Antioxidant status and oxidative stress in professional rugby players: evolution throughout a season

Physical training is known to increase the antioxidant defence system and reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, intense physical aerobic and anaerobic training and competition such as those imposed on professional rugby players, can induce an increase of oxidative stress which can be implicated with the arrival of overtraining. The aim of this study was to test the effect of training and competition load on oxidative stress, antioxidant status, haematological, and cell damage markers in high-level rugby players during a competitive season. Blood samples were collected four times in one year. Oxidative stress (Rmax), antioxidant (vitamin E, uric acid, TAC, and lag phase), haematological (neutrophils and monocytes) and biochemical (CK and myoglobin) parameters, as well as training and competition load, and competition results were measured. Intense periods of training and competition (T1 and T4) induced a significant higher maximum rate of conjugated dienes oxidation (+67.2% in T1 and +40.6% in T4) compared to those observed at the reference time (T3). Those periods also induced an increase in uric acid (+6.9% and 3.2%), and inflammatory markers such as monocytes (+13.3% and 10.7%). On the other hand, vitamin E (-8.7% in T1) and lag phase (-23.0% and -14.7%) were lower during these periods showing a possible training-induced antioxidant down-regulation. The less intense period of training (T2) was accompanied by lower neutrophils (-8.5%), CK (-53.7%), and myoglobin (-16.2%) values. The results suggest that oxidative stress and antioxidant measurement are significant in the biological follow-up of athletes.     

Pterins as diagnostic markers of exercise-induced stress: a systematic review

ObjectivesTo evaluate pterins as diagnostic biomarkers of exercise-induced stress.DesignSystematic review of the literature.MethodsMEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched in March 2019 for relevant literature. We only considered in vivo studies of healthy humans that reported measurement of a pterin(s) in response to exercise or sport with no underlying prior disease or complication. Relevant articles were independently reviewed and resolved by consensus.ResultsWe included 29 studies with 644 participants. We classified articles by running/hiking, cycling, rugby, mixed martial arts (MMA) or other. Eighty-six percent of studies measured a significant increase in a pterin in response to exercise. Changes in pterin concentrations were within 24 h of the exercise-stimulus in 79% of studies and 17% measured a change from baseline greater than 48 h post-exercise (49% did not measure or report beyond 48 h). Neopterin or total neopterin (neopterin + 7,8-dihydroneopterin) were the primary pterin measured (28 studies) and they were equally sensitive to exercise regardless of whether the stimulus was running, cycling, rugby, MMA or other.ConclusionsNeopterin and total neopterin increase in response to exercise-induced stress. Pterins may have limited capacity for monitoring long-term stress beyond 48 h but further research is required.     

Separate MRI quantification of dispersed (ferritin‐like) and aggregated (hemosiderin‐like) storage iron

A new MRI method is proposed for separately quantifying the two principal forms of tissue storage (nonheme) iron: ferritin iron, a dispersed, soluble fraction that can be rapidly mobilized, and hemosiderin iron, an aggregated, insoluble fraction that serves as a long‐term reserve. The method utilizes multiple spin echo sequences, exploiting the fact that aggregated iron can induce nonmonoexponential signal decay for multiple spin echo sequences. The method is validated in vitro for agarose phantoms, simulating dispersed iron with manganese chloride, and aggregated iron with iron oxide microspheres. To demonstrate feasibility for human studies, preliminary in vivo data from two healthy controls and six patients with transfusional iron overload are presented. For both phantoms and human subjects, conventional R₂ and R₂* relaxation rates are also measured in order to contrast the proposed method with established MRI iron quantification techniques. Quantification of dispersed (ferritin‐like) iron may provide a new means of monitoring the risk of iron‐induced toxicity in patients with iron overload and, together with quantification of aggregated (hemosiderin‐like) iron, improve the accuracy of estimates for total storage iron. Magn Reson Med 63:1201–1209, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Influence of tart cherry juice on indices of recovery following marathon running

This investigation determined the efficacy of a tart cherry juice in aiding recovery and reducing muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. Twenty recreational Marathon runners assigned to either consumed cherry juice or placebo for 5 days before, the day of and for 48 h following a Marathon run. Markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, muscle soreness and isometric strength), inflammation [interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid], total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress [thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and protein carbonyls] were examined before and following the race. Isometric strength recovered significantly faster (P=0.024) in the cherry juice group. No other damage indices were significantly different. Inflammation was reduced in the cherry juice group (IL‐6, P<0.001; CRP, P<0.01; uric acid, P<0.05). TAS was ～10% greater in the cherry juice than the placebo group for all post‐supplementation measures (P<0.05). Protein carbonyls was not different; however, TBARS was lower in the cherry juice than the placebo at 48 h (P<0.05). The cherry juice appears to provide a viable means to aid recovery following strenuous exercise by increasing total antioxidative capacity, reducing inflammation, lipid peroxidation and so aiding in the recovery of muscle function.     

