PMID: 

Chin Med J (Engl). 2019 Sep 5 ;132(17):2089-2095. PMID: 31425356

Abstract Title: 

Calcitriol enhances pyrazinamide treatment of murine tuberculosis.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. There is an urgent need for new and effective drugs to treat tuberculosis and shorten the duration of tuberculosis therapy. 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25 (OH)2D3) has been reported to have a synergistic effect with pyrazinamide (PZA) in killing tubercle bacilli in vitro. The addition of 1,25 (OH)2D3 to standard tuberculosis treatment should benefit patients if the adjunctive drug has a synergistic effect in vivo. Thus, in this study, calcitriol (bioactive 1,25 (OH)2D3) was administered to mice undergoing treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection with PZA, a first-line anti-tuberculosis drug, to determine whether vitamin D3 enhances the therapeutic effect.METHODS: C57BL/6 female mice were infected with the M.tb H37Rv strain through aerosol exposure. Calcitriol and PZA, either alone or in combination, were orally administered to the M.tb infected mice. The effect of calcitriol on PZA activity was determined by evaluating the bacterial burden and analyzing the histopathological lesions in the lungs and spleen. To investigate the expression of inflammatory cytokines and anti-microbial peptide genes, we determined the transcriptional levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), mouse β-defensin-2 (mBD2), and cathelicidin LL-37 through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of IFN-γ were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences between groups were analyzed with independent samples t-test orone-way analysis of variance.RESULTS: Calcitriol alone had little effect on tuberculosis infection, whereas PZA, compared with saline control treatment, decreased the bacterial burden (spleens: PZA vs. saline, 4.82 ± 0.22 vs. 5.22 ± 0.40 Log10 colony-forming units [CFU]/gram, t = 2.13, P 

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PMID: 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 14 ;17(8). Epub 2020 Apr 14. PMID: 32295141

Abstract Title: 

Aerobic Exercise Inhibits CUMS-Depressed Mice Hippocampal Inflammatory Response via Activating Hippocampal miR-223/TLR4/MyD88-NF-κB Pathway.

Abstract: 

: To investigate the role of aerobic exercise in inhibiting chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depressed mice hippocampal inflammatory response and its potential mechanisms.: Fifty-four male eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided as control group (CG) (18 mice) and model group (36 mice). Model group mice were treated with 13 chronic stimulating factors for 28 days to set up the CUMS depression model. Neurobehavioral assessment was performed after modeling. The mice in the model group were randomly divided into the control model group (MG) and the aerobic exercise group (EG), with 18mice in each group. The EG group carried out the adaptive training of the running platform: 10 m/min, 0° slope, and increased by 10 minutes per day for 6 days. The formal training was carried for 8 weeks with 10 m/min speed, 0° slope, 60 min/d, 6 d/Week. After the training, a neurobehavioral assessment was performed, and hippocampus IL-1β and IL-10 protein levels were detected by ELISA. RT-PCR wasused to detect the expression of miR-223 and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and phosphorylated NF-κBp65 protein in the hippocampus.: The hippocampus function of CUMS depression model mice was impaired. The forced swimming and forced tail suspension time were significantly prolonged, and inflammatory factors IL-1β were significantly increased in the hippocampus. Aerobic exercise significantly improves CUMS-depressed mice hippocampal function, effectively reducing depressive behavior and IL-1β levels, and increasing IL-10 levels. Besides, aerobic exercise significantly upregulates the expression level of miR-223 and inhibits the high expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB.: Aerobic exercise significantly increases the CUMS-depressed mice hippocampus expression of miR-223, and inhibits the downstream TLR4/MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway and the hippocampal inflammatory response, which contributes to the improvement of the hippocampal function.

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PMID: 

Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Apr 16. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32300897

Abstract Title: 

