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Biomedical subjects

J R Poortmans

Publications and source records attributed to J R Poortmans.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Training does not affect protein turnover in pre- and early pubertal female gymnasts.

This study compared protein turnover in ten young female gymnasts [10.3 (0.5) years] engaged in regular intense physical training with ten age-matched controls [9.4 (0.6) years)]. Nitrogen flux ( Q), protein synthesis (PS), protein degradation (PD) and net protein turnover (NPB = PS-PD) were measured following a single oral dose of [(15)N]-glycine. The habitual dietary intake of each subject was assessed using a 7-day food record, with food portions being weighed before ingestion. The gymnasts had a low total energy intake which was unbalanced in the proportions of lipid, carbohydrate and protein. Protein flux was 7.19 (0.35) g.kg(-1).day(-1) in the gymnasts and 7.53 (0.81) g.kg(-1).day(-1) in the controls; protein synthesis was 6.06 (0.27) g.kg(-1).day(-1 )in the gymnasts and 6.53 (0.74) g.kg(-1).day(-1) in the controls; protein degradation was 5.45 (0.38) g.kg(-1).day(-1) in the gymnasts and 5.27 (0.74) g.kg(-1).day(-1) in the controls. All data are presented as means and standard errors of the mean (SEM). There were no statistical differences for protein flux, protein synthesis or protein degradation between the two groups. However, NPB was lower (-14%) in the trained gymnasts than in the control group ( P <0.05), which might be explained by a greater protein ingestion in the control group on the day of the protocol ( P <0.05). These results show that in pre- and early pubertal female gymnasts intense training does not exert a demonstrable effect on protein turnover.

Child↗

Protein intake and nitrogen balance in male non-active adolescents and soccer players.

Recommendations for the requirements for protein intake amount usually to 0.8-1.0 g x kg(-1) body mass x day(-1) in adolescents without any reference to the undertaking of acute exercise or to the training status. The present investigation intended to determine the nitrogen balance and protein intake in 8 healthy male non-active adolescents and 11 adolescent soccer players, both groups aged about 15 years. An assessment of nutrient intake was obtained by analysing 7 day food records collected by a questionnaire. Nitrogen excretion rate was determined and nitrogen balance was calculated from the mean daily protein intake and the urinary excretion. The results showed that the nutritional status of the two groups was similar. Nevertheless, we found that their diets were quite inappropriate in terms of the intakes of carbohydrate, some minerals (zinc, calcium, magnesium), vitamins (A, B6, D) and fibre. A positive nitrogen balance was observed from a mean protein intake of 1.57 g x kg(-1) body mass x day(-1) in these adolescents, whether they were non-active or athletes. Thus, the present investigation indicated that the growth and development in non-active adolescents and in adolescent soccer-players give rise to a need for a higher protein intake than is usually recommended. However, the higher protein requirements did not seem to be related only to the increased energy expenditure imposed by the exercise training in the soccer-player group.

Adolescent↗

Postexercise proteinuria in humans and its adrenergic component.

BACKGROUND: Postexercise proteinuria is a common phenomenon depending on hypothetical mechanisms such as the hemodynamic system and its sympathetic component. To test this hypothesis we administrated an a2-adrenergic agonist (clonidine) in order to reduce the catecholamine response during exercise. METHODS: Clonidine (300 mg) and a placebo, one week apart, were administrated randomly to nine healthy male subjects (23 yrs age) 2 hours prior to a maximal exercise test on bicycle ergometer. Blood samples and urine collections were obtained at rest and after exercise. Lactate in plasma, creatinine and albumin in plasma and urine were assayed and their clearances were calculated. RESULTS: Postexercise lactate was identical under placebo and clonidine administration (10.1 +/- 1.0 versus 11.3 +/- 1.7 mmol.-1). It was observed that the clonidine treatment induced a lesser postexercise proteinuria (213 +/- 28 versus 298 +/- 55 mg.min-1) and albuminuria (71.8 +/- 16.3 versus 116.8 +/- 34.2 mg.min-1) when compared to the placebo test. The postexercise renal clearance of albumin did show a reduction of 40% under the influence of clonidine. CONCLUSIONS: It may be argued that the catecholamines are partially acting on the mechanisms of the enhanced permeability of the glomerular membrane induced by strenuous exercise.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Effect of exogenous creatine supplementation on muscle PCr metabolism.

