Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week ω-3 PUFA supplementation on serum adipocytokines (i.e., adiponectin, leptin), neuregulin-4 (NRG4) and erythrocyte omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid content, as well as the blood antioxidant defense capacity in non-elite endurance runners. Methods: Twenty-four runners were randomized into two groups: the supplemented group, who received omega free fatty acids extract containing 142 mg of EPA, 267 mg of DHA, 12 mg of vitamin E and 5 µg of vitamin D, each administrated at a dose of six capsules twice a day for three weeks, or the placebo group. Venous blood samples were withdrawn at the start and at the end of the study protocols to estimate serum biochemical variables. Results: A significantly higher ω-3 index and lower AA/EPA ratio was observed after ω-3 PUFA compared to pre-supplementation levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). An increase in baseline adiponectin and NRG4 levels, as well as a decrease of leptin concentration and lipid profile improvement, were observed in subjects after a ω-3 PUFA diet. The increased ω-3 index had a significant effect on TNFα levels and a serum marker of antioxidant defense. Conclusions: The ω-3 PUFA extract with added vitamin E and D supplementation may have a positive effect on the function of the adipocyte tissue, as well as the ability to prevent cardiovascular complications in athletes.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of moderate intensity continuous exercise (Ex) and hypoxia (Hyp) on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), irisin and cytokines levels in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: A total of 14 individuals with T1D (age: 28.7 ± 7.3 years) and 14 healthy adults (age: 27.1 ± 3.9 years) performed 40-min continuous Ex at moderate intensity (50% lactate threshold) on a cycle ergometer in normoxia (Nor) and Hyp (FiO2 = 15.1%) Biochemical factors, glucose concentrations and physiological variables were measured at rest, immediately and up to 24 h after both Ex protocols. Results: Patients with T1D had significantly lower pre-Ex serum concentrations of BDNF (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and total IGF-1 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05) and significantly higher irisin levels (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) in Nor and Hyp, compared with healthy subjects. Ex significantly increased in T1D group serum BDNF (in Nor only p < 0.05) and total IGF-1 levels in Nor and Hyp (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Immediately after Ex in Hyp, freeIGF-1 (p < 0.05) and irisin levels (p < 0.001) were significantly higher compared with the levels induced by Ex alone. Free IGF-1 and irisin serum levels remained elevated in 24 h post-Ex in Hyp. In T1D, significant blood glucose (BG) decrease was observed immediately after Ex in Hyp (p < 0.001) and in 24 h recovery (p < 0.001) compared with pre-Ex level. Conclusion: The study results suggest that moderate intensity continuous Ex has beneficial effect on BDNF and IGF-1 levels. Ex in hypoxic conditions may be more effective in increasing availability of IGF-1. The alterations in the post-Ex irisin levels and IGF-1 system may be contributing to more effective glycaemia control in patients with T1D.

An integral part of the treatment of diabetes is physical activity. Scientific reports have shown the beneficial effects of hypoxia and exercise on cardiovascular and metabolic variables in patients with diabetes. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of normobaric hypoxia and exercise on the serum concentrations of proangiogenic factors and glycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes. A total of 28 adults (aged 30.4 years ±9.7 years), suffering from diabetes for 12.1 years ±6.0 years and healthy individuals, participated in the following trials: normoxic (Nor) and hypoxic (Hy) rest and Nor and Hy incremental exercise test (Ex) (FIO2 = 15.2%). The Altitude Trainer Hypoxico System (HYP-123 Hypoxic Generator, LOWOXYGEN Technology GmbH, Berlin, Germany) corresponding to a height of about 2500 m above sea level was used in the study. Exercise tests were performed on a cycle ergometer Excalibur Sport (Lode B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands). Cardiorespiratory variables, glycemia, angiogenic and hematological indices were measured at rest and in response to both exercise protocols. The present data confirmed that the patients with type 1 diabetes demonstrated a good level of aerobic capacity and fitness. NorEx and HyEx resulted in a significant decrease in serum glucose concentration (p < 0.05 vs p < 0.01). Patients with diabetes had higher baseline hypoxia induced factor-1alpha levels compared to healthy adults (p < 0.05), which increased after exposure to hypoxia and hypoxia with exercise (p < 0.001). Hypoxia significantly decreased baseline transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) (p < 0.05) and had a significant effect on tumor necrosis factor-α level (TNF-α) (F = 4.9; p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that hypoxia combined with exercise reduces glycemia and may induce significant benefits in the prevention of diabetes cardiovascular complications.

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the effect of continuous and intermittent exercise in hypoxia on glycaemic control and selected markers of vascular function in patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods 12 patients suffering from T1D for 12.1±6.0 years and 12 healthy adults performed: continuous exercise (ExC) and intermittent exercise (ExInt) in normoxia and hypoxia (FiO₂=15.1%). Glycaemia and proangiogenic factors concentrations were measured at rest and immediately after exercise. Results T1D patients’ glycaemia decreased in response to ExC (p<0.01) and ExInt (p<0.05) under hypoxic conditions. ExInt in normoxia (p<0.05) and hypoxia (p<0.05) reduced HIF-1α in the T1D group. A tendency for vascular endothelial growth factor to increase after ExInt in hypoxia (6.0±3.8 vs. 17.1±13.07 pg/mL) and a proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α level to decrease (33.2±19.1 vs. 25.1±14.4 pg/mL) was found in the same group. Conclusions Combining exercise with hypoxia may allow more effective short-term glycaemic control in T1D. Intermittent exercise with hypoxia could stabilize the secretion of selected proangiogenic factors and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to improved vascular function.

Phosphonic acid applied as a soil drench, a foliar spray or a trunk injection before infection prevented the development of cankers in almond and cherry trees inoculated with Phytophthora cambivora. Foliar applications of 2 g phosphonic acid/L in autumn and spring were an effective and practical treatment. Trunk injections were also effectively but in some cases caused severe leaf scorch and leaf drop.