DHEA supplementation in ovariectomized rats reduces impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion induced by a high-fat diet.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are steroids produced mainly by the adrenal cortex. There is evidence from both human and animal models suggesting beneficial effects of these steroids for obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoporosis, conditions associated with the post-menopausal period. Accordingly, we hypothesized that DHEA supplementation in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats fed a high-fat diet would maintain glucose-induced insulin secretion (GSIS) and pancreatic islet function.

Renewed avenues through exercise muscle contractility and inflammatory status.

Physical inactivity leads to the accumulation of visceral fat and, consequently, to the activation of a network of inflammatory pathways which may promote development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and tumour growth. These conditions belong to the "diseasome of physical inactivity". In contrast, the protective effect of regular exercise against diseases associated with chronic inflammation may to some extent be ascribed to an anti-inflammatory effect.

Preinfection aerobic treadmill training improves resistance against Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice.

Exercise performed before infections has been linked to improvement of the immune response against infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of preinfection moderate-intensity treadmill training on acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice. Ninety-nine female BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups, as follows: training + infection (T+I) (n = 41); no training + infection (NT+I) (n = 38); training + no infection (T+NI) (n = 10); and no training + no infection (NT+NI) (n = 10).