Serum Creatine Kinase Concentration Research Articles

Dietary Selenium Insufficiency Induces Cardiac Inflammatory Injury in Chicks

BackgroundLaying hens undergo intensive metabolism and are vulnerable to cardiac insults. Previous research demonstrated overt heart disorders of broiler chickens induced by dietary Se deficiency. ObjectivesThis study aimed to reveal effects and mechanism of dietary Se insufficiency on cardiac injuries of egg-type chicks in their early life. MethodsWhite Leghorn chicks (0-d-old, female) were fed a corn-soy, Se-insufficient basal diet (BD, 0.05 mg Se/kg; n = 11) or the BD supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg (as sodium selenite; n = 8) for 35 d. Cardiac tissues were collected at the end of study for histology and to determine its relationship with heart Se contents, selenoprotein expression profiles, antioxidant and inflammatory status, and the Toll-like receptor 4/extracellular signal-regulated kinases/p38 map kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (TLR4/ERK/P38/JNK) pathway. ResultsCompared with those fed 0.35 mg Se/kg, chicks fed BD had significantly lower body weights and average daily gain, and 28% lower heart Se, and developed cardiac mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, along with elevated (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of creatine kinase, aldolase, and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The BD decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and heart glutathione contents and expression of selenoproteins but increased (P < 0.05) heart concentrations of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. These changes were associated with increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and/or protein concentrations of cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenase-12, cytokines (IL-1β), nuclear factor (NF) κB subunit, chemokines, and receptors (CCL20, CXCR1, and CXCLI2) and increased (P < 0.1) TLR4/ERK /P38/JNK in the heart of Se-insufficient chicks. ConclusionsDietary Se insufficiency induces infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the heart of egg-type chicks. This cardiac injury was mediated by decreased functional expressions of selenoproteins, which resulted in apparent elevated oxidative stress and subsequent activations of the TLR4 pathway and NF κB.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pistachios as a recovery food following downhill running exercise in recreational team-sport individuals

ABSTRACT We aimed to investigate the impact of pistachio nut consumption on muscle soreness and function following exercise-induced muscle damage. Using a randomised cross-over design, male team-sport players (n = 18) performed a 40-minute downhill treadmill run to induce muscle damage, which was conducted after 2-wks of consuming either control (CON, water), a standard dose of daily pistachios (STD, 42.5 g/d) or a higher dose of daily pistachios (HIGH, 85 g/d). Lower limb muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), muscle function (maximal voluntary isokinetic torque and vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage/inflammation (creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, superoxide dismutase) were measured pre (baseline) and post (24, 48, and 72 h) exercise. No trial order effects were observed for any outcome measurement across trials. Mean quadriceps soreness (non-dominant leg) during exercise recovery was reduced (p < 0.05) in HIGH vs. CON (mean difference (95%CI): 13(1–25) mm). Change in soreness in the dominant quadriceps was not different between HIGH vs. CON (p = 0.06; mean difference (95%CI): 13(−1 to 26 mm)). No main effects of time or trial were observed for mean soreness of hamstrings, or on isokinetic torque of knee extensors or knee flexors, during recovery. Serum creatine kinase concentration peaked at 24 h post-damage (mean(SEM): 763(158)µg/L) from baseline (300(87)µg/L), but had returned to baseline by 72 h post (398(80)µg/L) exercise in all trials, with no trial or trial × time interaction evident. These data suggest that high dose pistachio nut ingestion may provide some alleviation of muscle soreness, but no effect on muscle function, following modest muscle damage.

Welfare of dairy cows in mixed feeding systems under two different conditions of confinement: Behavioral, biochemical and physiological indicators

High production pasture-based dairy systems have difficulty meeting cows' nutritional and environmental needs, especially during extreme environmental conditions during summer in temperate zones. The mixed systems combine pasture access with supplementation periods to achieve the maximum use of pastoral conditions and help better meet nutritional requirements. The aim of this study was to determine if the different conditions during confinement (compost barn, CB vs. outdoor soil-bedded, OD) affect behavioral, biochemical and physiological indicators of welfare in dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two groups for confinement periods: a compost barn (CB, n = 15): consisting of compost bedding, a roofed area, ventilation and sprinklers, and an outdoor soil-bedded area during (OD, n = 15), which had a soil floor and shaded area. The frequency of eating, ruminating, drinking, lying, standing, and walking behavior in confinement was evaluated for three months during summer. Rumination minutes was recorded with collars automatically throughout the day. Blood samples were taken to determine total proteins, albumin, globulins and creatine kinase. The subcutaneous temperature was recorded during December and January (n = 7 per group). During the confinement, the CB cows spent more time lying down (P = 0.001) and ruminating (P = 0.04) than the OD cows. During pasture access, the CB cows spent more time grazing (P = 0.003) and less time ruminating (P < 0.0001) than the OD cows. Furthermore, the CB cows had lower subcutaneous temperature than the OD cows during the day (P < 0.0001). Serum creatine kinase concentrations tended to be higher (approximately 360 % more) in the OD cows than in the CB cows (P = 0.07). Differences in the type of confinement determined behavioral changes during both the confinement and pasture access, demonstrating the adaptability of cows to a varied environment. In conclusion, the different conditions during confinement affected the welfare indicators of the dairy cows in the mixed system during summer, with OD cows experiencing poorer welfare than CB cows, based on behavioral, biochemical and physiological indicators of welfare.

