Creatine Kinase Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Prolonged physical exercise is associated with multiple changes in the immune status indicating an acute phase response and an activation of the immune system. Eccentric muscle activation (e.g. downhill running) induces micro-trauma of skeletal muscles thus inducing an inflammatory response. At present there are no data to which extent the immune system is activated after a downhill marathon run and if there are any correlations between immune activation and markers for muscle damage or functional impairment of leg muscles. As model for severe eccentric exercise we selected the Tyrolean Speed Marathon (42 km downhill run, 795 m vertical difference). 13 volunteers (12 male, 1 female; mean running time 224 min [range 193 -266 min.]) finished the run. Blood from antecubital veins was collected 3-4 days before (T1), 3-4 hrs before (T2) and immediately after the marathon (T3) as well as on the morning after the run (T4). We measured serum neopterin concentrations, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and troponin T (cTnT). Moreover, isokinetic muscle tests were performed. Following significant changes were found (before vs. after the run): increase in neopterin, CRP, total leukocyte count, CK, Mb, cTnI, cTnT, whereas isokinetic dynamometry showed a reduction in peak hamstring torque of both thighs after the marathon. There were no significant correlations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient) between the observed changes in neopterin and CRP, CK, Mb, cTnT, cTnI or between neopterin concentrations and parameters of isokinetic muscle tests. We could demonstrate that a 42 km downhill marathon is associated a) with an activation of the cellular immune system, as evidenced by the increase in serum-neopterin, b) pronounced micro-skeletal muscle damage with high serum creatine kinase and myoglobin, and c) eccentric hamstring fatigue. The absolute changes in neopterin were moderate and similar to other types of exercise (flat course and bicycle marathon, mountain hiking).

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- Functional impairment, Creatine Kinase, C reactive protein, Immune system

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation and important determinants in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction localized to the anterior wall treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and dual-antiplatelet therapy. One hundred selected patients with ST elevation myocardial infarctions revascularized with PCI in the left anterior descending coronary artery were included. The patients participated in the Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (ASTAMI) trial. All were treated with aspirin 75 mg/day and clopidogrel 75 mg/day and underwent serial echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging during the first 3 months after PCI. After 4 to 5 days, the ejection fraction and infarct size in percentage of the left anterior descending coronary artery area were assessed using single photon-emission computed tomography in addition to the ejection fraction by echocardiography. LV thrombi were detected in 15 patients during the first 3 months, 2/3 of them within the first week. No differences in baseline characteristics between the groups with and without LV thrombi were shown. However, in the thrombus group, significantly higher peak creatine kinase levels (6,128 vs 2,197 U/L, p <0.01), larger infarct sizes (82.5% vs 63.8%, p <0.01), and lower ejection fractions on single photon-emission computed tomography (35.5% vs 40.0%, p ‫؍‬ 0.03) and on echocardiography (43.0% vs 46.0%, p ‫؍‬ 0.03) were found compared to patients without LV thrombi. In conclusion, LV thrombus formation is a frequent finding in patients with anterior wall ST elevation myocardial infarction treated acutely with PCI and dualantiplatelet therapy and should be assessed by echocardiography within the first week.

- by Svend Aakhus
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- Cardiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medicine, Echocardiography

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A) is caused by mutations in the calpain 3 gene. In a large family affected by LGMD2A with four severely affected members, three additional asymptomatic relatives had very high serum creatine kinase concentrations. All were homozygous for the R110X mutation and showed a total absence of calpain 3 in the muscle. Histological analysis of

The efficacies of specific Bothrops atrox-Lachesis and standard Bothrops-Lachesis antivenoms were compared in the north eastern Amazon region of Brazil. The main aim was to investigate whether a specific antivenom raised against the venom of B. atrox, the most important Amazon snake species from a medical point of view, was necessary for the treatment of patients in this region. Seventy-four patients with local and systemic effects of envenoming by Bothrops or Lachesis snakes were randomly allocated to receive either specific (n = 38) or standard (n = 36) antivenoms. In 46 cases (24 in the standard antivenom group, 22 in the other) the snake was identified either by enzyme immunoassay or by examination of the dead snake, as B. atrox in 45, L. muta in one. Patients were similar in all clinical and epidemiological respects before treatment. Results indicated that both antivenoms were equally effective in reversing all signs of envenoming detected both clinically and in the laboratory. Venom-induced haemostatic abnormalities were resolved within 24 h after the Clinical trial of two antivenoms for the treatment of Bothrops and Lachesis bites 29 start of antivenom therapy in most patients. The extent of local complications, such as local skin necrosis and secondary infection, was similar in both groups. There were no deaths. The incidence of early anaphylactic reactions was 18% and 19%, respectively for specific and standard antivenoms; none was life-threatening. Measurement of serum venom concentrations by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) confirmed that both antivenoms cleared venom antigenaemia effectively. EIA also revealed that one patient had been bitten by Lachesis muta, although the clinical features in this case were not distinctive.

- by Pedro Pardal
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- Microbiology, Clinical Trial, Medical Microbiology, Tropical Medicine

These 2 authors contributed equally.

- by Christian Troidl
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- Kinetics, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, Creatine Kinase

We report two patients in whom phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM) deficiency was associated with the triad of exercise-induced cramps, recurrent myoglobinuria, and tubular aggregates in the muscle biopsy. Serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were elevated between attacks of myoglobinuria. Forearm ischemic exercise tests produced subnormal increases of venous lactate. Muscle biopsies showed subsarcolemmal tubular aggregates in type 2 fibers. Muscle PGAM activities were markedly decreased (3% of the normal mean) and molecular genetic studies showed that both patients were homozygous for a described missense mutation (W78X). A review of 15 cases with tubular aggregates in the muscle biopsies from our laboratory and 15 cases with PGAM deficiency described in the literature showed that this clinicopathological triad is highly suggestive of PGAM deficiency.