Inflammation and oxidative stress are lower in physically fit and active adults

The objective of this study was to determine if the inverse relationship between perceived physical fitness (pFIT) and exercise frequency (ExFreq) levels and chronic inflammation and oxidative stress exists after making statistical adjustments for confounders including body mass index (BMI), age, gender, and cigarette smoking. Study participants (60% female and 40% male; n = 998) varied widely in age (18–85 years) and BMI (16.7–52.7 kg/m²) completed an extensive medical/health and lifestyle questionnaire, and data were used to establish pFIT and ExFreq tertiles. Biomarkers included serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), total blood leukocytes, five plasma cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP1), and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF)], F₂‐isoprostanes, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). A general linear model was used to examine relationships between pFIT and ExFreq with inflammation and oxidative stress while controlling for age, gender, BMI, and smoking. Benjamini–Hochberg method for false discovery rate correction was used for multiple testing corrections. Significant tests (P < 0.05) for trend were found for the effect of pFIT and ExFreq on CRP, white blood cell, IL‐6, TNF‐α, GCSF, and F₂‐isoprostanes, but not MCP1, IL‐10, FRAP, and ORAC, after adjustment for confounders. These data indicate that an inverse relationship exists among chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and pFIT and ExFreq at the community level even after adjustment for important confounders.     

Manganese‐enhanced MRI detection of neurodegeneration in neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic cerebral injury

In this study, we investigated the Mn‐enhanced MRI (MEMRI) for detecting neurodegenerative processes in neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic (H‐I) cerebral injury. Seven‐day‐old rats were induced with H‐I injury, and scanned for T₁‐weighted image (T₁WI) and T₂‐weighted image (T₂WI) with and without systemic MnCl₂ administration. Serial histological analysis was performed for Mn‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) and glutamine synthetase (GS), which are Mn‐binding enzymes against the oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity in neurodegeneration. In the acute phase (first 2 days), the ipsilateral lesion exhibited no Mn enhancement in T₁WIs, with histology showing no Mn‐SOD and GS production. In the mid‐phase (from day 3), Mn enhancement was found in the cortex, basal ganglia, and hippocampus, correlating with local Mn‐SOD and GS increase. In the late phase, the enhancement became more localized to the pericyst basal ganglia and cortex, and then gradually diminished. In T₂WIs, a signal decrease was observed from day 3 in the corresponding regions. Hypointense voids gradually formed in the late phase, correlating with the local iron accumulation. H‐I rats without Mn²⁺ administration exhibited similar but weak changes in T₁WIs and T₂WIs from days 14 and 7, respectively. These results indicate that Mn²⁺ may be a useful in vivo probe for monitoring Mn‐SOD and GS enzymatic activities. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Coronary MR angiography using citrate‐coated very small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles as blood‐pool contrast agent: Initial experience in humans

Purpose:

To evaluate very small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (VSOP‐C184) as blood‐pool contrast agent for coronary MR angiography (CMRA) in humans.

Materials and Methods:

Six healthy volunteers and 14 patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent CMRA after administration of VSOP‐C184 at the following doses: 20 μmol Fe/kg (4 patients), 40 μmol Fe/kg (5 patients), 45 μmol Fe/kg (6 healthy volunteers), and 60 μmol Fe/kg (5 patients). In healthy volunteers, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and vessel edge definition (VED) of contrast‐enhanced CMRA were compared with non–contrast‐enhanced CMRA. In patients, a per‐segment intention‐to‐diagnose evaluation of contrast‐enhanced CMRA for detection of significant coronary stenosis (≥50%) was performed.

