Search Results (1,060)

Metabolic reprogramming is a core hallmark of malignancy, enabling tumor cells to sustain rapid proliferation, evade immune elimination, and develop resistance to therapy. Although a wide range of plant-derived phytochemicals exhibit anticancer activity with comparatively low toxicity, their capacity to disrupt specific metabolic dependencies exploited by tumors has not been comprehensively synthesized. This review brings together current mechanistic evidence showing how major phytochemical classes, including polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids, glucosinolates, and alkaloids, interfere with pathways central to tumor metabolic fitness, such as aerobic glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway flux, mitochondrial substrate oxidation, glutamine dependence, and redox homeostasis. It further introduces a pathway-focused framework that links phytochemical mechanisms to quantifiable metabolic outcomes and highlights their potential to remodel the tumor microenvironment by altering nutrient competition, oxidative stress responses, and hypoxia-driven signaling. Key barriers such as poor systemic bioavailability, rapid metabolic degradation, and limited tissue penetration are assessed alongside emerging formulation and delivery strategies designed to enhance therapeutic exposure while preserving low-toxicity profiles. Mapping these mechanistic insights onto clinical development needs allows prioritization of specific phytochemical-metabolic pathway pairs with the strongest potential for translation. This positions plant-derived metabolic disruptors as promising candidates for next-generation, low-toxicity anticancer therapies that strategically exploit defined metabolic vulnerabilities. Full article

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue, leading to reduced functional independence and impaired quality of life (QoL). Although exercise has historically been discouraged due to concerns about symptom exacerbation, emerging evidence suggest that structured exercise programs may be safe and beneficial in clinically stable patients. This systematic review critically evaluates current evidence on exercise and physical activity interventions in MG, focusing on effectiveness, safety, and impact on functional outcomes, fatigue, and QoL. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Keywords included MG, physical activity, aerobic training, resistance training, and respiratory muscle training. Methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Results: Eight controlled studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing aerobic, resistance, combined, and respiratory muscle training interventions. Sample sizes ranged from small pilot studies to moderate-size randomized controlled trials. Overall, exercise interventions were well tolerated, with no evidence of sustained symptoms exacerbation. Aerobic and combined programs consistently improved functional capacity, muscle strength, and activities of daily living. Respiratory muscle training demonstrated improvements in pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle strength, although findings were more heterogeneous. Study quality ranged from poor to excellent, with common limitations including small sample size, short follow-up duration, and heterogeneity in exercise programs. Conclusions: Current evidence supports the safety and potential efficacy of individualized, symptom-guided exercise interventions in clinically stable MG. Regular physical activity exercise may reduce secondary deconditioning, improve functional outcomes, and enhance QoL. However, larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized programs and longer follow-up periods are required to strengthen clinical recommendations and clarify long-term effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Masters athletes are adults aged ≥40 who compete in sport, exhibiting superior physical function and healthier aging than their sedentary peers. However, even highly trained masters athletes experience age-related performance declines. Women masters athletes represent a growing yet understudied population who may face unique physiological challenges. This scoping review synthesizes literature from 1984 to 2024, examining the impact of age and menopause on determinants of endurance performance in women masters athletes. Methods: Following JBI scoping review methodology, six databases were searched (Medline, Embase, Central, CINAHL, SPORTdiscus, Scopus). Studies were evaluated for population characteristics, methodological approaches, and physiological determinants of performance (i.e., aerobic capacity, lactate kinetics, and exercise economy). Results: Twenty-nine studies were included. Most (n = 28) assessed aerobic capacity, reporting declines between 0.36 and 0.84 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹·year⁻¹ (0.5–2.4%·year⁻¹). These reductions were primarily associated with decreased cardiac output followed by changes in body composition. Training volume emerged as a predictor of aerobic capacity, but the effects of menopause were unclear. Findings on lactate kinetics and exercise economy were mixed but preliminary research indicated that lactate threshold relative to VO₂max generally increased, peak lactate remained stable and energy cost increased with age. Fitness and health characteristics among women athletes differed from sedentary populations, emphasizing the need for athlete-specific data to support training and health decisions. Conclusions: Aging is associated with decreased aerobic capacity and variable changes in lactate kinetics and exercise economy. While training volume may attenuate performance decrements, the impact of menopause remains uncertain, underscoring the need for longitudinal research to better support this growing segment of the population. Full article