31P NMR was used to assess the influence of two weeks creatine supplementation (21g x d(-1)) on resting muscle PCr concentration, on the rate of PCr repletion (R(depl)), and on the half-time of PCr repletion (t 1/2). Body mass (BM) and volume of body water compartments were also estimated by impedance spectroscopy. Fourteen healthy male subjects (20.8+/-1.9 y) participated in this double-blind study. PCr was measured using a surface coil placed under the calf muscle, at rest and during two exercise bout the duration of which was 1 min. They were interspaced by a recovery of 10 min. The exercises comprised of 50 plantar flexions-extensions against weights corresponding to 40% and 70% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), respectively. Creatine supplementation increased resting muscle PCr content by approximately 20% (P= 0.002). R(depl) was also increased by approximately 15% (P< 0.001) and approximately 10% (P = 0.026) during 40% and 70% MVC exercises, respectively. No change was observed in R(repl) and t1/2. BM and body water compartments were not influenced. These results indicate that during a standardized exercise more ATP is synthesized by the CK reaction when the pre-exercise level in PCr is higher, giving some support to the positive effects recorded on muscle performance.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Do regular high protein diets have potential health risks on kidney function in athletes?

Excess protein and amino acid intake have been recognized as hazardous potential implications for kidney function, leading to progressive impairment of this organ. It has been suggested in the literature, without clear evidence, that high protein intake by athletes has no harmful consequences on renal function. This study investigated body-builders (BB) and other well-trained athletes (OA) with high and medium protein intake, respectively, in order to shed light on this issue. The athletes underwent a 7-day nutrition record analysis as well as blood sample and urine collection to determine the potential renal consequences of a high protein intake. The data revealed that despite higher plasma concentration of uric acid and calcium, Group BB had renal clearances of creatinine, urea, and albumin that were within the normal range. The nitrogen balance for both groups became positive when daily protein intake exceeded 1.26 g.kg but there were no correlations between protein intake and creatinine clearance, albumin excretion rate, and calcium excretion rate. To conclude, it appears that protein intake under 2. 8 g.kg does not impair renal function in well-trained athletes as indicated by the measures of renal function used in this study

Adult↗

Adverse effects of creatine supplementation: fact or fiction?

The consumption of oral creatine monohydrate has become increasingly common among professional and amateur athletes. Despite numerous publications on the ergogenic effects of this naturally occurring substance, there is little information on the possible adverse effects of this supplement. The objectives of this review are to identify the scientific facts and contrast them with reports in the news media, which have repeatedly emphasised the health risks of creatine supplementation and do not hesitate to draw broad conclusions from individual case reports. Exogenous creatine supplements are often consumed by athletes in amounts of up to 20 g/day for a few days, followed by 1 to 10 g/day for weeks, months and even years. Usually, consumers do not report any adverse effects, but body mass increases. There are few reports that creatine supplementation has protective effects in heart, muscle and neurological diseases. Gastrointestinal disturbances and muscle cramps have been reported occasionally in healthy individuals, but the effects are anecdotal. Liver and kidney dysfunction have also been suggested on the basis of small changes in markers of organ function and of occasional case reports, but well controlled studies on the adverse effects of exogenous creatine supplementation are almost nonexistent. We have investigated liver changes during medium term (4 weeks) creatine supplementation in young athletes. None showed any evidence of dysfunction on the basis of serum enzymes and urea production. Short term (5 days), medium term (9 weeks) and long term (up to 5 years) oral creatine supplementation has been studied in small cohorts of athletes whose kidney function was monitored by clearance methods and urine protein excretion rate. We did not find any adverse effects on renal function. The present review is not intended to reach conclusions on the effect of creatine supplementation on sport performance, but we believe that there is no evidence for deleterious effects in healthy individuals. Nevertheless, idiosyncratic effects may occur when large amounts of an exogenous substance containing an amino group are consumed, with the consequent increased load on the liver and kidneys. Regular monitoring is compulsory to avoid any abnormal reactions during oral creatine supplementation.

Administration, Oral↗

Effects of training and creatine supplement on muscle strength and body mass.

