Browsing by Author "Dikic, Nenad (15753210900)"

The physiologic stress induced by physical activity is reflected in immune system perturbations, oxidative stress, muscle injury, and inflammation. We investigated the effect of astaxanthin (Asx) supplementation on salivary IgA (sIgA) and oxidative stress status in plasma, along with changes in biochemical parameters and total/differential white cell counts. Forty trained male soccer players were randomly assigned to Asx and placebo groups. Asx group was supplemented with 4 mg of Asx. Saliva and blood samples were collected at the baseline and after 90 days of supplementation in preexercise conditions. We observed a rise of sIgA levels at rest after 90 days of Asx supplementation, which was accompanied with a decrease in prooxidant-antioxidant balance. The plasma muscle enzymes levels were reduced significantly by Asx supplementation and by regular training. The increase in neutrophil count and hs-CRP level was found only in placebo group, indicating a significant blunting of the systemic inflammatory response in the subjects taking Asx. This study indicates that Asx supplementation improves sIgA response and attenuates muscle damage, thus preventing inflammation induced by rigorous physical training. Our findings also point that Asx could show significant physiologic modulation in individuals with mucosal immunity impairment or under conditions of increased oxidative stress and inflammation. © 2015 Ivana Baralic et al.

[No abstract available]

Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is commonly associated with hypertension (HTN). However, resting echocardiography (ECHO) can underestimate the severity of disease. Exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) appeared to be useful tests in dynamic assessment of HFpEF. The value of combined exercise stress echocardiography cardiopulmonary testing (ESE-CPX) in the identification of masked HFpEF is still undetermined. Objective The purpose of this study was to analyse the value of the combined ESE-CPX in the identification of masked HFpEF in patients with HTN, dyspnoea and normal resting left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. Methodology We studied 87 patients with HTN, exertional dyspnoea and normal resting LV function. They all underwent ESE-CPX testing (supine bicycle, ramp protocol, 15 W/min). ECHO measurements were performed at rest, and at peak load. Achievement of peak E/e' ratio>15 was a marker for masked HFpEF. Results Increase of E/e'>15 occurred in 8/87 patients (9.2%) during ESE-CPX. Those patients had the lower peak VO2 (p = 0.012), the lower VO2 at anaerobic threshold (p = 0.025), the lower workload (p = 0.026), the lower peak partial pressure end tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) (p < 0.0001), and the higher VE/VCO2 slope (p < 0.0001) which was an independent multivariate predictor of HFpEF (p = 0.021), with the cut-off value of 32.95 according to the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve (sensitivity (Sn) 100%, specificity (Sp) 90%). Conclusion The combined ESE-CPX test is feasible and reliable test that can unmask HFpEF and may become an important aid in the early diagnosis of HFpEF, excluding the other causes of exertional dyspnoea. © 2014 European Society of Cardiology.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Medications and dietary supplements (DS) are increasingly used in team sports. Because of that we examined the medication and dietary supplements (DS) used by male, female, and wheelchair rugby players during the International Rugby League World Cup 2021. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive analysis of medication and DS by analysis of athletes’ declaration of medications and supplements intake on the 188 Doping Control Form (DCF). RESULTS: A total of 439 products were reported; 210 (48%) were medications, and 229 (52%) were DS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were used most frequently (35%), followed by other analgesics (paracetamol). Proteins, pre-workout products, and multivitamins were the most used DS, whereas 37% of players used both medications and supplements, and 18% took only DS. In addition, seven prohibited substances and methods have been reported but with approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). CONCLUSIONS: The high intake of NSAIDs and analgesics in rugby league should be addressed, together with possible side effects. Players and team doctors must be educated about TUE and the use of drugs from the Prohibited List. DS that can enhance sports performance should be used in individualized protocols. Multi-component products, frequently used in rugby league, can increase the risk of prohibited contamination. Evidence-based approach for medication and DS use to protect the athletes’ health and prevent doping incidents is essential. © 2023 Edizioni Minerva Medica. All rights reserved.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Medications and dietary supplements (DS) are increasingly used in team sports. Because of that we examined the medication and dietary supplements (DS) used by male, female, and wheelchair rugby players during the International Rugby League World Cup 2021. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive analysis of medication and DS by analysis of athletes’ declaration of medications and supplements intake on the 188 Doping Control Form (DCF). RESULTS: A total of 439 products were reported; 210 (48%) were medications, and 229 (52%) were DS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were used most frequently (35%), followed by other analgesics (paracetamol). Proteins, pre-workout products, and multivitamins were the most used DS, whereas 37% of players used both medications and supplements, and 18% took only DS. In addition, seven prohibited substances and methods have been reported but with approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). CONCLUSIONS: The high intake of NSAIDs and analgesics in rugby league should be addressed, together with possible side effects. Players and team doctors must be educated about TUE and the use of drugs from the Prohibited List. DS that can enhance sports performance should be used in individualized protocols. Multi-component products, frequently used in rugby league, can increase the risk of prohibited contamination. Evidence-based approach for medication and DS use to protect the athletes’ health and prevent doping incidents is essential. © 2023 Edizioni Minerva Medica. All rights reserved.