Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 51, issue 2

Authors: Simmonds, Michael J. | Minahan, Clare L. | Serre, Kevin R. | Gass, Gregory C. | Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya M. | Haseler, Luke J. | Sabapathy, Surendran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Heart rate variability (HRV) and haemorheology adaptations to 12 wk of varied-dose treadmill walking were investigated in women aged 65–74 yr with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups where exercise frequency and session duration were manipulated (Group 1 : 2 × 60 min·wk−1 or Group 2 : 4 × 30 min·wk−1 ), but intensity and accumulated weekly duration of exercise were consistent between groups (100% gas-exchange threshold; 120 min·wk−1 ). Twelve weeks of exercise training significantly improved peak oxygen uptake, time to exhaustion, and gas-exchange threshold (p < 0.05), independent of exercise group. Exercise training …did not significantly change glycaemic control or body mass. Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and RBC deformability significantly decreased (p < 0.05) for both groups. No change in HRV was observed for Group 1, whereas several key indicators of HRV were significantly improved in Group 2 (p < 0.05). The present study was the first to report decreased RBC aggregation following an exercise-only intervention and that exercise training improved RBC aggregation without a concomitant improvement in glycaemic control. The accumulated weekly exercise duration may be the most important training component for the prescription of exercise in older women with type 2 diabetes. Show more

Keywords: Aggregation, deformability, erythrocyte, exercise, training

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1514

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 87-99, 2012

Authors: Connes, Philippe | Pichon, Aurélien | Hardy-Dessources, Marie-Dominique | Waltz, Xavier | Lamarre, Yann | Simmonds, Michael J. | Tripette, Julien

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We tested the effects of submaximal exercise on blood viscosity (ηb ), nitric oxide production (NO) and hemodynamics. Relationships between the exercise-induced changes that occurred in these parameters were investigated. Nine subjects performed exercise for 15 min at 105% of the first ventilatory threshold. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cardiac output (Qc) were measured, allowing the determination of systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Blood was sampled at rest and at the end of exercise. The ηb was determined at high shear rate and was used to calculate systemic vascular hindrance (VH). NO production was estimated by measuring plasma concentrations of …NO stable end products (NOx). Qc, MAP, ηb and NOx, increased with exercise, whereas SVR and VH decreased. The changes between rest and exercise were calculated and tested for correlations. We observed: 1) a positive correlation between the increase in ηb and the increase in NOx; 2) a negative correlation between the increase in NOx and the decrease in VH; 3) a negative correlation between the increase in ηb and the decrease in SVR. Although the increase in Qc and blood flow during exercise probably promoted NO production due to shear dependent stimulation of the endothelium, the present results also support that the rise in ηb during exercise may be necessary for NO production and adequate vasodilation. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, hemorheology, vasodilation, vascular resistance, nitric oxide

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1515

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 101-109, 2012

Authors: Lo Presti, R. | Canino, B. | Montana, M. | Calandrino, V. | Caimi, G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the plasma protein carbonyl groups (PC) in 81 trained subjects (TS) who practiced regular, non professional physical activity. They were divided into three groups according to the type of sport they practiced (endurance, mixed or power). On fasting venous blood we examined the PC groups employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, in which 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazine reacts with the PC forming a stable hydrazone product. In the whole group of TS a significant decrease in PC was present, in comparison with sedentary controls (SC). Dividing TS into groups, we observed a decreased PC …concentration in those practicing endurance and mixed sports, but not in those practicing power sports. There was no difference between men and women for PC either in SC or in TS; male TS had a PC concentration significantly lower than male SC. Our data show that body proteins are more protected against oxidative stress in subjects who practice endurance and mixed sports. These results give further support to the promotion of regular physical activity including aerobic exercise. Show more

Keywords: Oxidative stress, aerobic exercise, endurance sport, mixed sport, power sport

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1518

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 111-116, 2012

Authors: Jia, Binbin | Wang, Xifu | Kang, Aijun | Wang, Xuewen | Wen, Zongyao | Yao, Weijuan | Xie, Lide

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the cardiovascular risk factors sensitive to preventive and control interventions. Here we created a hypercholesterolemia model to investigate the effect of the long term aerobic exercise (swimming) on the hemorheology of rats fed with high-fat diet. We found that the rats fed with high-fat diet developed hypercholesterolmia and hepatic steatosis and their hemorheological and coagulative properties were all impaired as compared to those of the rats fed with standard diet. But after exercise, the total cholesterol and triglyceride in the plasma were significantly decreased and the severity of hepatic steatosis were reduced. Exercise greatly improved the …erythrocytes' hemorheological properties, including deformability, electrophoretic mobility and osmotic fragility. Exercise also markedly lowered the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) but had moderate effects on other coagulative parameters. The high oxidative stress level, as indicated by plasma MDA concentration, in rats with high-fat diet was significantly attenuated to the normal level after exercise. The present study suggests that long term aerobic exercise could remarkably improve the abnormal hemorheological property and the oxidative stress in rats with hypercholesterolemia. Show more

Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, aerobic exercise, hemorheology, oxidative stress

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1519

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 117-127, 2012

Authors: de Oliveira, P. | Gomes, A.Q. | Pacheco, T.R. | Vitorino de Almeida, V. | Saldanha, C. | Calado, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Acetylcholine (ACh) has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory function by down-modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its availability can be regulated at different levels, namely at its synthesis and degradation steps. Accordingly, the expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for ACh hydrolysis, has been observed to be modulated in inflammation. To further address the mechanisms underlying this effect, we aimed here at characterizing AChE expression in distinct cellular types pivotal to the inflammatory response. This study was performed in the human acute leukaemia monocytyc cell line, THP-1, in human monocyte-derived primary macrophages and in human umbilical cord vein …endothelial cells (HUVEC). In order to subject these cells to inflammatory conditions, THP-1 and macrophage were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E.coli and HUVEC were stimulated with the tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Our results showed that although AChE expression was generally up-regulated at the mRNA level under inflammatory conditions, distinct AChE protein expression profiles were surprisingly observed among the distinct cellular types studied. Altogether, these results argue for the existence of cell specific mechanisms that regulate the expression of acetylcholinesterase in inflammation. Show more

Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase, inflammation, gene expression

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1520

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 129-137, 2012

Authors: Teległów, Aneta | Bilski, Jan | Dąbrowski, Zbigniew | Marchewka, Anna | Jaśkiewicz, Jerzy | Gdula-Argasińska, Joanna | Głodzik, Jacek | Tabarowski, Zbigniew | Lizak, Dorota

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a single session of maximal exercise performed in water (4°C or 25°C) on blood rheological properties and the composition of fatty acids in the erythrocyte membranes of laboratory rats. This study will permit better understanding of the reactions occurring in the organism during rapid cooling in cold water, especially in regards to the hemorheological and biochemical parameters of blood. When compared to the control group, exercise performed in water at 4°C led to an increase in the elongation index (EI, from 0.30 Pa to 4.24 Pa) with no concurrent …changes in erythrocyte aggregation, blood plasma viscosity, and fatty acid composition (saturated, unsaturated, saturated/unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated polyunsaturated-n3, polyunsaturated-n6 fatty acids) of the erythrocyte membrane. In rats swimming in water at 25°C, we observed an increase in EI at shear stress from 0.30 Pa to 2.19 Pa, along with a decrease in the half-time of total aggregation when compared to the control group. These changes in erythrocyte rheological properties can be treated as a protective reaction to thermal stress resulting in their improved deformability. Show more

Keywords: Physical exercise, cold water, blood rheology, fatty acid composition, erythrocyte membrane

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1521

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 139-148, 2012

Authors: Martini, Romeo | Andreozzi, Giuseppe Maria | Tiengo, Cesare | Azzena, Bruno | Mazzoleni, Francesco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A 46 years old male with a post traumatic loss of tissue localized on the anterior surface of the right thigh and knee due to a road accident, was treated with different surgical reconstructive techniques. Combined use of autologous skin graft and acellular dermal substitute Integra® allowed the satisfactory recovery of the patient who was discharged after 82 days from the trauma. To analyse the characteristics and the quality of the healing tissues we performed a videocapillaroscopy study to assess the microcirculatory pattern of the autologous skin grafted on the dermal substitute in comparison with the autologous skin grafted …on granulation tissue. The videocapillaroscopy was performed in the zone skin grafted directly on granulation tissue, Zone 1 (Z1); on the region of the lesion in the knee, treated with dermal substitute and autologous skin graft, Zone 2 (Z2), and on the undamaged controlateral knee skin. Zone 3 (Z3). The results showed that the capillary density was similar between Z2 and Z3, while in Z1, the zone skin grafted on the granulation tissue without Integra® the capillary density was significatively reduced. These preliminary observations within the clinical data may be an useful contribute to better understand the tissue healing process. Show more

Keywords: Capillaroscopy, Integra$^{\reg}$, microcirculation, angiogenesis

DOI: 10.3233/CH-2011-1516

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 149-157, 2012