- by Ali Naini
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Adolescent, Biopsy, Muscle

BackgroundIn cattle, diseases of abomasum are of great importance and include right and left displacement, torsion, impaction, pyloric stenosis and ulceration. Displacement of the abomasum has become one of the most important metabolic and organic internal disorders of cattle and the disease is most prevalent in high performing milk breeds. Abomasal displacement occurs most frequently in high yielding cows during early lactation. It has been reported that feeding a large amount of concentrations or corn silage to dairy cows inhibits the motility of the resulting in gas accumulation followed by dilation and atony and thereby causing bovine displaced. Abomasal displacement, ketosis, parturient paresis, retain placenta and endometritis has been often associated with a fatty liver.AimsThis investigation was undertaken to determine the relationship of abomasal displacement and fatty liver syndrome in dairy cows.Methodsthis study, twelve cows with abomasal displacement (7 RDA, 5 LDA) and 10 ...

- by Ismail Sen
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- Animal Production, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Dairy Cow
- by Anselmo Moriscot and +1
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- Pain, Skeletal muscle biology, Brazil, Adolescent
- by amir akbari
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- Engineering, Education, Statistical Analysis, Medicine

We describe the preparation of a lyophilized material containing purified human pancreatic a-amylase and the certification of its catalytic concentration. The enzyme was purified from human pancreas by ammonium sulphate precipitation and chromatography successively on DEAE-Sephacel, CM-Sepharose and Sephadex G-75. The purified enzyme Nonstandard abbreviations: IFCC, International Federation had a specific activity of 52.9 kU/g protein and was >99% pure on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Only trace amounts of lipase and lactate dehydrogenase were detected in the purified fraction. The purified pancreatic a-amylase had a molar mass of 57 500 g/mol and an isoelectric point at 7.1. The material was prepared by diluting the purified or-amylase in a matrix containing PIPES buffer 25 mmol/1, pH 7.0, sodium chloride 50 mmol/l, calcium chloride 1.5 mmol/1, EDTA 0.5 mmol/1 and human serum albumin 30 g/l, dispensing in ampoules and freeze-drying. The ampoules were homogeneous and the yearly loss of activity on the basis of accelerated degradation studies was less than 0.01% at -20°C. The certified value for or-amylase catalytic concentration in the reconstituted reference material is 555 U/1 _+ 11 U/I when measured by the specified method at 37°C. The material can be used to verify the comparability of results from different laboratories, for intra-laboratory quality control or for calibration of a-amylase catalytic concentration measurements.

- by Ferruccio Ceriotti
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- Catalysis, Kinetics, Quality Control, Clinical Chemistry

The first generation of troponin T ELISA (TnT 1) can yield false-positive results in patients with severe skeletal muscle injury. Therefore, a cardiac-specific second-generation troponin T ELISA (TnT 2) was developed, in which the cross-reactive antibody 1B10 has been replaced by a high-affinity cardiac-specific antibody M11.7. No cross-reactivity of TnT 2 was observed with purified skeletal muscle troponin T (1000 micrograms/L) or in test samples from 43 marathon runners and 24 patients with rhabdomyolysis and highly increased creatine kinase. TnT 2 was increased > 0.2 microgram/L in 5 of 40 patients with renal failure and in 4 of 20 muscular dystrophy patients. The detection limit is 0.012 microgram/L. Day-to-day imprecision (CV) within the range 0.19-14.89 micrograms/L was < 5.8%. In 4955 patients without myocardial damage, 99.6% had TnT < 0.10 microgram/L. Assay comparison (TnT 1 vs TnT 2) over the whole concentration range (i.e., in 323 samples from AMI-suspected patie...

- by Christoph Ebert
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, Mice
- by F. Lazarim and +2
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- Brazil, Soccer, Young Adult, Exercise

We presentevidence for the utilityof an improvedassay for the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) isoen-zymes1 and 2 in serum, involvinginhibitionof the H-subunit of LD by pyruvate at pH 7.1. Resultscorrelate well with the LD-1/total LD ratio as evaluated by immunologicalassay and, as an indexto infarct, the method is superiorto either the change in CK-MB activityor to the LD-1 activity or to a combinationof these tests, as is the percentage of LD-1 to total LD activity. Moreover, the percentage inhibition ofLD activity by pyruvate may have an advantageover other methods of isoenzyme fractionation because of its smaller populationCV for patients with acute myocardialinfarction than is true of other methods. We also demonstrate how, usinga lineardiscriminantanalysis,we comparedthis method with alternative methods.We determinedthat evaluation of CK-MB isoenzymecontributesno informationin additionto that obtainedfrom the LD-1 isoenzyme.

- by Larry Bernstein
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- Kinetics, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Biotechnology, Creatine Kinase

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plyometric exercise (P) on delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels and compare them to the effects of eccentric (E) and concentric (C) exercises. A second purpose was to determine whether a repeated exercise session has similar effects on DOMS and CK in P compared to E and C. Subjects (n ϭ 8 per group) were randomly assigned to P, E, or C groups. Subjects performed two exercise bouts separated by 6 weeks. Subjects in P performed six sets of drop and side jumps at 70% of their maximum jumping height, whereas those in E and C groups performed six sets of leg extensions and calf raises at 70% of their one repetition maximum (1RM). DOMS and CK were determined prior to and following each exercise session at 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise. Repeated measures ANO-VA showed that DOMS was significantly higher in P and E compared with C. There were no significant differences for CK between the three treatments. DOMS decreased significantly after the second exercise session (4.0 Ϯ 0.6 vs. 2.6 Ϯ 0.6) independent of treatment. CK also decreased significantly after the second session (649 Ϯ 64.2 vs. 363 Ϯ 37.2 IU· Ϫ1 L) independent of treatment. These results suggest that DOMS after an intense exercise session appears to be similar in P and E but lower in C. Furthermore, plasma CK responses after a P exercise session were similar to E and C exercises. Finally, a repeated exercise session, 6 weeks later after the first one, resulted in lower DOMS and CK values in all three groups.

