A sedentary lifestyle combined with a poorly diversified diet contributes to alterations in lipid profiles, namely total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), which are key risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These lipid imbalances are closely linked to hepatic function, as the liver plays a central role in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, prolonged exposure to metabolic stressors may predispose individuals to hepatic toxicity, underscoring the importance of evaluating hepatoprotective potential in dietary interventions. Seaweed species are naturally low in fat and contain phycocolloids, many of which function as water-soluble fibers with minimal caloric content. To evaluate the bioactive potential of a seaweed-based dessert on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, a pilot study was conducted involving individuals with TC levels exceeding 200 mg dL−1, none of whom were receiving anti-hypercholesterolemia treatment. As part of the research, the laboratory team formulated a nutraceutical product derived from seaweed (“Gracicholosus”). Healthy adult volunteers consumed 100 mL of this seaweed-based dessert daily for a period of five weeks. Venous blood samples were taken at two distinct time periods, T0 (baseline, before intake) and T1 (after 5 weeks of consumption), in compliance with the inclusion criteria, to evaluate the “Gracicholosus” possible effects. The results revealed a mean reduction in both HDL-C and LDL-C levels at T1 compared to T0. TC and LDL-C are important biomarkers in determining and managing CVD risk, particularly in connection with atherosclerosis, where elevated levels are associated with increased health risks. These findings suggest that regular consumption of seaweed-based jelly exhibits potential lipid-lowering bioactivity and may offer cardiovascular and hepatic protective benefits.

Objective The study evaluated the impact of gluten-free seaweed bread consumption on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, demonstrating the potential benefits of including this type of nutraceutical in diets for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.Methods Ten volunteers of both sexes consumed seaweed bread for 6 weeks. Venous blood was collected three times: before (Initial) and after (Final) bread consumption. Four weeks after the end of bread consumption, a blood sample was collected solely to assess Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol), LDL-C (Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol), Gluc (Glucose), Triglycerides (TG), CRP (C-reactive protein), and other levels were quantified. All analytical parameters were determined using commercial kits from Liquick Cor by Cormay, Lomianki, Poland, using the Prestige 24i equipment from Tokyo Boeki Medical System Ltd in Tokyo, Japan.Results The questionnaire demonstrated the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia in the volunteers, highlighting the importance of functional diets containing seaweed. Favorable results were recorded in terms of biochemical markers, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism, with a decreasing trend in HbA1c levels and C-reactive protein, which is involved in the inflammatory process. There was also a downward trend in triglyceride concentrations.Conclusion The nutraceutical appears to show promising results in some of the parameters evaluated, particularly inflammation and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Its consumption may be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, improving the quality of life of the elderly population. However, additional research with more volunteers and over longer periods is needed to consolidate the results.

Infographic titled "The six-minute walk test in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis - prognostic utility put to the real-world test." It presents data from 252 ATTR-CM patients, mostly male, studied from March 2012 to July 2024. The middle section illustrates the six-minute walk test progress over three years, with a Kaplan-Meier survival plot. The right section shows threshold hazard ratios for distances below 350 meters. Key findings are listed below, emphasizing the test's prognostic value but not for patients on amyloid-specific therapy.

The Lamiaceae family, including common herbs like rosemary and mint, is being investigated for its potential health benefits. In addition to numerous health benefits, research is looking into these plants' anti-inflammatory qualities and potential impacts on blood sugar regulation. More specifically, the Greek endemic Lamiaceae plants are proven to be of great importance, regarding their bioactive compounds and the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties they have. The study's objective was to compile information from the literature regarding the anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties of Origanum rotundifolium, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavendula angustifolia, and Thymus serpyllum. Lavender angustifolia is used for many traditional medical and cosmetic products. Several studies demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory mechanisms exhibited by Rosmarinus officinalis. Leukocyte migration was found to be significantly inhibited in vivo by rosemary essential oil and extract. Changes in the gut microbiota induced by essential oils rosemary as prebiotics in mice regulated cardiovascular and metabolic factors, which focus on the potential of these nutraceuticals for reducing Ischemic heart disease risk in patients affected by type-2 diabetes mellitus. A mixture of Origanum majorana and Origanum vulgare plants investigated antidiabetic activities in zebrafish. The Lamiaceae family provides a natural source of substances that may be used in functional foods. These functional meals have the potential to improve general health and help manage chronic illnesses. The precise mechanisms of action of these plants and the best doses for use in functional food applications require more investigation.