Therapeutic effects of proprioceptive exercise on functional capacity, anxiety, and depression in patients with diabetic neuropathy: a 2-month prospective study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common and serious complication of diabetes. DN patients are suffering from anxiety, depression, and impairment of functional capacity. Rare studies have assessed the effect of proprioceptive exercise training on anxiety, depression, and functional capacity in DN patients.AIMS: This 2-month prospective study aims to investigate the effect of proprioceptive exercise training on anxiety, depression, and functional capacity in DN patients.METHODS: Twenty-eight DN patients with a mean age of 53.2 ± 5.5 years were included in this prospective study between September and December 2019. They were randomly assigned into two groups, 14 in each group using a random number generator. The proprioceptive exercise group (PEG) received a program of proprioceptive exercise, while the control group (CG) received a conventional treatment without exercise intervention. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were investigated before and after 2 months of the study period.RESULTS: The findings showed a significant improvement of the BBS, 6MWT, BAI, and HDRS in the PEG (p = 0.003, p  0.05). Comparison between the two groups showed significant differences between the two groups in the all outcome measures in favor of the PEG at the end of the 2 months (BBS, p = 0.032; 6MWT, p = 0.001; BAI, p = 0.031; and HDRS, p = 0.013).CONCLUSIONS: Two months of proprioceptive exercise may improve functional capacity, anxiety, and depression in DN patients. Serious recommendations should be devoted to encouraging the proprioceptive exercise training among different population, especially DN patients.Key Points• Proprioceptive exercise may improve postural stability in patients with diabetic neuropathy.• Proprioceptive exercise may improve psychological status and functional capacity in patients with diabetic neuropathy.• Serious recommendations should be devoted to encouraging the proprioceptive exercise training among diabetic patients.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 ;2020:3620534. Epub 2020 Mar 25. PMID: 32308706

Abstract Title: 

Tai Chi is Effective in Delaying Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: 

To determine whether Tai Chi (TC) is effective in slowing cognitive decline in older populations with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Tai Chi and MCI. We searched eight electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Wanfang, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CNKI, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) for appropriate RCTs published up to August 2019. For those studies included, the data were extracted, methodological quality was evaluated, and then meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3). A total of 11 of the studies were available for systematic review, which together included 1061 participants, met the inclusion criteria, and ten of these were included in the meta-analysis. For most RCTs, the methodological quality was moderate. The meta-analysis revealed that Tai Chi could significantly improve global cognitive function; memory and learning; mental speed and attention; ideas, abstraction, figural creations, and mental flexibility; and visuospatial perception. The present review adds to the evidence showing that Tai Chi is potentially beneficial in improving cognitive functions among elderly people with MCI. However, strictly designed and well-reported RCTs are required.

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PMID: 

J Rehabil Med. 2020 Apr 27. Epub 2020 Apr 27. PMID: 32338292

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Tai Chi on essential hypertension and related risk Factors: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is an important part of hypertension management. The impact of different training styles and durations of tai chi on essential hypertension has not been evaluated to date.OBJECTIVE: To analyse the influence of tai chi on blood pressure and related risk factors in patients with essential hypertension.METHODS: A systematic review to assess the existing literature on the impact of tai chi in patients with essential hypertension. Randomized controlled trials were identified in Chinese and English databases to study the impact of tai chi on essential hypertension. Two reviewers selected studies independently of each other. Qualified trials were selected and their methodological quality critically evaluated.RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included in the analysis. Following tai chi there was a significant difference between intervention and control groups with regard to change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean difference (WMD)  = -6.58, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (-8.14, -5.02), p = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.57, 95% CI (-0.77, -0.37), p   12 weeks in all studies. However, other styles of tai chi did not significantly reduce SBP or DBP after a duration ≤  12 weeks.CONCLUSION: Tai chi is an effective physical exercise in treating essential hypertension compared with control interventions. Different training durations and styles have different effects. Further randomized controlled trials are needed into the use of tai chi for the treatment and prevention of essential hypertension and other related chronic diseases.

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PMID: 

Phytother Res. 2020 Mar 11. Epub 2020 Mar 11. PMID: 32159261

Abstract Title: 

The influence of green coffee bean extract supplementation on blood glucose levels: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract: 

Studies regarding the influence of green coffee extract (GCE) on blood glucose levels are conflicting. Thus, we sought to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify the effects of GCE and CGA intervention on blood glucose and insulin levels. We performed systematic online searches in Scopus, Web of science, and PubMed databases, from inception to July 2019. Data were combined analyzed using a random effects model (Der Simonian-Laird method) and reported as weighted mean differences (WMD). Ten trials reported the influences of GCE on FBS and insulin and were subsequently entered into the meta-analysis. Combined results highlighted that FBS was significantly altered after GCE consumption (WMD: -1.791 mg/dl, 95% CI -3.404, -0.177), with no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I= 35.0%, p = .128). However, overall results demonstrated that GCE administration did not result in any significant alteration in insulin levels (WMD: -0.925 μU/ml, 95% CI:-1.915, 0.064), with significant heterogeneity found across studies (I= 87.9%). In sub-group analysis, insulin levels were significantly reduced when GCE was supplemented in dosages of ≥400 mg/day (WMD:-1.942 mg/dl, 95% CI:-1.184, -0.975; I= 0.0%). The results of present study support the use of GCE for the enhancement of blood glucose, while subgroup analysis highlighted significant improvements in insulin levels when GCE is supplemented in doses ≥400 mg/day.