Postmenopausal women with obesity often show blood abnormalities and low plasma volume, which reduce aerobic capacity and raise health risks. The purpose is to compare the effects of high-intensity (HIIWT) versus moderate-intensity interval walking training (MIIWT) on body composition, plasma volume variations (PVV), hematological parameters, muscle damage, and aerobic capacity in postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity. Thirty-two postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to HIIWT (n = 11), MIIWT (n = 11), or control (CON, n = 10) groups. The HIIWT and MIIWT groups performed intermittent walking at 90–110% and 60–80% of their 6-min-walk-test (6MWT) distance, respectively, four times per week for 10 weeks. Body composition, hematological and muscle damage markers, and 6MWT performance were assessed pre- and post-intervention. After ten weeks, PVV was calculated in all three groups. A significant group × time interaction was observed for body composition, erythrocytes, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and 6MWT performance (p < 0.05). Both the HIIWT and MIIWT groups showed significant reductions in body mass, body fat, waist circumference (p < 0.05), and erythrocyte count (p = 0.010 and 0.028, respectively). Only the HIIWT group showed significant reductions in hemoglobin (p < 0.001), hematocrit (p = 0.005), CK (p = 0.002), and LDH (p = 0.009), along with a significant increase in 6MWT-performance (p = 0.002). The HIIWT group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in PVV compared to both MIIWT (p = 0.018) and CON (p < 0.001) groups. HIIWT induced superior improvements in body composition, aerobic capacity, plasma volume, and hematological and muscle-damage markers compared to MIIWT. HIIWT represents a practical strategy for improving health outcomes in postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity. Full article

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation. Irisin, released during exercise, regulates energy metabolism and may contribute to exercise-induced metabolic adaptations. This study aimed to compare the effects of 24 weeks of two different training programs on body composition, physical capacities, and irisin levels in male adults with obesity, and to investigate the relationship between irisin and metabolic parameters. Thirteen male adults with obesity were randomly assigned to polarized (POL) or threshold (THR) training programs. Anthropometric measurements, physical capacity parameters, serum and salivary samples were collected before (T0) and after the training period (T1). Irisin levels were measured by ELISA. After training, body composition significantly improved, with reductions in body mass and body mass index, and an increase in fat-free mass. Maximal oxygen consumption (V’O₂max) significantly increased, while a decrease in HRmax indicated improved cardiac efficiency. Although serum and salivary irisin levels did not significantly increase overall, a trend toward increased irisin was observed in the THR group. Furthermore, serum irisin at T1 positively correlated with V’O₂ at the respiratory compensation point (p = 0.019), and V’O₂max (p = 0.031). Both POL and THR training programs significantly improved body composition and cardiometabolic fitness after 24 weeks. The positive association of irisin with aerobic fitness parameters suggests that irisin may reflect physiological adaptations to exercise. Full article

Population aging has markedly increased the burden of cancer in older adults, in whom frailty, sarcopenia, and reduced physiological reserve limit tolerance to treatment and worsen clinical outcomes. Aging is accompanied by progressive functional decline and by biological processes such as cellular senescence, characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest, chronic low-grade inflammation, and impaired immune surveillance. The accumulation of senescent cells and the persistence of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype contribute to tissue dysfunction and generate a microenvironment that favors tumor initiation and progression. Physical exercise has been associated with attenuation of inflammation, improvements in metabolic and immune function, and with lower levels of senescence-related biomarkers. Although aerobic exercise has been extensively studied in this setting, resistance training holds relevance for older adults due to its capacity to counteract sarcopenia, preserve muscle strength and power, and sustain functional independence. Structured and periodized approaches to resistance exercise may further enhance these benefits by delivering targeted stimuli aligned with age-related physiological deficits. Block strength training (BST), a periodized model that concentrates training adaptations into sequential phases of maximal strength, power, and muscular endurance, has demonstrated consistent improvements in functional performance and reductions in frailty risk in community-dwelling older adults. BST improves physical function. It may also influence biological processes related to aging and cancer; however, mechanistic evidence specific to BST remains to be established. We hypothesized that the exercise in block as a targeted, a structured and physiologically grounded resistance training intervention highlights the potential of BST to promote functional aging and healthy. In the case of cancer biology, and the environment near to tumour, the relationship between aging mechanisms in older adults and controlled exercise effects are currently in advance, but mechanistic trials are still lacking. Finally, we propose a novel training method, structured and personalized, that could impact different clinical outcomes in older patients with cancer. Full article

