Adult Female Volunteers Research Articles

Molecular determinants of force production in human skeletal muscle fibers: effects of myosin isoform expression and cross-sectional area

Skeletal muscle contractile performance is governed by the properties of its constituent fibers, which are, in turn, determined by the molecular interactions of the myofilament proteins. To define the molecular determinants of contractile function in humans, we measured myofilament mechanics during maximal Ca(2+)-activated and passive isometric conditions in single muscle fibers with homogenous (I and IIA) and mixed (I/IIA and IIA/X) myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms from healthy, young adult male (n = 5) and female (n = 7) volunteers. Fibers containing only MHC II isoforms (IIA and IIA/X) produced higher maximal Ca(2+)-activated forces over the range of cross-sectional areas (CSAs) examined than MHC I fibers, resulting in higher (24-42%) specific forces. The number and/or stiffness of the strongly bound myosin-actin cross bridges increased in the higher force-producing MHC II isoforms and, in all isoforms, better predicted force than CSA. In men and women, cross-bridge kinetics, in terms of myosin attachment time and rate of myosin force production, were independent of CSA, although women had faster (7-15%) kinetics. The relative proportion of cross bridges and/or their stiffness was reduced as fiber size increased, causing a decline in specific force. Results from our examination of molecular mechanisms across the range of physiological CSAs explain the variation in specific force among the different fiber types in human skeletal muscle, which may have relevance to understanding how various physiological and pathophysiological conditions modulate single-fiber and whole muscle contractility.

Clinical forensic sample collection techniques following consensual intercourse in volunteers – Cervical canal brush compared to conventional swabs

The purpose of the research was to evaluate gynecological evidence collection techniques; the benefit of cervical canal brush sample compared to vaginal fornix and cervical swab samples and the time frame for detecting Y-chromosomal material QiAmp DNA Mini Kit® and Quantifiler Y Human Male DNA Quantification Kit® in adult volunteers following consensual intercourse.Eighty-four adult female volunteers following consensual intercourse were recruited for the study. By combining all sample collecting techniques, 81.0% of the volunteers were Y-DNA positive. Up to 60 h the conventional swab sampling techniques detected more Y-DNA positive samples when compared to the brush technique. However, after 60 h, the cervical canal brush sample technique showed its benefit by detecting 27.3% (6/22) of Y-DNA positive samples, which were Y-DNA negative in both conventional swab sampling techniques. By combining swab and brush techniques, 75% of the volunteers were still Y-DNA positive in 72–144 post-coital hours. The rate of measurable Y-DNA decreased approximately 3% per hour. Despite reported consensual intercourse, 6.8% (3/44) of volunteers were Y-DNA negative within 48 h. Y-DNA was not detected after 144 post-coital hours (6 days).In conclusion, the brush as a forensic evidence collection method may provide additional biological trace evidence from the cervical canal, although the best biological trace evidence collection can be obtained by combining all three sampling techniques. The time frame for gynecological forensic evidence sample collection should be considered to be at least a week if sexual violence is suspected.

Four lateral mass screw fixation techniques in lower cervical spine following laminectomy: a finite element analysis study of stress distribution.

BackgroundLateral mass screw fixation (LSF) techniques have been widely used for reconstructing and stabilizing the cervical spine; however, complications may result depending on the choice of surgeon. There are only a few reports related to LSF applications, even though fracture fixation has become a severe complication. This study establishes the three-dimensional finite element model of the lower cervical spine, and compares the stress distribution of the four LSF techniques (Magerl, Roy-Camille, Anderson, and An), following laminectomy -- to explore the risks of rupture after fixation.MethodCT scans were performed on a healthy adult female volunteer, and Digital imaging and communication in medicine (Dicom) data was obtained. Mimics 10.01, Geomagic Studio 12.0, Solidworks 2012, HyperMesh 10.1 and Abaqus 6.12 software programs were used to establish the intact model of the lower cervical spines (C3-C7), a postoperative model after laminectomy, and a reconstructive model after applying the LSF techniques. A compressive preload of 74 N combined with a pure moment of 1.8 Nm was applied to the intact and reconstructive model, simulating normal flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The stress distribution of the four LSF techniques was compared by analyzing the maximum von Mises stress.ResultThe three-dimensional finite element model of the intact C3-C7 vertebrae was successfully established. This model consists of 503,911 elements and 93,390 nodes. During flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation modes, the intact model’s angular intersegmental range of motion was in good agreement with the results reported from the literature. The postoperative model after the three-segment laminectomy and the reconstructive model after applying the four LSF techniques were established based on the validated intact model. The stress distribution for the Magerl and Roy-Camille groups were more dispersive, and the maximum von Mises stress levels were lower than the other two groups in various conditions.ConclusionThe LSF techniques of Magerl and Roy-Camille are safer methods for stabilizing the lower cervical spine. Therefore, these methods potentially have a lower risk of fixation fracture.

