Creatine Kinase Concentrations Research Articles

Is the cardioprotective effect of pre-infarction angina blunted by age?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Pre-infarct angina (PIA) has been demonstrated to reduce infarct size and improve prognosis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the effects of ischemic preconditioning with aging are still controversial. Purpose We aimed at comparing the effect of pre-infarction angina (PIA) on infarct size between two age groups. Methods We retrospectively studied consecutive STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2008 to December 2017. PIA was diagnosed if a patient had arm, jaw, or chest pain in the preceding eight days. Peak creatine kinase (CK) concentration was used as a surrogate of infarct size. Patients were divided into two groups, based on the median age: ≤62 years and >62 years. Multiple linear regression was used to identify independent predictors for infarct size that included total ischemic time and classic cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and smoking). Interaction between age and PIA was evaluated by 2-way factorial ANOVA. Results From the 1131 patients included in the study, 590 (52,2%) had ≤62 years and 541 (47,8%) had >62 years. Older patients were more often women (17.2% vs 8.6%, p<0.001) and had longer total ischemic time [4.6(3.0-9.0) vs 3.5(2.3-6.0) hours, p<0.001]. They also had higher prevalence of hypertension (32.8% vs 22.8%, p<0.001), diabetes (30.7% vs 18.7%, p<0.001) and were less likely to be smokers (26.9% vs 71.4%, p<0.001). The prevalence of PIA was similar across age groups (≤62Y 31.2% vs >62Y 32.0%, p=0.668). In older patients, PIA was associated with smaller infarct size [1.29(0.72-2.33) vs. 1.76(0.97-2.91) U/Lx103, p<0.001]. This difference was not observed for younger patients [1.72(0.95-3.40) vs. 1.81(0.94-3.37) U/Lx103, p=0.392]. There was no significant interaction between the existence of PIA and age on peak CK (p=0.280 for interaction) (Figure 1). In multivariate analysis, overall, PIA was associated with reduced peak CK (β=-0,320, p=0.011). On subgroup group analysis, PIA was a predictor of infarct size only in the older patients (β=-0,459, p=0.005), but not in the younger group (β=-0,182, p=0.394). Conclusion Older patients with PIA had significantly lower infarct size compared to patients in the same age group without PIA. After adjustment for risk factors and total ischemic time, PIA was a predictor of lower infarct size only for the older patients. These results suggest that the effect of pre-ischemic conditioning is not blunted by age, indicating that older patients should not be excluded from clinical trials investigation of cardioprotective strategies in STEMI patients.

Evaluation and Management of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis Following a Spin Class

Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) has become prevalent over the last decade after performing spin classes. ER is characterized by the plasma elevation of creatine kinase as a marker of severe muscle damage. This case study highlights a 26-year-old healthy male that suffered from ER after performing their first ever spin class. The acute and chronic management of the ER is described, along with follow-up assessments that tracked the recovery following discharge from the hospital. Symptoms, such as localized swelling with complete loss of mobility and pain disproportionate to soreness, were characteristic in this individual with ER. Examining the concentration of plasma creatine kinase and monitoring urine output and color provided a good measure to determine when to discharge the patient. Management wise, ambulation should be minimized, and complete bed rest is ideal in conjunction with fluid replacement therapy. Although the individual in this case study did not develop compartment syndrome, its occurrence is always a possibility that should be routinely screened for. Lastly, further research is warranted to determine if there are any dietary interventions to promote a steadfast recovery from ER.

Clinical features and use of renal replacement therapy in children who visit the emergency department with benign acute childhood myositis or rhabdomyolysis who visit the emergency department

Purpose: This study was performed to analyze clinical features and use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for children who visit the pediatric emergency department with benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) or rhabdomyolysis.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 289 children who visited the emergency department with BACM or rhabdomyolysis from January 2013 through December 2022. Clinical features, laboratory and microbiological findings, and outcomes were compared between children with the two diagnoses. Subsequently, multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with applying RRT.Results: Of the 289 children, a total of 212 were analyzed, including 93 with BACM and 119 with rhabdomyolysis. Influenza (70 of the 145 children [48.3%]) was the most common cause, followed by exercise (36 of 212 [17.0%]). Compared with the children with BACM, those with rhabdomyolysis showed significantly higher frequencies of being boys and hematuria, and higher concentrations of hemoglobin, creatinine, creatine kinase, and myoglobin. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration, a modality of RRT, was applied to 8 children (6.7%) with rhabdomyolysis, of whom 1 died. Creatine kinase was independently associated with the application of RRT (adjusted odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.12; P = 0.036).Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis in children who require RRT may be associated with a higher concentration of creatine kinase.