Results:

Three healthy volunteers (45 μmol Fe/kg VSOP‐C184) and two patients (60 μmol Fe/kg VSOP‐C184) had adverse events of mild or moderate intensity. VSOP‐C184 significantly increased CNR (15.1 ± 4.6 versus 6.9 ± 1.9; P = 0.010), SNR (21.7 ± 5.3 versus 15.4 ± 1.6; P = 0.048), and VED (2.3 ± 0.6 versus 1.2 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) compared with non–contrast‐enhanced CMRA. In patients, contrast‐enhanced CMRA yielded sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for detection of significant coronary stenosis of 86.7%, 71.0%, 73.1%, respectively.

Conclusion:

CMRA using VSOP‐C184 was feasible and yielded moderate diagnostic accuracy for detection of significant coronary stenosis within this proof‐of‐concept setting. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Incidence of sporting injury in New Zealand youths aged 6-15 years

OBJECTIVE: To document the incidence of injury in 6-15 year olds playing rugby union, rugby league, and netball, and to identify the common mechanisms, sites, severity, and time of injury. METHODS: Cross sectional data were collected by trained observers who watched 258 games of rugby union, netball, and rugby league over a four week period. The condition of the injured participants was monitored until recovery. RESULTS: In total, 5174 players were observed and an injury rate of 18 per 1000 player hours was calculated. Of all observed injuries, 29% required some form of medical treatment. A significant difference (p<0.05) in the distribution of injury over the four quarters of the games was recorded, most occurring in the first three quarters. In total, 81% of the injuries were classified as contact injuries, and these mainly occurred through direct contact with the opposition. Of all observed injuries, 27% were recurrent. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of injury in rugby union, netball, and rugby league is low for children aged between 6 and 15 years relative to adult rates.


     

Temporal and noninvasive monitoring of inflammatory‐cell infiltration to myocardial infarction sites using micrometer‐sized iron oxide particles

Micrometer‐sized iron oxide particles (MPIO) are a more sensitive MRI contrast agent for tracking cell migration compared to ultrasmall iron oxide particles. This study investigated the temporal relationship between inflammation and tissue remodeling due to myocardial infarction (MI) using MPIO‐enhanced MRI. C57Bl/6 mice received an intravenous MPIO injection for cell labeling, followed by a surgically induced MI seven days later (n = 7). For controls, two groups underwent either sham‐operated surgery without inducing an MI post‐MPIO injection (n = 7) or MI surgery without MPIO injection (n = 6). The MRIs performed post‐MI showed significant signal attenuation around the MI site for the mice that received an intravenous MPIO injection for cell labeling, followed by a surgically induced MI seven days later, compared to the two control groups (P < 0.01). The findings suggested that the prelabeled inflammatory cells mobilized and infiltrated into the MI site. Furthermore, the linear regression of contrast‐to‐noise ratio at the MI site and left ventricular ejection function suggested a positive correlation between the labeled inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiac function attenuation during post‐MI remodeling (r² = 0.98). In conclusion, this study demonstrated an MRI technique for noninvasively and temporally monitoring inflammatory cell migration into the myocardium while potentially providing additional insight concerning the pathologic progression of a myocardial infarction. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Cytokine,glycemic, and insulinemic responses to an acute bout of games‐based activity in adolescents

An acute bout of endurance exercise in adults stimulates a same‐day anti‐inflammatory response which may affect low‐grade chronic inflammation and insulin resistance and benefit cardio‐metabolic health. The anti‐inflammatory responses to intermittent games‐based exercise and to exercise in young people beyond 2 hours post‐exercise are unknown. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to examine the anti‐inflammatory, glycemic and insulinemic response to games‐based activity in adolescents. Following ethical approval and familiarization, 39 adolescents (12.3 ± 0.7 years) completed an exercise (E) and rested (R) trial in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design. Following a standardized breakfast, participants completed 1‐hour games‐based activity. Capillary blood samples were taken at baseline, immediately and 1 hour post‐exercise, and 30, 60 and 120 minutes following a standardized lunch. A final blood sample was taken the next morning. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. IL‐6 concentration was higher on day one of the exercise trial (E:3.4 ± 0.4, R:2.7 ± 0.4 pg/mL; P = 0.006), as was the anti‐inflammatory IL‐6:TNF‐α ratio (E:5.53 ± 0.93, R:3.75 ± 0.45; P = 0.027). Levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 increased on day two of the exercise trial (E:2.11 ± 0.23, R:1.66 ± 0.16 pg/mL; P = 0.032). Insulin sensitivity was enhanced on the exercise trial with a reduction in iAUC following the standardized lunch (E:2310 ± 834, R:3122 ± 1443 mU/L × 120 minutes; P < 0.001). Games‐based activity stimulated an anti‐inflammatory response up to 24 hours post‐exercise and improved insulin sensitivity in response to a standardized meal in healthy adolescents. These novel findings suggest that games‐based activity is an ecologically valid mode of exercise to elicit beneficial effects on cardio‐metabolic risk factors in young people.     