Evaluation of anogenital injuries using white and UV-light among adult volunteers following consensual sexual intercourse

ObjectivesNew clinical forensic examination techniques for sexual assaults have not been introduced over the last few decades. We evaluated the benefit of ultraviolet light compared to white light for detecting minor anogenital injuries and scars, following consensual sexual intercourse among adult volunteers. DesignA prospective study comparing female genital findings utilising white and ultraviolet light. A colposcopy with photographic documentation was used. SettingPersonal invitation to healthcare students, hospital employees or acquaintances to volunteer for a gynecological examination, with a focus on clinical forensic aspects. ParticipantsEighty-eight adult female volunteers were recruited for the study. The examination was performed after consensual intercourse. Age ranged from 20 to 52 years (median 26.5 years). Main outcome measuresPresence of acute findings and scars in the genital area using white and UV-light. ResultsAcute genital injury rate was 14.8% under white light colposcopy and 23.0% using UV light. Submucosal hemorrhages in the genital area were documented significantly better under UV-light than white light (14.9% vs. 6.8%; p=0.016), whereas petechiaes (4.5%) and abrasions (2.3%) were detected using either method. UV-light revealed significantly more often delivery-associated genital scars compared to white light (39.8% vs. 31.8%; p=0.016). Furthermore, 10 out of 31 (33.3%) women had no residual anogenital skin or mucosal surface findings, despite a prior episiotomy or rupture of the vaginal outlet wall during delivery, supporting its enormous ability to heal even after major trauma. ConclusionsUV-light may provide additional value for the evaluation of physical findings in clinical forensic examinations after sexual assault, and is especially useful in detecting otherwise invisible early submucosal hemorrhages and scars.

Walking for exercise brings acute decreasing effects on urinary C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) excretion (LB436)

Although it is well known that hyperinsulinemia is improved by exercise, insulin secretion volume has not been examined in detail. We investigated the effects of walking exercise on urinary C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) excretion levels. Methods: In trial 1, six adult female volunteers participated in four experiments over 24 hours. The participants performed either only normal daily activities or walking programs at the speed of 6 km/h for 60 or 120 or 180 min/day. Total urine samples for 12 hours were collected during day (8am to 8pm) and night (8pm to 8am) after the second morning (6am to 8am) urine collection. In trial 2, similar experiments were carried out and urine samples after 8am were collected every four hours until 8pm. Results: In trial 1, urinary CPR excretion levels during day were significantly lower in 120 and 180 min walking than in non‐walking experiment. Similarly in trial 2, urinary CPR excretion levels were significantly lower in 120 and 180 min walking experiment at all times between 8am and 8 pm. Urinary adrenaline, noradrenaline and free cortisol excretion levels during 4 experiments did not significantly differ. In both trials, further effects of 180 min walking on urinary CPR excretion levels were not obtained. Conclusions: Walking at 6 km/h for more than 2 hours decreases urinary CPR excretion levels without increasing physical stress.Grant Funding Source: a grant from Kanto Gakuin University

Severity mapping of the proximal femur: a new method for assessing hip osteoarthritis with computed tomography

Plain radiography has been the mainstay of imaging assessment in osteoarthritis for over 50 years, but it does have limitations. Here we present the methodology and results of a new technique for identifying, grading, and mapping the severity and spatial distribution of osteoarthritic disease features at the hip in 3D with clinical computed tomography (CT). CT imaging of 456 hips from 230 adult female volunteers (mean age 66 ± 17 years) was reviewed using 3D multiplanar reformatting to identify bone-related radiological features of osteoarthritis, namely osteophytes, subchondral cysts and joint space narrowing. Scoresheets dividing up the femoral head, head-neck region and the joint space were used to register the location and severity of each feature (scored from 0 to 3). Novel 3D cumulative feature severity maps were then created to display where the most severe disease features from each individual were anatomically located across the cohort. Feature severity maps showed a propensity for osteophytes at the inferoposterior and superolateral femoral head-neck junction. Subchondral cysts were a less common and less localised phenomenon. Joint space narrowing <1.5 mm was recorded in at least one sector of 83% of hips, but most frequently in the posterolateral joint space. This is the first description of hip osteoarthritis using unenhanced clinical CT in which we describe the co-localisation of posterior osteophytes and joint space narrowing for the first time. We believe this technique can perform several important roles in future osteoarthritis research, including phenotyping and sensitive disease assessment in 3D.