- by Athanasios Jamurtas
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- Strength & Conditioning, The, Creatine Kinase

Tiazofurin (2-beta-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide, TCAR, Riboxamide, NSC 286193) is a novel C-nucleoside with antitumor activity against several murine tumor models, including Lewis lung carcinoma. The mechanism whereby this compound exerts its antineoplastic effects is most likely related to a state of guanine nucleotide depletion whereby the anabolite, thiazole-4-carboxamide adenine dinucleotide, potently inhibits inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase. This Phase I study was designed to determine the maximally tolerated dose of Tiazofurin administered on a 5-day, every-28-day schedule. Tiazofurin levels were measured using a high-pressure liquid chromatography assay, and pharmacokinetic studies were performed in patients treated at each dose level. Nineteen patients received a total of 24 courses of the drug in doses ranging from 550 to 2200 mg/sq m. The dose-limiting toxicities were pleuropericarditis and a general illness best described as a "viral-like" sy...

- by Robert Siegler
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- Kinetics, Cancer, Bone marrow, Creatine Kinase

In the presence of an off-resonance radiofrequency field, recovery of longitudinal magnetization to a steady state is not purely monoexponential. Under reasonable conditions with zero initial magnetization, recovery is nearly exponential and an effective relaxation rate constant R1eff = 1/T1eff can be obtained. Exact and approximate formulas for R1eff and steady-state magnetization are derived from the Bloch equations for spins

- by peter kingsley
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- Engineering, Physical sciences, Magnetic Resonance, Spin Relaxation

- by Ioannis Fatouros
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- Strength & Conditioning, The, Creatine Kinase

The commensal microbiota, host immunity and metabolism participate in a signalling network, with diet influencing each component of this triad. In addition to diet, many elements of a modern lifestyle influence the gut microbiota but the degree to which exercise affects this population is unclear. Therefore, we explored exercise and diet for their impact on the gut microbiota. Since extremes of exercise often accompany extremes of diet, we addressed the issue by studying professional athletes from an international rugby union squad. Two groups were included to control for physical size, age and gender. Compositional analysis of the microbiota was explored by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Each participant completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire. As expected, athletes and controls differed significantly with respect to plasma creatine kinase (a marker of extreme exercise), and inflammatory and metabolic markers. More importantly, athletes had a higher diversity of gut micro-...

- by Eamonn Quigley
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- Inflammation, Diet, Food Analysis, Sports

The most common and problematic side effect of statins is myopathy. To date, the patho-physiological mechanisms of statin myotoxicity are still not clearly understood. In previous studies, we showed that acute application in vitro of simvastatin caused impairment of mitochondrial function and dysfunction of calcium homeostasis in human and rat healthy muscle samples. We thus evaluated in the present study, mitochondrial function and calcium signaling in muscles of patients treated with statins, who present or not muscle symptoms, by oxygraphy and recording of calcium sparks, respectively. Patients treated with statins showed impairment of mitochondrial respiration that involved mainly the complex I of the respiratory chain and altered frequency and amplitude of calcium sparks. The muscle problems observed in statin-treated patients appear thus to be related to impairment of mitochondrial function and muscle calcium homeostasis, confirming the results we previously reported in vitro.

- by Pascal Sirvent and +1
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- Nonparametric Statistics, Skeletal muscle biology, Biopsy, Exercise

In order to study serum biochemistry of Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica), sampling was conducted from eight clinicaly normal Persian fallow deer (three females and ¢ve males) aged between 6 months and 10 years and the following results were obtained: total protein 68.4 þ 5 g/l; albumin 28.1 þ 8.9 g/l; globulin 42.7 þ 7.5 g/l; A: G 0.63 þ 0.25; glucose 6.61 þ 3.41 mmol/l; triglyceride 0.37 þ 0.22 mmol/l; cholesterol 2.86 þ 1.46 mmol/l; blood urea nitrogen 8.91 þ 1.21 mmol/l; creatinin 146.75 þ 53.92 mmol/l; total bilirubin 12.99 þ 2.05 mmol/l; direct bilirubin 7.01 þ 1.88 mmol/l; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 20.25 þ 7.36 IU/l; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 26.38 þ 8.94 IU/l; alkaline phosphatase (AP) 118.25 þ 70.79 IU/l; creatine kinase (CK) 219.13 þ 151.81 IU/l; Na 147.5 þ 9.09 mmol/l; K 6.82 þ 1.92 mmol/l; Cl 103.88 þ 5.44 mmol/l; Ca 2.79 þ 0.43 mmol/l; P 1.99 þ0.47 mmol/l; Mg 1.12 þ 0.23 mmol/l. Signi¢cant di¡erences were seen for Na and P between age groups, with higher levels in deer aged less than 2 years (p50.05). Glucose had higher values in does than in stags (p50.05). Correlations between measured parameters were also determined.

- by Nastaran Shahbazian
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- Chemistry, Biology, Fallow deer, Alkaline phosphatase

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the levels of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers after acute resistance exercise in young athletes. In a randomized double-blind design, twenty subjects were divided into two equal groups; each subject receiving three capsules per day (3000 mg) of either omega-3 or a placebo for seven days. All subjects underwent high intensity acute resistance exercise. Venous blood samples were collected one week prior to the exercise, immediately pre-exercise, and 24 hours post exercise. Malondiadehyde (MDA), plasma total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in the serum. MDA, CRP and CK concentrations were significantly higher 24 hours post exercise in the placebo versus the omega-3 group (p=.005). The mean of total antioxidant capacity in both groups showed no significant differences immediately pre-exercise and 24 hours post exercise (p>.005). LDH activity was significantly higher 24 hours post exercise in both groups (p=<.05). The results of this study indicate that high intensity resistance exercise induces oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and cellular damage indices in athletes. However, seven days of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may ameliorate these effects.

