic makers in early-phase clinical studies. However, the latest randomized clinical trial on pramlintide/metreleptin was recently stopped due to safety concerns.

European Journal of Epidemiology, 2007

Regular daily physical activity is an important measure in preventing cardiovascular disease, as ... more Regular daily physical activity is an important measure in preventing cardiovascular disease, as well as certain cancers, dementia and depression. We recommend at an individual level that at least 30 min daily of moderate intensity activity is beneficial. Two questions arise immediately from this recommendation: what is moderate intensity, and how do I know that 30 min is enough?

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013

This study aimed to investigate the effects on a possible improvement in aerobic and anaerobic pe... more This study aimed to investigate the effects on a possible improvement in aerobic and anaerobic performance of oral terbutaline (TER) at a supra-therapeutic dose in 7 healthy competitive male athletes. On day 1, ventilatory threshold, maximum oxygen uptake ð _ VO 2 max Þ and corresponding power output were measured and used to determine the exercise load on days 2 and 3. On days 2 and 3, 8 mg of TER or placebo were orally administered in a double-blind process to athletes who rested for 3 h, and then performed a battery of tests including a force-velocity exercise test, running sprint and a maximal endurance cycling test at D50 % (50 % between VT and _ VO 2 max ). Lactatemia, anaerobic parameters and endurance performance ( _ VO 2 ; _ VE and time until exhaustion) were raised during the corresponding tests. We found that TER administration did not improve any of the parameters of aerobic performance (p [ 0.05). In addition, no change in _ VO 2 kinetic parameters was found with TER compared to placebo (p [ 0.05). Moreover, no enhancement of the force-velocity relationship was observed during sprint exercises after TER intake (p [ 0.05) and, on the contrary, maximal strength decreased significantly after TER intake (p \ 0.05) but maximal power remained unchanged (p [ 0.05). In conclusion, oral acute administration of TER at a supra-therapeutic dose seems to be without any relevant ergogenic effect on anaerobic and aerobic performances in healthy athletes. However, all participants experienced adverse side effects such as tremors.

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 2011

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) was thought to be a tissue with physiological importance early in life... more Brown adipose tissue (BAT) was thought to be a tissue with physiological importance early in life (maintenance of body temperature) and to disappear after birth. Recent studies using functional imaging have identified the presence of BAT activity throughout life. This review focuses on the effect of age on BAT function as well as BAT as a potential therapeutic target against age-related metabolic diseases. The PET/computed tomography method likely underestimates the prevalence of BAT because it measures only active BAT. The factors underlying the decline of BAT activity with age are currently unknown, but likely associated with changes in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the thyroid axis. Apart from age, the presence of active BAT is decreased in males and overweight. The developmental origins of brown adipose depots as well as transcription factors involved in their differentiation have recently been described. Data suggest that BAT may be recruited throughout life. New imaging techniques may provide more accurate estimations of BAT mass in adults. Given its high metabolic rate, it is suggested that BAT mass and activity could be activated and thus represent a potential target for the management of body weight.

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2013

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010

Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute small ethanol (EtOH) dose (0... more Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute small ethanol (EtOH) dose (0.5 ml EtOH/kg fat-free mass, combined with carbohydrate) in a drink on endurance performance of trained cyclists. Methods: Thirteen well-trained male cyclists took part in this study. A 60-min cycling endurance performance test (time trial) was performed in a calorimetric chamber after drinking an EtOH (30 ± 1.8 ml) or a non-EtOH control (C) drink. Results: Overall, EtOH induced a significant decrease in the average cycling power output (PO) (EtOH: 233 ± 23 W versus C: 243 ± 24 W, P < 0.01). The time course of mechanical PO showed an early decrease during the EtOH trial as compared to C (P < 0.01). Due to the lower PO, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and glucose oxidation were significantly lower (P < 0.05) as compared to C. Relative to PO, heart rate response and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were increased by EtOH as compared to C (P < 0.05). In contrast, EtOH did not influence gross work efficiency, glycaemia and blood lactate concentration. Conclusions: These results show that the acute low dose of EtOH decreased endurance performance. An increase of cardio-vascular strain and psychobiological mechanisms may explain this decrease of endurance performance.