Tenskinmetric Evaluation of Surface Energy Changes in Adult Skin: Evidence from 834 Normal Subjects Monitored in Controlled Conditions

To evaluate the influence of the skin aging critical level on the adult skin epidermal functional state, an improved analytical method based on the skin surface energetic measurement (TVS modeling) was developed. Tenskinmetric measurements were carried out non-invasively in controlled conditions by contact angle method using only a water-drop as reference standard liquid. Adult skin was monitored by TVS Observatory according to a specific and controlled thermal protocol (Camianta protocol) in use at the interconnected “Mamma Margherita Terme spa” of Terme Euganee. From June to November 2013, the surface free energy and the epidermal hydration level of adult skin were evaluated on arrival of 265 male and 569 female adult volunteers (51–90 years of age) and when they departed 2 weeks later. Sensitive measurements were carried out at 0.1 mN/m. High test compliance was obtained (93.2% of all guests). Very interesting results are obtained. The high sensitivity and discrimination power of tenskinmetry combined with a thermal Camianta protocol demonstrate the possibility to evaluate at baseline level the surface energetic changes and the skin reactivity which occurs on adult skin.

Somatotype: a more sophisticated approach to body image work with eating disorder sufferers

This study sought to identify existing and desired somatotypes among eating disorder patients and controls based on the somatotype theoretical model, using a novel three-dimensional (3D) scanning approach. Sixty-three female adult volunteers comprising 31 eating disorder patients and 32 controls underwent digital photography and 3D body scanning as part of a larger body image study. Participants' existing somatotype was evaluated from the 3D scans. Each individual interacted with her 2D image using specialist software to generate ideal body shape area, which was mapped onto 3D body segments to construct a ‘virtual ideal physique’, which was then rated for somatotype. Existing somatotype differed between groups, with controls and bulimia nervosa patients having greater endomorphy and lesser ectomorphy than anorexia nervosa (AN) patients and those with eating disorders not otherwise specified. Desired physiques differed by group but reflected similar direction of change, with all groups wishing to be significantly more slender. AN patients sought the most linear physique compared with other groups, while controls sought the greatest change from existing physique. The somatotype schema is an effective method for assessing existing physique and aspirational changes in eating disordered patients, providing a new perspective on the ‘thin ideal’ for patients and clinicians.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) in human blood are a composite of the uncleaved and bioactive cleaved forms of AMH

To determine whether the Beckman Coulter antimüllerian hormone (AMH) Gen II enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detects the uncleaved precursor (proAMH) and/or the active cleaved form (AMHN,C) of AMH. Technical investigation. Community study. Healthy boys and male and female adult volunteers. None. Assay of AMH and Western blot analysis of captured forms of AMH. In blood, AMH in blood consists of both proAMH, the inactive uncleaved precursor, and AMHN,C, the enzyme-cleaved, receptor-competent form. The Gen II AMH ELISA detected both recombinant proAMH and AMHN,C. The noncovalent association of the two cleavage fragments of AMHN,C appears to be necessary for ELISA detection because recombinant free AMHC and AMHN were undetectable. Spike-recovery experiments showed that proAMH was not completely recovered from serum unless it was prediluted 1 hour before the assay. The leading ELISA for AMH provides a composite value of two biologically distinct forms of AMH. It is not known whether proAMH and AMHN,C have identical relationships to ovarian reserve, antral follicle counts, or other aspects of ovarian function. Hence, future research into the physiology and clinical utility of AMH should consider the two forms separately.