Background: Identifying multimodal interventions to counteract age-related physiological decline is a critical public health priority. This study investigated the impact of an 8-week Mat Pilates intervention (MPT) on the interplay between core stability, pulmonary function, and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults, specifically examining the mechanistic link between trunk stabilization and respiratory mechanics. Methods: Twenty older adults (18 females, 2 males; age 60—77 years) were randomized (stratified by sex, age, and baseline stability) into an MPT group (n = 10; 60-min sessions, 3×/week) or a control group (CON, n = 10). Primary outcomes included core stability (plank test), functional flexibility (sit-and-reach; back-scratch), pulmonary function (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, FEF_25–75%, MVV), and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test; 6MWT). Results: Post-intervention, the MPT group demonstrated significant improvements in core stability, flexibility, and all pulmonary variables (FVC, FEV₁, FEF_25–75%, MVV) compared to the CON group (p < 0.001). A significant reduction in body weight was also observed (p < 0.001). Notably, MPT participants achieved superior 6MWT distances and reduced perceived exertion (p = 0.006). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between core stability gains and pulmonary function (r = 0.892, p < 0.01), supporting the mechanistic link between trunk stabilization, enhanced ventilatory mechanics, and functional aerobic capacity. Conclusions: Mat Pilates is a potent intervention for older adults, facilitating a physiological synergy where core strengthening optimizes pulmonary function and cardiorespiratory endurance. These findings suggest MPT is a comprehensive modality for maintaining musculoskeletal and respiratory health, proving superior to habitual activity alone in promoting functional independence. Full article

Purified water from vending machines offers consumers an alternative source of clean, safe water. However, data regarding its microbiological quality are limited, particularly concerning the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa harboring virulence traits. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of 125 purified water samples collected from vending machines across six cities of Michoacan, Mexico. Additionally, it sought to assess the occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and characterize its antimicrobial resistance profiles and biofilm-forming capacity. Aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) were detected in all analyzed samples. A total of 71 (56.8%), 40 (32.0%), and 31 (24.8%) samples were positive for total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and Escherichia coli, respectively. Among the samples, 43 (34.4%) were positive for P. aeruginosa. There were significant correlations between the presence of P. aeruginosa and AMB (rho = 0.4445; p < 0.0001), TC (rho = 0.4094; p < 0.0001), FC (rho = 0.3389; p = 0.0001), and E. coli (rho = 0.3242; p = 0.0002). Moreover, the presence of TC in purified water samples increased the risk of P. aeruginosa nearly seven-fold (odds ratio = 6.91; p < 0.001). The resistance rate among P. aeruginosa strains to the most tested antibiotics ranged from 2.3 to 16.3%, and two (4.6%) of the isolates were multidrug-resistant. All P. aeruginosa strains were strong biofilm producers. Consequently, we recommend periodic maintenance of vending machines, the establishment of P. aeruginosa control protocols, and enhanced regulatory monitoring of the water vending industry. Full article

Background: Regular aerobic exercise during childhood promotes critical physiological adaptations in the cardiovascular and respiratory system. Finswimming, a unique aquatic sport, requires high-intensity demands and specific breathing patterns. The present study aimed to compare respiratory function and cardiorespiratory responses between young male finswimmers and sedentary age-matched non-athletes. Methods: Thirty-two boys aged 8 to 12 years old were stratified into the finswimmers group (FSG, n = 16) and the non-athletes group (NAG, n = 16). Assessments included pulmonary function (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength (Maximum Inspiratory Pressure, MIP/Maximum Expiratory Pressure, MEP). Exercise capacity was evaluated using the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT). Results: The FSG exhibited significantly higher pulmonary function (Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s, Maximum Voluntary Ventilation; p < 0.05) and superior MIP compared to the NAG (105.3 ± 24.8 versus 87.3 ± 24.7 cmH₂O; p = 0.022). During the MSWT, FSG covered substantially greater distances (746.6 ± 97.2 versus 591.1 ± 86.4 m; p < 0.001) with lower levels of leg fatigue (Borg 0–10) (0.53 ± 0.39 versus 2.13 ± 1.93; p = 0.004) and demonstrated lower heart rate recovery time (4.47 ± 0.68 versus 5.75 ± 0.68 min; p < 0.001) compared to NAG. At the iso-level (8th level of MSWT), FSG scored lower levels of leg fatigue (0.13 ± 0.12 versus 2.02 ± 2.0; p = 0.001) compared to NAG, indicating better peripheral oxygen % saturation (100 ± 0.0 versus 98.14 ± 1.16; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Systematic exercise training enhances profound cardiorespiratory and peripheral muscle adaptations in children. Enhanced cardiorespiratory function allows young athletes to achieve higher workloads and recover faster than sedentary peers, highlighting the sport’s role in establishing a robust cardiorespiratory fitness. Full article

