Obesity represents a major global public health challenge, particularly among women, and is associated with adverse metabolic and endocrine outcomes. his study evaluated the effects of ketogenic, intermittent fasting (IF), and semi-vegetarian diets, alone or combined with home-based exercise, on anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters in women with obesity. The study employed a pretest–posttest controlled experimental design with 108 women aged 19–45 years, comprising 96 participants with obesity and 12 with normal body weight. Participants were assigned to nine groups: control (C), obese (O), obese with exercise (OE), obese with exercise plus semi-vegetarian diet (OEVD), obese with semi-vegetarian diet (OVD), obese with exercise plus intermittent fasting (OEIF), obese with intermittent fasting (OIF), obese with exercise plus ketogenic diet (OEKD), and obese with ketogenic diet (OKD). Participants completed ketogenic, intermittent fasting (IF), or semi-vegetarian dietary interventions, either alone or combined with home-based exercise, for 6 weeks. Anthropometric parameters were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, while biochemical markers (adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), irisin, myostatin, glucose, and insulin) were analyzed via ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed-design ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and principal component analysis. The C and O groups exhibited no significant changes, whereas intervention groups showed reductions in body mass, body mass index (BMI), and body fat (p < 0.001). Single interventions were associated with changes in anthropometric measures (OIF:10.42% body mass,7.61% BMI, 9.86% body fat; OE: 9.49%, 6.65%, 13.49%; OVD: 9.07%, 8.17%, 6.21%; OKD: 8.12%, 6.91%, 9.78%). Diet-plus-exercise intervention groups generally exhibited larger changes, with OEVD achieving the greatest reductions (12.69, 13.46, 13.95%), followed by OEKD (10.68, 9.16, 11.17%) and OEIF (8.76, 9.64, 12.04%). Moreover, adiponectin, irisin, IGF-1, and myostatin levels changed significantly in exercise-only and diet-plus-exercise groups compared with those of the C and O groups. Additionally, intervention groups exhibited significant alterations in glucose and insulin concentrations, whereas no significant changes were observed in the C and O groups. Lifestyle modifications integrating dietary strategies with home-based exercise are associated with changes in metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with obesity.

Background/Objectives: A restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP), characterized by reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) with a preserved FEV1/FVC ratio, has been associated with adverse health outcomes and metabolic disorders. This study investigated differences in the prevalence of RSP and pulmonary function between 2019 and 2024 among Korean adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2019 and 2024 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 4856 adults aged ≥40 years without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included. RSP was defined as FVC < 80% predicted among participants with an FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 0.70. Pulmonary function and RSP prevalence were compared between survey years using complex sample analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the post-pandemic period and RSP. Results: The prevalence of RSP increased significantly from 2.31% in 2019 to 3.58% in 2024 (p = 0.025). FVC, FEV1, and FVC percent predicted significantly decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic (all p < 0.001), whereas the FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.166) and peak expiratory flow (p = 0.671) remained unchanged. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and metabolic factors, the post-pandemic period remained independently associated with RSP (odds ratio, 1.571; 95% confidence interval, 1.036–2.380; p = 0.033). Conclusions: The prevalence of RSP increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic and was accompanied by declines in lung volume-related pulmonary function without evidence of increased airflow obstruction. These findings highlight the importance of strategies targeting metabolic health, obesity, and physical function to preserve respiratory health in the post-pandemic era.