The Effect of a Modified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on Symptoms of Stress and Depression and on Saliva Cortisol and Serum Creatine Kinase among Male Wrestlers.

The aims of the present study were two-fold: to investigate whether, compared to an active control condition, a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program could (1) reduce symptoms of stress and depression, and (2) regulate salivary cortisol and serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, two physiological stress markers. Thirty male wrestlers (Mage = 26.73 years) were randomly assigned either to the MBSR intervention or the active control condition. Both at the beginning and at the end of the intervention, the participants completed questionnaires on perceived stress and depression; in parallel, salivary samples were collected to measure cortisol in saliva, while blood samples were collected to assess serum CK. The study lasted for eight consecutive weeks. The intervention consisted of 16 group sessions (90 min each); the active control condition had an identical schedule, though without bona fide interventions. During the study period, the participants kept their sleeping, nutritional and exercising schedules unaltered. Over time, symptoms of stress and depression decreased; the level of decrease was more prominent in the MBSR condition than the active control condition (significant p values and large effect sizes of interaction). Further, cortisol and creatine kinase concentrations also decreased more in the MBSR condition compared to the active control condition (large effect sizes of interaction). The present study's findings suggest that among male wrestlers, a modified MBSR intervention have the potential to reduce both psychological (stress and depression) and physiological (cortisol and creatine kinase) indices as compared to an active control condition.

Biocompatibility, Degradation Behavior, and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloy Plates In Vivo

The magnesium alloy was made into orthopedic steel plates to repair tibial fractures of New Zealand white rabbits and to explore the biocompatibility, degradation behavior, and mechanical properties of the magnesium alloy plates in repairing fractures in vivo. Fifty-four rabbits were randomly divided into experimental, control, and sham-operated groups. Tibial fractures in the experimental and the control groups were fixed with magnesium alloy and titanium alloy plates, respectively, and only bone tunnels were established without any implants in the sham-operated group. The concentrations of serum alanine transaminase, creatinine (CREA), creatine kinase (CK), and magnesium ion were measured before and 1 day, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after operation, respectively, to evaluate the biocompatibility of magnesium alloy plates. The corrosion products and components were observed using a scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive spectroscopy system, and the corrosion rate was observed by weight loss testing. Then the degradation behavior of magnesium alloy plate was analyzed. Analysis of mechanical properties of magnesium alloy plates was done by four-point bending tests. There were no statistically significant differences in serum alanine transaminase, CREA, or CK at each time point among the three groups ( P &gt; 0.05 ). The degradation behavior of the magnesium alloy plates increased with the longer implantation time. The four-point bending test results indicated that the mechanical properties of magnesium alloy plates decreased gradually during the degradation. The results showed that magnesium alloy plates implanted into rabbit tibias degrade gradually with the implantation time, and the mechanical properties of the magnesium alloy weaken gradually during the degradation. Meanwhile, the magnesium alloy plate had excellent biocompatibility and biosafety in the process of degradation in vivo.

Clinical effects of combined red and infrared wavelengths in the treatment of local injuries caused by Bothrops leucurus snake venom

Aimto evaluate the effects of visible and invisible wavelengths, individually and combined, on local edematogenic activity, serum and muscle enzymes, and clinical response in mice inoculated with B. leucurus snake venom. Methods: 112 male mice were inoculated with diluted B. leucurus snake venom in the right gastrocnemius muscle, the same volume of saline solution was applied in the contralateral muscle. The animals were divided into four groups, one control and three treated with: 1) red laser (λ = 660 nm), 2) infrared laser (λ = 808 nm) and 3) red laser (λ = 660 nm) + infrared (λ = 808 nm). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups, according to the duration of treatment application (applications every 24 h over evaluation times of up to 144 h). A diode laser was used (0.1 W, CW, 1J/point, DE: 10 J/cm2). Results: the treatments prevented the loss of the proprioception reflex, accelerated the reestablishment of the damaged area, and reduced claudication, local hemorrhage, and edematogenic activity caused by bothropic venom. Both wavelengths reduced serum concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased muscle concentration of CK. The combined wavelengths caused a significant reduction in serum enzyme concentrations and a better clinical response when compared to the isolated treatments. Conclusion: Laser photobiomodulation proved to be effective in the treatment of the disorders evaluated and the interaction between red and infrared wavelengths potentiated the therapy effects.