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 2016

Exercise prevents the adverse effects of a high-fructose diet through mechanisms that remain unkn... more Exercise prevents the adverse effects of a high-fructose diet through mechanisms that remain unknown. We assessed the hypothesis that exercise prevents fructose-induced increases in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides by decreasing the fructose conversion into glucose and VLDL-triglyceride and fructose carbon storage into hepatic glycogen and lipids. Eight healthy men were studied on 3 occasions after 4 d consuming a weight-maintenance, high-fructose diet. On the fifth day, the men ingested an oral (13)C-labeled fructose load (0.75 g/kg), and their total fructose oxidation ((13)CO2 production), fructose storage (fructose ingestion minus (13)C-fructose oxidation), fructose conversion into blood (13)C glucose (gluconeogenesis from fructose), blood VLDL-(13)C palmitate (a marker of hepatic de novo lipogenesis), and lactate concentrations were monitored over 7 postprandial h. On one occasion, participants remained lying down throughout the experiment [fructose treatment al...

The Faseb Journal, Apr 1, 2014

Obesity, 2015

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a highly metabolic tissue that generates heat and is negatively ass... more Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a highly metabolic tissue that generates heat and is negatively associated with obesity. BAT has been proposed to mediate both cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) and diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Therefore, it was investigated whether there is a relationship between CIT and DIT in humans. Nine healthy men (23 ± 3 years old, 23.0 ± 1.8 kg m(-2) ) completed 20 min of cold exposure (4°C) 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, CIT (the increase in resting metabolic rate at 16°C relative to 22°C) was measured by a ventilated hood indirect calorimeter, whereas DIT was measured as the 24-h thermic response to 1 day of 50% overfeeding (TEF150% ) in a respiratory chamber. After the cold intervention, CIT more than doubled from 5.2% ± 14.2% at baseline to 12.0% ± 11.1% (P = 0.05), in parallel with increased sympathetic nervous system activity. However, 24-h energy expenditure (2,166 ± 206 vs. 2,118 ± 188 kcal day(-1) ; P = 0.15) and TEF150% (7.4% ± 2.7% vs. 7.7% ± 1.6%; P = 0.78) were unchanged. Moreover, there was no association between CIT and TEF150% at baseline or post-intervention, nor in their changes (P ≥ 0.47). Cold acclimation resulted in increased CIT but not TEF150% . Therefore, it is likely that CIT and DIT are mediated by distinct regulatory mechanisms.

Journal of physical activity & health, 2013

Physical activity (PA) and related energy expenditure (EE) is often assessed by means of a single... more Physical activity (PA) and related energy expenditure (EE) is often assessed by means of a single technique. Because of inherent limitations, single techniques may not allow for an accurate assessment both PA and related EE. The aim of this study was to develop a model to accurately assess common PA types and durations and thus EE in free-living conditions, combining data from global positioning system (GPS) and 2 accelerometers. Forty-one volunteers participated in the study. First, a model was developed and adjusted to measured EE with a first group of subjects (Protocol I, n = 12) who performed 6 structured and supervised PA. Then, the model was validated over 2 experimental phases with 2 groups (n = 12 and n = 17) performing scheduled (Protocol I) and spontaneous common activities in real-life condition (Protocol II). Predicted EE was compared with actual EE as measured by portable indirect calorimetry. In protocol I, performed PA types could be recognized with little error. The...

Nutrition & Metabolism, 2013

Epidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of fructose-containing caloric sweeteners (... more Epidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of fructose-containing caloric sweeteners (FCCS: mainly sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup) is associated with obesity. The hypothesis that FCCS plays a causal role in the development of obesity however implies that they would impair energy balance to a larger extent than other nutrients, either by increasing food intake, or by decreasing energy expenditure. We therefore reviewed the literature comparing a) diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) after ingestion of isocaloric FCCS vs glucose meals, and b) basal metabolic rate (BMR) or c) post-prandial energy expenditure after consuming a high FCCS diet for &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 3 days vs basal,weight-maintenance low FCCS diet. Nine studies compared the effects of single isocaloric FCCS and glucose meals on DIT; of them, six studies reported that DIT was significantly higher with FCCS than with glucose, 2 reported a non-significant increase with FCCS, and one reported no difference. The higher DIT with fructose than glucose can be explained by the low energy efficiency associated with fructose metabolism. Five studies compared BMR after consumption of a high FCCS vs a low FCCS diet for &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 3 days. Four studies reported no change after 4-7 day on a high FCCS diet, and only one study reported a 7% decrease after 12 week on a high FCCS diet. Three studies compared post-prandial EE after consumption of a high FCCS vs a low FCCS diet for &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 3 days, and did not report any significant difference. One study compared 24-EE in subjects fed a weight-maintenance diet and hypercaloric diets with 50% excess energy as fructose, sucrose and glucose during 4 days: 24-EE was increased with all 3 hypercaloric diets, but there was no difference between fructose, sucrose and glucose. We conclude that fructose has lower energy efficiency than glucose. Based on available studies, there is presently no hint that dietary FCCS may decrease EE. Larger, well controlled studies are however needed to assess the longer term effects of FCCS on EE.