The New Zealand Rugby Injury and Performance Project: V. Epidemiology of a season of rugby injury

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence, nature, and circumstances of injury experienced by a cohort of rugby union players during a full competitive club season. METHODS: A prospective cohort study followed up 356 male and female rugby players throughout the 1993 competitive club season. Players were interviewed by telephone each week to obtain information on the amount of rugby played and the injury experienced. RESULTS: Detailed information was collected for 4403 player-games and 8653 player-practices. A total of 671 injury events were reported, of which 569 were rugby related. The injury rate for games was higher than that for practices (rate ratio 8.3). At 10.9 injuries per 100 player- games, males had a higher rate of injury than females at 6.1 injuries per 100 player-games (p<0.001). Injury rates varied by position, with male locks (13.0 injuries per 100 player-games) and female inside backs (12.3 injuries per 100 player-games) having the highest rate in their respective sexes. The lower limb was the body region most often injured in games (42.5%) and practices (58.4%). Sprains/strains were the most common type of injury in games (46.7%) and practices (76.1%). In games the tackle was the phase of play in which the most injuries occurred (40%), followed by rucks (17%) and mauls (12%). Thirteen per cent of game injury events were the result of foul play. CONCLUSIONS: Rugby injury was common among the study subjects and varied according to grade and gender. Identifying the causes of injuries in the tackle, lower limb injuries, and dealing with the issue of foul play are priority areas for the prevention of rugby injury.


     

Mapping of redox status in a brain‐disease mouse model by three‐dimensional EPR imaging

Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging using nitroxides is a powerful method for visualizing the redox status modulated by oxidative stress in vivo. Typically, however, data acquisition times have been too slow to obtain a sufficient number of projections for three‐dimensional images, when using continuous wave‐electron paramagnetic resonance imager in small rodents, using nitroxides with comparatively short T₂ and a half‐life values. Because of improvements in imagers that enable rapid data‐acquisition, the feasibility of three‐dimensional electron paramagnetic resonance imaging with good quality in mice was tested with nitroxides. Three‐dimensional images of mice were obtained at an interval of 15 sec under field scanning of 0.3 sec and with 46 projections in the case of strong electron paramagnetic resonance signals. Three‐dimensional electron paramagnetic resonance images of a blood brain barrier‐permeable nitroxide, 3‐hydroxymethyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidine‐1‐oxyl, in the mouse head clearly showed that 3‐hydroxymethyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethylpyrrolidine‐1‐oxyl was distributed within brain tissues, and this was confirmed by MRI observations. Based on the pharmacokinetics of nitroxides in mice, half‐life mapping was demonstrated in an ischemia‐reperfusion model mouse brain. Inhomogeneous half‐lives were clearly mapped pixel‐by‐pixel in mouse head under oxidative stress by the improved continuous wave‐electron paramagnetic resonance imager noninvasively. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Correlations between resistance training‐induced changes on phase angle and biochemical markers in older women

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT ) on phase angle (PhA), inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and to evaluate whether these RT ‐induced adaptations are related to PhA changes. Fifty‐one older women (70.6 ± 5.1 years; 26.9 ± 4.2 kg/m²) were randomly allocated into a training group (TG ) that performed 12‐week RT or a nonexercising control group (CG ). The PhA (Xitron), body composition (DXA ), and blood sample measurements (after a 12 hours fast) were performed before and after the intervention. The TG showed a significant (P  < .05) increase in PhA (TG : +7.4±5.9% vs CG : −3.6 ± 8.8%), and interleukin‐10 (IL ‐10; TG : +51.8 ± 71.1% vs CG : −46.6 ± 38.0%), and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF ‐α; TG : −15.2 ± 11.1% vs CG : +6.9±17.7%), interleukin‐6 (IL ‐6; TG : −17.9 ± 17.8% vs CG : +6.1 ± 24.8%), and C‐reactive protein (CRP ; TG : −24.1 ± 19.9% vs CG : +43.8 ± 31.1%). Moreover, TG upregulated catalase (TG : +11.4 ± 15.0% vs CG : −6.7 ± 10.2%). Changes in TNF ‐α (r  = −.71), CRP (r  = −.65), lower advanced oxidation protein products (r  = −.55), and catalase (r  = +.73) after RT were correlated with changes in PhA (P  < .05). These results suggest that RT improves PhA, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and the changes in inflammatory and oxidative damage markers are correlated with changes in PhA.     

