Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Pihl

Publications and source records attributed to E Pihl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Atherogenic inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in relation to overweight values in male former athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate inflammation- and oxidative stress-related (OxS) background in former athletes in relation to overweight and abdominal obesity status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from ongoing follow-up study. SUBJECTS: A total of 60 middle-aged former athletes (46.6+/-7.5 years; 181.1+/-7.2 cm; 88.1 +/- 12.9 kg) and 54 age-matched controls (48.1+/-7.3 years; 181.4 +/- 6.2 cm; 89.7 +/- 14.4 kg). MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric characteristics, serum lipoproteins (CHOL, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), diene conjugates (DC) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Information about the physical activity and other lifestyle variables were collected by the questionnaire. RESULTS: Ex-athletes were characterized by significantly higher physical activity characteristics and lower CHOL and oxLDL in comparison with controls. Correlation analysis among ex-athletes revealed negative associations between all measured overweight data (body mass index, fat percentage, waist to hip circumferences and waist circumference (WC)), and current physical activity. Current physical activity was significantly related to OxS and inflammatory characteristics (oxLDL, DC and hsCRP) among the ex-athletes, but not among the control group. The most expressed positive correlations were found between WC, hsCRP, triglycerides (TG), DC and oxLDL in both study groups. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that there exists an independent (adjusted for potential confounders) association between overweight, abdominal obesity, and atherogenic inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in ex-athletes as well as in age-matched controls. Major findings of our study show that WC is the best correlate of hsCRP, oxLDL, DC and TG levels.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

High-sensitive C-reactive protein level and oxidative stress-related status in former athletes in relation to traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze systemic and cellular oxidative stress-related indices as well as C-reactive protein level in former top-level athletes in relation to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 53 former male athletes and 25 sedentary controls (age range: 39-59 years). We measured anthropometric factors (BMI, fat percentage, WHR), resting blood pressure (SBP, DBP), serum cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidized LDL-C (oxLDL), diene conjugates (DC), glutathione redox status, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and leisure-time physical activity. RESULTS: Physically active former athletes had significantly lower mean overweight (BMI, fat percentage, WHR), better spectrum of atherogenesis indicators (CHOL, HDL-C, TG, TG:HDL-C ratio) and lower oxidative stress (oxLDL, oxLDL:LDL-C ratio, DC) values than sedentary ex-athletes. No significant differences in these variables were found between the sedentary ex-athletes and control group. Significant associations were found between physical activity (METs), SBP, DBP, hypertension, CHOL, HDL-C, TG, TG:HDL-C ratio, oxLDL, oxLDL:LDL-C ratio, DC and hsCRP. CONCLUSIONS: A physically active lifestyle is related to a lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile including a substantially lower systemic and cellular oxidative stress status as well as C-reactive protein level in middle-aged men.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Physical activity, musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular risk factors in male physical education teachers.

BACKGROUND: To compare the occupational and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) patterns, musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular disease risk factors among the physical education teachers (PETs) and their fellow workers (controls). METHODS DESIGN: a case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: 86 male PETs and 102 other teachers aged 51-72 years old. MEASURES: the questionnaire was applied to determine the occupational activity and LTPA level, musculoskeletal disorders, general health status and lifestyle patterns. Anthropometric parameters, resting blood pressure values, and physical working capacity were measured. Concentrations of total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were determined and the HDL-C/CHOL ratio was calculated. RESULTS: PETs had maintained their physically active lifestyle - 59.3% of them were regularly active in their leisure time. The results of the questionnaire did not reveal any major between-group differences in their health status and health habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.). PETs had a significantly lower adjusted risk of overweight (OR 0.63, 95% CI, 0.21-0.94), hypertension (OR 0.25, 95% CI, 0.13-0.47) and all musculoskeletal disorders (during the past year) (OR 0.52, 95% CI, 0.29-0.94) in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: It is reasonable to assume from our study that long-term physical activity is associated with a lower risk of overweight, hypertension and musculoskeletal disorders in PETs in comparison with sedentary fellow workers.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Relationships between body weight change and cardiovascular disease risk factors in male former athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular disease risk factor profile in former athletes according to their weight-change patterns during the postcompetitive period. DESIGN: Cohort study with a retrospective assessment of baseline weight of male former top-level athletes. SUBJECTS: One-hundred and fifty top-level athletes aged 35-60 y were divided into four groups according to the weight-change patterns during the postcompetitive period (weight loss, constant weight, weight gain over 3.0 kg and weight gain over 10.0 kg). MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, percentage fat, skinfolds, waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), serum lipids and lipoproteins (CHOL, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG), and physical working capacity. A questionnaire was drawn up to evaluate current and previous physical activity, lifestyle indices and to record weight at the age of 20 (according to sports diaries). RESULTS: Weight gain over 10.0 kg in former athletes was closely associated with higher body mass index, percentage body fat, skinfold thickness, WHR, SBP, DBP, LDL-C and TG values, as well as lower HDL-C, HDL-C/CHOL ratio and physical working capacity values. After adjustment for confounders, the weight gainers over 10.0 kg revealed a higher risk of hypertension (OR 6.65; 95% CI 2.99-11.65), abdominal fat distribution pattern (OR 10.51; 95% CI 6.11-16.24), elevated LDL-C (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.15-3.06) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR 3.52; 95% CI 1.12-8.56) compared with those whose weight was constant. Weight loss and weight gain less than 10.0 kg were significantly related to increased risk for abdominal fat distribution pattern. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that weight gain during the postcompetitive period was associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in male former athletes.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Relationship between subcutaneous fatness and leptin in male athletes.

