Ergogenic Effects of Green Tea Combined with Isolated Soy Protein on Increasing Muscle Mass and Exercise Performance in Resistance-Trained Mice

It is well known that supplementation with high protein after exercise can effectively promote muscle synthesis and repair, while green tea is rich in catechins that have antioxidant effects. We aimed to explore the effects of green tea combined with isolated soy protein on increase muscle mass in resistance-trained mice. A total of 32 male ICR mice (8-weeks old) were divided into four groups (n = 8/group), sedentary control group (SC), isolated soy protein with green tea group (ISPG), resistance training group (RT), isolated soy protein and green tea combine with resistance training group (ISPG + RT). All mice received control or ISPG by oral gavage for four consecutive weeks. Forelimb grip and exhaustive swimming time were used for exercise performance evaluation. In biochemical profile, we analyzed lactate, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glucose and muscle damage index creatine kinase (CK) after exercise as biochemical parameters of exercise fatigue. The grip strength, muscular endurance, and exhaustive swimming time of the ISPG + RT group were significantly increased than other groups (p < 0.05), and also significantly decreased in serum lactate and ammonia levels (p < 0.05, respectively). The ISP + RT group was not only increased in quadriceps weight, (p < 0.05) but also decreased EFP (p < 0.05). We recommend using a 4-week supplementation with ISPG, combined with RT, to increase muscle mass, exercise performance, glycogen storage, and reduce fatigue biochemical parameters after exercise. The benefits of long-term supplementation or application to human supplementation can be further explored in the future.

Effects of Food Deprivation Duration on the Behavior and Metabolism of Black Rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)

Fish often undergo food shortages in nature, especially for juveniles that are relatively vulnerable in most aspects. Therefore, the effects of food deprivation on fish behavior and physiology are worth exploring. Here, we investigated the behavioral and metabolic adaptations of the juvenile black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii to different durations of food deprivation. In this study, three treatments were set: control group, short-term food deprivation (STFD) group, and long-term food deprivation (LTFD) group. The rearing lasted for six weeks. During this period, videos were recorded three times per week to assess the locomotor activity and aggression. After this, the fishes’ boldness, neophobia, and aggressiveness were assessed using different behavioral assessment devices, while the standard metabolic rate (SMR) was measured by flow-type respirometry. In general, the values of the four indicators (swimming time, the number of turns, movement number, and attack number) for the STFD group were significantly higher than those for the control and LTFD group during the same period of rearing. In a subsequent personality assessment, the STFD group was observed to be significantly bolder in an assessment measuring boldness than the control and LTFD group (indicated by time in the circle, swimming time, number of times through the circle, and frequency in the circle). The LTFD group was observed to be more exploratory in the assessment of neophobia (indicated by duration in the exploratory area, distance from novelty item, and frequency of stay in the exploratory area). Indeed, the LTFD group was observed to be significantly less aggressive in the assessment of aggressiveness than the control and STFD group (indicated by attack number, attack range frequency, first attack, and winner). SMR was noted to be significantly higher in the STFD group than in the control and LTFD group. In conclusion, this study firstly reported the effects of food deprivation duration on the personalities of black rockfish, as well as the behavioral and physiological mechanisms. Thus, we hope to provide insights into the work of stock enhancement.

The Relationship Between Repeated Sprint Performances and 50m and 100m Swimming Degrees of Swimmers