Severe unilateral nephrolithiasis and recurrent colic in a horse

AbstractUrolithiasis is an uncommon disorder reported in horses. Calculi located in the kidneys and ureters are often underdiagnosed. Associated clinical signs include weight loss, anorexia, haematuria, dysuria, colic and polyuria/polydipsia. A 26‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was referred for evaluation of an acute colic episode of 5‐hour duration. Haematologic analysis revealed increased serum creatine kinase and creatinine concentrations. Abdominocentesis yielded serosanguineous, mildly cloudy fluid with a lactate of 9.6 mmol/L (&lt;2 mmol/L). Exploratory laparotomy was recommended. Surgical intervention was declined, and the horse was humanely euthanased. Limited postmortem evaluation was performed. A 3.633 kg nephrolith measuring 23.6 × 16.2 × 8.9 cm was completely effacing the left kidney. Crystallography and infrared spectroscopy (attenuated total reflection and Fourier transform infrared) revealed a 100% calcium carbonate nephrolith. Carbonate calcium calculi are the most common subtype in horses. Nephrolithiasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for colic and haematologic evidence of azotaemia in horses.

The effect of vibration training on delayed muscle soreness: A meta-analysis.

Background:Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is caused by unaccustomed exercise, especially eccentric exercise, and is highly likely to cause skeletal muscle injury. It mainly manifests as ultrastructural changes in skeletal muscle, as well as decreased muscle strength, muscle soreness, swelling, and elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK). Vibration training (VT) has been attracting increasing attention as a new type of rehabilitation therapy. It can effectively minimize the occurrence and relieve the symptoms of DOMS, reduce muscle stiffness and soreness, and reduce serum concentrations of CK and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This article systematically assessed the impact of VT on the mitigation of DOMS through a meta-analysis to provide updated evidence-based information.Methods:Electronic databases such as China Knowledge Network, VIP Electronics, PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of VT on DOMS. Searches were performed from database creation to November 2021. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Cochrane Manual for the Systematic Review of Interventions, and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Results:VT intervention in DOMS was shown to effectively reduce subjective pain, improve pain tolerance, and accelerate the reduction of serum CK and LDH concentrations. Subgroup analysis of different test time periods showed that subjective pain decreased more significantly after 48 hours than after the other 2 time periods, and pain tolerance increased more significantly after 72 hours than the other 2 time periods; serum CK was significantly increased after 24 and 48 hours of intervention, but showed no significant change compared with the control group after 72 hours. Serum LDH decreased significantly after 24 hours of intervention, but there was no significant difference compared with the control group after 48 hours or 72 hours.Conclusion:VT effectively reduced the subjective pain sensation after DOMS, increased the pain threshold, reduced serum LDH and CK concentrations, and accelerated muscle damage repair compared with control interventions. However, the effect of improving the range of motion of the joints is not clear and should be studied further.Registrationnumber: INPLASY2021120115.

Sex differences in the impact of resistance exercise load on muscle damage: A protocol for a randomised parallel group trial

IntroductionResistance training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, but is also associated with acute muscle damage, characterised by muscle soreness, impaired muscle function, and structural damage to muscle cell membranes and its components. These consequences can be detrimental to future exercise performance and dampen long-term training adaptations. Previous research has considered resistance exercise intensity as a factor in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), though a clear direction of the findings has not yet been established. Further, female populations are heavily underrepresented in this field of study. Therefore, we here propose a study protocol designed to examine sex differences in the muscle damage response to resistance exercise performed with low or high loads in a population of untrained, young adults.MethodsThis study will employ a randomised parallel group design. Twenty-four males and 24 females will perform an acute leg-based resistance exercise session at either 30% (low-load) or 80% (high-load) of their pre-determined one-repetition maximum (1RM). Maximal leg strength will be determined by a 1RM test 3 wk before and 72 and 168 h after the exercise bout. Additionally, muscle damage will be assessed immediately before the exercise bout and immediately, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after the exercise bout through measures of muscle soreness, limb circumference, range of motion, and serum concentrations of creatine kinase and interleukin-6. The outcomes of this trial could inform sex-specific resistance training recommendations and help bridge the sex data gap in sport and exercise science research.