Journal of Neurosurgery, 2013

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011

Leptin is involved in the hormonal regulation of the reproductive, somatotropic, thyroid, and aut... more Leptin is involved in the hormonal regulation of the reproductive, somatotropic, thyroid, and autonomic axes and ultimately in the regulation of energy balance. In parallel to the metabolic adaptation observed in response to caloric restriction (CR), plasma leptin concentrations are substantially decreased, suggesting a role for this hormone in the drop in energy expenditure beyond that predicted by the changes in body composition (metabolic adaptation). The aim of the study was to explore the changes in 24-h leptin circadian rhythm in response to CR and to investigate the relationship between these changes and metabolic adaptation. In a randomized, controlled trial (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy), 48 subjects were assigned to a control group or one of three CR groups for 6 months. Leptin concentration was assessed every 30 min for 24 h, and leptin circadian variations were fitted by Cosinor analysis. Sedentary energy expenditure and urinary catecholamine excretion were measured for 24 h in a metabolic chamber. Six months of CR decreased body weight by -11.4 ± 0.6% (mean ± sem; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Mean 24-h circulating leptin concentration decreased by -44 ± 3% (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001), whereas leptin diurnal amplitude slightly increased over the 6 months of CR. CR caused a metabolic adaptation of -126 ± 25 kcal/d (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001) and a significant decrease in urinary norepinephrine (-13 ± 3%) and T(3) concentrations (10 ± 2%). The metabolic adaptation was significantly and independently related to the changes in 24-h leptin (r(2) = 0 .22, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01) but not to the changes in leptin amplitude. Our results confirm an important role for leptin as an independent determinant of the metabolic adaptation in response to CR.

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2011

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease and a major global health challenge. Apart from bariat... more Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease and a major global health challenge. Apart from bariatric surgery, which is costly and not without risk, there are currently no successful long-term treatment options for obesity. The history of pharmacological agents for obesity has been turbulent with many examples of drugs being removed from the market due to significant side effects. Orlistat and sibutramine (the latest drugs on the market) provide only modest weight loss and are both associated with high attrition rates due to intolerable side effects. Furthermore, sibutramine was recently withdrawn from the market. There is a need for the development of safe and efficacious drug treatments for obesity. Areas covered: This review covers the history of leptin therapy as an orphan drug, leptin-replacement therapy as a treatment for obesity, preclinical studies showing the efficacy of leptin/amylin combination and finally, the very promising early clinical findings using pramlintide/meteleptin combination therapy in overweight to obese individuals. Expert opinion: Combination pharmacological therapy, such as pramlintide/ metreleptin, for the treatment of obesity is very promising and is supported by encouraging weight loss results and improvement in metabolic makers in early-phase clinical studies. However, the latest randomized clinical trial on pramlintide/metreleptin was recently stopped due to safety concerns.

European Journal of Epidemiology, 2007

Regular daily physical activity is an important measure in preventing cardiovascular disease, as ... more Regular daily physical activity is an important measure in preventing cardiovascular disease, as well as certain cancers, dementia and depression. We recommend at an individual level that at least 30 min daily of moderate intensity activity is beneficial. Two questions arise immediately from this recommendation: what is moderate intensity, and how do I know that 30 min is enough?