Background: Spirulina supplementation combined with structured exercise may improve obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions. This research examined whether this combination enhances body composition, glucose levels, lipid profile, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese adults. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating spirulina (1-6 g/day) combined with structured exercise in individuals with overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25). The search retrieved 91 records, of which 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Nine studies provided sufficient post-intervention data and were included in the quantitative meta-analysis using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using τ2, Q, and I2 statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using rank correlation, regression-based tests, trim-and-fill, and fail-safe N analyses. Results: Combined spirulina supplementation and structured exercise (6-12 weeks) was associated with reductions in BMI (-1.34 kg/m2), body fat percentage (-3.03%), fasting glucose (-14.47 mg/dL), LDL-C (-12.68 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-9.81 mg/dL), along with increases in VO2max (3.25 mL/kg/min) and HDL-C (4.21 mg/dL). Effect estimates were generally larger in combined exercise-spirulina subgroups, particularly in HIITsupp and R-AEsupp conditions, whereas supplementation-only comparisons demonstrated smaller and less consistent changes. Inflammatory markers and adipokines (CRP, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8) showed favorable directional changes in individual trials. Conclusions: Spirulina combined with structured exercise was associated with changes in anthropometric, glycemic, cardiorespiratory, and lipid parameters in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Background/Objectives: Spexin (SPX) is a bioactive peptide involved in the regulation of appetite, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate exercise-induced changes in SPX levels and their implications for metabolic health. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, without restrictions on publication year, with the final literature search completed on 10 September 2024 and conducted in line with PRISMA 2020 reporting standards. The search strategy employed the keywords exercise, metabolic health, obesity, spexin and diabetes yielding 42 eligible records. Eligible studies included human or experimental animal populations exposed to acute or chronic exercise interventions. Exercise interventions included aerobic, resistance, combined, and high-intensity interval training protocols, with exercise intensity reported using heterogeneous metrics. The primary focus was on circulating SPX, alongside the assessment of related metabolic and endocrine parameters. Six studies satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Results: The included studies were conducted in overweight or obese sedentary populations. Plasma SPX levels remained unchanged following acute (<3 weeks) aerobic exercise, whereas increased SPX levels were reported after chronic (≥3 weeks) exercise interventions. Elevated SPX concentrations were observed across different exercise modalities, including aerobic exercise, combined aerobic–resistance training, treadmill running, swimming, and HIIT. In addition to SPX, the included studies reported changes in metabolic and endocrine markers, including lipid-related variables, insulin-associated indices, adipokines, hormones, and selected metabolic proteins. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that exercise-related increases SPX are reported alongside changes in adiposity and metabolic–endocrine markers.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated exercise-induced changes in body composition and metabolic biomarkers in women across distinct BMI categories and individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 sedentary women were stratified into five groups (n = 8): underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, and T2DM. The rigorous eight-week supervised program utilized submaximal exercise at 70-85% heart rate reserve, calculated via the Karvonen method and monitored by telemetry. Assessments included anthropometric parameters (BMI, fat mass, visceral fat) and serum biomarkers (irisin, myonectin, HIF-1α, insulin, glucose). Fasting venous samples were collected at baseline and 72 h post-intervention to minimize acute effects, then analyzed using validated ELISA protocols. Statistical data were evaluated using parametric or non-parametric tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention, significant reductions in weight, fat mass, and visceral fat occurred in overweight, obese, and T2DM groups (p < 0.05). Muscle mass increased across all cohorts. Fasting insulin and glucose decreased significantly in all except the underweight group, with the most pronounced improvements in T2DM and obese participants. Serum irisin increased significantly across all groups (p < 0.05), indicating a universal exercise-induced myokine response. Conversely, myonectin levels decreased significantly only in the normal-weight group, while HIF-1α increased specifically in the T2DM cohort. These findings suggest that baseline BMI and metabolic status are critical determinants of exercise responsiveness, leading to heterogeneous biomarker patterns despite consistent improvements in body composition and basic glycemic regulation. Conclusions: An eight-week submaximal program effectively improves body composition and glycemic regulation, though specific biomarker responses are highly dependent on baseline BMI and metabolic status.

Background and Objectives: Prediabetes (PD) is characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and is associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week core exercise intervention on glycemic control, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, body composition, and physical performance in prediabetic women. Materials and Methods: Eighteen prediabetic women aged 20–55 years were randomly allocated to either a core exercise group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 9). The intervention group completed 24 supervised core exercise sessions over 8 weeks, whereas the control group remained sedentary. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations included anthropometric measurements, flexibility and strength tests, fasting and postprandial glucose levels, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and serum iron levels. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis, and a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were conducted to explore multidimensional metabolic changes. Results: Core exercise significantly improved the body weight, BMI, fat percentage, and circumferences (shoulder, chest, and hip), along with an enhanced flexibility and back-leg strength (p < 0.05). Glycemic indices (FBG, PBG, and HbA1c), insulin, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly reduced, while serum iron and HDL-C increased (p < 0.05). Lipid markers, including the TG, LDL-C, CHOL, and TG/HDL-C ratio, showed significant improvements. The PCA and cluster analyses identified three clusters reflecting metabolic risk, body composition, and protective factors. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that an 8-week structured core exercise program significantly improves glycemic control, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in women with prediabetes. Multivariate analyses (PCA and hierarchical clustering) corroborate a metabolic shift towards a reduced insulin resistance and a more favorable cardiometabolic profile, supporting core training as a viable, evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate metabolic risk.

