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Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important inducers of angiogenesis, therefore blocking angiogenesis has led to great promise in the treatment of various cancers and inflammatory diseases. VEGF, expressed in response to soluble mediators such as cytokines and growth factors, is important in the physiological development of blood vessels as well as development of vessels in tumors. In cancer patients VEGF levels are increased, and the expression of VEGF is associated with poor prognosis in diseases. VEGF is a mediator of angiogenesis and inflammation which are closely integrated processes in a number of physiological and pathological conditions including obesity, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases and tumor. Mast cells can be activated by anti-IgE to release potent mediators of inflammation and can also respond to bacterial or viral antigens, cytokines, growth factors and hormones, leading to differential release of distinct mediators without degranulation. Substance P strongly induces VEGF in mast cells, and IL-33 contributes to the stimulation and release of VEGF in human mast cells in a dose-dependent manner and acts synergistically in combination with Substance P. Here we report a strong link between VEGF and mast cells and we depict their role in inflammation and immunity.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and long-term effects of local high-intensity vibration (HLV, f = 300 Hz) on muscle performance and blood hormone concentrations in healthy young men. Totally 18 subjects (cV group) were studied in two sessions, either without (control) or with HLV treatment. The protocol was the same on both control and test days, except that, in the second session, subjects underwent HLV treatment. Counter-movement jumping (CMJ), maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) test, and hormonal levels were measured before the procedure, immediately thereafter, and 1 h later. To assess the long-term effects of HLV, the cV group was subjected to HLV on the leg muscles for 4 weeks, and a second group (cR group, n = 18) embarked upon a resistance training program. All subjects underwent an MVC test and an isokinetic (100 deg/s) test before training, 4 weeks after training, and 2 months after the end of training. The HLV protocol significantly increased the serum level of growth hormone (GH, P < 0.05) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK, P < 0.05), and decreased the level of cortisol (P < 0.05). None of GH, CPK or testosterone levels were altered in controls. There was a significant improvement in MVC (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks, both the cV and cR groups demonstrated significant improvement in MVC and isokinetic tests (P < 0.05). This increase persisted for at least 2 months. Our results indicate that HLV influences the levels of particular hormones and improves neuromuscular performance. Our results indicate that HLV has a long-term beneficial effect comparable to that of resistance training.

In aging, there is a gradual decrease in muscle mass (sarcopenia) and muscle strength which contributes to a decline in physical functions, increased disability, frailty, and loss of independence. Physical activity can reduce functional decline due to aging. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are needed to determine the effectiveness of different exercise stimuli on muscle strength and balance in the sarcopenic elderly. Forty male volunteers diagnosed with sarcopenia (CDCP) (70.9±5.2yrs) were enrolled in this study. A randomized, controlled trial, with blind assessment, was designed to study the effect of global sensorimotor, high intensity focused vibrational (intensity: 300Hz) and resistance training (intensity: 60-80% of maximum theoretical force, 10-12 repetitions for 3 sets) stimuli on muscle strength and balance confidence. The subjects were randomly assigned to three different training programs or a control group which was encouraged to maintain their habitual activity level. The training was performed for 12 weeks in all groups: 2 sessions/week in Gsm and Ret groups; 1 session/week for the first 8 weeks and 3 sessions/week for the last 4 weeks in Yam group. The main outcome was maximal force contraction of the lower limbs, and secondary outcomes were static and dynamic balance confidence. All the training regimens increased isometric strength. Both the sensorimotor and the vibrational training increased stability with a reduction of sway area and of ellipse surface (p

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