Search Results (4)

Background and objectives: Regular moderate exercise is considered a protector against chronic inflammatory diseases. Intense exercise causes a significant release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals depending on exercise intensity and duration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of antioxidant supplementation on parameters of immunity and inflammation in athletes. Methods: The study included 14 elite rowers (group 1) and 10 recreational athletes (group 2). All participants were supplemented with 500 mg/day (500 IU SOD) plant-origin superoxide dismutase (GliSODin®) during a 6-week pre-competition microcycle preparation period (rowers, 120 min training/6 days weekly; recreational athletes, 60 minutes training/3 days weekly). Venous blood samples were taken in the morning after a 24-hour resting period. White blood cell (WBC) and its subpopulation count were determined using an AcT Diff Hematology Analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, CA, USA) and CRP concentration using the biochemistry analyzer Olympus AU400 (Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, CA, USA) at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade. Selected cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were measured by hs ELISA kits (R&D Systems). All data were analyzed using nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test). Results: WBCs and their subpopulation were all in the reference range in both groups before and after supplementation, without significant differences within and between groups according to tests considering supplementation. In rowers, IL-6 was significantly higher before and after supplementation (p ˂ 0.001, p ˂ 0.001 respectively), CRP was higher before supplementation (p = 0.025), and IL-10 was higher at initial and final testing (p = 0.030, p = 0.040 respectively). In the recreational group, IL-8 and IL-4 were higher at both measuring points (p ˂ 0.001 and p ˂ 0.01 respectively). Observing changes in variables within the groups, there was a significantly decreased level of IL-6 (p = 0.019) and increased level of IL-4 (p = 0.001) in rowers and a higher IL-4 level in the recreational group (p = 0.059) after supplementation. Discussion: The results of this investigation indicate that there are positive effects of Glisodin supplementation on parameters of inflammation (decreased IL-6, increased IL-4), especially in highly trained rowers, who are more prone to exercise-related oxidative stress. More studies including a greater number of participants are necessary to confirm the influence of antioxidant supplementation on immunity and inflammation in athletes. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with plant origin superoxide dismutase (SOD), GliSODin, on parameters of muscle damage, metabolic, and work performance at international level rowers. Twenty-eight rowers were included in a randomized, double-blind study. The study was conducted during a 6-week preparation period. At the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of the supplementation period, all rowers were tested on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and after every ergometer testing. Muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), inflammation parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed by lactate level in capillary blood and power output on the rowing ergometer. After supplementation, experimental group had significantly lower CK (p = 0.049) and IL-6 (p = 0.035) before and IL-6 (p = 0.050) after exhausting exercise on ergometer. Relative change of power output at 4 mmol/L concentration of lactate in blood, considering the initial and final test, was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the supplemented group. It was concluded that GliSODin could be considered a good supplement in preventing some deleterious effects of intensive physical activity, including inflammation and muscle damage, and consequently, to enable a better rowing performance of elite rowers. Full article

Background: Locomotive syndrome is a concept proposed in Japan involving decreased mobility due to osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. This double-blind, randomized study aimed to investigate the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich melon extract (Melon GliSODin^®) on locomotive syndrome. Methods: For 6 months, we administered oral Melon GliSODin^® (500.4 mg/day) or a placebo to 24 and 22 women, respectively (aged 50–80 years), with knee or lower back discomfort or pain. Using baseline and 6-month data, changes in the Verbal Rating Scale and in subjective symptoms (determined using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure, Locomo 25, the Roland–Morris Disability questionnaire, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale) were assessed, along with various oxidative markers, antioxidants, inflammatory markers, renal and liver function biochemical markers, bone metabolism markers, body composition, and motor function. Results: Oral Melon GliSODin^® administration tended to be associated with a larger improvement in subjective symptom scores, a reduction in oxidative markers (malondialdehyde and diacron reactive oxygen metabolites) and tumor necrosis factor-α, and a significant increase in non-fat mass between baseline and 6 months. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for outcomes at 6 months. Conclusions: Melon GliSODin^® tended to improve the subjective symptoms of participants who had knee or lower back pain or discomfort. Melon GliSODin^® administration may help to prevent the progression of locomotive syndrome. Future studies involving larger sample sizes and more stringent randomization protocols are needed to determine differences between the placebo and Melon GliSODin^® groups. Full article

A high-calorie diet causes fat accumulation and oxidative stress in the liver, leading to fatty liver and eventually non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Melon GliSODin^® is used as a nutritional supplement because of its antioxidant activity. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity of Melon GliSODin^® and its effectiveness in preventing NASH, which primarily results from oxidative stress. Furthermore, we verified the protective effect of Melon GliSODin^® by administering it to a mouse model of diet-induced NASH. Melon GliSODin^® suppressed liver fibrosis and fat accumulation, which is characteristic of the NASH phenotype. Gene expression analysis confirmed the suppression of fat synthesis and activation of antioxidative mechanisms. These results show that Melon GliSODin^® mitigates NASH onset at the molecular level, suggesting its potential application as a NASH preventive agent. Full article