Sodium, although essential for life, is a key factor in changes in vascular function and cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess. Sarcocornia spp., a halophyte plant with many nutritional benefits, presents itself as a promising substitute for the consumption of purified salt. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are widely studied due to their action in physiological processes and as biomarkers at the diagnostic level due to their increased expression in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to evaluate whether replacing salt with Sarcocornia perennis (S. perennis) powder in healthy young people leads to an improvement in biochemical profiles and the attenuation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. In the present study, 30 participants were randomized into a control group that consumed salt and an intervention group that replaced salt with powdered S. perennis. The evaluation of the biochemical parameters was carried out by the spectrophotometry method, and the evaluation of MMP activity was carried out by zymography. A significant decrease was observed in the intervention group in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and creatinine (p-value ≤ 0.05), along with lower but not significantly different mean values of triglycerides. Regarding MMP activity after the intervention, a lower mean value was observed for MMP-9 activity, with there being higher mean values for MMP-2 activity, both with p-values ≥ 0.05. The results confirmed that the consumption of S. perennis is a beneficial choice for health regarding the lipid profile. The evaluation of MMP activity indicated the potential of S. perennis in the regulation of MMP-9 activity in healthy individuals, along with the need for the further study of these proteases in individuals with pathologies.

In recent years, the world’s aging population has increased, contributing to the development of age-related pathologies, which have been aggravated by physical inactivity and excessive fat intake. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing a nutritional program (control group—CG) combined with exercise (intervention group—IG) on the inflammatory profile, MMPs, and TIMPs in a group of 34 elderly participants (IG, n = 18; CG, n = 16). Participants underwent a full multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation (T0), with the gathering of clinical information and biochemical and hematological determinations being re-evaluated eight weeks later (T1). A diet manual was made, which provided a selection of different types of diets resulting from the nutritional needs of the different users at the center. The aerobic exercise consisted of two sessions per week with a total duration of 1 h. The laboratory evaluation was performed by slot blot. Statistical analysis included a paired sample t-test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. We observed that in the IG, there was a significant increase at T1 of TNF-α (p < 0.05) and MMP-2 (p < 0.05), without changes in IL-6 and MMP-9, showing that the intervention did not cause an exacerbated inflammatory response in exercised elderly people. The intervention program implemented showed potential to contribute to better active aging strategies, taking advantage of the known benefits of exercise without inducing a harmful inflammatory response in elderly participants.

Hydrotherapy is highly recommended for older adults because it offers warmth and support, so people with pain or reduced mobility and balance can move and exercise more freely compared to regular physical activity. The high plasma antioxidant capacity of uric acid in neutralizing oxidative species and the importance of nitric oxide (NO) in vasodilation and inflammatory response are relevant in older adults. This work aimed to evaluate hydrotherapy's effect on uric acid and NO concentrations in a population aged ≥ 60 years before and after hydrotherapy. A randomized study with 37 individuals was divided into two groups: the experimental group, which was evaluated at two time points: T0-before treatment and T1-after 15-hydrotherapy sessions, and the control group, which did not practice any exercise. The determinations of uric acid and NO levels in serum were carried out by spectrophotometry. Statistics were carried out with SPSS. The experimental group showed a significant increase in the concentration of uric acid in T1 compared to T0. NO results did not show significant differences between T0 and T1. Regular hydrotherapy increases the concentration of serum uric acid, potentially beneficial in the performance of antioxidant functions, reducing oxidative stress, delaying aging, and improving the well-being of older adults.

Aging is a complex process inherent to and inevitable in humans. With life expectancy rising, there are concerns about the senior population’s wellbeing, and a hope of preventing certain diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. To achieve it, this study resorts to the implementation of an interventional program based on the comprehensive geriatric assessment model [AGA@4life]. The aim is to evaluate the effect of a new nutritional and exercise regime and evaluate possible changes in nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and endothelin 1 (ET-1). An intervention study was developed with 17 participants with ages of 65 and above. They were evaluated in the beginning [T0] and after eight weeks [T1], where NO metabolites and ET-1 levels were determined by enzymatic assays and the slot blot technique, respectively. There was a significant decrease in ET-1 levels in both the control (p < 0.001) and intervention (p = 0.04) groups from T0 to T1, but there was only a tendency for a decrease in the NO metabolite’s levels in the same conditions [p > 0.05]. Even though the NO metabolite levels did not increase as expected, possibly because of an increase in oxidative stress, the ET-1 levels decreased as expected and the overall results are promising, proving this program could have a beneficial effect on the geriatric population.

