Aerobic Physical Exercise Improved the Cognitive Function of Elderly Males but Did Not Modify Their Blood Homocysteine Levels

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise influences homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations, cognitive function and the metabolic profile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of regular physical exercise on Hcy levels, the metabolic profile and cognitive function in healthy elderly males before and after an endurance exercise program. Methods: Forty-five healthy and sedentary volunteers were randomized into 2 groups: (1) a control group asked not to change their normal everyday activities and not to start any regular physical exercise program and (2) an experimental group trained at a heart rate intensity corresponding to ventilatory threshold 1 (VT-1) for 60 min/day 3 times weekly on alternate days for 6 months using a cycle ergometer. All volunteers underwent cognitive evaluations, blood sample analyses and ergospirometric assessments. Results: A significant improvement in cognitive function was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). No significant changes in Hcy levels were observed in the experimental group (p > 0.05), but there was a significant increase in peak oxygen consumption and workload at VT-1 as well as a significant improvement in cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, urea, T₃, T₄ and prostate-specific antigen compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The data suggest that a physical exercise program does not reduce Hcy levels in healthy elderly males, although it improves the cardiovascular and metabolic profile as well as cognitive function.

Study of Cardiovascular Factors, Quality of Life and Body Composition in Physically Active and Sedentary Women

“…It seems that the main trigger of this process is the distribution of catecholamines and the reduction of insulin due to aerobic activity and increased lipid oxidation that can reduce the homocysteine level [14] . Studies have shown there is a positive correlation between BMI and low plasma concentrations of folate that can increase the development of hypercholesterolemia [12] . The results of this study are consistent with the cohort study of Park et al which showed there was a positive and significant correlation between BMI and homocysteine [15] .…”

“…Hence, one of the major issues in the world population is aging and its consequences. Currently, Iran is decline in the quality of life [1] , alterations in inflammatory and coagulation factors, as well as increased levels of homocysteine [12] . Serum homocysteine level is one of the most important predictors of cardiovascular disease with increasing age.…”

“…The relationship between total homocysteine levels and atherosclerosis is even stronger than the association between atherosclerosis and cholesterol, so reducing homocysteine levels reduces heart attacks and myocardial infarction. Increased homocysteine level is independentlyly associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and hyperhomocysteinemia leads to venous thrombosis, and several cardiovascular problems [12,14] . In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia can play a role as an independent risk factor in the development of other diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairments, in the aging.…”

Adicción a correr: una revisión desde sus inicios hasta la actualidad

“…Más recientemente, Antunes, Leite, Lee, Barreto, dos Santos, de Sá Souza y de Mello (2016), han puesto de manifiesto que la práctica regular de ejercicio contribuye tanto a la prevención primaria como a la secundaria de distintas enfermedades crónicas, asociándose a un menor riesgo de muerte prematura. Por otro lado, un gran número de expertos en esta temática (Antunes et al, 2015;De Mello, Aquino, Antunes, Bittencourt, Santos-Silva y Tufik, 2013;Warburton, Nicol y Bredin, 2006); sugieren que el deporte influye de manera muy positiva en el sueño y en el estado de ánimo.…”

“…Más recientemente, Antunes, Leite, Lee, Barreto, dos Santos, de Sá Souza y de Mello (2016), han puesto de manifiesto que la práctica regular de ejercicio contribuye tanto a la prevención primaria como a la secundaria de distintas enfermedades crónicas, asociándose a un menor riesgo de muerte prematura. Por otro lado, un gran número de expertos en esta temática (Antunes et al, 2015;De Mello, Aquino, Antunes, Bittencourt, Santos-Silva y Tufik, 2013;Warburton, Nicol y Bredin, 2006); sugieren que el deporte influye de manera muy positiva en el sueño y en el estado de ánimo.De entre todas las modalidades deportivas estudiadas y analizadas, el "running" destaca respecto a las demás, ya que son muchos los corredores que han experimentado el fenómeno conocido como euforia del corredor o high runner; recompensa neurobiológica, que aparece tanto durante, como después de correr largas distancias y que afecta a nivel central (modulador del estado de ánimo, efecto de bienestar) y a nivel periférico, disminuyendo la sensación de dolor (Dietrich y McDaniel, 2004).Cuando una actividad inicialmente beneficiosa para la salud, se transforma en adictiva, pueden llegar a producirse incluso síntomas de abstinencia cuando no se puede realizar ejercicio (Hausenblas y Dowms, 2002). Así, en un estudio reciente (Ruiz-Juan y Zarauz, 2016), se han señalado como posibles causas de la conducta adictiva, la combinación de factores socio-culturales como la búsqueda de una imagen corporal ajustada a los cánones de la sociedad; factores fisiológicos, como el papel que juegan las catecolaminas, la activación del sistema opioide endógeno en el cerebro, la regulación de la interlucina-6, y por supuesto factores psicológicos, en donde la mejora del estado de ánimo, la salud, la autoestima, la confianza y las relaciones sociales que se crean con la práctica deportiva regular, hacen que el deporte pueda llegar a convertirse en un comportamiento adictivo (Kerr, Lindner y Blaydon, 2007).…”