Effect of Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu recipe on inflammatory factors and oxidative stress on viral myocarditis in children.

This observation purposed to investigate the effect of the Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu formula on children with viral myocarditis and its effect on inflammatory factors and oxidative response. A total of 121 children with viral myocarditis were randomly divided into two groups, namely the control group (N = 60) and the traditional Chinese medicine group (N = 61). The control group was mainly treated with routine therapy, while the traditional Chinese medicine group was treated with Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu recipes based on the control group. The creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in viral myocarditis patients were tested to estimate the myocardial function, inflammation, and oxidative situation. After Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu treatment, 15 cases were recovered, 20 were excellent, and 21 were effective, which had a significant difference from the control group. The concentration of creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I and brain natriuretic peptide was decreased in the traditional Chinese medicine group. The levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the traditional Chinese medicine group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Superoxide dismutase was higher and malondialdehyde was lower than those in the control group. The use of Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu in the treatment of viral myocarditis has a definite clinical effect, which could improve myocardial function, reduce body inflammation, and promote oxidative recovery.

Beneficial effects of a novel polyherbal formulation on the skeletal muscle antioxidant status, inflammation, and muscle-signaling proteins in exercised rats.

Exhausting exercise can damage muscle tissue due to free radical interactions. It is hypothesized that the increase in free radicals following muscle injury, either due to oxidative damage to biomolecules or the activation of inflammatory cytokines, may lead to secondary muscle damage. This study investigated the effects of a novel joint health formula (JHF) containing bisdemethoxycurcumin-enriched curcumin, 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid-enriched Boswellia (AKBA), and Ashwagandha on exhaustion time, grip strength, antioxidant status, and muscle-signaling proteins in exhaustively exercised rats. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: Control (C), exercise (E), E + JHF 100 (100 mg/kg), and E + JHF 200 (200 mg/kg). An increase in time to exhaustion and grip strength was recorded with JHF supplementation in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.0001). In addition, serum and muscle lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, myoglobin, creatine kinase, and lactic acid concentrations were decreased in the groups supplemented with JHF, particularly at the high dose of JHF (200 mg/kg) (p < 0.0001 for all). JHF supplementation also increased antioxidant enzyme activities and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines compared to the exercise group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, JHF reduced the levels of PGC-1α, p-70S6K1, MAFbx, MuRF1, and p-mTOR proteins in muscle tissue compared to the exercise group (p < 0.05), being more effective at high doses. These findings show that JHF might reduce muscle damage by modulating antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and muscle mass regulatory pathways in exhausted training rats. At the same time, JHF improved exercise performance and grip strength.

Analysis of clinical factors impacting recurrence in myxofibrosarcoma

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a malignant fibroblastic/myofibroblastic neoplasm with a prominent myxoid area. It has the clinical features of frequent local recurrence (LR) and occasional distant metastasis. Robust epidemiological data on MFS in China are lacking. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the natural history of MFS, identify prognostic factors for recurrence and describe the real-life outcomes of MFS. We reviewed 52 patients with primary MFS from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University diagnosed between 2016 and 2020. All tumors were subjected to retrospective univariate analysis for prognostic factors of the disease, including tumor size, grade, location and sex; patient age; planned operation; surgical margin; and laboratory results. The significant factors identified by univariate analysis were subsequently analyzed via multivariate analysis. Overall survival (OS), post-treatment LR and metastatic-free survival were assessed as outcomes. The median age was 61 years (range, 13–93). Fourteen (26.92%) patients exhibited low grade disease, and 38 (73.08%) exhibited high grade disease. Among the 29 males, and 23 females, 15 (28.85%) had tumors in the trunk, 37 (71.15%) had tumors in the extremities, 26 had undergone planned surgery, and 26 had unexpected unplanned operation. The margin was negative in 39 (75%) patients and positive in 13 patients (25%). The serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration was high level in 33 (63.46%) patients and low level in 19 (36.54%) patients. The serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were low in 23 (44.23%) patients and high in 29 (55.77%) patients. LR was observed in 25 patients (48.08%), and 4 patients developed metastasis. A worse LR rate was found for patients with a low CK level (84.21%) than for those with a high CK level (27.27%) at 5 years (p < 0.05). The LR rate of patients who underwent planned surgery was lower than that of patients who underwent unplanned surgery (p < 0.05). There were significantly more patients with positive margins than patients with negative margins (92.30%, and 33.33%, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, superficial tumors were also associated with greater recurrence rate (2/20 [10%]) than deep tumors, (23/32 [71.86%]) [p < 0.05]. The probability of LR in patients with MFS was significantly greater in association with unplanned operations, positive margins, low serum CK levels or superficial tumor depth. These data could help identify high-risk patients; thus, more careful follow-up should be performed for higher-risk patients. Diagnosis and treatment at qualified regular medical centers can reduce the local recurrence rate of MFS.