English

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present day global phenomenon of obesity among all age groups is causing multiple health-related issues increasing both mortality and morbidity. Functions of many organs of the body are compromised by obesity predominantly heart, liver and lungs, reducing quality of life in apparently healthy individuals. Respiratory complications form an important part of many clinical situations occurring in obese patients. Many studies have linked obstructive sleep apnoea, asthma and hypoxemia with obesity although the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study the effect of obesity on pulmonary functions was observed in a group of adult male and female volunteers (obese and NonObese). Body mass index was used as index of obesity. Pulmonary function parameters used were Forced Vital capacity (FVC) (L), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) (L) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) (L/sec). 100 adult volunteers of both the sexes, aged 25-40 yrs were randomly selected and divided into two groups based on their body mass index (BMI) obese (BMI>30 Kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI<25 Kg/m2). Anthropometric measurements were taken and spirometric parameters were assessed following ATS protocol. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Was done using Z-test and the percentage of change in lung functions between the obese and non-obese groups in both males and females were calculated. RESULTS: The parameters FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were significantly lower (P=<0.001) in the obese group when compared to the non-obese group in both males and females. But the percentage of reduction in the values was more obvious in males than in the females. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that increase in the BMI has negative effect on the lung functions and that effect is more apparent in males when compared to females.

Steady state bioequivalence study of dipyridamole ER and acetyl salicylic acid 200 mg + 25 mg capsules in adult healthy male and female volunteers under fasting condition

The aim of the study was to evaluate the steady state pharmacokinetics and establish bioequivalence between the test (dipyridamole ER and acetyl salicylic acid 200 mg + 25 mg capsules of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, India) against equal doses of reference (AGGRENOX® retard capsule of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., KG 55216 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany) formulations in 72 healthy adult male and female volunteers under fasting conditions. This was an open-label, block randomized, multiple dose, two-period, two-sequence, cross-over study separated by a washout period of 8 days. On day 5 of each period, post-dose blood samples were collected up to 12 h and analyzed for dipyridamole, salicylic acid and acetyl salicylic acid using a validated LC-MS/MS method. The 90% CI for dipyridamole (AUC(0–τ).ss, Cmax.ss and Cmin.ss) and for salicylic acid (AUC(0–τ).ss, Cmax.ss and %ptf) lie within the accepted bioequivalence range of 80.00–125.00%, thus permitting one to conclude for bioequivalence. In conclusion, both the formulations were well tolerated and the test product was bioequivalent to the reference product in terms of the rate and extent of absorption at steady state.

A single injection of kisspeptin‐54 temporarily increases luteinizing hormone pulsatility in healthy women

Kisspeptin is a novel hypothalamic peptide which stimulates endogenous gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. A single subcutaneous bolus injection of kisspeptin-54 increases circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in women, but its acute effects on LH pulsatility are not known. To investigate the effects of a single subcutaneous (sc) injection of kisspeptin-54 administration on LH pulsatility in healthy female volunteers. Six healthy female adult volunteers underwent 10-minute blood sampling for serum LH measurement for 8h during the follicular phase of menstrual cycle. Sc bolus injection of saline or kisspeptin-54 (0·15, 0·30 or 0·60nmol/kg) was administered 4h after commencing the study. A previously described, blinded deconvolution method was used to detect LH pulses. Mean number of LH pulses was increased significantly following 0·30 and 0·60nmol/kg kisspeptin-54 when compared with saline (mean increase in number of LH pulses per 4h, following injection: -0·17±0·54, saline; +2·33±0·56, 0·30nmol/kg kisspeptin-54, P<0·05 vs saline; +2·33±0·80, 0·60nmol/kg kisspeptin-54, P<0·05 vs saline). LH pulse secretory mass increased following injection of 0·60nmol/kg in five of six subjects, but the mean change in all subjects was non-significant when compared with saline (mean increase in pulse secretory mass in IU/l following injection: +0·35±0·40, saline; +2·61±1·17, 0·60nmol/kg kisspeptin-54, P=0·10 vs saline). A single injection of kisspeptin-54 temporarily stimulates the number of LH pulses in healthy women. Further studies are required to investigate the therapeutic potential of kisspeptin-54 injection to restore LH pulsatility in patients with reproductive disorders caused by impaired GnRH secretion.