PURPOSE: Circulating leptin is low in trained subjects and closely related to body fat content. However, data are scarce as to whether differences exist in the relationship between different estimates of adiposity, metabolic parameters, and leptin in endurance- and resistance-trained male athletes. We investigated this relationship with special emphasis on subcutaneous fatness and its distribution. METHODS: 20 endurance (ET) and 17 resistance (RT) athletes recruited from different kind of sports were studied. Fat-free mass (FFM) was estimated by means of impedance and fat mass (FM) was calculated. Subcutaneous fat (SAT) and its distribution was measured by means of the optical device Lipometer at 15 body sites (SAT-layers; from 1-neck to 15-calf) on the right side of the body. Fifteen SAT-layers were summed to calculate SAT. Blood samples were obtained for determination for leptin, insulin, and glucose. Insulin resistance was calculated through the fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI; [insulin x glucose/25]). RESULTS: RT-athletes had a greater body mass and body fat content than ET-athletes, but no differences were found for leptin and metabolic parameters. In all athletes, estimates of adiposity were correlated to leptin. However, in ET-athletes FM (P < 0.05), FFM (P < 0.05), and SAT (P < 0.001) but not metabolic parameters were correlated to leptin. In RT-athletes, SAT (P < 0.0001), metabolic parameters (all P < 0.05), but not FM and FFM were in significant relationship with leptin. Stepwise regression revealed SAT as the main determinant for the variation in leptin in all athletes (adj. R(2 )= 0.52, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that estimates of adiposity and metabolic parameters are associated with leptin in a sport-specific manner. Whereas leptin might be regulated by overall subcutaneous fatness in athletes, our study does not imply a main influence of fat patterning on leptin in this group of trained subjects.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in males with normal body weight and high waist-to-hip ratio.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and the distribution of body fat are both associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The relation of abdominal body fat distribution to CVD may depend on the degree of obesity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cardiovascular disease risk factor levels in males with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the absence of overweight. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 231 male subjects (21-69 years old). METHODS: Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, fat%, skinfolds, waist circumference, WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BPsyst, BPdiast), serum lipids and lipoproteins (CHOL, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG), glucose (GL), and physical working capacity. A questionnaire was drawn up to evaluate physical activity level and lifestyle patterns. RESULTS: Subjects with WHR > or = 0.9, BMI < 27.0 and with WHR > or = 0.9, BMI > or = 27.0 showed statistically significant differences in all measured anthropometric and blood pressure values in comparison with the control group (WHR < 0.9, BMI < 27.0). Compared with the controls, subjects with WHR > or = 0.9, BMI > or = 27.0 had significantly higher risk (OR) for hypertension and elevated LDL-C. Physical activity was a significant determinant of the high WHR. CONCLUSIONS: WHR has independent associations with some CVD risk factors, but the effect increases with weight.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Blood lactate recovery and perceived readiness to start a new run in middle-distance runners during interval training.