Indexing serum and mucous biochemical parameters of endangered Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis with implications for health assessment.

The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is a critically endangered aquatic fish. Health monitoring and welfare assessments are critical for the conservation of Chinese sturgeon. In this study, biochemical parameters of serum and skin mucus in Chinese sturgeon were examined to evaluate the potential biomarkers. Serum and mucous samples were obtained from Chinese sturgeon, and the levels of total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), lactic acid (LD), acid phosphatase (ACP), lysozyme (LYZ), glucose (GLU), and cortisol were determined. The concentrations of ALT, AST, cortisol, and LYZ were significantly higher in the mucous group than those in the serum group (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentrations of ALP, ACP, LD, LDH, CK, and TP were significantly higher level in the serum group than those in the mucous group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the correlations between serum and mucous biochemical parameters were established. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between serum and skin mucous markers (ACP, cortisol, and LYZ). AST versus ALT in serum and mucus showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between cortisol and CK in mucus (p < 0.01). Moreover, LD versus LDH in serum showed a significant but weak positive correlation (p < 0.01). Principal component analysis revealed a complete separation between the serum and mucous groups, with the biomarkers that contributed the most being ALP, TP, ALT, and AST. This study provides baseline data and reference intervals for serum and mucous biochemical parameters in presumably healthy Chinese sturgeons. The current study has important implications for the development of conservation strategies and the conservation status of critically endangered species.

Combined Turmeric, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Ready-to-Drink Supplements Reduce Upper Respiratory Illness Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Discomfort in Elite Male Football Players.

Elite football is associated with the increased risk of illness, although targeted supplementation can reduce illness risk. This study assessed the effects of a supplement containing turmeric root within a black pepper and fat-soluble blend, vitamin C and vitamin D, on upper respiratory symptoms (URS), gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), muscle soreness, and markers of inflammation and gut permeability in elite male footballers. Twenty-three footballers completed 3 weeks of no intervention (CON), followed by 16 weeks of daily consuming 60 mL of a commercially available supplement containing raw turmeric root (17.5 g, estimated to contain 700 mg of curcumin), vitamin C (1000 mg), and vitamin D3 (3000 IU/75 mcg) (SUP). URS and GIS were measured daily. Immediately (0 h), 40, and 64 h after six competitive matches (two in CON, four in SUP), the subjective soreness and plasma concentrations of creatine kinase [CK], c-reactive protein [CRP], and intestinal fatty-acid binding protein [I-FABP] were assessed. URS incidence (p < 0.001), GIS (p < 0.05), and plasma [I-FABP] at 0 h (p < 0.05) were greater during CON versus SUP. At 40 h, [CRP] was greater than 0 h during CON (p < 0.01) but not SUP (p = 0.204). There were no differences in soreness or [CK]. This study indicates that turmeric root, vitamin C, and vitamin D supplementation over 16 weeks can reduce URS, GIS, and post-match [I-FABP] in elite footballers.

Downhill running increases markers of muscle damage and impairs the maximal voluntary force production as well as the late phase of the rate of voluntary force development.