Background: Patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) commonly present with reduced aerobic fitness, sarcopenia, and malnutrition, which may increase perioperative risk and compromise access to chemotherapy treatments. Although exercise-based prehabilitation can improve physical fitness, its implementation is often limited by short diagnostic-to-surgery intervals and treatment-related toxicity. Methods: We conducted a pilot prospective pretest–posttest feasibility study in Torino, Italy. Patients with PC undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery were offered a 4-week, partially supervised, home-based bimodal exercise prehabilitation program (single-arm design) combining remotely monitored high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a cycle ergometer with functional and resistance exercises. The primary outcome was adherence to prescribed exercise frequency, intensity, and duration, objectively assessed via remote monitoring. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness (CPET), muscle function, body composition, fatigue, quality of life, and circulating inflammatory markers. Results: From July 2022 to February 2024, 23 patients were screened; 15 were eligible and 10 enrolled. Four participants discontinued the intervention (two due to asthenia/fatigue, one due to chemotherapy-related adverse events, and one for organizational reasons), leaving six participants who completed the program. Among completers, fatigue and quality of life did not change meaningfully. Aerobic capacity and muscle function outcomes were generally stable, with few pre–post changes exceeding the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds used. Body composition markers and the assessed circulating cytokines/chemokines remained unchanged except for IL-6 levels, which decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A partially supervised, home-based HIIT-based prehabilitation program is feasible for a subset of PC patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, but a substantial attrition rate suggests the need for more flexible symptom-adapted prescriptions and enhanced supportive strategies. Full article

The diverse health benefits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have made them a focal point of research in the fields of food and health sciences. Furthermore, probiotics and postbiotics have been demonstrated to directly or indirectly influence food quality and human health. A substantial body of research has been dedicated to the antimicrobial activity of pro- and postbiotics; however, their antioxidant properties remain relatively unexplored. Although LAB are facultative anaerobes, there are several species that have the potential to undergo aerobic respiration, thereby being exposed to the action of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resultant oxidative stress has been shown to damage all intracellular molecules, thus requiring the presence of antioxidants in order to counteract this effect. The present review discusses the peculiarities of respiration, the role of ROS, the antioxidant potential of LAB, and the mechanisms underlying their activity. Furthermore, the study explores the antioxidant capacity of probiotics and postbiotics, as well as their role in controlling oxidative stress. The objective of the present review is to provide an overview of the current research on the oxidative stress tolerance and antioxidant capacity of LAB and its impact on food. Full article

This study aimed to identify distinct lactate kinetic phenotypes in professional soccer players using unsupervised machine learning and determine their relationship with maximal running velocity (V_max) through explainable artificial intelligence methods. A total of 361 professional male soccer players from the First Division participated in the study. Incremental treadmill tests measured lactate concentrations at five standardized velocities, alongside VO_2max, V_max, lactate threshold (LT), and anaerobic threshold (AT) parameters. Three distinct lactate kinetic phenotypes emerged: Economical Aerobic (n = 216), Balanced Metabolic (n = 19), and High Producer (n = 126). The Economical Aerobic phenotype demonstrated superior performance metrics compared to High Producer (V_max: 15.85 ± 0.85 km/h; VO_2max: 56.20 ± 4.26 mL/kg/min; p < 0.001). Initial multicollinearity assessment revealed notable collinearity among all 10 candidate predictors (VIF > 10; maximum VIF = 10.75 for V_AT), necessitating rigorous feature selection. Ridge regression with 4 selected features (V_AT, VO_2max, 9.5 km/h lactate, 14 km/h lactate) achieved moderate but statistically significant predictive performance: 10-fold cross-validation R²= 0.392 ± 0.147 (permutation test p = 0.001). Standardized coefficients identified V_AT (β = 0.399) as the dominant predictor, followed by VO_2max (β = 0.253), 9.5 km/h lactate (β = 0.107), and 14 km/h lactate (β = −0.066). Lactate kinetic phenotyping reveals position-independent metabolic profiles with potentially meaningful performance associations in professional soccer. The Economical Aerobic phenotype demonstrates performance advantages associated with superior anaerobic threshold capacity. These exploratory findings suggest that individualized training strategies based on metabolic phenotype rather than playing position alone warrant further investigation, with potential applications for talent identification, training periodization, and return-to-play protocols pending prospective validation. Full article