Background and Objectives: Obesity has become one of the most significant health problems nowadays, with its prevalence rapidly increasing. Approaches such as diet and exercise play an important role in the treatment of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the responses of uric acid, irisin, adiponutrin, adropin, and copeptin levels to exercise and metformin intervention in obesity. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: healthy control (HC), sham (S), obese control (OC), metformin (M), exercise (E), metformin + exercise (ME), and decapitation (D). After obesity was induced through a 12-week high-fat diet, obese rats underwent a 4-week aerobic exercise and metformin intervention. Results: Uric acid, irisin, adiponutrin, adropin, and copeptin levels were determined using an ELISA method. Copeptin levels significantly decreased in the ME group (p < 0.001). Irisin levels significantly increased in the E and ME groups (p < 0.001). The most notable increases in adropin levels occurred in the E and ME groups (p < 0.001). Uric acid levels were highest in the OC group but significantly lower in the E and M groups (p < 0.001). Adiponutrin levels did not change in response to exercise or metformin intervention in obesity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that exercise and metformin intervention may play an effective role in obesity management.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a molecule that serves as a coenzyme for mitochondrial enzymes, playing a fundamental role in mitochondrial bioenergetics as an electron and proton carrier in the energy production process. This study aimed to examine the modulatory effects of moderate/high-intensity exercise and CoQ10 supplementation on tumstatin, lipid dynamics, and body mass in rats. This study used 42 male Wistar Albino rats in six groups: a control group (C), a moderate-intensity continuous training group (MICT), a high-intensity continuous training group (HICT), a coenzyme Q10 group (Q10), a moderate-intensity continuous training combined with Q10 group (MICTQ10), and a high-intensity continuous training combined with Q10 group (HICTQ10) to assess the effects of exercise and 5 mg/kg/daily CoQ10 supplementation. Rats underwent treadmill training, and tumstatin levels in plasma, cardiac, and skeletal muscle tissues were measured using ELISA and immunostaining techniques. In addition to the plasma, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were analyzed using enzymatic methods, with the LDL-C calculated using the Friedewald equation. The atherogenic index of plasma was determined by the TG/HDL-C ratio. As compared to group C, body mass was significantly affected by both exercise intensity and supplementation (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.37), with the MICTQ10 and HICTQ10 groups demonstrating the greatest reductions by day 50th (p = 0.0003, d = 4.02; p = 0.0001, d = 3.99). Lipid profiles varied significantly between groups. Compared to the C group, the MICTQ10 group exhibited the most substantial decreases in LDL-C (p = 0.03, d = 2.35) and TG levels (p = 0.03, d = 2.25), while the HICTQ10 group showed the most pronounced reduction in TC levels (p = 0.001, d = 6.41). Regarding tumstatin levels, skeletal muscle tumstatin levels were lowest in the HICTQ10 group (p = 0.01, d = 2.11). Moreover, cardiac muscle tumstatin levels were significantly lower in the MICTQ10, MICT, and HICTQ10 groups compared to in the C group (p = 0.004, d = 1.01). These findings suggest that both exercise intensity and CoQ10 supplementation exert notable physiological effects, particularly in modulating body mass, lipid metabolism, and tumstatin levels.