To examined the time-course of the early and late phase of the rate of voluntary force development (RVFD) and muscle damage markers after downhill running. Ten recreational runners performed a 30-min downhill run at 10kmh-1 and -20% (-11.3°) on a motorized treadmill. At baseline and each day up to 4days RVFD, knee extensors maximum voluntary isometric force (MVIC), serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration, quadriceps swelling, and soreness were assessed. The early (0-50ms) and late (100-200ms) phase of the RVFD, as well as the force developed at 50 and 200ms, were also determined. MVIC showed moderate decrements (p < 0.05) and recovered after 4days (p > 0.05). Force at 50ms and the early phase were not impaired (p > 0.05). Conversely, force at 200ms and the late phase showed moderate decrements (p < 0.05) and recovered after 3 and 4days, respectively (p > 0.05). CK concentration, quadriceps swelling, and soreness increased (p < 0.05) were overall fully resolved after 4days (p > 0.05). Downhill running affected the knee extensors RVFD late but not early phase. The RVFD late phase may be used as an additional marker of muscle damage in trail running.

Chronic almond nut snacking alleviates perceived muscle soreness following downhill running but does not improve indices of cardiometabolic health in mildly overweight, middle-aged, adults.

As a popular food snack rich in protein, fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients, almond nut consumption is widely associated with improvements in cardiometabolic health. However, limited data exists regarding the role of almond consumption in improving exercise recovery. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the impact of chronic almond snacking on muscle damage and cardiometabolic health outcomes during acute eccentric exercise recovery in mildly overweight, middle-aged, adults. Using a randomized cross-over design, 25 mildly overweight (BMI: 25.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2), middle-aged (35.1 ± 4.7 y) males (n = 11) and females (n = 14) performed a 30-min downhill treadmill run after 8-weeks of consuming either 57 g/day of whole almonds (ALMOND) or an isocaloric amount (86 g/day) of unsalted pretzels (CONTROL). Muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), muscle function (vertical jump and maximal isokinetic torque) and blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK) concentration) and inflammation (c-reactive protein concentration) were measured pre and post (24, 48, and 72 h) exercise. Blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol), body composition and psycho-social assessments of mood (POMS-2 inventory), appetite and well-being were measured pre and post intervention. Downhill running successfully elicited muscle damage, as evidenced by a significant increase in plasma CK concentration, increased perception of muscle soreness, and impaired vertical jump performance (all p < 0.05) during acute recovery. No effect of trial order was observed for any outcome measurement. However, expressed as AUC over the cumulative 72 h recovery period, muscle soreness measured during a physical task (vertical jump) was reduced by ~24% in ALMOND vs. CONTROL (p < 0.05) and translated to an improved maintenance of vertical jump performance (p < 0.05). However, ALMOND did not ameliorate the CK response to exercise or isokinetic torque during leg extension and leg flexion (p > 0.05). No pre-post intervention changes in assessments of cardiometabolic health, body composition, mood state or appetite were observed in ALMOND or CONTROL (all p > 0.05). Chronic almond supplementation alleviates task-specific perceived feelings of muscle soreness during acute recovery from muscle damaging exercise, resulting in the better maintenance of muscle functional capacity. These data suggest that almonds represent a functional food snack to improve exercise tolerance in mildly overweight, middle-aged adults.

QRS fragmentation does not predict mortality in survivors of acute myocardial infarction.

Despite advances in coronary revascularization and in heart failure management, myocardial infarction survivors remain at substantially increased mortality risk. Precise risk assessment and risk-adapted follow-up care are crucial to improve their outcomes. Recently, the fragmented QRS complex, i.e. the presence of additional spikes within the QRS complexes on a 12-lead electrocardiogram, has been discussed as a potential non-invasive risk predictor in cardiac patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic meaning of the fragmented QRS complex in myocardial infarction survivors. 609 patients with narrow QRS complexes <120 ms were included in a prospective cohort study while hospitalized for myocardial infarction and followed for 5 years. The prevalence of the fragmented QRS complex in these patients amounted to 46.8% (285 patients). These patients had no increased hazard of all-cause death (HR 0.84, 95%-CI 0.45-1.57, p = 0.582) with a mortality rate of 6.0% compared to 7.1% in patients without QRS fragmentations. Furthermore, the risks of cardiac death (HR 1.28, 95%-CI 0.49-3.31, p = 0.613) and of non-cardiac death (HR 0.6, 95%-CI 0.26-1.43, p = 0.25) were not significantly different in patients with QRS fragmentations. However, patients with QRS fragmentations had increased serum creatine kinase concentrations (1438U/l vs. 1160U/l, p = 0.039) and reduced left ventricular ejection fractions (52% vs. 54%, p = 0.011). The hypothesis that QRS fragmentation might be a prognostic parameter in survivors of myocardial infarction was not confirmed. But those with QRS fragmentation had larger myocardial infarctions, as measured by creatine kinase and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Preslaughter factors affecting mobility, blood parameters, bruising, and muscle pH of finished beef cattle in the United States.