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of creatine supplement on the size of the extra- and intracellular compartments and on the increase of isokinetic force during a strength training-program. Twenty-five healthy male subjects (age 22.0+/-2.9 years) participated in this experiment. Seven subjects formed the control-group. They did not complete any training and did not have any dietary supplement. The eighteen other subjects were randomly divided into a creatine- (n = 8) and a placebo-group (n = 10). They were submitted to a controlled strength-training program for 42 days followed by a detraining period of 21 days. Creatine and placebo were given over a period of 9 weeks. The size of the body water compartments was assessed by bioimpedance spectroscopy and the isokinetic force was determined during a single squat by means of an isokinetic dynamometer. These measurements were completed beforehand, at the end of the training period, and after the determining period. Both placebo- and creatine-group increased the isokinetic force by about 6% after the training period, showing that creatine ingestion does not induce a higher increase of the force measured during a single movement. No change in body mass was observed in the control- and placebo-groups during the entire experiment period while the body mass of the creatine-group was increased by 2 kg (P < 0.001). This change can be attributed partially to an increase (P = 0.039) in the body water content (+1.11), and more specifically, to an increase (P < 0.001) in the volume of the inter-cellular compartment (+0.61). Nevertheless, the relative volumes of the body water compartments remained constant and therefore the gain in body mass cannot be attributed to water retention, but probably to dry matter growth accompanied with a normal water volume.

Adult↗

Long-term oral creatine supplementation does not impair renal function in healthy athletes.

PURPOSE: Oral creatine supplementation is widely used in sportsmen and women. Side effects have been postulated, but no thorough investigations have been conducted to support these assertions. It is important to know whether long-term oral creatine supplementation has any detrimental effects on kidney function in healthy population. METHODS: Creatinine, urea, and plasma albumin clearances have been determined in oral creatine consumers (10 months to 5 yr) and in a control group. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the control group and the creatine consumer group for plasma contents and urine excretion rates for creatinine, urea, and albumin. Clearance of these compounds did not differ between the two groups. Thus, glomerular filtration rate, tubular reabsorption, and glomerular membrane permeability were normal in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neither short-term, medium-term, nor long-term oral creatine supplements induce detrimental effects on the kidney of healthy individuals.

Absorption↗

Endotoxaemia, production of tumour necrosis factor alpha and polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation following strenuous exercise in humans.

To examine whether endotoxaemia accompanying long-term, strenuous physical exercise is involved in exercise-induced increase in plasma tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) concentration and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activation, 14 male recreational athletes [mean age 28 (SEM 1) years] were studied. Exercise consisted of a 1.5-km river swim, a 40-km bicycle race, and a 10-km road race. Mean time to complete the race was 149.8 (SEM 4.8) min. The plasma concentrations of granulocyte myeloperoxidase (MPO) and TNF-alpha were significantly higher than baseline values immediately and 1 h after exercise (P<0.001). Both variables returned to pre-race levels the day after exercise. Marked, transient decreases in plasma concentrations of anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies directed against a panel of selected smooth gram-negative LPS were observed after the race, reaching in most cases minimal values in the blood sample drawn immediately following the completion of the triathlon. There was no significant correlation between the magnitude of PMN activation, as assessed by the increase in plasma concentrations of MPO, and the humoral markers of endotoxaemia and TNF-alpha. An inverse, highly significant relationship between the increase in plasma TNF-alpha concentrations and the changes in circulating anti-LPS IgM antibodies concentrations was observed (r = -0.7; P<0.01). These findings suggest that exercise-induced endotoxaemia was involved in the release of TNF-alpha, that the magnitude of the TNF-alpha response to exercise was down-regulated by anti-LPS antibodies of the IgM class, and that the production of TNF-alpha and endotoxaemia did not seem to play a role in the activation of circulating PMN in the exercising subjects.

Adult↗

Possible in vivo tolerance of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil to low-grade exercise-induced endotoxaemia.

To address the question of whether translocation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the blood could be involved in the process of exercise-induced polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) activation, 12 healthy male subjects who took part in a sprint triathlon (1.5 km river swim, 40 km bicycle race, 10 km road race) were studied. While there was no detectable amount of endotoxin in the blood samples drawn at rest, exercise was followed by the appearance of circulating endotoxin molecules at the end of competition in four subjects, and after one and 24 h recovery in three and seven athletes, respectively. The concentrations of plasma granulocyte myeloperoxidase ([MPO]), were significantly higher immediately after exercise and one hour later-than baseline values (P<0.001). This variable returned to pre-race levels the day after exercise, despite the presence of detectable amounts of LPS, at that time, in seven athletes. The absence of significant correlation (r=0.26; P=0.383) and temporal association between [MPO] and plasma endotoxin levels led us to conclude that endotoxaemia was not involved in the process of exercise-induced PMN degranulation observed in our subjects.

