Relationship between stress hormones and immune response during high-altitude exposure in women.

We previously confirmed that high altitude (HA) exposure can modify the number and function of immune cells, leading to a disruption in the homeostatic regulation of T helper1 (Th1)/T helper2 (Th2) immune responses. Our aim was to evaluate possible relationships between the stress response and immunological parameters during HA exposure. Thirteen healthy women spent 21 days at 5050 m.

[Effects of a combined weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing ( warm water) exercise program on bone mass and quality in postmenopausal women with low bone-mineral density].

Aims: To evaluate the effects of a combined weight- and non weight-bearing (water) exercise program on bone mass and quality in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density.

Materials And Methods: 125 post-menopausal women with osteopenia/osteoporosis underwent a bone mass (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorbimetry, DEXA) and bone tissue quality (phalangeal osteosonography) evaluation. 58 of the participants took part in an 11-month specific exercise program (E).

Short-term adapted physical activity program improves bone quality in osteopenic/osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

Background And Aims: It is known that people affected by osteopenia/osteoporosis can benefit from an adequate amount of physical activity, counteracting the progressive loss of bone and muscle mass caused by aging. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that exercise has positive effects on bone structure. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects on bone tissue and muscular strength of a short-term exercise program in osteopenic/osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

Delayed effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on the survival of rats after acute decompression.

Aim: The formation of bubbles in the blood stream together with the ensuing sickness after rapid decompression is assumed to depend on the physiological condition of the vascular system. In order to gain insight into the vascular function of nitric oxide in acute decompression sickness, the effects of the nitric oxide synthase inhibition by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was studied in rats.

Methods: Wistar rats under anaesthesia were exposed to hyperbaric conditions for two hours and decompressed approximately 2.

Modulation of immune response by the acute and chronic exposure to high altitude.

Purpose: The chronic exposure at high altitude (HA) represents an ideal model for evaluating the in vivo effects of hypobaric hypoxia. Taking advantage of the EV-K2-CNR Pyramid, this study was designed to evaluate whether acute and chronic hypoxia differently modulates the in vivo immune responses.

Methods: The study includes 13 healthy female moderately active volunteers participating to the Italian HA project EV-K2-CNR.