Previous studies have shown that excessive salt intake is strongly associated with high blood pressure (HT), vascular dysfunction, and the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate Sarcocornia effectiveness as a salt substitute, addressing its effect on cardiovascular function in healthy young individuals. Thirty healthy participants, aged 18 to 26 years, were randomized into two groups: the control group (CG) and the intervention group (IG). The IG used Sarcocornia powder as a salt substitute for cooking, and the CG used regular salt, during a period of 1 month. A baseline evaluation was performed before the participants started the intervention phase, and was repeated after a 30-day intervention period. Each evaluation included blood pressure (BP) measurement, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid pulse wave analysis (PWA), and blood samples were also collected for analysis. Sodium excretion was measured at baseline and after intervention through spot urine collection and analysis, a method suitable for this population but with known limitations. Baseline parameters were similar between groups and were within the normal range. Sodium excretion remained unchanged in the two evaluations in the CG, but significantly decreased after intervention in the IG. The reduction in sodium excretion in the IG was followed by a significant reduction in brachial and aortic systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and also in PWV. No significant changes were observed in the CG in terms of cardiovascular parameters. This preliminary study conveys positive results in favor of Sarcocornia as a dietary substitute for regular salt, providing added evidence of the negative cardiovascular effects of high salt intake in young and healthy adults.

Introduction: Oxidative stress (OS) results from the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), being responsible for the development of numerous pathologies. Resveratrol (3,5,4’- trihydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring antioxidant, produced by a wide variety of fruit and plant species, in response to several stimuli. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio, and neuroprotective properties, this polyphenol has shown great interest in recent years. Objective: To understand the role of resveratrol in enzymatic antioxidant defenses and vascular function, but also in decreasing inflammation. Material and Methods: 27 healthy students, aged 18 - 22 years, were randomized into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups, and submitted to placebo and resveratrol supplementation, respectively, for 30 consecutive days. In these participants, laboratory evaluation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reductase (GluRed) activity by spectrophotometry, and serum levels of endothelin 1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by slot blot were performed, before (T0) and after supplementation (T1). Results: Evaluating GPx activity at T1, higher values were observed in the EG (p = 0.005). Regarding GluRed, both groups demonstrated a tendency to increase enzyme activity at T1. However, significant results were only observed in CG (p = 0.004). In the remaining parameters evaluated, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions: Supplementation with resveratrol may be effective in reducing OS by increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Yet, it was unable to prove its role as a cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory agent.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has detrimental multi-system consequences. Symptoms may appear during the acute phase of infection, but the literature on long-term recovery of young adults after mild to moderate infection is lacking. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows for the observation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since physical activity (PA) can help improve ANS modulation, investigating factors that can influence HRV outcomes after COVID-19 is essential to advancements in care and intervention strategies. Clinicians may use this research to aid in the development of non-medication interventions. At baseline, 18 control (CT) and 20 post-COVID-19 (PCOV) participants were observed where general anamnesis was performed, followed by HRV and PA assessment. Thus, 10 CT and 7 PCOV subjects returned for follow-up (FU) evaluation 6 weeks after complete immunization (two doses) and assessments were repeated. Over the follow-up period, a decrease in sympathetic (SNS) activity (mean heart rate: p = 0.0024, CI = −24.67–−3.26; SNS index: p = 0.0068, CI = −2.50–−0.32) and increase in parasympathetic (PNS) activity (mean RR: p = 0.0097, CI = 33.72–225.51; PNS index: p = 0.0091, CI = −0.20–1.47) were observed. At follow-up, HRV was not different between groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in PA between moments and groups. This study provides evidence of ANS recovery after SARS-CoV-2 insult in young adults over a follow-up period, independent of changes in PA.