Adult↗

Renal responses to exercise in heart and kidney transplant patients.

There is a lack of information about renal responses in heart and kidney transplant patients after intense physical exercise. Eleven heart and ten kidney transplant recipients, as well as two control groups of healthy subjects, were given a maximum exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. One control group was also given a moderate load corresponding to the peak load of the kidney transplant group. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after exercise and assayed for lactate, creatinine, total protein, and albumin. The glomerular filtration rate remained stable at the end of exercise in the transplant patients, while there was a slight (17%) decrease in the control group. Albumin excretion rates after maximum exercise attained a mean of 237 micrograms.min-1 in the control group and a mean of 45 and 16 micrograms.min-1, respectively, in the heart and kidney groups. Postexercise proteinuria seemed to be related to the absolute intensity of the event, but kidney transplant patients showed a reduced effect as compared to heart transplant patients. We conclude that short-term, maximum exercise in heart and kidney transplant recipients is not detrimental to kidney function.

Adult↗

Some aspects of the acute phase response after a marathon race, and the effects of glutamine supplementation.

Strenuous exercise may be associated with immune suppression. However, the underlying mechanism is not known. A decrease in the plasma level of glutamine, which is utilised at a high rate by cells of the immune system, and an increase in the plasma level of some cytokines may impair immune functions such as lymphocyte proliferation after prolonged, exhaustive exercise. In two separate studies of the Brussels marathon, using similar protocols, the time course of the changes in the plasma concentrations of some amino acids (glutamine, glutamate, alanine, tryptophan and branched chain amino acids), acute phase proteins and cytokines (interleukins IL-1 alpha, IL-2, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor type a) was measured in male athletes. The numbers of circulating leucocytes and lymphocytes were also measured. Amino acid and cytokine concentrations have not previously been measured concomitantly in marathon runners; the measurement of some of these parameters the morning after the marathon (16 h) is novel. Another novel feature is the provision of glutamine versus placebo to marathon runners participating in the second study. In both studies the plasma concentrations of glutamine, alanine and branched chain amino acids were decreased immediately after and 1 h after the marathon. Plasma concentrations of all amino acids returned to pre-exercise levels by 16 h after exercise. The plasma concentration of the complement anaphylotoxin C5a increased to abnormal levels after the marathon, presumably due to tissue damage activating the complement system. There was also an increase in plasma C-reactive protein 16 h after the marathon. The plasma levels of IL-1 alpha were unaffected by the exercise, while that of IL-2 was increased 16 h after exercise. Plasma IL-6 was increased markedly (approximately 45-fold) immediately after and at 1 h after exercise. Neopterine, a macrophage activation marker, was significantly increased post-exercise. There was a marked leucocytosis immediately after the marathon, which returned to normal 16 h later. At the same time there was a decrease in the number of T-lymphocytes, which was further reduced within 1 h to below pre-exercise levels. Glutamine supplementation, as administered in the second study, did not appear to have an effect upon lymphocyte distribution.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Evidence of differential renal dysfunctions during exercise in men.

Post-exercise proteinuria is a common phenomenon in healthy subjects. Previous studies have used albumin (Alb) and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) molecules as representatives of high- and low-molecular-weight proteins. Recently, more specific markers of the human kidney proximal tubule have been used to identify the precise site of alterations. Active male subjects underwent two strenuous runs, one 400-m run and one 3000-m run. Urine was collected from the subjects before and after each event. Total protein (TP), Alb, alpha 1-microglobulin (alpha 1-m), beta 2-m, intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were determined for each sample. The short-distance run (400 m) resulted in the largest increases (P < or = 0.05) in TP (31-fold), Alb (100-fold) and beta 2-m (164-fold) as compared to the long-distance run (3000-m). The alpha 1-m excretion rates were increased to a lesser extent by the exercises. The IAP activity was slightly increased (+90%) by the 400-m run while the TNAP and NAG activities showed a 6.8-fold and a 3.6-fold increase, respectively, after this event. Smaller increases were recorded for the long-distance run (P = 0.05). To conclude, the present investigation showed that: (1) post-exercise proteinuria is related to the absolute intensity of exercise; (2) the impairment of protein reabsorption is revealed better by changes in Alb and beta 2-m; (3) changes in TNAP and NAG activities could reveal biochemical modifications that occur in the proximal tubule, particularly at the S1-S2 segment.

Adult↗

Effect of short-term creatine supplementation on renal responses in men.