Decades of work have focused on reducing fear, stress, and discomfort in cattle during the preslaughter phase by improving and promoting animal handling, transportation, and management processes. Even still, there is limited information about the effects of preslaughter factors on animal welfare and meat quality outcomes in finished cattle in the United States. This study aimed to track individual animals through the slaughter process to identify preslaughter factors associated with key welfare and quality outcomes. A total of 454 cattle from one commercial slaughter facility were studied. Preslaughter factors assessed included distance traveled, truck waiting time, lairage density, lairage duration, and season. Animal characteristics, i.e., body weight, breed, and sex, were also recorded. One trained observer scored the mobility of all cattle using the North American Meat Institute's 1-4 scale (i.e., normal to extremely reluctant to move). Exsanguination blood was collected and analyzed for cortisol, creatine kinase, and lactate. Carcass bruising was scored using a modified version of the National Beef Quality Audit's bruise-scoring methodology (i.e., no bruise, one bruise ≤ the size of a deck of cards, one bruise > than the size of a deck of cards, and multiple bruises). Ultimate muscle pH was measured 32 to 36h postmortem. Multi-predictor models were selected for each outcome variable using Akaike Information Criterion. Continuous outcome variables were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models and categorical outcome variables with mixed-effect logistic regression models. Longer truck waiting times were associated with increased cortisol (P = 0.04) and lactate (P = 0.02) concentrations. Similarly, increased lairage duration was associated with increased creatine kinase concentrations(P = 0.05) and the odds of cattle being bruised (P = 0.03). Less space allowance per animal in lairage was associated with increased odds of cattle having impaired mobility (P = 0.01). There was a seasonal effect for many of the measured outcomes; the summer season was associated with greater lactate concentrations (P < 0.0001), increased odds of impaired mobility (P < 0.0001), and increased odds of carcass bruising (P = 0.003). The findings of this study indicate that many of the preslaughter factors assessed influence critical welfare and meat quality outcomes of finished beef cattle, warranting future research and consideration.

Influences of microRNA-451 on the expression of HMGB1 in myocardial cells and its mechanism in ischemia-reperfusion injury.

This work aimed to understand the underlying mechanism of micro-ribonucleic acid (MicroRNA) (miR)-451 in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and the influences of miR-451 on high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in myocardial cells, 30 specific pathogen-free (SPF) male rats were selected and randomly rolled into 5 groups, which were a sham operation control (Control), an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), aI/R+Ad-GFP, amiR-451 up-regulation (I/R+Ad-miR-451), and a miR-451 down-regulation groups (I/R+Ad-asmiR-451). There were 6 cases in each group. Myocardial cell apoptosis, the contents of serum lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the expressions of miR-451 and HMGB1mRNA were detected. Relative to those in I/R and I/R+Ad-GFP groups, the expressions of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/ CD8+ in I/R+Ad-miR-451 group reduced (P<0.05). The expressions of serum LDH and CK decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, MDA content and SOD activity enhanced (P<0.05). HMGB1 and Cleaved-caspase3 declined (P<0.05). Besides, miR-451 improved while the expression of HMGB1mRNA significantly reduced (P<0.05). miR-451 can regulate the expressions of HMGB1mRNA and its protein at the transcriptional level. miR-451 up-regulation can inhibit HMGB1 expression, relieve IRI, and protect myocardial cells, which may be achieved by improving oxidative stress injury and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Association between Gray-Scale Ultrasound Imaging and Serological Creatine Kinase for Quantifying Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: An Observational Study.