Background/Objectives: Carnosine and exercise independently improve metabolic health, yet their combined effects on myokines and microbiota-derived metabolites remain underexplored. This study evaluated the synergistic impact of carnosine supplementation and exercise intensity on microbiota-derived metabolites, as well as skeletal muscle and myocardial expression of irisin and myonectin, focusing on lipid and glycemic regulation. Methods: A randomized post-test control study was conducted using 49 male Sprague Dawley rats (9 weeks old; 250.39 ± 1.85 g), divided into 7 groups: control (C), sham (S), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity continuous training (HICT), carnosine (CA), MICT with carnosine (MICTCA), and HICT with carnosine (HICTCA). Interventions included treadmill-based moderate or high-intensity training and carnosine supplementation (100 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Blood samples were collected post-decapitation; plasma was analyzed for lipid profile, glycemic parameters, and microbiota-derived metabolites using enzymatic and ELISA methods. Irisin and myonectin levels were assessed in plasma and myocardial and skeletal muscle tissues via ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Results: The HICTCA group showed the lowest body weight, highest HDL-C, and lowest LDL-C, TC, TG, and atherogenic index. Irisin and myonectin levels in skeletal muscle and myocardium were also highest in HICTCA. The trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) was lowest and S-equol highest in HICTCA, whereas indoxyl sulfate (IS) peaked in HICT and was lowest in the C group. Principal component analysis revealed strong positive associations between HICTCA and cardiometabolic biomarkers. Conclusions: High-intensity training combined with carnosine may reduce weight gain, improve lipid and glycemic profiles, and enhance myokines and microbiota-derived metabolites.

Background. The interaction between circadian rhythm and post-activation potentiation (PAP) - a phenomenon that causes temporary increases in muscle strength and performance following intense muscle contractions - is crucial for understanding daily variations in athletic performance. Methods. Fourteen male athletes voluntarily participated in a crossover design study. Athletes underwent both control and PAP interventions at different times of the day. Performance measurements included vertical jump, standing long jump, T-drill agility test, and 5-10 m sprint tests. Results. No significant differences were observed in standing long jump and vertical jump performances across different times of day or warm-up dependent changes were found in both 5 and 10 m sprint performances between warm-up practices (p<0.05). Agility performance showed significant variations according to time of day (p<0.05). Conclusions. Athletic performance metrics may vary according to circadian rhythm, with PAP potentially contributing to these variations. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of PAP interventions might be influenced by the time of the day they performed.

INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND:Altitude training is a well-established strategy for improving athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports. Hypoxic exposure induces physiological adaptations through oxygen sensing and erythropoietic mechanisms. However, the comparative effects of aerobic and anaerobic training on hematological and biochemical markers under different altitude conditions have not yet been adequately investigated. SOURCES OF DATA:This prospective cohort study included 24 trained male athletes (aged 19-23) who were randomly assigned to aerobic or anaerobic training groups (n = 12 per group). Training was conducted at simulated altitudes of 0 m, 1700 m, 2450 m, and 3200 m for 8 weeks. Biomarkers such as hypoxia-induced factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), hemoglobin, erythropoietin (EPO), iron, hepcidin, and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using ELISA and standard biochemical methods. AREAS OF AGREEMENT:Consistent with previous literature, both aerobic and anaerobic training resulted in altitude-induced increases in hemoglobin levels. Aerobic training was associated with earlier activation of hypoxia-related markers such as HIF-1α and NO, supporting the role of moderate altitude exposure in stimulating adaptive molecular responses. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY:While EPO is generally expected to increase with altitude exposure, this study found a decrease in EPO levels across altitudes in the aerobic group, while a significant increase was observed only at 3200 m in the anaerobic group. Interpretation of hepcidin dynamics also differs between training modalities, highlighting the complexity of iron regulation under hypoxic stress. GROWING POINTS:This study highlights the different timing and magnitude of biomarker responses to aerobic and anaerobic training at various altitudes. It suggests that aerobic exercise triggers earlier molecular responses, while anaerobic training elicits delayed or blunted adaptations. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH:Further research is needed to optimize altitude training protocols tailored to specific exercise modalities and targeted physiological adaptations. Future studies could examine gender differences, longer training durations, and additional markers of oxidative stress and inflammation to expand on these findings.

Catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) and renalase are among the key biomolecules that regulate stress responses during exercise and support physiological adaptation. However, the effects of different exercise types on these biomolecules remain unclear. This study aims to compare the effects of aerobic, anaerobic, and strength exercises on epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and renalase levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This study was conducted using a pre-test post-test controlled experimental research design. A total of 80 healthy male participants aged 18-22 years were included and randomly assigned into four groups: control (C), aerobic exercise (A), anaerobic exercise (An), and strength training (Sa). The exercise groups followed specific training protocols for 8 weeks, 3 days per week, at the same time of the day under standardized environmental conditions. Venous blood samples were taken before and after the exercise program, and epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and renalase levels were analyzed using the ELISA method. RESULTS:Significant increases in epinephrine, dopamine, and renalase levels were observed depending on the exercise type (p < 0.01), while norepinephrine levels showed a significant decrease only in the aerobic exercise group (p < 0.05). Epinephrine levels increased in the aerobic (36.96%), anaerobic (35.42%), and strength training (27.45%) groups, while norepinephrine levels decreased only in the aerobic exercise group (6.38%). Dopamine levels increased in all exercise groups, with the highest change observed in the anaerobic exercise group (38.34%). Renalase levels increased in all exercise groups (p < 0.01), with the highest increase recorded in the anaerobic exercise group (29.42%). CONCLUSION:This study demonstrated that different exercise modalities induce specific neuroendocrine responses. All exercise types led to significant increases in epinephrine, dopamine, and renalase levels, with the most pronounced effects observed in the anaerobic exercise group. Strength training also produced similarly robust responses. Norepinephrine levels showed a significant decrease only in the aerobic exercise group, while non-significant reductions were observed in the other exercise groups. These findings indicate that exercise type distinctly modulates hormonal and enzymatic pathways involved in physiological adaptation.

Background Understanding the impact of altitude on muscle damage and oxidative stress is essential for optimizing training and recovery strategies for athletes exposed to high-altitude conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of acute exercise at different altitudes on oxidative stress and muscle damage. Methods A total of twelve elite long-distance runners (mean age: 20.3 ± 1.5 years) from different branches participated in the study. The exercise protocol was the Bruce submaximal treadmill exercise test, which was conducted under three simulated hypoxic conditions (at 1,700 m, 2,450 m, and 3,200 m) and one normoxic condition (sea level). All measurements took place at the same time of the day. After the exercise protocol, 5 ml venous blood samples were taken from the participants, while heart rate and oxygen saturation were monitored at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th minutes during the exercise. Results Significant altitude-dependent variations were observed in oxidative stress markers, with total oxidant status (TOS) (p = 0.017) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.001) levels increasing at higher altitudes, while total antioxidant status (TAS) (p < 0.001) exhibited an elevation and oxidative stress index (OSI) (p < 0.001) demonstrated a decline as altitude increased. However, no significant difference was found in creatine kinase (CK, p = 0.059) levels. Additionally, there were significant differences in the oxygen saturation measurement taken at the 3rd (p < 0.001), 6th (p < 0.001), 9th (p < 0.001), and 12th (p < 0.001), minutes following the exercise session. There was no difference in the pulse measurement taken at the 3rd and 12th minutes, but a difference was observed at the 6th and 9th minutes post-exercise (p < 0.01). Conclusions In conclusion, the study determined that endurance exercises performed under simulated normobaric hypoxia at different altitudes increased TAS and reduced OSI in elite long-distance runners. The increase in TAS and the reduction in OSI were more pronounced at higher altitudes, particularly at 2,450 m and 3,200 m, compared to sea level. These findings highlight the need for altitude-specific training and recovery strategies to minimize oxidative stress and muscle damage in athletes.