- by S. Atashak
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- Creatine Kinase

BACKGROUND:Current guidelines for exercise training in coronary patients state that in the presence of exercise-induced ischemia, the heart rate during exercise should be at least 10 beats/min below the heart rate associated with an ST segment depression of 1 mm or greater. For patients with a relatively low ischemic threshold, this recommendation does not allow for a sufficient training stimulus.OBJECTIVE:To document the effects of a single session of exercise above the ischemic threshold on biochemical markers of myocardial injury in stable coronary patients with exercise-induced ischemia. Because creatine kinase (CK) and its MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) can both increase after exercise because of skeletal muscle injury, troponin T was also measured.METHODS:Twenty-one patients with documented coronary artery disease underwent two 20 min exercise sessions. The intensity of the first exercise training session was fixed at a heart rate below the ischemic threshold (ie, approximately 10 beats/min lower than the heart rate associated with the appearance of an ST segment depression of 1 mm or greater). The intensity of the second exercise session was fixed at a heart rate above the ischemic threshold.RESULTS:Blood test measurements at baseline, 6 h after and 24 h after the exercise sessions did not show any increase in total CK, CK-MB or troponin. The value of all measurements remained well below the lower limits associated with myocardial damage.CONCLUSION:A 20 min period of exercise above the ischemic threshold did not result in myocardial necrosis.

- by Anil Nigam
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- Exercise Physiology, Exercise therapy, Electrocardiography, Heart rate

In 2008, The ESC Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases proposed an updated classification of cardiomyopathies based on morphological and functional phenotypes and subcategories of familial/genetic and non-familial/non-genetic disease. In this position statement, we propose a framework for the clinical approach to diagnosis in cardiomyopathies based on the recognition of diagnostic 'red flags' that can be used to guide rational selection of specialized tests including genetic analysis. The basic premise is that the adoption of a cardiomyopathy-specific mindset which combines conventional cardiological assessment with non-cardiac and molecular parameters increases diagnostic accuracy and thus improves advice and treatment for patients and families.

- by H. Seggewiss
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- Electrocardiography, Autoimmune diseases, Genetic Testing, Pedigree

Resistance exercise can result in localized damage to muscle tissue. This damage may be observed in sarcolemma, basal lamina, as well as, in the contractile elements and the cytoskeleton. Usually the damage is accompanied by release of enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin and other proteins into the blood. Serum CK has been proposed as one of the best indirect indicators of muscle damage due to its ease of identification and the relatively low cost of assays to quantify it. Thus, CK has been used as an indicator of the training intensity and a diagnostic marker of overtraining. However, some issues complicate CK's use in this manner. There is great interindividual variability in serum CK, which complicates the assignment of reliable reference values for athletes. Furthermore, factors such as training level, muscle groups involved, and gender can influence CK levels to a greater extent than differences in exercise volume completed. This review...

- by Marco Machado
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Resistance Training, Medical Physiology, Creatine Kinase

This pilot randomized-controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an over-the-counter multistep herbal smoking cessation regimen, SmokeRx, that employs four different herbal formulations taken at different times during the program. Twenty-two subjects were randomized to a placebo group and 20 to the SmokeRx program. The results show that the odds of reduced or validated cessation of smoking were not significantly different between the groups at any juncture over the 6 months of the trial but that there was a trend for higher odds in the SmokeRx group. Subjects were also more likely to drop out of the placebo group (p = .06), suggesting a possible positive effect of the SmokeRx regimen. Overall, early dropouts (at 2 week follow-up) appeared less motivated to quit smoking, as they were more likely to be younger, had smoked more than 5 years, had greater difficulty refraining from smoking in places where it is forbidden, had fewer previous quit attempts, did not inte...

- by Gary D James
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- Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Brazil, Herbal Medicine

The present study was conducted to de termine if a selenium deficiency affects the primary and secondary humoral immune response of calves challenged with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) and to evaluate changes in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and creatine phosphokinase activities associated with selenium deficiency and viral stress. Treatments included 1) +Se (0.2 mg/kg diet) and 2) -Se (0.03 mg/kg diet). Calves were adapted to their assigned diets during an 84-d de pletion period. By d 42 of the depletion period, whole-blood GSH-Px was lower for -Se calves than for + Se calves. Differences between treatments in plasma GSH-Px were observed by d 14. On d 84, Se-dependent GSH-Px activity in liver was higher in + Se calves. After depletion of -Se calves, animals in both treatments were intranasally inoc ulated with IBRV on d 0 and 35 of the 70-d challenge phase. Whole-blood and plasma GSH-Px increased after IBRV inoculation in +Se calves but not in Se-deficient calves. Serum IgM was higher for + Se calves throughout the challenge phase. Serum IgM increased in both treat ments after primary IBRV inoculation but was unaffected by secondary challenge. Serum IgG was not affected by selenium status but increased in both treatments after sec ondary IBRV challenge. Serum IBRV antibody titers in creased after inoculation on d 0 and 35. By d 49, IBRV antibody titers were higher for +Se calves than in Sedeficient calves. These results indicate that selenium de ficiency may depress the immune response of calves chal lenged with a foreign pathogen. J. Nutr. 118:229-235, 1988.

- by Jerry Spears
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- Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition, Animal Production, Liver

Background: The combination of bicarbonate and mannitol (BIC/MAN) is commonly used to prevent renal failure (RF) in patients with rhabdomyolysis despite the absence of sufficient evidence validating its use. The purpose of this study was... more

- by Peter Rhee
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- Nursing, Acute kidney injury, Renal failure, The

Eccentric muscle contraction causes fibre injury associated with disruption of the myofibrillar cytoskeleton. The medicinal plant Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, known for its therapeutic properties, was studied to explore its protective Ž . effects after eccentric contraction. A crude extract and a standardised extract G115 of different saponin compositions were tested as to their efficacy in reducing lipid peroxidation, inflammation and release of myocellular proteins after the Ž . realisation of an eccentric contraction protocol on a rat treadmill. Plasma creatine kinase CK levels were significantly reduced by approximately 25% after ingestion of both extracts of ginseng. Both extracts reduced lipid peroxidation by approximately 15% as measured by malondialdehyde levels. ␤-Glucuronidase concentrations and glucose-6-phosphate Ž . dehydrogenase G6PDH levels, which can be considered markers of inflammation, were also significantly reduced. The values of ␤-glucuronidase were increased from 35.9" 1.5 to 128.4" 8.1 in vastus and to 131.1" 12.1 U g y1 in rectus, the protection due to ginseng administration being approximately 40% in both muscles. Both extracts appeared to be equally effective in reducing injuries and inflammation caused by eccentric muscle contractions. ᮊ

