Feature Papers in Human Physiology—3rd Edition

A special issue of Physiologia (ISSN 2673-9488).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 September 2025 | Viewed by 2388

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Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is designed to publish high-quality papers in Physiologia, a new journal dedicated to recent advances in the research area of physiology. The Special Issue engages with topics including, but not limited to, the following: musculoskeletal physiology, endocrine physiology, adipose physiology, and cardiovascular physiology (in health, aging, and/or disease). This Special Issue will present a collection of research articles and review articles highlighting interesting results in the field of human physiology.

Over the past two years, our first two volumes have attracted a diverse range of high-quality contributions from renowned experts and emerging scholars alike. The publications have not only showcased the latest advancements and trends in human physiology but have also fostered valuable discussions and collaborations across the global research community. These articles can be accessed through the following links:

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/physiologia/special_issues/human_physiol;

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/physiologia/special_issues/27UWS2W0PF.

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Prof. Dr. Philip J. Atherton
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • musculoskeletal physiology
  • endocrine physiology
  • adipose physiology
  • cardiovascular physiology (in health, aging, and/or disease)

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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9 pages, 742 KiB  
Article
Thirst Modulates Parasympathetic Recovery: Comparing Oral and Intravenous Rehydration
by Alan T. Ky, Ryan A. Dunn, Marcos S. Keefe and Yasuki Sekiguchi
Physiologia 2025, 5(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5020016 - 10 May 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Oral rehydration reduces thirst sensation (TS), which may negatively affect autonomic function, measured by heart-rate variability (HRV). However, it is unclear if this effect is independent of hydration changes. This study examines whether TS influences autonomic function between intravenous and oral rehydration. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Oral rehydration reduces thirst sensation (TS), which may negatively affect autonomic function, measured by heart-rate variability (HRV). However, it is unclear if this effect is independent of hydration changes. This study examines whether TS influences autonomic function between intravenous and oral rehydration. Methods: Twelve males (mean ± SD; age, 29 ± 12 years; 74.7 ± 7.9 kg; 179.4 ± 7.0 cm; VO2max, 49.8± 6.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) cycled at 55% VO2max for 90 min followed by a 12 km time trial. Two experimental conditions were performed in a counterbalanced, randomized order; (a) the high thirst (HT) group were infused 25 mL of isotonic saline every 5 min via an intravenous tube, and (b) the low thirst (LT) group ingested 25 mL of water every 5 min. TS and heart rate were collected every 5 min. HRV was assessed pre exercise, post steady-state exercise, and post time trial. HRV parameters included time domain, frequency domain, and non-linear measures analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There was a significant time x condition for the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSDlog), high-frequency (HF) power, and SD1 (p < 0.05). In LT, RMSSDlog decreased from Pre to Mid (3.71 ± 0.61 ms to 2.53 ± 1.15 ms, p < 0.01) and Pre to Post (2.18 ± 0.90 ms, p < 0.01) but stabilized from Mid to Post (p = 0.39). High-frequency (HF) power in HT was maintained from Pre (3.7 ± 0.6 nu) to Mid (3.4 ± 0.8 nu, p = 0.21) but decreased from Pre to Post (2.5 ± 0.7 nu, p < 0.01) and Mid to Post (p < 0.01). LT decreased in HF power from Pre (3.7 ± 0.5 nu) to Mid (3.0 ± 0.8 nu, p < 0.01) and Pre to Post (3.0 ± 0.7 nu, p < 0.01); Mid and Post was maintained (p = 0.99). SD1, decreased in HT (Pre: 3.4 ± 0.4 ms, Mid: 2.0 ± 1.1 ms, Post: 1.1 ± 0.5 ms; all comparisons p < 0.05). In LT, SD1 decreased from Pre (3.4 ± 0.6 ms) to Mid (2.18 ± 1.15 ms, p < 0.01) and Pre to Post (1.83 ± 0.90 ms, p < 0.01), but stabilized Mid to Post (p = 0.39). Conclusion: Satiating thirst through oral rehydration increases parasympathetic activity post exercise, reducing stress and increasing recovery between exercise bouts. These findings have implications for optimizing rehydration strategies in sports and occupational settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Human Physiology—3rd Edition)
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10 pages, 1158 KiB  
Article
Monitoring of Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin A Quantified Two Methods During High-Altitude Volleyball Training Camp
by Ryota Sone, Kenji Yamamoto, Shinsuke Tamai, Honoka Goji and Kenji Ohishi
Physiologia 2025, 5(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5010008 - 14 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Volleyball training camps are known to reduce salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-SIgA); however, when it begins to decrease is unclear. The validity of a simple device for quantifying s-SIgA is lacking; hence, this study aimed to observe detailed s-SIgA changes during a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Volleyball training camps are known to reduce salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-SIgA); however, when it begins to decrease is unclear. The validity of a simple device for quantifying s-SIgA is lacking; hence, this study aimed to observe detailed s-SIgA changes during a volleyball training camp after moving to a high altitude and to investigate the difference in s-SIgA response between the two quantification methods, namely, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow device (LFD). Methods: Twenty-four male university volleyball players