There is an increasing utilisation of oral creatine (Cr) supplementation among athletes who hope to enhance their performance but it is not known if this ingestion has any detrimental effect on the kidney. Five healthy men ingested either a placebo or 20 g of creatine monohydrate per day for 5 consecutive days. Blood samples and urine collections were analysed for Cr and creatinine (Crn) determination after each experimental session. Total protein and albumin urine excretion rates were also determined. Oral Cr supplementation had a significant incremental impact on arterial content (3.7 fold) and urine excretion rate (90 fold) of this compound. In contrast, arterial and urine Crn values were not affected by the Cr ingestion. The glomerular filtration rate (Crn clearance) and the total protein and albumin excretion rates remained within the normal range. In conclusion, this investigation showed that short-term oral Cr supplementation does not appear to have any detrimental effect on the renal responses of healthy men.

Adult↗

Influence of running different distances on renal glomerular and tubular impairment in humans.

Strenuous exercise has been claimed to modify renal glomerular and tubular function, the relative involvement of the two sites being unknown. These changes may be assessed by the determination of plasma high and low molecular mass proteins. A group of 13 man performed five runs (100, 400, 800, 1,500, 3,000 m) at maximal speed. The excretion rates and renal clearances of creatinine, albumin (Alb), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were determined before and after each run. The glomerular filtration rate remained stable during the shorter runs and declined by about 40% during the longer runs. The excretion rate for Alb rose from 10-fold above the basal value (6 micrograms.min-1) for the 100 m to 49-fold for the 800 m and then declined for distances up to 3,000 m. The beta 2-m and RBP had a lesser initial increase, 3.5-(rest 55 ng.min-1) and 7.6-(rest 116 ng.min-1) fold, respectively, for the 100 m run and thereafter showed a higher excretion rate than Alb for the 400 m and 800 m runs. The renal clearances of these high (Alb) and low molecular mass (beta 2-m and RBP) proteins followed the changes observed for excretion rates. There was a linear relationship (r2 = 0.996) between plasma lactate concentration and total protein excretion in the postexercise period when taking all five runs into consideration. Glomerular permeability was primarily affected by the 100-m run while the longer runs modified both the glomerular and the tubular sites. To conclude, the present study demonstrated a differential response of the kidney to strenuous exercise with respect to the intensity and duration of the events.

Adult↗

Does glutamine have a role in reducing infections in athletes?

There is an increased risk of infections in athletes undertaking prolonged, strenuous exercise. There is also some evidence that cells of the immune system are less able to mount a defence against infections after such exercise. The level of plasma glutamine, an important fuel for cells of the immune system, is decreased in athletes after endurance exercise; this may be partly responsible for the apparent immunosuppression which occurs in these individuals. We monitored levels of infection in more than 200 runners and towers. The levels of infection were lowest in middle-distance runners, and highest in runners after a full or ultramarathon and in elite rowers after intensive training. In the present study, athletes participating in different types of exercise consumed two drinks, containing either glutamine (Group G) or placebo (Group P) immediately after and 2 h after exercise. They subsequently completed questionnaires (n = 151) about the incidence of infections during the 7 days following the exercise. The percentage of athletes reporting no infections was considerably higher in Group G (81%, n = 72) than in Group P (49%, n = 79, p < 0.001).

Adult↗

Postexercise proteinuria in childhood and adolescence.

Postexercise proteinuria has been observed in healthy adults but there was a need for information in young individuals. Boys and girls (n = 170) from 6 to 18 years of age were submitted to maximal exercise by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Urine collection was made prior to and 30 min after completion of the run. Total protein, albumin, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and creatinine were determined on each sample. Resting values for total protein, albumin, beta 2-m and RBP excretion rates were within the normal range for each component with a progressive increase for total protein and albumin. The effect of exercise increased with age. Between the 6 and 9 year olds there was a gender difference in postexercise proteinuria, boys enhanced the excretion of macromolecules while girls did not show any increase by maximal exercise. The excretion rates of all protein components were related to the absolute intensity of exercise expressed as maximal speed (R between 0.86 and 0.90, p < 0.001). High- and low-molecular weight protein excretion gave evidence of increasing disturbances from the age of 9 to 18 years in boys and girls. These data clearly demonstrate that 1) postexercise proteinuria is present at maximal exercise from childhood to adolescence; 2) the magnitude of protein excretion is strictly related to the absolute intensity of exercise; 3) the glomerulus permeability and the tubular reabsorption process are both different in pre- and postpubertal children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