- by Andrea Perez
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Inflammation, Saponins, Biological Sciences

Analysis of mitochondrial function is central to the study of intracellular energy metabolism, mechanisms of cell death and pathophysiology of a variety of human diseases, including myopathies, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. However, important properties of mitochondria differ in vivo and in vitro. Here, we describe a protocol for the analysis of functional mitochondria in situ, without the isolation of organelles, in selectively permeabilized cells or muscle fibers using digitonin or saponin. A specially designed substrate/inhibitor titration approach allows the step-by-step analysis of several mitochondrial complexes. This protocol allows the detailed characterization of functional mitochondria in their normal intracellular position and assembly, preserving essential interactions with other organelles. As only a small amount of tissue is required for analysis, the protocol can be used in diagnostic settings in clinical studies. The permeabilization procedure and specific titration analysis can be completed in 2 h.

- by Wolfram Kunz
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- Electron Microscopy, Skeletal muscle biology, Kinetics, Fluorescence Microscopy

This study was conducted to assess the use of the serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level as a noninvasive indicator to dierentiate acute myocarditis and chronic dilated cardiomyopathy in pediatric patients. Myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy are clinically dicult to dierentiate. Endomyocardial biopsy proved to be quite useful. However, the nature of the procedureÐinvasiveness, time-consuming, and limited sensitivityÐcaused some concerns, especially in pediatric patients. Hence, we attempted to ®nd an alternative method that could give a prompt diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Twenty cases with clinically suspected myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy and a control group of 21 cases with moderate left-to-right shunt and congestive heart failure were recruited. History, physical examination, electrocardiogram, chest roentgenogram, echocardiogram, cTnT, creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB mass), and/or endomyocardial biopsy were compared. The gold standard used to diagnose myocarditis is endomyocardial biopsy (Dallas criteria) and/or recovery from cardiovascular problems within 6 months of followup. Ten patients were diagnosed as having myocarditis (group 1) and 10 with chronic dilated cardiomyopathy (group 2). The control group of 21 cases was designated as group 3. The median serum cTnT levels were 0.088 (0.04±3.11), 0.010 (0.010±0.990), and 0.010 (0.010±0.550) ng/ml in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean CK-MB mass level for groups, 1, 2, and 3 were 18.35 (7.14±70.00), 4.80 (0.54±108.00), and 2.26 (0.95±7.06) ng/ml. The study showed that both the cTnT and CK-MB mass levels were signi®cantly higher in group 1 than either group 2 or group 3. Histopathology was studied in 9 cases. In 2 of 5 cases and in all 4 cases in group 1 and group 2 histopathology was pathologically proved. Levels of cTnT and CK-MB were signi®cantly higher for myocarditis than for dilated cardiomyopathy and left-to-right shunt with CHF. Further study is needed to assess the optimum cTnT level for dierentiating both conditions.

Introduction and Objectives: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is found in almost all tissues of the body and five different isoenzymes are known (LDH-1 to LDH-5). LDH can be elevated in many pathological conditions. We have observed serum LDH to be increased in patients with chronic cough. We wanted to confirm this finding, study the reproducibility and determine the origin of the LDH. Methods: Patients prospectively seen at the Hull Cough Clinic had total and specific LDH isoenzyme levels in serum determined. A subgroup of patients also had a serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) measured. Patients completed cough symptom scores and the Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ). Spirometry was performed. Results: Eighty-three patients were included. Forty-two percent had LDH values above the reference range and 78% had LDH values in the fourth quartile of the reference range or above. This increase in LDH was predominantly because of a rise in isoenzymes 4 and 5. The increase in LDH was found to be reproducible at 8 weeks. Ten percent had CK values above the normal range. There was no correlation observed between LDH values and the cough scores, HARQ scores or lung function. Conclusion: Serum LDH levels are elevated in a substantial proportion of patients with chronic cough. This rise is likely to be due to airway inflammation known to be associated with chronic cough.

- by Caroline Wright
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- Immunology, Chronic Disease, Creatine Kinase, Aged

This trial aimed to examine the effect of whey protein hydrolysate intake before and after exercise sessions on endurance performance and recovery in elite orienteers during a training camp. Eighteen elite orienteers participated in a randomized controlled intervention trial during a 1-week training camp (13 exercise sessions). Half of the runners (PRO-CHO) ingested a protein drink before (0.3 g kg-1) and a protein-carbohydrate drink after (0.3 g protein kg-1 and 1 g carbohydrate kg-1) each exercise session. The others ingested energy and time-matched carbohydrate drinks (CHO). A 4-km run-test with 20 control points was performed before and on the last day of the intervention. Blood and saliva were obtained in the mornings, before and after run-tests and after the last training session. During the intervention questionnaires were fulfilled regarding psychological sense of performance capacity and motivation. PRO-CHO, and not CHO, improved performance in the 4-km run-test (interactio...

- by Mette Hansen
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Biomarkers, Running, Adolescent

The aim of this study was to examine maximal voluntary knee-extensor contraction force (MVC force), sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function and muscle glycogen levels in the days after a high-level soccer game when players ingested an optimised diet. Seven high-level male soccer players had a vastus lateralis muscle biopsy and a blood sample collected in a control situation and at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after a competitive soccer game. MVC force, SR function, muscle glycogen, muscle soreness and plasma myoglobin were measured. MVC force sustained over 1 s was 11 and 10% lower (P < 0.05) after 0 and 24 h, respectively, compared with control. The rate of SR Ca 2+ uptake at 800 nM [Ca 2+ ] free was lower (P < 0.05) after 0 h (2.5 mol Ca 2+ g prot ¡1 min ¡1 ) than for all other time points (24 h: 5.1 mol Ca 2+ g prot ¡1 min ¡1 ). However, SR Ca 2+ release rate was not aVected. Plasma myoglobin was sixfold higher (P < 0.05) immediately after the game, but normalised 24 h after the game. Quadriceps muscle soreness (0-10 VASscale) was higher (P < 0.05) after 0 h (3.6), 24 h (1.8), 48 h (1.1) and 72 h (1.4) compared with control (0.1). Muscle glycogen was 57 and 27% lower (P < 0.001) 0 and 24 h after the game compared with control (193 and 328 vs. 449 mmol kg d w ¡1 ). In conclusion, maximal voluntary contraction force and SR Ca 2+ uptake were impaired and muscle soreness was elevated after a high-level soccer game, with faster recovery of SR function in comparison with MVC force, soreness and muscle glycogen.