Introdução: O stress oxidativo (SO) resulta da produção excessiva de espécies reativas de oxigénio (ROS), sendo responsável pelo desenvolvimento de inúmeras patologias. O resveratrol (3,5’,4- trihidroxiestilbeno) é um antioxidante de origem natural, produzido por uma grande variedade de espécies, cujas propriedades têm despoletado um interesse crescente. Objetivo: Compreender o papel do resveratrol nas defesas antioxidantes enzimáticas e na função vascular, mas também na redução da inflamação. Material e Métodos: 27 alunos clinicamente saudáveis, com idades entre os 18 - 22 anos foram randomizados em grupo controlo (GC) e experimental (GE), e submetidos à suplementação com placebo e resveratrol, respetivamente, durante 30 dias. Foi realizada a avaliação laboratorial da atividade da glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e redutase (GluRed) por espectrofotometria, e dos níveis séricos de endotelina 1 (ET-1), fator de necrose tumoral-alfa (TNF-α) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) por slot blot, no período basal (T0) e após suplementação (T1). Resultados: No que concerne à atividade da GPx, no momento T1, observaram-se valores superiores no GE (p = 0,005). Relativamente à GluRed, ambos os grupos demonstraram uma tendência de aumento da atividade enzimática em T1. No entanto, apenas o GC revelou resultados estatisticamente significativos (p = 0,004). Nos restantes parâmetros avaliados, não foram observadas diferenças significativas. Conclusões: A suplementação com resveratrol pode ser eficaz na redução do SO, ao aumentar a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes. Ainda assim, não foi possível provar o seu papel como agente cardioprotetor e anti-inflamatório.

