In understanding the pathology of neurological diseases, the role played by brain energy metabolism is gaining prominence. Animal models have demonstrated that regular physical exercise improves brain energy metabolism while also providing antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant and neuroprotective functions. This review summarizes the latest evidence on the roles played by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) in this scenario. The beneficial effects of exercise seem to depend on crosstalk between muscles and nervous tissue through the increased release of muscle irisin during exercise.

Fatigue reflects a typical limitation of endurance to physical exertion, but it is also a symptom at rest in many neurodegenerative diseases, which impair common activities in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. In this case, the symptom is known as central fatigue. The pharmacological and environmental approach of central fatigue is not effective because the pathophysiology is unclear. Raised neuronal adenosine A 2A receptor (A 2A R) density is associated with the pathology and clinical condition of these neurodegenerative diseases. The nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine has been shown to be a good therapeutic option for these cases. Caffeine is also the main ergogenic resource used by athletes. In this mini-review, we propose that central fatigue can be mediated by A 2A R in the central nervous system and that caffeine may be a good therapeutic option for central fatigue or neurodegenerative patients.

Background Ergogenic evidence for caffeine is robust in sports and isolated limb tasks. Our objective was to evaluate a possible ergogenic effect on postural muscles, still unknown, through the Biering-Sorensens lumbar extension test. Methods A double-blind, controlled placebo, crossover study. Fifty-one healthy, physically inactive male subjects (18-25 years) with average body mass (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) were recruited. The subjects received oral caffeine (6 mg/kg) and saline (0.3%) in two cross-evaluations separated by one week. The primary outcome was the time in the Biering-Sorensen test after 1 hour of treatment. The secondary outcomes were peak lumbar extension force, rating of perceived exertion, EMGs median frequency and muscle recruitment of multifidus spinae and transversalis/interne oblique muscles, and cardiovascular variables (heart rate and blood pressure). Results 27 subjects were blindly treated with caffeine and saline. Caffeine was ergogenic during the Biering-Sorensen test. It increased lumbar extension time (d=0.34, P<0.05), but not peak force. The perception of effort decreased with caffeine (d=0.37, P<0.05). Caffeine increased muscle stimulation frequency (P<0.05) and recruitment (η²=0.49, P<0.05) of multifidus spinae. In the transversalis/interne oblique muscles, caffeine increased the median frequency (η² = 0.13, P<0.05) and the distribution of higher frequencies (P<0.05). Caffeine also increased muscle recruitment in the transversalis/interne oblique muscles (η²=0.94, P<0.05). Tachycardia and increased blood pressure at the lumbar test were higher in the caffeine condition (P<0.05). Conclusions Our results show that caffeine is ergogenic for postural muscles. Decreased RPE and improved muscle activity suggest central mechanisms of caffeine. Trial registration UTN U1111-1234-2079.

Esta obra está licenciada sob uma Licença Creative Commons. Extensio: R. Eletr. de Extensão, ISSN 1807-0221 Florianópolis, v. 14, n. 25, p. 45-60, 2017. PERFIL ANTROPOMÉTRICO E PARÂMETROS CARDIOVASCULARES DOS PARTICIPANTES DE UM ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE AND CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS OF PARTICIPANTS OF A PROGRAM OF PROMOTION OF HEALTH OF ARARANGUÁ/SC AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the anthropometric and cardiovascular profile of participants in a health promotion program in the city of Araranguá (Santa Catarina, Brazil), as well as, their levels of physical activity. A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to December of 2015. Data collection was performed within 323 individuals aged between 18 and 90 years, and a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (70.5%) and Hypertension (43.3%) was observed. The risk factors converge to the most prevalent in the population, being overweight and hypertensive. This survey helps in the definition of new promotion and prevention programs, besides strengthening the health strategies of the municipality. Keywords: Health Promotion. Disease Prevention. Cardiovascular Risk Factors. PERFIL ANTROPOMÉTRICO Y PARÁMETROS CARDIOVASCULAR DE PARTICIPANTES DE UN PROGRAMA DE PROMOCIÓN DE LA SALUD DE ARARANGUÁ/SCResumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los parámetros antropométricos y cardiovasculares de los participantes en un programa de promoción de la salud en la ciudad de Araranguá, así como sus niveles de actividad física. Un estudio de la sección transversal en el periodo de julio a diciembre de 2015. La recogida de datos se realizó con 323 sujetos de edad 18-90 años y se observó una alta prevalencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad (70,5%) y dicho hipertensión auto (43,3%). Los factores de riesgo encontraron a converger el más prevalentes en la población, el sobrepeso y la hipertensión. Esta encuesta ayuda en la definición de nuevos programas de promoción y prevención, así como el fortalecimiento de las estrategias de salud del municipio. Palavras clave: Promoción de la Salud. Prevención de Enfermedades. Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

Background Increased circulating endocannabinoids levels are typically associated with aerobic exercise. This phenomenon is associated with a “runner’s high,” a state of euphoria and well-being experienced after a long exercise. We will provide in this review a transparent and standardized methodology following the PRISMA-P and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis for synthesizing the available evidence about the effects of physical activity on the circulating levels of AEA and 2-AG endocannabinoids in healthy subjects. Methods A multi-disciplinary team with basic and clinical expertise in exercise science developed this protocol. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus will be the databases. A health sciences librarian was consulted in the development of the research. Search strategies will combine MeSH terms and free text words, including “exercise,” “exercise, physical,” “exercise training,” “physical activity,” “endocannabinoids,” “2-arachidonoyl-glycerol,” “glyceryl 2-arachidonate,” “2-AG,” “anandamide,” “AEA,” “n-arachidonoylethanolamide,” “adult,” “young adult,” and “middle-aged.” We will select experimental or quasi-experimental studies published through December 2021. The selection of studies, data extraction, assessment of the risk of bias, and the quality of evidence will be carried out in a paired and independent manner, and the consistency will be assessed using the statistics of Cohen Kappa. Methodological quality will be assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and the Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) risk tool. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation to assess the quality of the evidence, χ2 and I2 tests for heterogeneity, funnel plots, and the Egger test for publication bias. A meta-analysis for each data comparison will be performed whenever possible to determine the effect of physical activity on endocannabinoids’ circulating levels. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide an overview of the evidence about physical activity over AEA and 2-AG endocannabinoids, including comparability of variables between studies, critical interpretation of results, and use of accurate statistical techniques. The endocannabinoid is molecules by which muscles communicate with other tissues and organs, mediating the beneficial effects of exercise on health and performance, including increased glucose uptake, improved insulin action, and mitochondrial biogenesis. They are essential to exercise. Thus, this study will review the acute effect of physical exercise on circulating levels of endocannabinoids in healthy individuals. The results of this study will potentially be transferred to doctors, health professionals, and legislators to guide their decision making, as well as will improve future research. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020202886.