- by Niels Ørtenblad and +1
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- Calcium, Soccer, Biopsy, Football

The present study aimed to analyze neuromuscular, physiological and perceptual responses to a single bout of five different dynamic squat exercise protocols. In a randomized and counterbalanced order, fifteen male resistance-trained athletes (mean±SD; age: 23.1±1.9 years, body mass: 77.4±8.0 kg) completed a traditional multiple sets (MS: 4 x 6, 85% 1RM), drop sets (DS: 1 x 6, 85% 1RM + 3 drop sets), eccentric overload (EO: 4 x 6, 70% 1RM concentric, 100% 1RM eccentric), flywheel YoYo TM Squat (FW: 4 x 6, all-out), and a plyometric jump protocol (PJ: 4 x 15, all-out). Blood lactate (La), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), counter movement jump height (CMJ), multiple rebound jump performance (MRJ), maximal voluntary isometric contraction force (MVIC), serum creatine kinase (CK) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were measured. Immediately post-exercise, La was significantly (p<0.001) higher in FW (mean±95% CL; 12.2±0.9 mmol•L-1) and lower in PJ (3.0±0.8 mmol•L-1) compared to MS (7.7±1.5 mmol•L-1), DS (8.5±0.6 mmol•L-1) and EO (8.2±1.6 mmol • L-1), accompanied by similar RPE responses. Neuromuscular performance (CMJ, MRJ) significantly remained decreased (p<0.001) from 0.5 to 48 h post-exercise in all protocols. There was a significant time x protocol interaction (p<0.05) in MRJ with a significant lower performance in DS, EO and FW compared to PJ (0.5 h post-exercise), and in EO compared to all other protocols (24 h post-exercise). A significant main time effect with peak values 24 h post-exercise was observed in CK serum concentrations (p<0.001), but there was no time x protocol interaction. In conclusion, (1.) metabolic and perceptual demands were higher in FW and EO compared to MS, DS and PJ, (2.) neuromuscular fatigue was consistent up to 48 h postexercise in all protocols, and (3.) EO induced the greatest neuromuscular fatigue.

- by Tim Meyer
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- Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, Resistance Training, Weight Lifting
- by Bruno Lomonte
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- Extracellular Matrix, Molecular Pathology, Adipose tissue, Basement Membrane

Vaile, J.M., N.D. Gill, and A.J. Blazevich. The effect of contrast water therapy on symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21 : 697-702. 2007.-This study examined the effect of contrast water therapy (CWT) on the physiological and functional symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following DOMS-inducing leg press exercise. Thirteen recreational athletes performed 2 experimental trials separated by 6 weeks in a randomized crossover design. On each occasion, subjects performed a DOMS-inducing leg press protocol consisting of 5 ϫ 10 eccentric contractions (180 seconds recovery between sets) at 140% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). This was followed by a 15-minute recovery period incorporating either CWT or no intervention, passive recovery (PAS). Creatine kinase concentration (CK), perceived pain, thigh volume, isometric squat strength, and weighted jump squat performance were measured prior to the eccentric exercise, immediately post recovery, and 24, 48, and 72 hours post recovery. Isometric force production was not reduced below baseline measures throughout the 72-hour data collection period following CWT (ഠ4-10%). However, following PAS, isometric force production (mean Ϯ SD) was 14.8 Ϯ 11.4% below baseline immediately post recovery (p Ͻ 0.05), 20.8 Ϯ 15.6% 24 hours post recovery (p Ͻ 0.05), and 22.5 Ϯ 12.3% 48 hours post recovery (p Ͻ 0.05). Peak power produced during the jump squat was significantly reduced (p Ͻ 0.05) following both PAS (20.9 Ϯ 13.4%) and CWT (12.8 Ϯ 8.0%), with the mean reduction in power for PAS being marginally (not significantly) greater than for CWT (effect size ϭ 0.76). Thigh volume measured immediately following CWT was significantly less than PAS. No significant differences in the changes in CK were found; in addition, there were no significant (p Ͼ 0.01) differences in perceived pain between treatments. Contrast water therapy was associated with a smaller reduction, and faster restoration, of strength and power measured by isometric force and jump squat production following DOMS-inducing leg press exercise when compared to PAS. Therefore, CWT seems to be effective in reducing and improving the recovery of functional deficiencies that result from DOMS, as opposed to passive recovery.

- by Anthony J Blazevich
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- Strength & Conditioning, Pain, Skeletal muscle biology, Treatment Outcome

Cardiac dysfunction is a rare complication of babesiosis in domestic animals. The horse in this report showed clinical signs of anorexia, depression, fever, icterus and brown urine, and laboratory results (monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, azotemia, hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubinuria) indicated sub-acute piroplasmosis. Furthermore, junctional and polymorphic ventricular premature complexes and tachycardia associated with increased serum cardiac troponin I and myocardial-bound creatine kinase concentration were found. The diagnosis of piroplasmosis was confirmed by serology. Specific and supportive therapy for babesiosis allowed remission of clinical signs and laboratory profile abnormalities, including those of myocardial involvement. Myocardial damage associated with cardiac arrhythmia may be a complication of equine babesiosis as already demonstrated in other species.