Objective: The long-term consequences of COVID-19 amongst survivors of acute infection are unknown, particularly on the cardiovascular system. Given the ability of the virus to affect the arterial wall, the question emerges to whether COVID-19 has a negative modulating effect of the vascular aging trajectory, conveying accelerated arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction, and thus, contributing to an increased CV risk over the life course. Objective: The main aim of this study was to ascertain the consequences of COVID-19 on arterial stiffness, by measuring PWV and thereby evaluating the presence of EVA. Secondary objectives of the study include investigating the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on haemodynamic parameters measured by PWA. Design and method: A cross-sectional analysis of the initial data from the Fit@4COVID cohort was made. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid pulse wave analysis (PWA) were evaluated in participants with (Covid19 group) and without (Control group) prior infection with SARS-CoV-2. Groups were matched for age and gender. Blood samples were taken for confirmation of prior exposition to the virus and to study the immune and inflammatory profile. Results: A total of 60 participants, equally divided in two groups, were enrolled, with a mean age of 20 ± 1.0 years. No significant differences were observed between groups concerning anthropometric, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Significant differences between-groups were observed for PWV (control: 5.84 ± 0.33 m/s, Covid19: 6.19 ± 0,47 m/s; p < 0.01), even after adjusting for mean arterial pressure (p = 0.019). Significant differences were also depicted for central systolic blood pressure, with 106.40 ± 9.27 mmHg in the control group and 115.00 ± 11.23 mmHg in the Covid19 group (p = .012). Similar results were found when observing brachial systolic blood pressure, central pulse pressure and brachial pulse pressure, all of which showed higher values in the Covid19 group. Conclusions: The cross-sectional analysis of the initial Fit@4COVID data buttresses a relevant impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus over the arterial wall, even in healthy young adults with mild forms of COVID-19. The long-term effects of COVID-19 over the cardiovascular system remains to be demonstrated.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of physical activity (PA) on autonomic function after mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection in young adults. METHODS: Participants aged 20-40 years after mild or moderate COVID-19 with a previous positive PCR test and not admitted to intensive care unit (PCOV) were included in this study. subjects were recruited after 15 to 180 days of diagnosis by positive PCR test. An age-matched healthy control group (CT) that was negative for COVID-19 was also recruited. After a minimum of 6 weeks from the second shot of COVID-19 vaccine subjects were again recruited to follow up evaluations. Evaluations included heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, measured using a cardio-frequency meter. Subjects were equipped with a chest strap and monitor, and instructed to breathe naturally for 25 minutes. PA was measured using a triaxial accelerometer worn above the waist for seven consecutive days during waking hours. For intergroup comparisons between the PCOV and CT, an unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was performed depending on data distribution. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to observe the influence of PA on the HRV indexes. Additionally, a Pearson r or Spearman correlational analysis was performed to better illustate the influence of PA on HRV changes. RESULTS: PCOV presented significant reductions in sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity over time when compared to CT demonstrated by mean heart rate (HR) (p = 0.0088) and SNS index (p = 0.0068). PCOV also presented with an increase in parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity over time demonstrated by mean RR (p = 0.0097) and PNS index (p = 0.0091) when compared to CT. No group or moment differences were observed in PA (p > 0.05). ANCOVA, including PA in the multivariable regression analysis model, portrayed significant group differences in mean HR (p = 0.014), SNS index (p = 0.015), mean RR (p = 0.012), and PNS index (p = 0.013) were maintained. No relationships were observed during correlational analysis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Young adults infected with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 improved ANS function over a 5-month period. Significant findings were maintained during ANCOVA, while no correlational relationships were identified between PA and HRV indicating PA did not influence changes in HRV.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD), such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), are responsible for the majority of annual deaths worldwide. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, among others, can enhance the onset of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The integration of natural products in the diet, such as marine macroalgae or hydrocolloids extracted from them, has been extensively studied. The application of these substances in the prevention of pathologies is expanding due to the high content of bioactive compounds and as dietary fiber, constituting an excellent source of organic components to produce functional foods. The objective of this review will be to compile the effectiveness of algal polysaccharides, specifically agar, alginates and carrageenan, in the prevention of CVD, focusing on its action on the pathophysiology underlying this group of diseases, as well as exploring the various human and animal studies available. Additionally, we emphasize the benefits of dietary fiber consumption and the mechanisms of its action throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The present work will also present information about the benefits of consuming macroalgae in regulating intestinal health and its general relationship with CVD.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate if physical activity is associated with systemic and cellular immunometabolic responses, in young adults after mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection. Methods Mild- to- moderate post-COVID-19 patients (70.50 ± 43.10 days of diagnosis; age: 29.4 (21.9– 34.9) years; BMI: 25.5 ± 4.3 kg m 2 n = 20) and healthy age-matched controls (age: 29.3 (21.2 – 32.6) years; BMI: 25.4 ± 4.7 kg m 2 ; n = 20) were evaluated. Physical activity levels (PAL), body composition, dietary habits, muscular and pulmonary function, mental health, sleep quality, metabolic parameters, immune phenotypic characterization, stimulated whole blood and PBMC culture (cytokine production), mRNA, and mitochondrial respiration in PBMCs were evaluated. Results The post-COVID-19 group exhibited lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.038); therefore, all study comparisons were performed with adjustment for MVPA. Post-COVID-19 impacted the pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FVC %pred) compared with the control (p adjusted by MVPA (p adj) <0.05). Post-COVID-19 exhibited lower levels of serum IL-6 (p adj <0.01), whereas it showed higher serum IL-10, triglyceride, leptin, IgG, ACE activity, TNFRSF1A, and PGE 2 (p adj <0.05) levels compared with controls. Post-COVID-19 presented a lower percentage of Treg cells (p adj = 0.03) and altered markers of lymphocyte activation and exhaustion (lower CD28 expression in CD8 + T cells (p adj = 0.014), whereas CD4 + T cells showed higher PD1 expression (p adj = 0.037)) compared with the control group. Finally, post- COVID-19 presented an increased LPS-stimulated whole- blood IL-10 concentration (p adj <0.01). When exploring mitochondrial respiration and gene expression in PBMCs, we observed a higher LEAK state value (p adj <0.01), lower OXPHOS activity (complex I) (p adj = 0.04), and expression of the Rev-Erb-α clock mRNA after LPS stimulation in the post-COVID-19 patients than in the control (p adj <0.01). Mainly, PAL was associated with changes in IL-10, triglyceride, and leptin levels in the plasma of post-COVID-19 patients. PAL was also associated with modulation of the peripheral frequency of Treg cells and the expression of PD-1 in CD8+ T cells, although it abrogated the statistical effect in the analysis of TNF-α and IL-6 production by LPS- and PMA-stimulated PBMC of post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Young adults after mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared to have lower physical activity levels, which can be associated with clinical and immunometabolic responses in a complex manner.