participated in the observational study. Measurements were collected at three points of the training camp (days 1, 4, and 7). The s-SIgA was quantified using conventional ELISA and the new LFD method. Results: The s-SIgA concentrations quantified using the two methods decreased significantly by day 4 (p < 0.05) and continued to decrease until day 7 (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between the s-SIgA concentrations quantified using the LFD and ELISA (p < 0.05, rs = 0.319). Conclusions: These results indicate that a high-altitude volleyball training camp may suppress oral immune function by day 4 and that the evaluation of s-SIgA concentration using the LFD method is beneficial. A faster and easier method for assessing s-SIgA could contribute to athletes’ condition management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Human Physiology—3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 833 KiB  
Article
Indexes of Fat Oxidation from Ramp vs. Graded Incremental Protocols in Postmenopausal Women
by Massimo Teso, Luca Ferrari, Alessandro L. Colosio and Silvia Pogliaghi
Physiologia 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5010003 - 6 Jan 2025
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Abstract
The maximal rate of fat oxidation (MFO, in g∙min−1) and the relative exercise intensity at which it occurs (FATmax, as %V̇O2max) are indexes of metabolic flexibility. The time-consuming, graded exercise protocol required for MFO/FATmax determination hinders [...] Read more.
The maximal rate of fat oxidation (MFO, in g∙min−1) and the relative exercise intensity at which it occurs (FATmax, as %V̇O2max) are indexes of metabolic flexibility. The time-consuming, graded exercise protocol required for MFO/FATmax determination hinders the extensive use of these indexes for individualized exercise prescription and monitoring. Purpose: validate ramp testing for MFO and FATmax measures in postmenopausal women. Methods: Seventeen healthy women (age: 54 ± 4 years, BMI 22 ± 3 kg·m−2, and V̇O2max 36.4 ± 5.3 mL·min−1), who were 4 ± 3 years from menopause, performed on a cycle-ergometer, a ramp, and a graded incremental test. Based on V̇O2 and respiratory exchange ratio from the ramp and graded protocol (i.e., the 5th minute of each step), MFO and FATmax were determined. Data from the two protocols were compared using paired t-tests, linear regression, and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The MFO measured with a ramp protocol was not different from (0.24 ± 0.09 vs. 0.20 ± 0.08 g·min−1, p = 0.10), and moderately associated with, that of the graded protocol (r2 = 0.46). FATmax occurred at similar exercise intensity for both protocols (47.8 ± 5.1 vs. 47.5 ± 4.3 %V̇O2max, p = 0.91, r2 = 0.52). The comparison of MFO and FATmax across the protocols yields a non-significant bias but a relatively large limit of agreement (respectively, 0.05 g·min−1, LOA = −0.08, and 0.19 g·min−1; 0.3 %V̇O2max, LOA = −7.8, and 10.6 %V̇O2max). Conclusions: In postmenopausal women, ramp testing offers a valid alternative to the graded protocol for identifying MFO and FATmax. The availability of a time- and cost-efficient approach, which can be incorporated into standard ramp incremental testing, can facilitate using these indexes of metabolic flexibility in research and medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Human Physiology—3rd Edition)
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11 pages, 1766 KiB  
Brief Report
The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate and/or Whey Protein on the Muscle Protein Synthesis and Anabolic Signaling Responses in Non-Stressed C2C12 Murine Myotubes
by Nicholas J. Kontos, Joshua S. Godwin, Anthony Agyin-Birikorang, Darren G. Candow, Christopher M. Lockwood, Michael D. Roberts and Christopher B. Mobley
Physiologia 2025, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5020017 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Creatine monohydrate (CRE) is a popular nutritional supplement that increases lean/muscle mass accretion. Although data regarding CRE and its effects on muscle protein synthesis are mixed, we hypothesized that CRE may potentiate/extend the anabolic response to essential amino acids given that [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Creatine monohydrate (CRE) is a popular nutritional supplement that increases lean/muscle mass accretion. Although data regarding CRE and its effects on muscle protein synthesis are mixed, we hypothesized that CRE may potentiate/extend the anabolic response to essential amino acids given that CRE acts as a high-energy phosphate buffer to potentially amplify anabolic signaling. Therefore, we used an in vitro model to determine whether CRE synergistically enhances myotube protein synthesis and the anabolic signaling responses to EAA-rich whey protein (WP). Methods: C2C12 murine myotubes were treated with control media containing PBS (CTL), WP serum (5 mg/mL), CRE (10 mM), or WP + CRE. Myotubes were collected following 1, 4, and 24 h treatments (n = 6 replicates per treatment and time point) and assayed for relative creatine levels, myotube protein synthesis levels, and phosphorylation markers. Results: Cellular creatine levels were greater in CRE and WP + CRE versus CTL and WP at all treatment time points (p < 0.05). The protein synthesis levels with 4 hr treatments with WP and WP + CRE were greater compared to the CTL (p = 0.036 and p < 0.001, respectively), and 24 h levels were greater with WP versus other treatments (p < 0.05). p-p70S6K (Ser389) and p-rpS6 (Ser235/236) were greater with WP at 1 h compared to all other treatments (p < 0.05). No effects across time points were observed for p-mTOR (Ser2448), p-4E-BP1 (Thr37/46), or p-AMPKα (Thr172). Conclusions: WP increases protein synthesis and anabolic signaling with no additive effect from CRE. However, given that myotubes were not stressed nor stimulated to contract, such models are needed with the current treatment schematic to examine potential interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Human Physiology—3rd Edition)
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