Limited evidence has verified if ultrasound imaging (US) can detect post-exercise muscle damage based on size, shape, and brightness metrics. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between creatine kinase (CK) concentration and (as a biomarker of muscle damage) changes in US gray-scale metrics after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. An observational study was conducted at a private university lab located in Madrid. Twenty-five untrained and asymptomatic volunteers were enrolled in this study. Baseline demographic data and body composition metrics were collected. In addition, the rectus femoris US data and CK concentration were assessed at baseline and after inducing muscle damage (24 and 48 h later). After calculating time differences for all the outcomes, the correlation between the changes observed with US and biomarkers was assessed. Significant CK concentration increases were found 24 h (p = 0.003) and 48 h (p < 0.001) after exercise. However, no significant changes in muscle size, shape, or brightness were found in any location (p > 0.05 for all). In addition, no significant associations were found between CK changes and US changes (p > 0.05 for all). Gray-scale US is not a sensitive tool for detecting muscle damage, as a protocol of exercise-induced muscle damage confirmed with CK produced no significant gray-scale US changes after 24 or 48 h. In addition, US and CK changes after 24 and 48 h were not associated with each other.

Physiological changes in captive elephants in Northern Thailand as a result of the COVID-19 tourism ban - muscle, liver, metabolic function, and body condition.

The international travel ban initiated in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected how captive elephants were managed in Thailand. A lack of tourists and associated income meant elephants were chained longer with reduced food provisions, had fewer mahouts, and limited exercise like riding, which likely affected health and welfare. Fifty-eight elephants from six tourist camps were assigned a body condition score (BCS) and blood samples were collected monthly for 2 years during the travel ban to measure: (1) muscle enzymes [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)]; (2) liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)]; (3) lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low (LDL) and high (HDL) density lipoproteins]; and metabolic function [glucose, insulin, fructosamine]. Serum CK concentrations were lower at the end of the study, possibly due to no tourist activities like riding. Changes in liver function included increased AST and ALP, also possibly due to physical inactivity. Feeding less bananas and sugar cane was associated with fewer elephants in the obese category and lower TG concentrations. However, increases in glucose, insulin and fructosamine were observed as local people returned to feed elephants after lifting travel restrictions. In sum, changes in several health biomarkers were observed in association with restricted activities and food resources. Camps need better plans to meet the health and welfare needs of elephants during any future disruptions to the tourism industry, although reduced feeding of sweet treats appeared to have positive effects on body condition and metabolic function.

Relationship between perceived fatigability and the values of biological and biometric markers in young professional and amateur rugby players during a sporting season

Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the level of perceived fatigability and the values of biological and biometric markers in young professional and amateur rugby players during a sporting season.Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 30 rugby players divided into an amateur (12) and a professional (18) group. Fat mass, creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured for 9 months in each player before they completed the french society of exercise and sports medicine overtraining questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed and the significance level was set at 5%.Results: The higher the percentage of body fat the athletes have, the higher the questionnaire score (r= 0.14, p &lt; 0.01). Plasma creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations were negatively correlated with overtraining score (creatine kinase: r= -0.15, p= 0.03; aspartate aminotransferase: r= -0.11, p= 0.03).Conclusion: Our study has shown that there is a negative correlation between our biological markers and the perceived fatigue score and a positive correlation between body fat and the same score. Further work is required to determine whether creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and percentage of body fat can really be markers of fatigue or even markers of recovery (creatine kinase) in order to make the best use of them in the monitoring of rugby players.

Metabolic profile and body condition score of Crioulo horses finalists in the Freio de Ouro competition

The aim of this study was to assess the body condition score (BCS) and metabolic profile of finalists in the Freio de Ouro competition, stratified by sex. This study examined 84 Crioulo horses, comprising 43 non-pregnant mares and 41 stallions. Morphometric measurements, including BCS, cresty neck score (CNS), neck and heart girth, and assessments of fat depth at the neck and at the tail base, were conducted. Additional derived measurements such as the percentage of body fat (%BF), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), heart girth:height ratio (HG:HW), and neck circumference:height ratio (NC:HW) were calculated. A subgroup of 53 animals was selected for the evaluation of metabolic parameters, including triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and adiponectin.In terms of BCS, 21% of participants were classified as overweight, with 49% having CNS≥3. Females exhibited greater fat deposition at the tail base and neck, along with higher %BF, FM, and HG:HW ratio, and lower NC:HWcompared to males. Among metabolic variables, females showed higher concentrations of LDH, LDL, CK, and lower concentrations of adiponectin than males. No differences were observed in morphometric measurements between participants that qualified for the final day of the competition and those which were disqualified. The study revealed that despite the rigorous physical demands and preparation required for the Freio de Ouro competition, a percentage of participants were overweight, displaying increased regional fat deposition in the neck. Although no metabolic changes related to increased adiposity were identified, the findings indicate a predisposition to the development of metabolic alterations. Additionally, females exhibited a greater accumulation of fat than males.