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between short distance swimming performance and repeated sprint ability in swimmers. Methods: 12 male swimmers between the ages of 14-18 from Denizli Pamukkale University Swimming Sports Club Performance team voluntarily participated at this study. Freestyle swimming time of the subjects was measured by using Casio stopwatch. 10x15-m, 50-m and 100-m freestyle swimming degrees of swimmers were recorded. The ideal sprint time (IS), the total sprint time (TS) and the performance decrement (PD) were determined after repeated sprint test (RST). Lactate levels were recorded at the end of each test. The Borg scale was used to determine the perceived difficulty level. For the statistical analysis Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the correlations between 50- m and100-m freestyle swimming time and swimming times obtained at the end of RST (IS, TS, PD). Results: Significant relationships were found between the 50-m and 100-m swimming performance (p<0.01). Significant correlations were found between the IS and the TS and the 50-m swim results (p<0.01) and also the 100-m swim results (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between the 50-m lactate values and 100-m lactate values (p<0.05). Significant relationships were found between 10x15-m RST lactate values and 50-m lactate values (p<0.05). Moreover, strong relations were found between the 10x15-m RST lactate values and 100-m lactate values (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study has shown that repeated sprint ability as well as higher anaerobic capability as reflected by the short distance. Keywords: swimming, repeated sprint ability, short distance swimming performance

The Relationship Between Repeated Sprint Performances and 50m and 100m Swimming Degrees of Swimmers

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between short distance swimming performance and repeated sprint ability in swimmers. 12 male swimmers between the ages of 14-18 from Denizli Pamukkale University Swimming Sports Club Performance team voluntarily participated at this study. Freestyle swimming time of the subjects was measured by using Casio stopwatch. 10x15-m, 50-m and 100-m freestyle swimming degrees of swimmers were recorded. The ideal sprint time (IS), the total sprint time (TS) and the performance decrement (PD) were determined after repeated sprint test (RST). Lactate levels were recorded at the end of each test. The Borg scale was used to determine the perceived difficulty level. For the statistical analysis Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the correlations between 50- m and100-m freestyle swimming time and swimming times obtained at the end of RST (IS, TS, PD). Significant relationships were found between the 50-m and 100-m swimming performance (p<0.01). Significant correlations were found between the IS and the TS and the 50-m swim results (p<0.01) and also the 100-m swim results (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between the 50-m lactate values and 100-m lactate values (p<0.05). Significant relationships were found between 10x15-m RST lactate values and 50-m lactate values (p<0.05). Moreover, strong relations were found between the 10x15-m RST lactate values and 100-m lactate values (p<0.01). In conclusion, this study has shown that repeated sprint ability as well as higher anaerobic capability as reflected by the short distance. Keywords: swimming, repeated sprint ability, short distance swimming performance

Underwater and Surface Swimming Parameters Reflect Performance Level in Elite Swimmers

Although the role of underwater phases is well-known, no study has taken an interest in describing and quantifying the distance and time spent in apnea as a condition for optimal performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of time and distance spent underwater and surface parameters on the swimming performance of elite swimmers. The performances of 79 swimmers in 100-m freestyle were analyzed (short-course). The underwater and spatiotemporal parameters of three groups have been recorded: finalists of the 2018 World Swimming Championships (WORLD), French swimmers who reached a 100 m performance time under 50 s at the 2018 French National Championships (UND50), and those who reached a 100 m performance time above 50 s (UP50). The WORLD group spent more distance underwater (37.50 ± 4.92 m) in comparison with UND50 (31.90 ± 4.88 m, p &lt; 0.05) and UP50 (31.94 ± 4.93 m, p &lt; 0.01) groups. The total percentage of non-swimming time was higher for WORLD (39.11 ± 4.73%) vs. UND50 (34.21 ± 4.55%, p &lt; 0.05) and UP50 (33.94 ± 5.00%, p &lt; 0.01). In addition, underwater speed was higher for WORLD (2.54 ± 0.05 m/s) compared with UND50 (2.46 ± 0.09 m/s, p &lt; 0.05) and UP50 (2.38 ± 0.11 m/s, p &lt; 0.01). Three parameters among the underwater phases (i.e. distance underwater, speed underwater, and total percentage of non-swimming time) determine the 100-m freestyle short course performance. These data suggest an appropriate focus on specific apnea training to improve underwater skills during short-course swimming performances.