The repetition of semen collection does not affect the physiological and biochemical response to electroejaculation of anesthetized adult and yearling pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) males

The aim of this study was to determine if multiple captures, general anesthesia and electroejaculation (EE) modify the heart rate (HR), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), oxygen saturation, and the cortisol, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and creatine kinase (CK) responses to EE in adult and yearling pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) males. Individuals were captured, anesthetized and electroejaculated on four occasions, once per season, from June to the following March (first to fourth collection respectively). Rectal temperature, as well as cortisol, AP and CK serum concentrations were determined before and after electroejaculation (BEE and AEE). The HR (P < 0 0.0001), PR (P < 0.0001), RR (P < 0.001), CK (P < 0.001) and cortisol concentration (P = 0.003) increased AEE, while RT (P = 0.004) decreased AEE. Heart rate increased in the first and third collections (P < 0.01), RR increased in the fourth collection (P < 0.001), and the highest values of RT were observed in the third and fourth collections (P < 0.0001). We concluded that repeated handling to collect semen did not have a sustained negative effect on the response to EE, which supports repeated semen collection from the same individuals.

Interactions Between Statins, Exercise, and Health: A Clinical Update

Interactions Between Statins, Exercise, and Health: A Clinical Update

Longitudinal Changes of Serum Creatine Kinase and Acute Kidney Injury among Patients with Severe COVID-19.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of COVID-19. Several etiologies have been identified, including pigment deposition likely associated with myopathic damage. Nevertheless, the relationship between longitudinal creatine-kinase trends and renal outcomes is uncertain. Aim To correlate longitudinal changes in serum creatine-kinase levels with hospital-acquired AKI (beyond 48 h of hospital admission) in severe COVID-19 patients. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study, and creatine-kinase levels were assessed over time in 1551 hospitalized patients with normal renal function at the time of hospital admission. Results In subjects who developed hospital-acquired AKI (n = 126, 8.1%), the serum creatine-kinase concentration before AKI onset was not different when compared to patients without AKI (slope of log creatine-kinase/day = −0.09 [95% CI −0.17 to +0.19] vs. +0.03 [95% CI −0.1 to +0.1]). After AKI diagnosis, serum creatine-kinase levels showed a significantly ascendent slope (slope of log creatine-kinase/day after AKI diagnosis = +0.14; 95% CI + 0.05 to +0.3). The AKI evolution was the main factor associated with the creatine-kinase trend. Subjects with persistent AKI (n = 40, 32%) had rising creatine-kinase levels during hospitalization (slope of log creatine-kinase/day = +0.30 95% CI + 0.19 to +0.51). A rising creatine-kinase trend (n = 114, 8%) was associated with a 1.89-fold higher risk of in-hospital death (95% CI 1.14 to 3.16). Nevertheless, this association disappeared after adjusting AKI evolution and LDH baseline levels. Conclusion In severe COVID-19 patients, a slight increase in creatine-kinase levels was observed after AKI occurrence but not before. Our results show that, at least for the appearance of hospital-acquired AKI, the CK rise does not meet the temporality criterion of causality regarding the occurrence of AKI. Rising creatine-kinase trends were associated with a higher risk of mortality, but this association was modified by AKI evolution and inflammation. There is a limited efficiency for AKI prognosis in the serial follow-up of CK levels in severe COVID-19 patients with normal renal function.

Recovery From Eccentric Squat Exercise in Resistance-Trained Young and Master Athletes With Similar Maximum Strength: Combining Cold Water Immersion and Compression.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether recovery from eccentric squat exercise varies depending on age and to assess whether the use of a mixed-method recovery (MMR) consisting of cold water immersion and compression tights benefits recovery. Sixteen healthy and resistance-trained young (age, 22.1±2.1years; N=8) and master male athletes (age, 52.4±3.5years; N=8), who had a similar half squat 1-repetition maximum relative to body weight, completed two identical squat exercise training sessions, separated by a 2-week washout period. Training sessions were followed by either MMR or passive recovery (PR). Internal training loads [heart rate and blood lactate concentration (BLa)] were recorded during and after squat sessions. Furthermore, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, resting twitch force of the knee extensors, serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness (MS), and perceived physical performance capability (PPC) were determined before and after training as well as after 24, 48, and 72h of recovery. A three-way mixed ANOVA revealed a significant time effect of the squat protocol on markers of fatigue and recovery (p<0.05; decreased MVIC, CMJ, twitch force, and PPC; increased CK and MS). Age-related differences were found for BLa, MS, and PPC (higher post-exercise fatigue in younger athletes). A significant two-way interaction between recovery strategy and time of measurement was found for MS and PPC (p<0.05; faster recovery after MMR). In three participants (two young and one master athlete), the individual results revealed a consistently positive response to MMR. In conclusion, master athletes neither reach higher fatigue levels nor recover more slowly than the younger athletes. Furthermore, the results indicate that MMR after resistance exercise does not contribute to a faster recovery of physical performance, neuromuscular function, or muscle damage, but promotes recovery of perceptual measures regardless of age.