Biomarkers in Endurance Exercise: Individualized Regulation and Predictive Value.

The high interindividual variability of exercise response complicates the efficient use of blood-based biomarkers in sports. To address this problem, a useful algorithm to characterize the individual regulation and predictive value of different candidate markers will be developed. Forty-nine participants completed two identical exercise trials. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 3 hours after, and 24 hours after completion of exercise. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL-) 1RA, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, creatine kinase (CK), cortisol, c-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured. Individualized regulation was analyzed using k-means clustering and a Group Assignment Quality (GAQ) score. Regression trees with a bootstrapped-aggregated approach were used to assess the predictive qualities of the markers. For most of the markers studied, a distinction can be made between individuals who show a stronger or weaker response to a particular endurance training program. The regulation of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and CK exhibited a high degree of stability within the individuals. Regarding the predictive power of the markers, for all dependent variables, the most accurate predictions were obtained for cortisol and IL-8 based on the baseline value. For CK, a good prediction of recovery of maximal strength and subjective feeling of exhaustion can be made. For IL-1RA and TBARS, especially their reregulation can be predicted if the baseline level is known. Focusing individual variations in biomarker responses, our results suggest the combined use of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and CK for the personalized management of stress and recovery cycles following endurance exercise.

Saliva Sampling Material Matters: Effects on the Results of Saliva Analysis in Pigs.

The use of saliva as a biological sample from pigs is of high practical interest because blood collection from pigs is difficult and stressful. In this study, the influence of two different materials, a cotton roll and a polypropylene sponge, in porcine saliva collection was evaluated. For this purpose, the effect of the material used for sampling was evaluated in a panel of 13 analytes, including those related to stress (cortisol and oxytocin), inflammation and immunity (adenosine deaminase, haptoglobin and myeloperoxidase), redox homeostasis (the cupric reducing ability of saliva, the ferric reducing activity of saliva, and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), and sepsis (procalcitonin), as well as other routine analytes related to metabolism and different tissues and organs, such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, urea, and total protein concentration. The polypropylene sponge provided a higher sample volume than the cotton roll. Although the results of some salivary analytes were equivalent for both materials, other analytes, such as creatine kinase, haptoglobin and total proteins, showed significant differences depending on the material used for saliva collection. Therefore, the type of material used for salivary collection in pigs should be considered when interpreting the results of analyses of the salivary analytes.

Utilization of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Imaging at Nanoscale for the Identification of Biomarkers in Sports-Induced Muscle Fatigue

This study integrates Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and nanoscale imaging technologies to discern alterations in muscle tissue biomarkers, thereby enhancing the precision of non-invasive monitoring of muscle fatigue. Experimental investigations were carried out on the biceps brachii muscle of 12 subjects, categorized into mild, moderate, and severe fatigue groups. Concurrently, a specific wavelength of Near Infrared Laser Diode (NIR-LD) was employed to acquire spectral data. The application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with NIRS imaging facilitated the attainment of high-resolution images of the biceps brachii tissue. The absorption characteristics of distinct biomarkers in muscle tissue, responsive to near-infrared light, were captured to calculate concentration variations and evaluate muscle fatigue levels. The findings revealed substantial variations in the concentrations of Oxy-hemoglobin (HbO), Deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR), Lactic Acid (LA), Phosphocreatine (PCr), Troponin (Tn), Creatine Kinase (CK), and Glutamine (Gln) across different fatigue groups. Muscle fatigue assessment exhibited an average sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, and F1 score of 0.96, 0.96, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively, for the 12 subjects. The average Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for detecting mild, moderate, and severe fatigue were 0.96, 0.96, and 0.98, respectively. This method demonstrates notable accuracy in the identification of muscle fatigue biomarkers, rendering it suitable for sports-related muscle fatigue assessment.