- by Marco Pietra
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- Polymorphism, Veterinary, Electrocardiography, Biological Sciences

We compared a rapid, point-of-care multimarker protocol with a single and serial troponin I (TnI)-only protocol in 5,244 patients admitted to the emergency department with chest pain. The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was based on a doubling myoglobin level accompanied by at least a 50% increase in the creatine kinase (CK)-MB level with no detectable TnI; a doubling of myoglobin level together with any detectable TnI; or a TnI level of 0.4 ng/mL (0.4 µg/L) or more, irrespective of myoglobin or CK-MB results. By using these new criteria, 145 of 148 cases were positive for AMI (positive predictive value [PPV], 92.4%) and 3 were negative, which were also negative by the core laboratory TnI assay. Twelve confirmed non-AMI cases were positive by the new protocol, with 10 of 12 confirmed by the core laboratory as positive for TnI. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 99.9%; the overall diagnostic accuracy was 99.7%. The TnI-only protocol had a sensitivity of 68.2% with an NPV of 99.1%. With lower TnI-only cutoffs, 4 patients had false-negative results, and a PPV of 36.4% was observed. Our rapid multimarker protocol seems superior to a TnI-only approach for rapidly triaging patients with chest pain or AMI.

- by Kenneth Blick
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- Algorithms, Treatment Outcome, Strategy, Emergency Medical Services

There is an increasing demand for natural compounds that improve women's health by mimicking the critical benefits of estrogen to the bones and the cardiovascular system but avoiding its deleterious effects on the breast and uterus. The estrogenic properties of glabridin, the major isoflavan in licorice root, were tested in view of the resemblance of its structure and lipophilicity to those of estradiol. The results indicate that glabridin is a phytoestrogen, binding to the human estrogen receptor and stimulating creatine kinase activity in rat uterus, epiphyseal cartilage, diaphyseal bone, aorta, and left ventricle of the heart. The stimulatory effects of 2.5-25 microg/animal glabridin were similar to those of 5 microg/animal estradiol. Chemical modification of glabridin showed that the position of the hydroxyl groups has a significant role in binding to the human estrogen receptor and in proliferation-inducing activity. Glabridin was found to be three to four times more active...

- by Snait Tamir
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- Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cell Adhesion, Drug interactions

Objectives: During congested fixture periods in team sports, limited recovery time and increased travel hinder the implementation of many recovery strategies; thus alternative methods are required. We examined the impact of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device on 24-h recovery from an intensive training session in professional players. Design: Twenty-eight professional rugby and football academy players completed this randomised and counter-balanced study, on 2 occasions, separated by 7 days. Methods: After baseline perceived soreness, blood (lactate and creatine kinase) and saliva (testosterone and cortisol) samples were collected, players completed a standardised warm-up and baseline countermovement jumps (jump height). Players then completed 60 m × 50 m maximal sprints, with 5 min recovery between efforts. After completing the sprint session, players wore a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device or remained in normal attire (CON) for 8 h. All measures were repeated immediately, 2 and 24-h post-sprint. Results: Player jump height was reduced from baseline at all time points under both conditions; however, at 24-h neuromuscular electrical stimulation was significantly more recovered (mean ± SD; neuromuscular electrical stimulation −3.2 ± 3.2 vs. CON −7.2 ± 3.7%; P < 0.001). Creatine kinase concentrations increased at all time points under both conditions, but at 24-h was lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P < 0.001). At 24-h, perceived soreness was significantly lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation, when compared to CON (P = 0.02). There was no effect of condition on blood lactate, or saliva testosterone and cortisol responses (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves recovery from intensive training in professional team sports players. This strategy offers an easily applied recovery strategy which may have particular application during sleep and travel.

- by Julien Baker and +1
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Running, Adolescent, Football

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on exercise performance, oxidative stress, and muscle status in humans. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed with 22 untrained male volunteers. LLLT (810 nm, 200 mW, 30 J in each site, 30 s of irradiation in each site) using a multi-diode cluster (with five spots -6 J from each spot) at 12 sites of each lower limb (six in quadriceps, four in hamstrings, and two in gastrocnemius) was performed 5 min before a standardized progressiveintensity running protocol on a motor-drive treadmill until exhaustion. We analyzed exercise performance (VO 2 max , time to exhaustion, aerobic threshold and anaerobic threshold), levels of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superox-ide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the markers of muscle damage creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Compared to placebo, active LLLT significantly increased exercise performance (VO 2 max p= 0.01; time to exhaustion, p=0.04) without changing the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. LLLT also decreased post-exercise lipid (p=0.0001) and protein (p=0.0230) damages, as well as the activities of SOD (p=0.0034), CK (p=0.0001) and LDH (p=0.0001) enzymes. LLLT application was not able to modulate CAT activity. The use of LLLT before progressive-intensity running exercise increases exercise performance, decreases exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage, suggesting that the modulation of the redox system by LLLT could be related to the delay in skeletal muscle fatigue observed after the use of LLLT.

- by Thiago Marchi
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- Biomedical Engineering, Skeletal muscle biology, Oxidative Stress, Running
- by James Tatoulis
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- Stroke, Prospective studies, Creatine Kinase, Enzyme

Infrequent exercise, typically involving eccentric actions, has been shown to cause oxidative stress and to damage muscle tissue. High taurine levels are present in skeletal muscle and may play a role in cellular defences against free radical-mediated damage. This study investigates the effects of taurine supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers after eccentric exercise (EE). Twenty-four male rats were divided into the following groups (n ¼ 6): control; EE; EE plus taurine (EE þ Taurine); EE plus saline (EE þ Saline). Taurine was administered as a 1-ml 300 mg kg À1 per body weight (BW) day À1 solution in water by gavage, for 15 consecutive days. Starting on the 14th day of supplementation, the animals were submitted to one 90-min downhill run session and constant velocity of 1Á0 km h À1 . Forty-eight hours after the exercise session, the animals were killed and the quadriceps muscles were surgically removed. Production of superoxide anion, creatine kinase (CK) levels, lipoperoxidation, carbonylation, total thiol content and antioxidant enzyme were analysed. Taurine supplementation was found to decrease superoxide radical production, CK, lipoperoxidation and carbonylation levels and increased total thiol content in skeletal muscle, but it did not affect antioxidant enzyme activity after EE. The present study suggests that taurine affects skeletal muscle contraction by decreasing oxidative stress, in association with decreased superoxide radical production.