Obesity, a major global health concern, is associated with systemic metabolic dysregulation. Spexin, a peptide implicated in appetite control and energy balance, may represent a biomarker and therapeutic target in obesity management. This study aimed to investigate tissue-specific modulation of spexin expression in obese male rats subjected to aerobic exercise and/or metformin treatment. Thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6 per group): (i) control, (ii) obese control, (iii) exercise, (iv) metformin, (v) metformin + exercise, and (vi) a decapitation baseline group. Obesity was induced via a 12-week high-calorie diet. Subsequently, interventions were applied over 4 weeks: treadmill running (30 min/day, 5 days/week) and/or metformin (150 mg/kg/day). Post-intervention, body weight significantly decreased in intervention groups (p < 0.001) exercise (−13.7%), metformin (−14.6%), and metformin + exercise (−21.1%) compared to the obese control group. ELISA revealed tissue-specific effects on spexin expression. In skeletal muscle, spexin levels were highest in controls (628 ± 160.5 pg/mL), with a significant reduction in the metformin + exercise group (349 ± 84.7 pg/mL; p = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 2.17). In the liver, the control group showed the highest expression (443 ± 240.8 pg/mL), while metformin + exercise yielded the lowest (254 ± 20.4 pg/mL). In contrast, heart tissue maintained elevated spexin levels across all intervention groups, with the metformin + exercise group nearly matching control levels (617 ± 25.2 vs. 618 ± 53.2 pg/mL). Immunohistochemistry confirmed these patterns, with the highest cardiac histoscore in the metformin + exercise group (2.34 ± 0.09). Hierarchical clustering underscored distinct tissue-specific expression patterns, separating muscle from liver and heart. Collectively, these findings suggest that spexin is differentially regulated by exercise and metformin, with joint effects and complex, tissue-specific modulation. This highlights spexin’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in precision obesity interventions.

This study explored the impact of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, combined with carnosine supplementation, on angiogenesis-related biomarkers in cardiac and cerebral tissues. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to seven groups: control (C), sham (S), carnosine (Cz), aerobic exercise (AE), anaerobic exercise (AnE), AE + Cz, and AnE + Cz. Exercise protocols were performed 5 days per week for 5 weeks (aerobic: 15 m/min; anaerobic: 25 m/min), while carnosine was administered orally (100 mg/kg/day). Biomarker levels of VEGF-A, HIF-1α, Ang-1, MMP-9, tumstatin, and endostatin were measured using ELISA, and data were analyzed by ANOVA, Pearson correlation, PCA, and hierarchical clustering. The myocardial tissue revealed that VEGF-A, HIF-1α, and Ang-1 significantly increased in exercise and combined groups (p < 0.05), with AE + Cz showing the highest VEGF-A and AnE + Cz the highest HIF-1α. The tumstatin and endostatin levels were significantly reduced in AE and AE + Cz groups. The brain tissue indicated that Ang-1 increased, while tumstatin and endostatin consistently decreased across all exercise groups. PCA and clustering analyses revealed a dominant pro-angiogenic profile in AE + Cz and AnE + Cz, whereas C, S, and Cz groups showed anti-angiogenic tendencies. Carnosine supplementation may represent a nutritionally relevant approach to modulate exercise-induced angiogenic adaptations with possible implications for cardiovascular and neurovascular health.

BACKGROUND: Based on recent research, slight performance differences, particularly dependent on the state of recovery, might be crucial for tournament success among elite-caliber kickboxers. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to; a) determine which strength-power tests could discriminate better between elite and top-elite kickboxers and, b) to evaluate changes in testing results between fatigued and well-rested athletes. METHODS: Twenty-two international kickboxers (including World and European Champions) volunteered to participate in this study. Nine kickboxers were assigned to the top-elite group and 13 to the elite group based on their highest tournament achievements. Subjects performed the Wingate test (Win) for anaerobic power; countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) for neuromuscular power; push-ups and pull-ups for strength endurance; squats (SQ) and bench press (BP) for maximal dynamic strength; handgrip, leg, and back strength for isometric strength after full rest, following the fatigue and advanced fatigue protocols. RESULTS: Discriminant function analysis correctly classified the groups at 60.5%, 75.3%, and 86.3% in the resting, fatigue, and advanced fatigue protocols, respectively. Furthermore, all strength-power performances have significantly decreased and lactatepeak increased (p< 0.05) after the fatigue and advanced fatigue protocols in both groups. Significant interaction were also observed in the Winpeak (p< 0.001, ηp2= 0.559), Winmean (p= 0.009, ηp2= 0.246), CMJ (p= 0.010, ηp2= 0.273), push-ups (p< 0.001, ηp2= 0.389), SQabsolute (p= 0.001, ηp2= 0.337), BPabsolute (p= 0.014, ηp2= 0.235) and, Lactatepeak (p= 0.026, ηp2= 0.220). CONCLUSION: Resistance to fatigue may be the key component for distinguishing elite-level athletes. Thus, strength-power tests should be performed following a certain level of fatigue for the elite athletes due to distinguish them more effectively.