European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013

This study aimed to investigate the effects on a possible improvement in aerobic and anaerobic pe... more This study aimed to investigate the effects on a possible improvement in aerobic and anaerobic performance of oral terbutaline (TER) at a supra-therapeutic dose in 7 healthy competitive male athletes. On day 1, ventilatory threshold, maximum oxygen uptake ð _ VO 2 max Þ and corresponding power output were measured and used to determine the exercise load on days 2 and 3. On days 2 and 3, 8 mg of TER or placebo were orally administered in a double-blind process to athletes who rested for 3 h, and then performed a battery of tests including a force-velocity exercise test, running sprint and a maximal endurance cycling test at D50 % (50 % between VT and _ VO 2 max ). Lactatemia, anaerobic parameters and endurance performance ( _ VO 2 ; _ VE and time until exhaustion) were raised during the corresponding tests. We found that TER administration did not improve any of the parameters of aerobic performance (p [ 0.05). In addition, no change in _ VO 2 kinetic parameters was found with TER compared to placebo (p [ 0.05). Moreover, no enhancement of the force-velocity relationship was observed during sprint exercises after TER intake (p [ 0.05) and, on the contrary, maximal strength decreased significantly after TER intake (p \ 0.05) but maximal power remained unchanged (p [ 0.05). In conclusion, oral acute administration of TER at a supra-therapeutic dose seems to be without any relevant ergogenic effect on anaerobic and aerobic performances in healthy athletes. However, all participants experienced adverse side effects such as tremors.

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 2011

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) was thought to be a tissue with physiological importance early in life... more Brown adipose tissue (BAT) was thought to be a tissue with physiological importance early in life (maintenance of body temperature) and to disappear after birth. Recent studies using functional imaging have identified the presence of BAT activity throughout life. This review focuses on the effect of age on BAT function as well as BAT as a potential therapeutic target against age-related metabolic diseases. The PET/computed tomography method likely underestimates the prevalence of BAT because it measures only active BAT. The factors underlying the decline of BAT activity with age are currently unknown, but likely associated with changes in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the thyroid axis. Apart from age, the presence of active BAT is decreased in males and overweight. The developmental origins of brown adipose depots as well as transcription factors involved in their differentiation have recently been described. Data suggest that BAT may be recruited throughout life. New imaging techniques may provide more accurate estimations of BAT mass in adults. Given its high metabolic rate, it is suggested that BAT mass and activity could be activated and thus represent a potential target for the management of body weight.

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2013

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010

Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute small ethanol (EtOH) dose (0... more Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute small ethanol (EtOH) dose (0.5 ml EtOH/kg fat-free mass, combined with carbohydrate) in a drink on endurance performance of trained cyclists. Methods: Thirteen well-trained male cyclists took part in this study. A 60-min cycling endurance performance test (time trial) was performed in a calorimetric chamber after drinking an EtOH (30 ± 1.8 ml) or a non-EtOH control (C) drink. Results: Overall, EtOH induced a significant decrease in the average cycling power output (PO) (EtOH: 233 ± 23 W versus C: 243 ± 24 W, P < 0.01). The time course of mechanical PO showed an early decrease during the EtOH trial as compared to C (P < 0.01). Due to the lower PO, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and glucose oxidation were significantly lower (P < 0.05) as compared to C. Relative to PO, heart rate response and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were increased by EtOH as compared to C (P < 0.05). In contrast, EtOH did not influence gross work efficiency, glycaemia and blood lactate concentration. Conclusions: These results show that the acute low dose of EtOH decreased endurance performance. An increase of cardio-vascular strain and psychobiological mechanisms may explain this decrease of endurance performance.

A reduced capacity to comprehend health messages may be associated with life style related health... more A reduced capacity to comprehend health messages may be associated with life style related health problems . The aim of the present study was to evaluate life style related health parameters among adolescents and to compare adolescents with learning disabilities (LD), and adolescents from theoretical and practical school programmes. Participants and methods: The study involved 156 students from three different upper secondary schools, one special school for LD students (n=66, 18.6±1.3 years), one school with handicraft/food programmes (n=34, 17.8±1.0 years) and one school with social/natural sciences programmes (n=56, 17.8±0.6 years). Weight, height, waist, hip, blood pressure and body composition with densitometry X-ray, f-insulin, f-glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were measured. In addition there was a questionnaire and a physical fitness test, a submaximal cycle-ergometer test for oxygen consumption (VO 2 max, l/min) and fitness level, (VO 2 max, ml/kg/min). Results: Students with LD we re the most inactive and had significantly lower VO 2 max (ml/kg/min), higher triglyceride, insulin and glucose levels and were more often overweight (BMI >25; P=0.001) than were the other students. All measured parameters followed the same pattern with the lowest health risk levels among adolescents at theoretical programmes and highest among LD students.