Evaluation of the Effect of Blackcurrant Products on Gut Microbiota and on Markers of Risk for Colon Cancer in Humans

The purpose of this study was to determine in healthy humans whether First Leaf (FL; composed of blackcurrant extract powder, lactoferrin and lutein) and Cassis Anthomix 30 (CAM30; blackcurrant extract powder) can positively modify the colonic microbiota by enhancing the growth of the beneficial bacteria and inactivating the toxic bacterial enzymes which are known to be involved in colonic carcinogenesis. Thirty healthy adult male and female volunteers were recruited for this study. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was carried out to analyse the populations of fecal microbiota. Consumption of FL and CAM30 led to significant increases (P < 0.0001) in the population sizes of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria whereas the population sizes of Clostridium spp. and Bacteroides spp were decreased significantly (P < 0.0001). In addition, feeding of FL and CAM30 decreases the activity of β-glucuronidase (bacterial enzyme which is considered to be one of the enzymes that increases risk for colorectal cancer) and significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal pH. In conclusion, the results of this study open up the possibility that consumption of FL and CAM30 can offer various benefits to human health through acting as novel prebiotic agents via increasing the numbers of beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) in the gut.

Seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies in Canadian women screened for enrolment in a herpes simplex virus vaccine trial

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infections continue to be among the most common and unrecognized sexually transmitted infections in the world. Although treatable, HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections remain incurable. Hence, there is interest in the development of a vaccine to prevent genital herpes. As part of a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test such a vaccine, healthy women 18-30 years were enrolled as volunteers in several Canadian centres between 2005 and 2007. This study reports the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies in this group. A total of 2694 adult female volunteers in Canada with no known history of herpes simplex were screened for HSV antibodies using Western blot assay (the gold standard for diagnosis of HSV) for potential participation in a randomized, double-blind efficacy field trial of a herpes simplex vaccine. This trial provides a unique opportunity to examine the prevalence of antibodies to HSV-1 and of antibodies to HSV-2 in women with no known history of herpes simplex infection. The prevalence of antibodies to HSV-1 and to HSV-2 is compared with that found in previous Canadian studies that focused on a more general population. The overall seroprevalence of antibody to HSV-1 was 43%; that of HSV-2 was 2.5% and seropositivity to both was 2%. The prevalence of antibody to both HSV-1 and to HSV-2 increased with age. Seronegativity to both HSV-1 and HSV-2 was 56% in participating centres with populations under 250,000 and 46% in participating centres with populations over 250,000. Significant racial differences in seropositivity to HSV-1 and to HSV-2 were noted. The likelihood of participants being seropositive to HSV-1 and to HSV-2 was found to increase with age and to positively correlate with the population of the city in which they resided. Hypotheses are proposed to account for differences in racial seropositivity to HSV-1 and to HSV-2.

Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) attenuates brain responses to alcohol cues in alcohol-dependent volunteers: A bold FMRI study

Oral naltrexone reduces heavy drinking, but is less consistent as an abstinence promoter, whereas once-monthly extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) also maintains abstinence. The present study sought to determine if alcohol cue reactivity is attenuated by XR-NTX. Twenty-eight detoxified alcohol-dependent adult male and female volunteers received a single i.m. injection of either XR-NTX or placebo under double-blind conditions. An fMRI/cue reactivity procedure was conducted immediately before and two weeks after injection. At baseline, alcohol-related visual and olfactory cues elicited significant increases in orbital and cingulate gyri, inferior frontal and middle frontal gyri. Subsequently, brain activation was significantly altered in XR-NTX-treated individuals. These affected brain regions are associated with the integration of emotion, cognition, reward, punishment, and learning/memory, suggesting that XR-NTX attenuates the salience of alcohol-related cues. Such an effect on brain function may interrupt the processes associated with "slips" and relapse, which may account for XR-NTX's ability to maintain abstinence.

Examining Behaviors of Female Older Adult Volunteers in a Global Sporting Event

Examining Behaviors of Female Older Adult Volunteers in a Global Sporting Event

Assessment of bronchial responsiveness on exposure to isometric exercise during different phases of menstrual cycle: A pilot study

The present study was planned to assess the effects of gonadal steroids (estrogen and progesterone) on bronchial responsiveness, before and after handgrip exercise, during different phases of menstrual cycle. In this study, 30 healthy (25-40 years), non-athletic, adult female volunteers were studied. The various pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEF 25-75%) were recorded with a spirometer under resting conditions and then within five minutes of cessation of isometric exercise. Recordings were taken during the Menstrual phase (MP), Proliferative phase (PP), and Luteal phase (LP) of menstrual cycle and were confirmed by plasma levels of estrogen and progesterone. The oral temperature was recorded during each phase of the menstrual cycle. Under resting conditions, the above-mentioned parameters did not reveal significant differences during the three phases. A significant fall was observed only in the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) during all the phases after handgrip, but there was a non-significant decline in the other parameters. By this study we conclude that the physiological changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle are not in themselves associated with changes in airway responsiveness before and after the handgrip test. The general fall seen in the pulmonary parameters could be due to fatigue or psychic factors.