Synthesis of Icariin-Zinc and its Protective Effect on Exercise Fatigue and Reproductive System Related Glands in Male Rats

Background: Icariin, a traditional Chinese medicine, plays a protective role in the treatment of exercise fatigue. Zinc, a trace element, plays an important role in the reproductive system. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize an Icariin-Zinc complex (by chemical means) and verify its protective effect on exercise fatigue and the reproductive system using animal experiments.Methods: The icariin-zinc complex was prepared by the reaction of icariin carbonyl and zinc ions (molar ratio 1:3). The molecular formula and structural formula of the complex were identified and tested. Fifty-six rats selected by swimming training were randomly divided into six groups: static control, exercise control, icariin, gluconate zinc (G-Zn group), icariin glucose zinc and icariin-zinc exercise ( low, high dose/L-E group, H-E group) groups. These groups respectively received the following doses: 1 ml/100 g, daily gavage with NS (for the first two groups), 45 mg/kg icariin, 110 mg/kg Gluconate Zinc, Icariin glucose zinc (45 mg/kg Icariin and 110 mg/kg Gluconate Zinc), 60 mg/kg icariin zinc and 180 mg/kg icariin zinc. After 3 weeks of gavage, we conducted 6 weeks of exhaustive swimming training. Test indices such as exhaustive swimming time of rats and body weight were evaluated after the last training exercise. The seminal vesicles, testes, and prostate gland were weighed, and their indices were calculated. The levels of testosterone (in the plasma) and glycogen (in the liver and muscle homogenates) were also evaluated using ELISA.Results: Compared with the static control group, the exhaustive swimming time of the rats in each group was prolonged. Compared with the other groups, the exhaustive swimming time of the L-E and H-E groups was significantly longer (p &lt; 0.01); the Icariin-Zinc complex significantly increased the exhaustive swimming time of the rats. Compared with the static control group, the plasma testosterone content of the L-E and H-E groups increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the exercise control group and G-Zn group, the plasma testosterone content of the H-E group also increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01). The Icariin-Zinc complex significantly increased the serum levels of testosterone in rats. Compared with the control group, the muscle glycogen reserves of each group decreased, indicating that the muscle glycogen reserves of the rats decreased after swimming. Compared with other groups, the Icariin-Zinc complex can reduce the level of glycogen in the muscles, indicating that it can increase the utilization efficiency of glycogen in muscles. Compared with the static control and exercise control groups, the testicular weight of rats in the administration groups increased slightly. The Icariin-Zinc complex increased the testicular weight, indicating that the function of the reproductive system was improved to some extent.Conclusion: Icariin-Zinc can significantly prolong the exhaustive swimming time, improve exercise ability, and increase the plasma testosterone level (which is beneficial for improving the reproductive ability of male rats). Moreover, the beneficial effect of Icariin-Zinc on the glycogen content, testis index, and other reproductive system glands is dose-dependent.

Antidepressant-like effect of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on the forced swim and tail suspension tests in male mice

Background and aims: Several pharmacological and biological activities have been attributed to Cuminum cyminum L. (CC), including analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-epileptic effects. In this regard, the present study evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of the CC essential oil (EO) on the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in male mice. Materials and Methods: The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) apparatus was used for detecting the chemical compounds of CC EO. In the present study, 72 male NMRI mice were randomly allocated to 12 groups (each containing 6 animals) including control or vehicle (10 mL/kg, i.p.), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.), imipramine (30 mg/kg, i.p), and the CC EO (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, i.p.). Then, several parameters were measured and recorded, including immobility time, swimming time, and climbing time in FST, along with immobility time in TST, respectively. Results: Cuminaldehyde followed by cymene, γ-terpinene, phenylglycol, 2-caren-10-al, 2-β-pinene, acoradiene, and cuminic acid were the major components of the CC EO. Based on the results, all doses of the CC, fluoxetine, and imipramine reduced immobility time in both FST (P<0.001) and TST (P<0.001). On the other hand, all doses of the CC and fluoxetine increased swimming time (P<0.001) although climbing time was only increased by 200 and 300 mg/kg of the EO (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and imipramine (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the components of the CC induced antidepressant-like activity similar to that of fluoxetine and imipramine in both tests. However, further studies are required to confirm the role of different active components and the exact mechanism of action.