Background: The number of people working in Antarctica has steadily increased. Identifying the characteristic functional changes in polar expeditioners can help preserve health, enhance work capacity, and improve adaptive potential in specific environments. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a short-term (30-day) expedition in Antarctica on selected physiological parameters among expedition participants, depending on their body mass index (BMI). Methods: Thirty-four expedition members, divided into 3 BMI groups, were examined before and after a one-month stay in Antarctica. The assessments included anthropometry, body composition analysis, blood pressure (BP) evaluation, and a cycle ergometer stress test, performed up to 85% of predicted maximal heart rate (PWC85%) with gas analyses and heart rate measured at the 3rd minute after exercise completion (HR3’), used as an indicator of cardiovascular recovery. Results: After the expedition, the participants with normal weight showed a modest but significant increase in body weight and BMI, and non-significant increases in fat mass (FM) and muscle mass (MM); cardiovascular recovery and physical working capacity were improved, while aerobic fitness remained unchanged. In the overweight group, post-expedition body weight and BMI did not change significantly, although small reductions in FM and improvements in MM, BP, PWC85%, and HR3’ were observed. Returning, the participants with obesity demonstrated non-significant improvements in body composition and modest declines in BP, together with a significant improvement in HR3’. Conclusions: Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in post-expedition changes in several functional parameters between the normal-weight and obese groups. Overall, the Antarctic expedition elicited beneficial cardiovascular and functional adaptations, particularly among overweight individuals, while body composition and aerobic capacity remained unchanged across all groups. Full article

Background: The impact of cigarette smoking on cardiopulmonary function in elite athletes remains poorly characterised. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of smoking and its effects on pulmonary and exercise performance parameters among top-level competitors across different sport disciplines. Methods: 1005 Olympic-level athletes participating underwent comprehensive pre-participation screening, including spirometry and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Smoking status was determined according to WHO definitions. Results: Among the 1005 athletes (53.4% males; mean age 26 ± 8.8 years), 117 (11.6%) were current smokers, predominantly males (70.9%). No smokers were identified among endurance athletes. Compared to non-smokers (n = 679), smokers were older (28 ± 5.8 vs. 25.5 ± 10.4 years, p = 0.026) and more frequently involved in mixed and skill disciplines (p = 0.043 and p = 0.006, respectively). In male smokers, spirometry revealed lower FVC (97.2 ± 10.3% vs. 101.1 ± 11.7%, p = 0.006), FEV₁ (97.3 ± 12.4% vs. 101.4 ± 10.3%, p = 0.002), and MVV (p = 0.010). CPET showed reduced functional capacity (W/kg, p < 0.0001), lower VO₂max (38.5 ± 7.8 vs. 42.2 ± 6.8 mL/min/kg, p < 0.0001), decreased O₂ pulse (p = 0.007) and lower first and second ventilatory thresholds (respectively p = 0.025; and p = 0.004), Similar but less pronounced reductions in VO₂max were found in female smokers (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Chronic smoking is associated with early spirometric and ventilatory impairments in elite athletes associated with lower aerobic capacity, despite their high levels of fitness. These effects are more marked in males, while females may exhibit partial protection. These findings highlight the importance of integrating smoking cessation and respiratory monitoring into athlete health programs. Full article

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient exercise strategy with potential benefits for older adults. However, evidence regarding its effects on functional fitness, body composition, and quality of life in older women remains limited. This randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older women allocated to a HIIT group or a control group. The intervention consisted of a 65-week HIIT program (3 sessions/week), while the control group maintained usual activities. Functional fitness was assessed using standardized field-based tests, body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed under standardized conditions. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA models, with significance set at p < 0.05. Compared with the control group, the HIIT group significantly improved aerobic capacity (2MST: +25.4 vs. −19.6 repetitions; p < 0.001), lower-limb strength (30s CST: +4.8 vs. −2.6 repetitions; p < 0.001), and mobility (TUG: −0.3 vs. +0.4 s; p < 0.001). Body composition improved with reductions in body fat percentage (−1.8% vs. +1.9%; p < 0.001) and visceral fat index (−0.6 vs. +0.3; p < 0.001), alongside increased total body water (+2.3% vs. −1.8%; p < 0.001). Quality of life improved significantly in physical, psychological, and environmental domains (p < 0.001). HIIT was associated with improvements in functional fitness, body composition, and quality of life, with no major adverse events reported. These findings support the use of HIIT as a practical intervention to enhance health and functional independence in aging populations. Full article