- by Magnus Benetti
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- Skeletal muscle biology, Oxidative Stress, Creatine Kinase, Lipid peroxidation

Oxidative damage from free radicals plays an important role in several diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease. Research indicates that exercise contributes to oxidative stress. Fruits, such as blueberries, are good antioxidants because they contain phenolics that preferentially react with free radicals. Maintaining antioxidant levels by supplementing the diet with blueberries may prevent exercise-induced oxidative damage. The goal of our study was to compare antioxidant levels in sled dogs supplemented with blueberries on blood parameters within 48 h post-exercise. Though the exercise protocol did not cause unusual muscle damage as reflected in plasma creatine kinase and isoprostane levels, blueberry supplementation did elicit significantly elevated antioxidant status in sled dogs post exercise. This suggests that dogs fed blueberries while exercising as compared to dogs fed a control diet while exercising, may be better protected against oxidative damage. D

- by Kriya Dunlap
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- Physiology, Zoology, Skeletal muscle biology, Oxidative Stress

Polyphenols are of increasing interest to consumers and food manufacturers for several reasons. Commonly referred to as antioxidants (they are the most abundant antioxidants in our diets), they may prevent various oxidative stress-related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and others. Physical activity is known to induce oxidative stress in individuals after intensive exercise. In this study, the effect of the flavonoid contents (which are the most abundant polyphenols) was investigated, as the only antioxidant in a replacement drink designed for sportsmen on various oxidative stress biomarkers after two identical trials of sub-maximal aerobic exercise, in a group of 30 sportsmen. In one of the trials, the cyclists consumed the antioxidant supplement (with 2.3 g polyphenols/trial), and in another they consumed a placebo. Blood samples were collected both at rest and after exercise immediately and 45 minutes (min) later, for measurements of plasmatic indices of oxidative stress: lipid oxidation (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS); protein oxidation (carbonyl groups, CO) and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) enzymes for each trial. All values were adjusted for changes in plasma volume. No changes were detected in plasma TAS and LDH after exercise or after the polyphenolic supplement. CK and TBARS increased after exercise in both tests. However, in response to strenuous exercise, the polyphenol-supplemented test showed a smaller increase in plasma TBARS and CK than the placebo test. CO increased by 12% in response to the placebo test, whereas it decreased by 23% in the polyphenol-supplement test. This may indicate that the antioxidant supplement offered protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. (J.M. Morillas-Ruiz).

- by Francisco Lopez
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- Nutrition and Dietetics, Diet, Oxidative Stress, Flavonoids

Two patients with phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency had exercise intolerance and increased serum activity of creatine kinase; one presented with hemolytic anemia, hyperuricemia, and gouty arthritis. The glycogen concentration in the muscle of these patients was about twice normal. PFK activity was virtually absent in muscle, but antibodies against the M subunits of the normal human PFK showed cross-reacting material in muscle from both patients. The PFK level in red blood cells, studied in one case, was lower than normal in the patient and both parents. Morphologically, there was extensive deposition of normal glycogen underneath the sarcolemma and in the intermyofibrillar space. In addition, 2% to 3% of the myofibers contained hyaline, PAS-positive, diastase-resistant inclusions that had a filamentous fine structure: histochemical reactions suggested an insoluble form of glycogen. Similar inclusions have not been described previously in PFK deficiency. Accumulation of an abnormal polysaccharide in muscle may be due to a second undiscovered enzymatic defect or may be a metabolic consequence of PFK deficiency.

- by ali askari
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- Electron Microscopy, Biopsy, Muscle, Phosphofructokinase

Arent, SM, Pellegrino, JK, Williams, CA, DiFabio, DA, and Greenwood, JC. Nutritional supplementation, performance, and oxidative stress in college soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 24(4): 1117-1124, 2010-The purpose of this study was to examine changes in performance and metabolic parameters in collegiate soccer players during preseason preparation and to determine the impact of a nutraceutical blend proposed to reduce oxidative stress. Male Division I college soccer players (n = 22) performed a progressive maximal treadmill test at the beginning and end of preseason to assess changes in _ VO 2 max, velocity at lactate threshold (V LT ), time-to-exhaustion, lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), 8-isoprostane, and creatine kinase (CK) response. After baseline testing, athletes were randomly assigned to receive the nutraceutical blend (EXP; n = 12) or an isocaloric equivalent (CON; n = 10) for 20 days of preseason training. D _ VO 2 max (2.1 6 3.3 mlÁkg 21 Ámin 21 , p = 0.007), DV LT (0.8 6 1.4 kmÁh 21 , p = 0.045), and Dtime-toexhaustion (39.4 6 77.4 seconds, p = 0.033) were improved across groups, but a significant effect of supplementation on performance was not seen. Changes in resting levels of CK from the beginning to end of preseason were significantly lower (p = 0.044) in EXP (64.8 6 188.4 UÁL 21 ) than in CON (292.8 6 304.8 UÁL 21 ). Additionally, EXP demonstrated a significant decrease in the magnitude of the 8-isoprostane response at Trial 2 compared with Trial 1 (effect size [ES] = 20.74), whereas CON had an increased response (ES = 0.20). A similar pattern was seen for LPO (p = 0.067). Preseason training in male college soccer players resulted in significant improvements in _ VO 2 max, V LT , and time-to-exhaustion. Supplementing with a proprietary antioxidant and nutraceutical blend may enhance some of these effects as indicated by magnitude of the responses. However, it appears that the most notable effects of supplementation were seen for reduced CK and oxidative stress, at least with short-term supplementation.

- by Shawn Arent
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- Strength & Conditioning, Soccer, Oxidative Stress, Probability

Background: Reference values are very important in clinical management of patients, screening participants for enrolment into clinical trials and for monitoring the onset of adverse events during these trials. The aim of this was to establish genderspecific haematological and biochemical reference values for healthy adults in the central part of Ghana.

- by Kwaku Poku Asante
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- Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Clinical Trial