0000000000026264
AUTHOR
Alessandra Macchiarella
FROM EPIGENETICS TO ANTI-DOPING APPLICATION: A NEW TOOL OF DETECTION
Eukaryotic genomes transcribe up to 90% of the genomic DNA but only 1–2% of these transcripts encode for proteins, whereas the vast majority are transcribed as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). They are divided into short ncRNA, particularly microRNA (miRNA) and small interference RNA (siRNA), and long ncRNAs. Noteworthy, they are unexpectedly stable since they are protected from degradation through different mechanisms: package in exosomes/microvesicles structures, in apoptotic bodies, in HDL lipoprotein, or by RNA binding proteins. For several years already, biomarkers have been used to detect biological disease; in the last years, a requirement appeared to find some of them to unearth the signs …
An innovative way to highlight the power of each polymorphism on elite athletes phenotype expression
The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of soccer players having the best genetic background that could increase performance, evaluating the polymorphism that are considered Performance Enhancing Polymorphism (PEPs) distributed on five genes: PPAR alpha, PPARGC1A, NRF2, ACE e CKMM. Particularly, we investigated how each polymorphism works directly or through another polymorphism to distinguish elite athletes from non-athletic population. Sixty professional soccer players (age 22.5 +/- 2.2) and sixty healthy volunteers (age 21.2 +/- 2.3) were enrolled. Samples of venous blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP protocols with …
Effects of different circuit training protocols on body mass, fat mass and blood parameters in overweight adults
Benefits of exercise are known for a long time, but mechanisms underlying the exercise mode recommendations for specific chronic cardiovascular diseases remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different circuit training protocols in order to determine which is the best for weight loss and for specific overweight- related disorders. Forty-five female sedentary overweight participants from 20 to 50 years (average 31.8±11.2) were enrolled and assigned to three different groups; each group was compared with a control normal-weight group. Three different circuit protocols were randomly assigned to each overweight group: aerobictone- aerobic (ATA), aerobic-circuit-aero…
INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION AND GENETICS ON PERFORMANCE: A PILOT STUDY IN A GROUP OF GYMNASTS
Purpose. Energy requirements in sports performance are affected by numerous factors: physical characteristics, age, genetic basis, sports discipline. The Food and Nutrition Board recommended nutrition based on age, height, and body weight gain in relation to physical activity. Some genetic factors, such as the PPAR-encoding gene, play a key role in metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of specific snacks on performance. Methods. Seventeen girls aged 10–14 years practising artistic gymnastics were enrolled. A carb or protein/carb snack was provided before the training, and a questionnaire was administered at the end. In addition, saliva samples were collected for gen…
Trend of Drug Abuse in 2011– 2014 in Italy
Doping, although was born as a medication and not with the purpose of enhancing performance, is a widespread practice in all sports, between amateur and gym-goers. The Italian sports federations were in second place worldwide for positive doping-test, after Russia. This review focuses on the analysis of data collected by Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) in the 2012–2014 period, showing that the most commonly used substances were anabolic androgenic agents, glucocorticoids, diuretics and stimulants. Prevention in doping could be a key to limit the damage caused by this harmful practice both, for the physical health and the athlete’s moral integrity and anti-doping campai…
Nutritional supplement habits: the survey on a Sicilian group
Dietary supplements are extensively used among athletes as well as amateurs attending gyms. Regardless of very poorly investigated information about the effects of these products – both desirable and adverse – a wide range of population is used to take them. The aim of this study was to investigate the supplement consumption in Sicilia, Italy. An online questionnaire has been administered to 588 subjects (55% male and 45% female) aged between 15 and 53 years, frequenters and non-frequenters of gyms. The questionnaire showed that 75% of subjects practice (more or less regularly) physical activity 3-4 times a week, whilst the 25% did not practice any sport. Saline Supplements (Gatorade, Power…