scholarly journals Impact of Probiotics on the Performance of Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11576
Author(s):  
Jara Díaz-Jiménez ◽  
Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Francisco Javier Ordoñez ◽  
Ignacio Rosety ◽  
Antonio Jesús Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Endurance Athletes ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
System Response ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: Probiotic supplements contain different strains of living microorganisms that promote the health of the host. These dietary supplements are increasingly being used by athletes to improve different aspects such as athletic performance, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the immune system, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, etc. This study aimed to identify the current evidence on the management of probiotics in endurance athletes and their relationship with sports performance. Methods: A systematic review of the last five years was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Sportdiscus and Embase databases. Results: Nine articles met the quality criteria. Of these, three reported direct benefits on sports performance. The remaining six articles found improvements in the reduction of oxidative stress, increased immune response and decreased incidence of URTIs. There is little scientific evidence on the direct relationship between the administration of probiotics in endurance athletes and sports performance. Conclusions: Benefits were found that probiotics could indirectly influence sports performance by improving other parameters such as the immune system, response to URTIs and decreased oxidative stress, as well as the monitoring of scheduled workouts.

scholarly journals Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Sport and the Immune System Response. A Review

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 362
Author(s):  
Antonio Cicchella ◽  
Claudio Stefanelli ◽  
Marika Massaro
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
System Response ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Immune System Response ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Heavy Training

Immunity is the consequence of a complex interaction between organs and the environment. It is mediated the interaction of several genes, receptors, molecules, hormones, cytokines, antibodies, antigens, and inflammatory mediators which in turn relate and influence the psychological health. The immune system response of heavily trained athletes resembles an even more complex conditions being theorized to follow a J or S shape dynamics at times. High training loads modify the immune response elevating the biological markers of immunity and the body susceptibility to infections. Heavy training and/or training in a cold environment increase the athletes’ risk to develop Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). Therefore, athletes, who are considered healthier than the normal population, are in fact more prone to infections of the respiratory tract, due to lowering of the immune system in the time frames subsequent heavy training sessions. In this revision we will review the behavioral intervention, including nutritional approaches, useful to minimize the “open window” effect on infection and how to cope with stressors and boost the immune system in athletes.

scholarly journals Probiotics for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory-Tract Infections in Older People: Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 690
Author(s):  
Maja Strauss ◽  
Dušanka Mičetić-Turk ◽  
Maja Šikić Pogačar ◽  
Sabina Fijan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Older People ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Probiotic Strains ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

The aim of this systematic review was to present the indirect influence of probiotics on the incidence and duration of acute upper respiratory-tract infections in older people, by regulating the immune system. Eight randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, considering the threshold of older people being 60 years and over. Single strain probiotics were used in all studies, including three probiotic strains used in fermented foods: Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CNCM I-1518 and Lacticaseibacillusparacasei Shirota, and three probiotic strains used as food supplements: Loigolactobacillus coryniformis K8 CECT5711, Bacillus subtilis CU1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. Current evidence showed that certain probiotic strains were better than a placebo in lowering the incidence or number of older people experiencing acute upper respiratory tract infections; however, not all probiotic strains were efficient, and not all studies reported statistically significant outcomes. More high quality large-scale properly controlled clinical studies focusing on older people are warranted.

scholarly journals Viral Infections, the Microbiome, and Probiotics

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashton Harper ◽  
Vineetha Vijayakumar ◽  
Arthur C. Ouwehand ◽  
Jessica ter Haar ◽  
David Obis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Viral Immunity ◽  
Immunological Mechanisms ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Tract Infections

Viral infections continue to cause considerable morbidity and mortality around the world. Recent rises in these infections are likely due to complex and multifactorial external drivers, including climate change, the increased mobility of people and goods and rapid demographic change to name but a few. In parallel with these external factors, we are gaining a better understanding of the internal factors associated with viral immunity. Increasingly the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome has been shown to be a significant player in the host immune system, acting as a key regulator of immunity and host defense mechanisms. An increasing body of evidence indicates that disruption of the homeostasis between the GI microbiome and the host immune system can adversely impact viral immunity. This review aims to shed light on our understanding of how host-microbiota interactions shape the immune system, including early life factors, antibiotic exposure, immunosenescence, diet and inflammatory diseases. We also discuss the evidence base for how host commensal organisms and microbiome therapeutics can impact the prevention and/or treatment of viral infections, such as viral gastroenteritis, viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV), viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), influenza and SARS CoV-2. The interplay between the gastrointestinal microbiome, invasive viruses and host physiology is complex and yet to be fully characterized, but increasingly the evidence shows that the microbiome can have an impact on viral disease outcomes. While the current evidence base is informative, further well designed human clinical trials will be needed to fully understand the array of immunological mechanisms underlying this intricate relationship.