The aim of this study was to establish to what extent ratings of perceived readiness to start a new run are dependent on recovery of blood lactate and heart rate during passive recovery between interval runs (4 x 2000 m) of increasing intensity by 15 male college-level middle-distance runners. The Perceived Readiness Rating scale was administered at each minute of recovery. Blood lactate concentration was measured immediately after runs at Min. 3 of recovery after the first and second runs, and, in addition, at Min. 6 of recovery after the third and fourth runs. Heart rate was recorded continuously during the runs and during recovery. The obtained correlation between blood lactate recovery and perceived readiness ratings after the third and fourth runs were -.36 and -.56, respectively (p<.05). Consequently, blood lactate concentration recovery appears to influence the middle-distance runners' perceived readiness estimation to begin a new run. The Perceived Readiness Rating applied by us appears useful in the training of middle-distance runners.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Relationship between perceived readiness to run and physiological variables during repeated 2000 m bouts in middle-distance runners.

The aim of this study was to investigate how heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (LA) concentrations are associated with perceived readiness ratings (PRR) to begin a new run during recovery after four different intensity steady-state 2000 m runs in college-level male middle-distance runners (n=15). A typical 4x2000 m run test with stepwise increasing speed was used on the indoor track (150 m lap). A new PRR scale was administered at each minute of recovery. The scale ranges from 1 to 5 points (from "not at all ready to begin" to "completely ready to begin"). Blood LA concentrations were measured immediately after runs and in the 3rd min of recovery after the first and second runs. In case of the third and fourth runs, blood LA was measured immediately after the runs and in the 3rd and 6th min of recovery. HR was recorded at the end of every minute of recovery. Highly significant inverse relationships were revealed between PRR, blood LA concentrations and HR during recovery (r>0.9 as a rule). After the third and the fourth 2000 m runs, where intensity was higher than LA threshold, PRR increased during 6 min up to 4.8+/-0.4 and 4.5+/-0.6, respectively, while HR fell below 120 beats x min(-1). However, blood LA concentration remained high. The reliability of the new PRR scale (tested on four runners), during recovery was very high (r=0.98). These results suggest that the PRR scale can be used by runners to determine the optimal duration of resting intervals between runs.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Circulatory response to single circuit weight and walking training sessions of similar energy cost in middle-aged overweight females.

The aim of this study was to compare circulatory responses to circuit weight (CWT) and aerobic walking training sessions of similar energy cost in middle-aged overweight females. Thirty-three middle-aged pre-menopausal females participated in the experiment. They were divided into overweight (n=18, 36.2 +/- 6.3 years, 166.3 +/- 8.0 cm, 83.5 +/- 9.7 kg, BMI 30.2 +/- 3.1 kg m-2) and non-overweight control (n=15, 34.1 +/- 6.3 years, 165.0 +/- 5.6 cm, 61.6 +/- 5.0 kg, BMI 22.7 +/- 1.5 kg m-2) groups. Individual physical working capacity (PWC) was measured using the cycle ergometer test (calculated at the level of predicted HRmax (205 - (1/2) age). A CWT session consisted of leg extension, bench press, sit-ups and leg press exercises. The subjects performed four circuits at the maximal possible speed, using a work-to-rest ratio of 60 s. Blood pressure (BP) was measured during every rest period between the exercises, and the heart rate (HR) was recorded continuously during the whole CWT programme. During the walking training session, the subjects walked as fast as possible on the indoor track. The total energy cost of the walking training session was the same as during the CWT session, approximately 270 kcal, and was controlled by a CALTRAC accelerometer. HR and BP were measured every 5 min during the walking training session. The PWC index was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the overweight group in comparison with the control females (215.4 +/- 76.1 and 187.9 +/- 42.4 W, respectively). The resting BP was normal in both groups (<140/90 mmHg). HR was between 120 and 140 beats min-1 during CWT and walking sessions. There were no differences in BP during both training sessions in overweight and control subjects. It was concluded that both CWT and walking training sessions were acceptable forms of physical activity to increase cardiovascular fitness in middle-aged overweight and normal body weight females.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Changes in body fluids during endurance rowing training.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-lasting, extensive rowing training on body fluids in 12 experienced rowers (23.3 +/- 6.3 years, 188.7 +/- 5.9 cm, 82.0 +/- 10.8 kg, body mass index [BMI] 23.7 +/- 2.1). All rowers had a light traditional breakfast about 3 h before the training. The subjects rowed 2 h 17 min and covered 22.6 +/- 2.5 km. Before and immediately after the training session and after 30, 60, and 120 min of recovery, body fluid balance was measured using a multiple-frequency impedance device (Multiscan 5000, Bodystat Ltd., UK). Body resistance was measured at the right side of the body. Extracellular (ECW), intracellular (ICW), and total (TBW) body water were measured at 5, 200, and 50 kHz, respectively. Blood hemoglobin (Hgb) and hemotocrit (Hct) were measured, and changes in blood volume (BV), plasma volume (PV), and cell volume (CV) were measured according to Dill and Costill (1974). The body weight of the rowers decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 82.0 +/- 10.8 kg to 80.6 +/- 11.2 kg during the endurance training. There were no significant changes in TBW immediately after the training session. Significant changes in the content of TBW occurred during the first 30 min of recovery (48.7 +/- 4.4 to 47.9 +/- 4.1; p < 0.05). The amount of ECW also decreased significantly during the first 30 min of recovery (23.3 +/- 2.0 to 22.7 +/- 1.91; p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the balance of ECW. BV decreased during the training session by 2.5 +/- 5.2% (p < 0.05). There were significant relationships (p < 0.05) between the covered distance and the following parameters after the training session: body weight (r = -0.75), TBW (r = -0.75), and ECW (r = -0.83). Changes in the blood parameters did not correlate significantly with changes in body fluids and training volume. It was concluded that extensive rowing training significantly changed the balance of body fluids in rowers.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Coronary heart disease risk factors in middle-aged former top-level athletes.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the impact of previous athleticism on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in 168 middle-aged men and 147 middle-aged women in Estonia. Participants were divided into four groups: physically active ex-athletes (AA), sedentary ex-athletes (SA), recreational exercisers (RE), and non-exercisers (NE). The Sharkey's questionnaire was applied to determine the CHD risk factors, health habits, medical, safety, personal, psychological and women's risk factors scores. Anthropometric characteristics, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure values (SBP, DBP), and physical working capacity (PWC170) were measured. Concentrations of total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triacylglycerols (TG), and glucose were determined. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-C/CHOL ratio were computed. From the questionnaire results, significant differences in CHD risk scores in both sex groups in favour of AA and RE were found. DBP in men was significantly higher in SA, and SBP in women was significantly higher in NE in comparison with other groups. PWC170 and PWC170/kg was highest in AA and lowest in NE in both sex groups. There were no significant differences for blood biochemical parameters between women's groups. In men, AA had a lower CHOL level in comparison with SA and NE, and lower concentrations of TG and LDL-C than other groups. AA and RE had a higher HDL-C concentration and HDL-C/CHOL ratio in comparison with the other groups. In conclusion, differences in CHD risk factors were related to current physical activity, and were more expressed in men than in women.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1987

