The increase in endothelial permeability in response to inflammatory mediators such as thrombin and histamine is accompanied by reversible cell rounding and interendothelial gap formation, suggesting that the predominant transport pathway is a diffusive one (i.e., via cellular junctions (paracellular transport)). However, vesicle-mediated transport (i.e., via albumin-binding protein gp60) may also contribute significantly to the overall increase in permeability. Regulation of paracellular transport in endothelial cells is associated with modulation of actin-based systems, which anchor the cell to its neighbor or extracellular matrix, thus maintaining endothelial integrity. At the cell-cell junctions, actin is linked indirectly to the plasma membrane by linking proteins (e.g., vinculin, catenins, alpha-actinin) to cadherins, which function in homophilic intercellular adhesion. At endothelial focal contacts, the transmembrane receptors (integrins) for matrix proteins are linked to actin via linking proteins (i.e., vinculin, talin, alpha-actinin). In response to inflammatory mediators, second messengers signal two regulatory pathways, which modulate the actin-based systems, and can thus lead to impairment of the endothelial barrier integrity. One critical signal may be based on protein kinase C isoenzyme specific phosphorylation of linking proteins at the cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions. The increased phosphorylation is associated with actin reorganization, cell rounding, and increased paracellular transport. Another important event is the activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), which causes an actin-myosin-based contraction that may lead to centripetal retraction of endothelial cells. Current research is being conducted at identification of protein substrates of protein kinase C isoenzymes, the specific role of their phosphorylation in barrier function, and determination of the precise role of MLCK in modulation of endothelial barrier function. Since mechanisms by which the increased permeability is returned to normal may be regulated at multiple levels (e.g., receptor desensitization, protein kinase C mediated negative feedback pathways, activation of protein phosphatases), it is also important to determine these cellular "off-switch" mechanisms.

The abuse of all types of supplements to improve sport performance and physical fi tness has spread to regularly gym users. The most appealing supplements are those that claim to help build muscle, improve endurance and reduce body fat. The aim of this study to evaluate the intake of nutritional and dietary supplements among males from four gyms in Kurukshetra, Haryana (India). Two hundred and seventy-three users of above 16 years completed a self-administered questionnaire that had been pilot-tested to ensure clarity and to eliminate open-ended questions. Out of total sample 63.8% had used 14 different supplements in past 6 months with each individual consuming a mean of 2.6 (range 1-6) supplements. The most commonly used supplements were glucose (36.9%), multivitamins (32.8%), calcium tablets (20.2%), protein powder (20.4%) and ayurvedic medicines (15.7%). Coaches/instructors, friends and gym fallow were the major source of information for these supplements and 91.2% were unaware that supplementation can have adverse effects. The majority (97.4%) did not report any adverse effects whereas male (16-25 years) were buying anabolic steroids and cheaper alternatives of viagra (sildenafi l citrate) without any medical prescriptions quite frequently from medicines stores. The prevalence of supplement use in gyms is very high and the knowledge about these products among the users is not adequate. Hence, there is an urgent need to educate the users about these products and all latest scientifi c information should be provided to the users and their trainer.

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Background and Study Aim: Hematological investigation plays a meaningful role in determining the physical standard and performance of the athletes in various games. It is a measure for an athlete’s health and physical gesture. The present study portrays the platelet count analysis of university-level female athletes playing volleyball, judo, and football respectively. Material and Methods: 54 female athletes (18 from each game) were selected for the study. The platelet count relationship was the criterion for the present study to differentiate the physical standards of the female players among three different games. To obtain the statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and posthoc Tukey’s HSD test were used to set the significance level of p < 0.05. Results: We found the present results displayed the platelet counts of the players participating in Judo are comparatively higher as compared to football and volleyball. Conclusions: It was observed that there was no correlation between platelet counts between the players participating in three games. No relationship exists between the players from different games concerning their platelet counts. No significant correlation between the three games existed pair-wise individually for comparative statistical analysis as their p > 0.05.