scholarly journals Upper respiratory tract infections and the immune system response. A review.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTONIO CICCHELLA
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
System Response ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Mediators Of Inflammation ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Purpose: the spreading of the COVID-19 epidemic raised a question on why very well trained, healthy, and young athletes have been infected. In this review, the emerging topic in the field of sport immunology has been studied with the aim to provide advice on how strengthening the immune system (IS) and how to help the recover after heavy effort and prevent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in athletes. Methods: a literature search was performed on available public scientific databases. Results: URTI, a common illness among heavy trained athletes, happens in the time frame of temporary depression of the IS following heavy training or competition. T cells has been identified as the main factor in the immune response to counteract the cascade mediators of inflammation. Life habits, environmental and psycho-social factors such as sleep loss and life stressors are the major causes of IS depression, and it emerge that there is an optimal training load exposure which reinforce the IS, while too low or too much training being detrimental. Conclusions: immunodepression in heavy trained athletes can be counteracted with a proper distribution of training loads, nutritional interventions, correction of lifestyle habits such as sleep hygiene, thermotherapy, and recovery techniques. Psycho-social interventions also seem to have a positive effect on reducing the post exercise inflammation and in boosting the IS response. Novel bioinformatic approaches can help to understand the IS response in athletes and the management of critical situations.

Ethnic and Gender Biases in Clinical Performance Assessment (CPA) in Healthcare Education: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris C.I. Chao ◽  
Efrem Violato ◽  
Brendan Concannon ◽  
Charlotte McCartan ◽  
Katarzyna Nicpon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gender Bias ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Gender Biases ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Frame Of Reference Training ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background: Several forms of bias, including ethnic and gender bias, are thought to impact evaluations on Clinical Performance Assessments (CPAs). Unfairness may influence student learning attitudes if a loss of trust causes a lack of engagement in learning. Understanding the biases occurring in CPAs can lead to well-designed examiner training to ensure equality and fairness. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the current evidence in the literature for ethnic and/or gender bias by examiners evaluating pre-licensure healthcare students in CPAs using standardized patients (SPs). Methods: Literature was systematically searched in CINAHL, PubMed and Medline from inception to February 2019, and no date range was set. Studies related to the investigation of ethnic and/or gender biases occurring in CPAs using SPs for examining health professions students were selected. A systematic review was conducted to assess the methodological quality and strength of evidence of relevant research and to identify if any potential ethnic and/or gender bias occurred in CPAs. The Guidelines for Critical Review were used to appraise the selected studies. Results: Nine studies published from 2003 to 2017 were retrieved for review. Three studies met all the Guidelines for Critical Review quality criteria, indicating stronger evidence of their outcomes, two of the studies reported ethnic and/or gender bias existing in the CPAs. Overall, four studies found ethnic and/or gender bias in CPAs, but all study results had small effect sizes. Conclusions: No systematic and consistent bias was found across the studies; nonetheless, the possibility of ethnic or gender bias by some examiners cannot be ignored. To minimize potential examiner bias, the investigation of Frame of Reference training, multiple examiners per station, and combination assessments in CPAs is recommended.

Can Exergaming Promote Physical Fitness and Physical Activity?

Gamification ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 2022-2039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomas Kari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Significant Health

This systematic review of systematic reviews evaluates the effectiveness of exergaming on physical fitness and physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted on 10 databases, and 1040 articles were identified. Sixty-eight articles were found potentially relevant and were selected for closer screening. Cross-referencing was conducted to find other potentially relevant articles. The quality of all relevant articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. After all the duplicates were removed and inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria were implemented, six articles remained for review. The results indicate that exergaming is generally enjoyed and can evoke some benefits for physical fitness and physical activity, but the current evidence does not support the ability of exergaming to increase physical fitness or physical activity levels sufficiently for significant health benefits. This systematic review also revealed several gaps in previous research. Additional high-quality research and systematic reviews concerning exergaming are needed.

Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness with Exergames

2016 ◽  
pp. 225-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuomas Kari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Significant Health

This updated systematic review of systematic reviews evaluates the effectiveness of exergaming on physical fitness and physical activity. A systematic literature search was conducted on 10 databases, first in 2014 and then repeated in 2016. In total, 1040 and 287 articles were identified. 68 and 31 articles were found potentially relevant and selected for closer screening. The quality of all relevant articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool. After the duplicates were removed and inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria were implemented, six and three articles remained for review. The results indicate that exergaming is generally enjoyed and can evoke some benefits for physical fitness and physical activity, but the current evidence does not support the ability of exergaming to increase physical fitness or physical activity levels sufficiently for significant health benefits. This systematic review also revealed gaps in previous research. Additional high-quality research and systematic reviews concerning exergaming are needed.

Biologics targeting type I interferons in SLE: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Lupus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (14) ◽  
pp. 1845-1853
Author(s):  
Jeffery Wei Heng Koh ◽  
Cheng Han Ng ◽  
Sen Hee Tay
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Type I Interferons ◽  
Type I ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Tract Infections

Objective The feed-forward loop of type I interferons (IFNs) production and subsequent immunopathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been hypothesised to be disrupted with inhibition of IFNα or type I IFN receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR). This systematic review and meta-analysis present the treatment efficacy and safety profile of monoclonal antibodies inhibiting IFNα or IFNAR. Methods A search was done using Medline, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov for biologics targeting IFNα or IFNAR in SLE up to 3 Jan 2020. For the meta-analysis, analyses of binary variables were pooled using odds ratio (OR) with the Mantel Haenszel model. Results Anifrolumab 300 mg (n = 3 studies, 927 patients) was more effective than placebo in achieving SRI(4) (pooled OR = 1.91, CI 1.11-3.28, P = 0.02) and BICLA response (pooled OR = 2.25, CI 1.72-2.95, P < 0.00001). In SLE patients with high type I IFN gene signature, SRI(4) response was not achieved with anifrolumab in 2 studies, 450 patients. Treatment with IFNα and IFNAR inhibitors (n = 7 studies, 1590 patients) increased the risk of herpes zoster infection (pooled OR = 3.72, CI 1.88–7.39, P = 0.0002), upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis and bronchitis. Conclusion This meta-analysis substantiates IFNAR as a therapeutic target in SLE. Inhibition of type I IFNs predisposes to herpes zoster and other viral infections.

scholarly journals Nrf2 Activators as Dietary Phytochemicals Against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaxin Yang ◽  
Xi Fu ◽  
Xiaoli Liao ◽  
Yamin Li
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Dietary Phytochemicals ◽  
Nrf2 Activator

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with limited available treatments and diverse causes. In ASD patients, numerous researches demonstrated various alterations in inflammation/immune, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and these alterations could be regulated by Nrf2. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the current evidence about the effects of Nrf2 activator supplementation on ASD objects from in vitro studies, animal studies, and clinical studies. Relevant articles were retrieved through searching for the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scope, Embase, and CNKI databases (through September 23, 2020). Ultimately, we identified 22 preclinical studies, one cell culture study, and seven clinical studies, covering a total of five Nrf2 activators. For each Nrf2 activator, we focused on its definition, potential therapeutic mechanisms, latest research progress, research limitations, and future development directions. Our systematic review provided suggestive evidence that Nrf2 activators have a potentially beneficial role in improving autism-like behaviors and abnormal molecular alterations through oxidant stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These dietary phytochemicals are considered to be relatively safer and effective for ASD treatment. However, there are few clinical studies to support the Nrf2 activators as dietary phytochemicals in ASD, even though several preclinical studies. Therefore, caution should be warranted in attempting to extrapolate their effects in human studies, and better design and more rigorous research are required before they can be determined as a therapeutic option.

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