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between reactive species and antioxidant agents. One of the effects of oxidative stress is the normal process of cellular aging that stems from the accumulation of tissue damage. Epidemiological studies show that regular physical exercise prevents the injuries caused by aging. The objective was to evaluate whether the practice of hydrotherapy, in an elderly population, positively influenced the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase that act by reducing reactive species in the body. The study involved 37 participants aged ≥ 60 years, of both sexes, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 15 hydrotherapy sessions. Enzyme activity was evaluated in two moments: T0-before the first session, and T1-after the last session, with blood collections conducted in both. In T1, there was a significant increase vs. T0 of glutathione peroxidase activity (57.72 ± 19.99 vs. 48.14 ± 17.22 U/g Hb) and glutathione reductase activity (100.18 ± 30.85 vs. 78.44 ± 21.26 U/L). Both sexes tended to show higher values at T1. We concluded that hydrotherapy proved to be a positive stimulus for the enzymatic antioxidant activity of the elderly, suggesting that a regular and moderate practice of physical exercise induces better and higher quality of life.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has detrimental multi-system consequences. Symptoms may appear during the acute phase of infection, but literature on long-term recovery of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection is lacking. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows observation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation post SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, physical activity (PA) helps improve ANS modulation, where investigation of PA influence on ANS recovery is vital to reduce risk and severity of symptoms. Clinicians may use this research to aid development of non-medication interventions. At baseline, 18 control (CT) and 20 post-COVID-19 (PCOV) participants were observed where general amnamnesis was performed, followed by HRV and PA assessment. 10 CT and 7 PCOV subjects returned for follow-up (FU) evaluation 6 weeks after complete immunization (2 doses) and assessments were repeated. Over the follow-up period, decrease in sympathetic (SNS) activity (mean heart rate: p=0.0024, CI=-24.67- -3.26; SNS index: p=0.0068, CI=-2.50- -0.32) and increase in parasympathetic (PNS) activity (mean RR:p=0.0097, CI=33.72-225.51; PNS index: p=0.0091, CI=-0.20-1.47) were observed. At follow-up, HRV was not different between groups (p&gt;0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in PA between moments and groups. This study provides evidence of ANS recovery after SARS-CoV-2 insult in young adults over a follow-up period, independent of changes in PA.

The harmful effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can reach the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endothelial function. Therefore, the detrimental multiorgan effects of COVID-19 could be induced by deregulations in ANS that may persist after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, investigating the differences in ANS response in overweight/obese, and physically inactive participants who had COVID-19 compared to those who did not have the disease is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the autonomic function of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) and levels of physical activity modulates autonomic function in participants with and without COVID-19. Patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional observational study. A general anamnesis was taken, and BMI and physical activity levels were assessed. The ANS was evaluated through heart rate variability. A total of 57 subjects were evaluated. Sympathetic nervous system activity in the post-COVID-19 group was increased (stress index; p = 0.0273). They also presented lower values of parasympathetic activity (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly lower parasympathetic activity and reduced global variability compared to non-obese in control group (p < 0.05). Physically inactive subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly higher sympathetic activity than active subjects in the control group. Parasympathetic activity was significantly increased in physically active subjects in the control group compared to the physically inactive post-COVID-19 group (p < 0.05). COVID-19 promotes changes in the ANS of young adults, and these changes are modulated by overweight/obesity and physical activity levels.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants, resulting in disruption of redox signaling and control and causing molecular damage. Oxidative stress is related to a variety of diseases, for example, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and cancer. It might be that oxidative stress, and, more specifically, reactive oxygen species (ROS), affects longevity in a subtle way through signaling. Possible therapies to reduce oxidative stress in the elderly are nutritional intervention (for example, caloric restriction (CR)) and exercise. Exercise is associated with favorable changes in the expression of antioxidant enzymes and the oxidative stress status in general. A diet with CR also seems to be a promising way to reduce oxidative stress by decreasing oxidant emission and improving antioxidant mechanisms. A better understanding of where the antioxidant mechanisms in the elderly fail could be a big step forward in developing new therapies (such as exercise or diet) that prevent oxidative damage and cellular dysfunction with age.