Neuromuscular and inflammatory responses to handball small‐sided games: the effects of physical contact

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of physical contact on neuromuscular impairments and inflammatory response during handball small‐sided games. Using a counterbalanced design, 12 elite male junior handball players were divided into two groups: contact (C‐SSG) and no‐contact (NC‐SSG), performing both contact and no‐contact small‐sided games, in reverse order on two training sessions separated by 5 days. The methodology and rules were identical for the two SSG regimens, with the only difference being the inclusion or prohibition of upper body use for physical contacts. Upper and lower body neuromuscular performances and blood concentrations of inflammatory cytokine IL‐6 were assessed before and immediately after the games. During small‐sided games, video analysis was used to establish the physical contact counts. Significant differences were found in most upper and lower limbs muscles kinetic variables and in the physical contact events (all P < 0.001) following the two training regimens. There was an increase in IL‐6 after C‐SSG and no changes following NC‐SSG (P < 0.05 and P = 0.12, respectively). Moreover, a strong correlation was found between the number of physical contacts and IL‐6 responses (r = 0.971, P < 0.001) in C‐SSG. This study indicates that an inflammatory response and large upper and lower body neuromuscular impairments result from physical contact in elite handball players. These outcomes outline the specific physiological profile of C‐SSG that, in turn, might be used by practitioners and coaches as a practical approach to strategically select exercises in athlete's overall training program.     

Acute high‐intensity football games can improve children's inhibitory control and neurophysiological measures of attention

Recent studies suggest that a single bout of exercise can lead to transient performance improvements in specific cognitive domains in children. However, more knowledge is needed to determine the key exercise characteristics for obtaining these effects and how they translate into real‐world settings. In the present study, we investigate how small‐sided football games of either high‐ or moderate‐intensity affect measures of inhibitory control in a school setting. Eighty‐one children (mean age 11.8, 48 boys) were randomly allocated to three groups performing 20‐minute of high‐intensity small‐sided real football games (SRF), moderate‐intensity small‐sided walking football games (SWF) or resting (RF). Behavioral measures of inhibitory control and neurophysiological measures of attention (P300 latency and amplitude) were obtained during a flanker task performed at baseline and 20 minutes following the intervention. Retention of declarative memory was assessed in a visual memory task 7 days after the intervention. Measures of inhibitory control improved more in children performing SRF compared to SWF 19 ms, 95% CI [7, 31 ms] (P = 0.041). This was paralleled by larger increases in P300 amplitudes at Fz in children performing SRF compared both to RF in congruent (3.54 μV, 95% CI [0.85, 6.23 μV], P = 0.039) and incongruent trials (5.56 μV, 95% CI [2.87, 8.25 μV], P < 0.001) and compared to SWF in incongruent trials (4.10 μV, 95% CI [1.41, 6.68 μV], P = 0.010). No effects were found in measures of declarative memory. Together this indicates that acute high‐intensity small‐sided football games can transiently improve measures of inhibitory control and neurophysiological correlates of attention. Intense small‐sided football games are easily implementable and can be employed by practitioners, for example, during breaks throughout the school day.     