Effects of Cannabidiol Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Regeneration after Intensive Resistance Training.

Cannabidiol supplements (CBD) are increasingly consumed by athletes to improve regeneration. However, the evidence for the pro-regenerative effects of CBD in sports is quite limited. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effects of a single CBD supplementation in a six-arm placebo-controlled crossover study after resistance training on performance and muscle damage. Before and after the resistance training, one-repetition maximum in the back squat (1RM BS), countermovement jump (CMJ), and blood serum concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Myo) were measured in healthy, well-trained participants. 16 out of 21 participants completed the study and were included in the analysis. In 1RM BS, a significant decrease was observed after 24 h (p < 0.01) but not after 48 and 72 h. A significant group difference was detected after 72 h (p < 0.05; ES = 0.371). In CMJ, no significant changes were observed. The CK and Myo concentrations increased significantly after 24 h (CK: p < 0.001; Myo: p < 0.01), 48 h (CK: p < 0.001; Myo: p < 0.01) and 72 h (CK: p < 0.001; Myo: p < 0.001). After 72 h, significant group differences were observed for both muscle damage biomarkers (CK: p < 0.05 ES = 0.24; Myo: p < 0.05; ES = 0.21). The results show small but significant effects on muscle damage and recovery of squat performance after 72 h. However, more data are required for clearer statements concerning potential pro-regenerative effects of CBD supplementation after resistance training.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Muscular Performance and Soreness Recovery in Athletes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Athletes must maintain their peak state of strength. Previous studies have investigated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on muscular performance. A previous systematic review and meta-analysis has investigated this issue in healthy participants but not in physically active athletes. To investigate whether LLLT can improve muscular performance and soreness recovery in athletes. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Published randomized controlled trials and crossover studies till December 2020. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Level 3. Assessment of study quality was rated using the risk of bias assessment method for randomized trials (Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions). A total of 24 studies were included. LLLT application before exercise significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength in 24-hour, 48-hour, 96-hour, and 8-week follow-up groups. Furthermore, decreased soreness index, serum creatine kinase concentrations, interleukin-6, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations and a trend toward the improvement of contract repetition number and VO2 kinetic outcomes were observed. Although a definite therapeutic effect of LLLT is yet to be established, the current evidence supports that LLLT use improves muscular performance in physically active athletes. Additional trials with large sample sizes and robust design should be conducted before strong recommendations are made.

Consumption of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract Improves Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Non-Resistance Trained Men and Women: A Double-Blind Randomised Trial.

Background: Blackcurrant is rich in anthocyanins that may protect against exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and facilitate a faster recovery of muscle function. We examined the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on indices of muscle damage and recovery following a bout of strenuous isokinetic resistance exercise. Methods: Using a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, parallel design, twenty-seven healthy participants received either a 3 g·day−1 NZBC extract (n = 14) or the placebo (PLA) (n = 13) for 8 days prior to and 4 days following 60 strenuous concentric and eccentric contractions of the biceps brachii muscle on an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle soreness (using a visual analogue scale), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), range of motion (ROM) and blood creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before (0 h) and after (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) exercise. Results: Consumption of NZBC extract resulted in faster recovery of baseline MVC (p = 0.04), attenuated muscle soreness at 24 h (NZBC: 21 ± 10 mm vs. PLA: 40 ± 23 mm, p = 0.02) and 48 h (NZBC: 22 ± 17 vs. PLA: 44 ± 26 mm, p = 0.03) and serum CK concentration at 96 h (NZBC: 635 ± 921 UL vs. PLA: 4021 ± 4319 UL, p = 0.04) following EIMD. Conclusions: Consumption of NZBC extract prior to and following a bout of eccentric exercise attenuates muscle damage and improves functional recovery. These findings are of practical importance in recreationally active and potentially athletic populations, who may benefit from accelerated recovery following EIMD.