Microwave Imaging of Human Forearms: Pilot Study and Image Enhancement

We present a pilot study using a microwave tomography system in which we image the forearms of 5 adult male and female volunteers between the ages of 30 and 48. Microwave scattering data were collected at 0.8 to 1.2 GHz with 24 transmitting and receiving antennas located in a matching fluid of deionized water and table salt. Inversion of the microwave data was performed with a balanced version of the multiplicative-regularized contrast source inversion algorithm formulated using the finite-element method (FEM-CSI). T1-weighted MRI images of each volunteer's forearm were also collected in the same plane as the microwave scattering experiment. Initial “blind” imaging results from the utilized inversion algorithm show that the image quality is dependent on the thickness of the arm's peripheral adipose tissue layer; thicker layers of adipose tissue lead to poorer overall image quality. Due to the exible nature of the FEM-CSI algorithm used, prior information can be readily incorporated into the microwave imaging inversion process. We show that by introducing prior information into the FEM-CSI algorithm the internal anatomical features of all the arms are resolved, significantly improving the images. The prior information was estimated manually from the blind inversions using an ad hoc procedure.

Consecutive Intake of Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium breve Strain Yakult and Galacto-oligosaccharides Benefits Skin Condition in Healthy Adult Women.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted to investigate the beneficial effect of probiotic and prebiotic fermented milk on the skin of healthy adult women. Forty healthy Japanese adult female volunteers with healthy skin randomly received either a bottle of probiotic and prebiotic fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) (active group) or a non-fermented placebo milk containing neither probiotics nor GOS (placebo group) daily for 4 weeks. Before and after intake, hydration levels and cathepsin L-like activity in the stratum corneum and phenol levels in the serum and urine were determined. After intake, the hydration level of the stratum corneum decreased significantly in only the placebo group and was significantly lower than in the active group (p=0.031). Cathepsin L-like activity, an indicator of keratinocyte differentiation, was significantly increased in the active group (p=0.027). Serum and urine phenol levels decreased significantly in the active group (p=0.014, p=0.002, respectively), and serum phenol levels were significantly lower in the active group compared with the placebo group (p=0.006). The consecutive intake of probiotic and prebiotic fermented milk can benefit skin condition without dryness and decrease the levels of phenol production by gut bacteria in healthy adult women.

Increased plasma levels of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sFlt-1) in women by moderate exercise and increased plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in overweight/obese women

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing worldwide, and this seems to be related to an increase in lifestyle risk factors, including physical inactivity and overweight/obesity. We have reported previously that exercise induced a circulating angiostatic phenotype characterized by increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and endostatin and decreased unbound vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in men. However, there are no data on women. The present study determines the following: (a) whether moderate exercise increased sFlt-1 and endostatin and decreased unbound VEGF in the circulation of adult female volunteers and (b) whether overweight/obese women have a higher plasma level of unbound VEGF than lean women. A total of 72 African American and White adult women volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 44 years were enrolled in the exercise study. All the participants walked on a treadmill for 30 min at a moderate intensity (55-59% heart rate reserve), and oxygen consumption (VO(2)) was quantified utilizing a metabolic cart. We obtained blood samples before and immediately after exercise from 63 participants. ELISA assays showed that the plasma levels of sFlt-1 were 67.8±3.7 pg/ml immediately after exercise (30 min), significantly higher than the basal levels, 54.5±3.3 pg/ml, before exercise (P<0.01; n=63). There was no significant difference in the % increase in the sFlt-1 levels after exercise between African American and White (P=0.533) women or between lean and overweight/obese women (P=0.892). There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of unbound VEGF (35.28±5.47 vs. 35.23±4.96 pg/ml; P=0.99) or endostatin (111.12±5.48 vs. 115.45±7.15 ng/ml; P=0.63) before and after exercise. The basal plasma levels of unbound VEGF in overweight/obese women were 52.26±9.6 pg/ml, significantly higher than the basal levels of unbound VEGF in lean women, 27.34±4.99 pg/ml (P<0.05). The results support our hypothesis that exercise-induced plasma levels of sFlt-1 could be an important clinical biomarker to explore the mechanisms of exercise training in reducing the progression of breast cancer and that VEGF is an important biomarker in obesity and obesity-related cancer progression.