Identification of actoprotective compounds among Krebs cycle acid/aminoethanol derivatives

The screening study of the effects of several new diethylamino- and dimethylaminoethanol fumaric esters with Krebs cycle intermediates on the physical performance of male mice in the forced swimming test have been conducted. The compounds: Fumarate-DMAE-Fumarate at a dose of 75 mg/kg and Fumarate-DEAE-Succinate at a dose of 10 mg/kg, as well as Diethylaminoethanol (DEAE base) at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The study has shown that their effect on physical performance surpassed the comparison drug, deanol aceglumate, used at the optimal dose of 50 mg/kg. The latter provided a 74% increase in the maximum swimming time of animals, while the studied compounds showed +175%, +162%, +121% results compared to control. The actoprotective activity of the compounds Fumarate-DMAE-Fumarate (75 mg/kg dose) and Fumarate-DEAE-Succinate (FDES) (10 mg/kg dose) is comparable to the effect of ethylthiobenzimidazole hydrochloride (25 mg/kg dose).

Stimulantia Effect Of Single Bulb Garlic Extract (Allium Sativum Var.Solo Garlic) in Swiss Webster Mice

Stimulant is an agent that stimulates the central nervous system thereby increasing physical and mental abilities and minimizing fatigue. The use of synthetic caffeine stimulants of 10 mg / kg BW is known to have side effects of increasing total cholesterol and increasing LDL, therefore alternative stimulants from natural ingredients are needed. Natural materials that have been studied contain flavonoids and phenolic as a stimulant compound is a single garlic bulbs. The purpose of this study was to determine the stimulant effect of a single garlic bulbs ethanolic extract on mice from the difference in swimming time. The research experimental used Pre test and Post test control design. Sample of this research used mice which were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 pretest dose 5 g / kgBB, group 2 (negative control), group 3 (caffeine), group 4 extract dose 5g / kgBB, group 5 dose 10g / kgBB and group 6 dose 20g / kgBB. Data was analyze using one way Anova continued with Post Hoc test. The group of single garlic bulb ethanolic extract dose 20 g / kgBB had the highest stimulant effect with 222,722 minutes fatigue time difference and statistically have significant difference (p <0.05) than the negative control group. Group of single garlic bulb extract can influence the time of fatigue of mice by extending the swimming time of mice so that it has a longer fatigue time which means it has a stimulant effect

Rethinking swimming performance tests for bottom-dwelling fish: the case of European glass eel (Anguilla anguilla)

Systematic experiments on European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in their juvenile, early life stage (glass eel), were conducted to provide new insights on the fish swimming performance and propose a framework of analysis to design swimming-performance experiments for bottom-dwelling fish. In particular, we coupled experimental and computational fluid dynamics techniques to: (i) accommodate glass eel burst-and-coast swimming mode and estimate the active swimming time (tac), not considering coast and drift periods, (ii) estimate near-bottom velocities (Ub) experienced by the fish, rather than using bulk averages (U), (iii) investigate water temperature (T) influence on swimming ability, and (iv) identify a functional relation between Ub, tac and T. Results showed that burst-and-coast swimming mode was increasingly adopted by glass eel, especially when U was higher than 0.3 ms-1. Using U rather than Ub led to an overestimation of the fish swimming performance from 18 to 32%, on average. Under the range of temperatures analyzed (from 8 to 18 °C), tac was strongly influenced and positively related to T. As a final result, we propose a general formula to link near-bottom velocity, water temperature and active swimming time which can be useful in ecological engineering applications and reads as $${\rm{U}}_{\rm{b}}=0.174\cdot \left({{\rm{t}}_{\rm{ac}}}^{-0.36}\cdot {\rm{T}}^{0.77}\right)$$ U b = 0.174 · t ac - 0.36 · T 0.77 .