Lung recurrence after curative surgery for colorectal cancer.

A total of 1578 patients were treated with potentially curative surgical resection for colon and rectal cancer by one surgeon from 1950 to 1982. Follow-up revealed that 117 (11.5 percent) of 1013 patients with rectal carcinoma eventually presented with clinical evidence of pulmonary recurrence, with or without evidence of spread elsewhere; the corresponding figures for the colon were 20 (3.5 percent) of 565 (P less than 0.001). An analysis of the times to recurrence revealed that half of the lung recurrences were clinically obvious within 32 months for rectal tumors and 34 months for colonic, compared to 22 and 21 months, respectively, for liver recurrences, excluding those with other distant metastases. The slower recurrence rate and the longer survival in patients with recurrences in the lung compared to the liver were statistically significant only for rectal primaries (P less than 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively). Sixteen patients underwent surgery with curative intention for lung recurrences; four of these remain alive at two, six, 11, and 15 years, and one patient was free of recurrence when he died from other causes 15 months after surgery. The conditional probability survival rate for the 16 patients was 38 +/- 13 percent at five years after recurrence operation.

Colonic Neoplasms↗
PubMed1987

Zoned immune suppression of lymph nodes draining malignant melanoma: histologic and immunohistologic studies.

Node-to-node heterogeneity of reaction and recognizable patterns of reaction in node groups draining melanoma were sought. Nodes from 72 patients undergoing lymphadenectomy for high-risk, primary melanoma (57) or node-spread melanoma (15) were accurately oriented to the nearest melanoma. Reactivity of paracortex, follicular areas, and sinuses was assessed on a 0-3+ scale. Reactivity was prominent in paracortex and sinuses but varied from node to node within node groups. Nodes nearest to tumor showed least reaction; nodes at intermediate distances from tumor were most reactive, while those farthest away showed mostly little reaction. Variation of nodal reaction that correlated with the node position relative to the nearest melanoma (zoned reaction) was seen in 92% of patients with nodal metastases of melanoma and in 64% of patients with primary malignant melanoma. Follicular and sinusoidal reactions showed no significant zoning. S-100 protein-positive paracortical dendritic cells (PDCs) in tumor-oriented nodes were quantified. PDCs were infrequent in nodes partly replaced by melanoma or located near to melanoma but were numerous in nodes located farther from tumor. Changes of nodal activity (relative stimulation or suppression) correlate with the distance of the node from the nearest deposit of primary or metastatic melanoma.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

Local recurrence after potentially curative resection for rectal cancer in a series of 1008 patients.

