This study verified the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on hemodynamics, heart rate (HR) variability, and muscle morphology in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups and 34 completed the study: i) sham-sedentary (Sham-ST; n=9); ii) sham-RMT (Sham-RMT; n=9); iii) DM-sedentary (DM-ST; n=8); and iv) DM-RMT (DM-RMT; n=8). Hemodynamics were assessed by central cannulation, and R-R intervals were measured by electrocardiogram. In addition, the effects of RMT on the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm, anterior tibial, and soleus muscles were analyzed. The induction of DM by streptozotocin resulted in weight loss, hyperglycemia, reduced blood pressure, and attenuated left ventricular contraction and relaxation (Po0.05). We also observed a decrease in root mean square of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD) index and in the cross-sectional area of the muscles assessed, specifically the diaphragm, soleus, and anterior tibial muscles in diabetic rats (Po0.05). Interestingly, RMT led to an increase in RMSSD in rats with DM (Po0.05). The induction of DM produced profound deleterious changes in the diaphragmatic and peripheral muscles, as well as impairments in cardiovascular hemodynamics and autonomic control. Nevertheless, RMT may beneficially attenuate autonomic changes and improve parasympathetic modulation.

Obesity accumulates fat in the body may cause hypertension and change intracranial pressure waveform morphology (ICP). However, not clear how and when it occurs. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the ICP waveform morphology and P2/P1 ratio during the development of obesity. Sixteen 45-day-old male Wistar rats, after 60 days of adaptation were divided into non-obese (NOB, n = 7) and obese (OB, n = 9). The OB group received a high-fat diet and the NOB group received a standard diet for 24 weeks. ICP, body composition, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate(HR) were assessed every 4 weeks. Two-Way ANOVA was used for the area under the curve with Bonferroni's test, or Student's t-test for BP, and HR. Body mass(BM) and body fat(BF) and fat-free mass(FFM) were higher in OB rats. There was no difference in BP, but there was a difference in HR, greater in OB. The ICP decreased by NOB. These results suggest that the increase in BM and BF caused obesity, and BM can explain the increase in FFM. Although we did not find pathological states of ICP, NOB demonstrated better brain compliance, and the upward trend in the P2 waveform in OB may indicate impairment to the ICP of OB rats.

Background: Premature adrenarche (PA) is characterized by presence of isolated pubic and/or axillary hair, acne and body odor before age 8(9) in girls (boys). These individuals are at increased risk of developing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and polycistic ovarian syndrome. Irisin seems to have an active role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, however little is known about this hormone in PA. Objective: To analyze irisin levels in children diagnosed with PA and its relationship with their body composition. Methodology: Exploratory cross-sectional study that evaluated 15 children with PA and 15 matched controls (C). Anthropometric data were measured: height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and triceps skinfold. Fasting blood glucose(G), insulin(I), 17OHP, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, DHEA-S, 25(OH)D and irisin levels were determined. Results: The levels (mean±SEM) of triglycerides [99±14, 8mg/dl (C); 68±9, 1mg/dl (AP)] and 25(OH) D [26±0, 9ng/ml(C); 30.2±1.6ng/ml (AP)] were significantly different between the groups. WC above p90 and G/ I<7 were found in 6.7% of the C group versus 33.3% and 20% of the PA group, respectively. Conclusions: PA children presented a lower G/I and a higher waist WC compared to the C group, suggesting an increased risk of metabolic disease. Irisin levels were not different between the groups. The significantly higher levels of TGs from the C group may be related to their reduced levels of 25(OH) D, which may also have masked differences in irisin levels. This study suggests that determination of vitamin D levels may be necessary to evaluate metabolic data, based on the significant frequency of this hormone insufficiency/deficiency in the pediatric population.