A low digit ratio (2D:4D), as an indicator of prenatal androgen exposure, is assumed to be associated with higher physical fitness and athletic performance. This study aims to examine the relationship between the 2D:4D and certain physical fitness components during early adolescence. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional research. Early adolescents without any prior sports background voluntarily participated in the study. In the study, the participants’ right and left hand 2D:4D were measured, and their physical fitness was assessed using tests for handgrip strength, flexibility, agility, speed and power performance. The findings indicated that there was no significant correlation between the 2D:4D and all of the physical fitness components involved in this study in both female and male participants. In the gender-based evaluation, it was determined that the 2D:4D was higher in females. The results show that the 2D:4D is not significantly correlated with handgrip strength, flexibility, agility, speed and power performance in individuals without any prior sports background during early adolescence. In this context, the use of the 2D:4D as a potential biological indicator for talent selection was not supported in this age group and sample.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detects antigen-antibody interactions by using enzyme-labelled conjugates and enzyme substrates that generate colour changes. This review aims to provide an overview of ELISA, its various types, and its applications in detecting metabolites in biological fluids. The article discusses the history of the assay, its underlying principles and procedures, common ELISA protocols, and the most accurate and reliable techniques for measuring peptide molecules in biological fluids. Additionally, we emphasize best laboratory practices to achieve consistent, high-quality results and outline the essential materials for setting up an ELISA laboratory, drawing from our over 30 years of experience in the field.

Myonectin is a hormone that is produced mainly by skeletal muscle. We investigated the effects of exercise and energy drink (ED) administration on myonectin expression in skeletal muscle, liver and kidney tissue in rats; myonectin is produced by all three tissues. We used 28 male albino rats in four groups: untreated control (C), exercise (E), energy drink (ED) and exercise + energy drink (E + ED). The E and E + ED groups were exercised using a treadmill for 4 weeks. We also administered 3.5 ml/kg/day ED during week 1, 7 ml/kg/day during week 2 and 10 ml/kg/day during weeks 3 and 4 in the E and E + ED groups. We used ELISA to measure the levels of myonectin in skeletal muscle, liver and kidney tissues. We used immunohistochemical staining to investigate the localization and intensity of myonectin in these tissues. The amount of myonectin in skeletal muscle tissue was increased significantly in all experimental groups compared to group C. The amount of myonectin in the ED group was significantly greater than group E. No significant difference was observed in liver tissue; however, the amount of myonectin in the liver of group C was the greatest among all groups. The amount of myonectin in kidney tissue exhibited no significant difference among groups. Consumption of ED during exercise increased the amount of myonectin in kidney and skeletal muscle tissues and decreased it in liver tissue. We suggest that consumption of ED might adapt metabolism to incresed exercise by controling synthesis of myonectin in liver, kidney and skeletal muscle.

Families with autistic children expect their children to be self-sufficient and to play games like normal children. However, it appears that there are few initiatives and scientific research in our nation that would emphasize the importance of physical activity-based educational games in order to overcome this problem. The study's goal was to look at the impact of educational games on the development of gross muscular motor skills in people with autism. The study comprised 11 boys aged 10 to 12 who had never previously engaged in an educational game program on a regular basis. Measurements were gathered from the participants twice: once before the 8-week instructional gaming program and once after it ended. The control group received no instructional game software. The SPSS package application was used to perform statistical analysis on the data. There was a significant difference between the experimental group's pre-test and post-test results in hand grip, medicine ball throwing, speed, flexibility, sit-up, and balance (p<0.05). As a result, at the end of eight weeks, the educational game program based on physical activity and exercise had a positive influence on the gross motor abilities of children with autism. It may be recommended in this regard to further extend and promote educational game programs, as well as to include educational games in the education programs of children with autism.