Local recurrence and its related mortality after potentially curative resection for rectal cancer have been analysed in a series of 1008 patients managed by one of the authors. Nine hundred and thirty-four were available for analysis of recurrence. One hundred and seven (11 per cent) patients developed local recurrence without evidence of systemic spread and 84 (9 per cent) both local and systemic recurrence. Local recurrence was less common (14 per cent) after resection of tumours of the upper third of the rectum compared with the middle (21 per cent) (P = 0.02) or lower thirds (26 per cent) (P less than 0.001). Local recurrence was related to both tumour stage and differentiation (P less than 0.001). There was no significant relationship between local recurrence and tumour size or the type of curative resection performed, restorative or non-restorative. The distal margin of clearance after restorative resection did not influence the local recurrence rate. Of patients who developed metastases recurrence was evident within 2 years in 60 per cent. Three hundred and thirty-two patients died from recurrence, 91 (27 per cent) with evidence of local recurrence only, 80 (24 per cent) with combined local and systemic recurrence and 161 (48 per cent) with evidence of systemic spread only. The corresponding median survivals were 35, 34 and 39 months.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

T-antigen expression by peanut agglutinin staining relates to mucosal dysplasia in ulcerative colitis.

Staining of 326 rectal mucosal biopsies from ulcerative colitis patients with peanut agglutinin (PNA), which binds to the T-blood group antigen and has been claimed to reflect a cancer-associated mucin alteration, showed highly significant direct associations with mucosal dysplasia (P less than 0.001), disease activity (P less than 0.001), and subsequent development of rectal cancer in a smaller series of patients (P = 0.005). Staining for normal colonic mucin by the Dolichos biflorus (DBA) lectin related significantly and inversely to dysplasia. Intense normal colon mucin staining by DBA related significantly (P less than 0.025) to long disease duration and to subsequent development of cancer (P = 0.02). The latter association is based on a small number of patients only and is not considered conclusive evidence, but may provide a link with goblet-cell hyperplasia. The authors conclude that although T-antigen expression relates to dysplasia, the findings of "false" positive and negative rates of 22 and 33 percent respectively, make it unlikely that staining of biopsy sections for the T-antigen by peanut agglutinin will contribute materially to routine assessment for dysplasia and cancer risk prediction in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Changes in lymphocyte status and responsiveness in pregnancy detected by a fluorescent cell probe.

Lymphocyte reactivity assessed by a fluorescent lipophilic probe test of responsiveness to concanavalin A (con A) was shown to differ from normal in early pregnancy. The difference was most marked in multiparas. Abnormal reactivity was detected in the earliest pregnancy examined (5 weeks' gestation) and up to about the 20th week; after 20 weeks, reactivity was normal in all of the multiparas and most of the nulliparas studied. However, in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), a disorder of late pregnancy, the same responsiveness as in early pregnancy was found. When unstimulated lymphocytes were examined, abnormal reactivity associated with increased fluorescence was observed in early pregnancy and in PIH, compared with normal late pregnancy, reflecting alteration in lymphocyte membrane phospholipids. It is postulated that pregnancy is associated with sequential change in immunity, disturbance of which may result in immunologically-determined obstetric morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Promoting effect of beer and ethanol on anti-tumour cytotoxicity: unaffected growth of a transplantable rat tumour.

The effects of beer and alcohol (4.8% ethanol v/v) were studied on (i) the growth of a syngeneic colonic carcinoma transplantable in male D/A rats, (ii) levels of blood B and T-lymphocyte classes, (iii) antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and (iv) direct lymphocyte anti-tumour cytotoxicity. Beer and alcohol had no effect on tumour growth, but led to significant increases in non-specific anti-tumour cytotoxicity in the levels of blood lymphocytes labelled by the monoclonal antibody OX/8 (cytotoxic/suppressor cells) and in the levels of total T-lymphocytes; ADCC was not affected. It is concluded that alcohol stimulates non-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) but that it either does not affect tumour growth or that the increased CMI is compensatory for a tumour-growth stimulatory effect of alcohol.

Animals↗