Seated limits‐of‐stability of athletes with disabilities with regard to competitive levels and sport classification

In this study, we asked whether wheelchair rugby (WR) classification and competitive level influence trunk function of athletes with disabilities, in terms of seated limits‐of‐stability (LoS). Twenty‐eight athletes were recruited from international‐ and national‐level WR teams, with each group exhibiting marked differences in years of sports practice and training volume. Athletes were also distributed into three groups according their classification: low‐point (0.5‐1.5‐point); mid‐point (2.0‐2.5‐point); and high‐point (3.0‐3.5‐point). Athletes were asked to sit on a force platform and to lean the body as far as possible in eight predefined directions. Center of pressure (COP) coordinates were calculated from the ground reaction forces acquired with the force platform. LoS were computed as the area of ellipse adjusted to maximal COP excursion achieved for the eight directions. ANOVAs reveal that LoS were not different when international‐ and national‐level players were compared (P=.744). Nevertheless, LoS were larger in players from the high‐point group than from the low‐point group (P=.028), with the mid‐point group being not different from both (P>.194). In summary, (i) competitive level does not impact LoS measures and (ii) LoS are remarkably distinct when comparing both extremes of the WR classification range. Our results suggest that, as a training‐resistant measure, LoS could be a valid assessment of trunk impairment, potentially contributing to the development of an evidence‐based WR classification.     

Relationship between habitual physical activity and gross motor skills is multifaceted in 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children

Adequate motor skills are essential for children participating in age‐related physical activities, and gross motor skills may play an important role for maintaining sufficient level of physical activity (PA) during life course. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and PA in children when PA was analyzed by both metabolic‐ and neuromuscular‐based methods. Gross motor skills (KTK – Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder and APM inventory – manipulative skill test) of 84 children aged 5–8 years (53 preschoolers, 28 girls; 31 primary schoolers, 18 girls) were measured, and accelerometer‐derived PA was analyzed using in parallel metabolic counts and neuromuscular impact methods. The gross motor skills were associated with moderate‐to‐high neuromuscular impacts, PA of vigorous metabolic intensity, and mean level of PA in primary school girls (0.5 < r < 0.7, P < 0.05), and with high impacts in preschool girls (0.3 < r < 0.5, P < 0.05). In preschool boys, moderate impacts, light‐to‐vigorous PA, and mean level of PA were associated with gross motor skills (0.4 < r < 0.7, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the result emphasizes an important relationship between gross motor skills and PA stressing both metabolic and neuromuscular systems in children. Furthermore, PA highly stressing neuromuscular system interacts with gross motor proficiency in girls especially.     

Use of ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO)‐enhanced MRI to demonstrate diffuse inflammation in the normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients: An exploratory study

Purpose

To explore ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) as a marker for diffuse inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS) normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM), using quantitative MRI. Disease activity in the NAWM of MS patients partly explains why MRI lesion burden correlates only moderately with disability. USPIO have been shown to visualize the cellular component of inflammation in focal MS lesions. In this study, we aimed to explore USPIO as a marker for the more diffuse inflammation in MS NAWM, using quantitative MRI.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective MRI study, 16 MS patients (eight relapsing‐remitting MS [RRMS] and eight primary‐progressive MS [PPMS] cases) and five healthy control (HC) subjects were included. Using a flip‐angle (FA) array, B1‐corrected T1 maps were generated before and 24 hours after USPIO (SHU555C) injection. White‐matter (WM) T1 histogram and region‐of‐interest (ROI) characteristics were compared between both time points using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Both NAWM ROI and histogram analyses showed T1 shortening after USPIO injection in MS patients (P < 0.01), but not in HCs (P = 0.68).

Conclusion

This exploratory study suggests that USPIO‐enhanced MRI may be a new potential marker for subtle inflammatory activity in MS NAWM. Further studies should focus on relating diffuse inflammation to clinical disease activity and treatment efficacy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:774–779. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Airway inflammation,cough and athlete quality of life in elite female cross‐country skiers: A longitudinal study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a season of cross‐country training and racing on airway inflammation, cough symptoms, and athlete quality of life in female skiers. Eighteen elite female skiers performed sputum induction and completed the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and the Recovery‐Stress Questionnaire (REST‐Q) at three time points (T1 – May/Jun, T2 – Oct/Nov, T3 – Jan–Mar) during the year. No changes were observed between T1 and T2. However, an increase in sputum eosinophils and lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and a significant change in all three domains of the LCQ were observed between T1 and T3 (P < 0.05). A significant association was found between the total yearly hours of training and the change in the total cell count (r² = 0.74; P = 0.006), and a number of other sputum cell counts between T1 and T3. No changes were observed for any domain of the REST‐Q. The results of this study demonstrate that airway inflammation and cough symptoms are significantly increased in elite female cross‐country skiers across a year of training and racing. The increase in airway inflammation is related to the total amount of training and is worse during the winter months when athletes are training and racing in cold, dry air.