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PMID: 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 02 27 ;17(5). Epub 2020 Feb 27. PMID: 32120892

Abstract Title: 

Regular Doses of Nature: The Efficacy of Green Exercise Interventions for Mental Wellbeing.

Abstract: 

This study investigated the efficacy of medium-term Green Exercise (GE; being physically active within a natural environment) interventions for improving wellbeing, by pooling data collected at the start and end of participants' engagement with a range of GE interventions. Hypotheses were that (i) interventions would show good efficacy for improving wellbeing in the overall sample; (ii) compared to participants reporting 'average to high' wellbeing at the start of their project, participants with 'low' starting wellbeing would report greater improvements post-intervention; and (iii) improvements would significantly differ between age groups. The pooled dataset was categorized in line with UK norms (= 318) and analyzed using a standardized meta-analysis approach. Effect size was large: g = 0.812 (95% CI [0.599, 1.025]), and differences in wellbeing changes associated with project duration, age or sex were not statistically significant. Compared to those reporting 'average-high' starting wellbeing, participants reporting 'low' starting wellbeing exhibited greater improvements (BCa 95% CI [-31.8, -26.5]), with 60.8% moving into the 'average-high' wellbeing category. GE can play an important role in facilitating wellbeing and can provide alternative pathways for health and social care practice. Public health commissioners should consider integrating such interventions for patients experiencing low wellbeing or associated comorbidities.

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PMID: 

J Sport Health Sci. 2020 Apr 30. Epub 2020 Apr 30. PMID: 32360952

Abstract Title: 

Tai Ji Quan as antihypertensive lifestyle therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Professional health organizations are not currently recommending Tai Ji Quana longside aerobic exercise to treat hypertension. We aimed to examine the efficacy of Tai Ji Quan as antihypertensive lifestyle therapy.METHODS: Tai Ji Quan interventions published in English and Chinese were included when they involved healthy adults, reported pre-and post-intervention blood pressure (BP), and had a non-exercise/non-diet control group. We systematically searched 11 electronic databases for studies published through July 31, 2018, yielding 31 qualifying controlled trials. We1) evaluated the risk of bias and methodological study quality, 2) performed meta-regression analyses following random-effects assumptions, and 3) generated additive models representing the largest possible clinically relevant BP reductions.RESULTS: Participants (N = 3223) were middle-aged (56.6 ± 15.1 years of age) adults with prehypertension (systolic BP (SBP) =136.9 ± 15.2 mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) = 83.4 ± 8.7mmHg). Tai Ji Quan was practiced 4.0 ± 1.4 sessions/week for 54.0 ± 10.6 min/session for 22.3 ± 20.2 weeks. Overall, Tai Ji Quan elicited significant reductions in SBP (d = -0.75; -11.3 mmHg, 95%CI: -14.6 to -8.0) and DBP (d = -0.53; -4.8 mmHg, 95%CI: -6.4 to -3.1) versus control (p

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PMID: 

Exp Gerontol. 2020 Jul 1 ;135:110925. Epub 2020 Mar 14. PMID: 32184194

Abstract Title: 

Tai Chi is an effective form of exercise to reduce markers of frailty in older age.

Abstract: 

Frailty affects the quality of life of older age adults by limiting mobility, reducing physiological reserve and reducing independence. The frailty phenotype is typically characterised by exhaustion, loss or lack of physical activity, weight loss and weakness, although more recently there have been proposals to extend the frailty criteria to include physiological characteristics such as inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular function. Exercise has the potential to prevent, delay or even reverse frailty, but not all exercise is perceived as suitable for an older age population. The purpose of this study was to test Tai Chi and Zumba Gold® as exercise interventions in older age adults (65 to 75 years old) to improve characteristics related to the frailty phenotype. Muscle strength and flexibility (functional fitness as a measure of weakness), cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, vascular function (FMD), markers of oxidativestress (total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane, protein carbonyl), inflammation (CRP) and aspects of wellbeing related to exhaustion were assessed at baseline (pre-), 6 weeks (mid-) and 12 weeks (post-intervention). Both Tai Chi and Zumba Gold® improved systolic blood pressure, vascular function, and functional fitness following the 12 week intervention to a similar extent. Furthermore Antioxidant capacity was significantly increased (303 ± 15.56 vs. 336 ± 18.82 μm; p = 0.0028) and lipid oxidation significantly reduced (36.41 ± 6.4 vs 13.49 ± 2.5 pg/ml;p = 0.0042) after 12 weeks of Tai Chi compared to baseline. Anxiety, physical and mental fatigue decreased in both groups, with a greater decrease in mental fatigue in the Tai Chi group. Taken together, these changes suggest that Tai Chi has the potential to reduce outcomes related to the extended frailty phenotype in older age adults.

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