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Purpose The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphism, which is exclusive to the Asian population, is related to many diseases. A high reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria, and low muscle strength in athletes and non-athletes, has been observed, as our previous study demonstrated. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of ALDH2 rs671 on the loss of muscle strength with aging and replicate our previous study in non-athletes. Methods Healthy Japanese individuals ( n  = 1804) aged 23–94 years were genotyped using DNA extracted from saliva. Muscle strength was assessed using grip strength and chair stand test (CST). The interaction between age and genotypes was analyzed by two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for sex, body mass index (BMI), and exercise habit. Results Individuals aged ≧55 with the AA genotype had a lower performance than those with the GG + GA genotype in the grip strength test (28.1 ± 9.1 kg vs. 29.1 ± 8.3 kg, p  = 0.021). There was an interaction between age and genotype, where individuals with ≧55 years old AA genotype had a higher loss of strength compared to GG + GA genotypes in the CST (0.025). No interaction in other models and no sex differences were found. Conclusion This study replicated previous results of the relationship between the AA genotype with lower muscle strength and as a novelty showed that this genotype is associated with a higher age-related loss of strength.

New Findings What is the central question of this study? How do free weight resistance training (RT) and body mass‐based RT for 8 weeks compare for isometric muscular strength, muscle size and intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the quadriceps femoris? What is the main finding and its importance? Free weight and body mass‐based RTs could induce muscle hypertrophy; however, decreased IMF content was observed following the body mass‐based RT alone. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of free weight and body mass‐based resistance training (RT) on muscle size and thigh intramuscular fat (IMF) in young and middle‐aged individuals. Healthy individuals (aged 30–64 years) were assigned to either a free weight RT group (n = 21) or a body mass‐based RT group (n = 16). Both groups performed whole‐body resistance exercise twice a week for 8 weeks. Free weight resistance exercises (squats, bench press, deadlift, dumbbell rows and back range) involved 70% one repetition maximum, with three sets of 8–12 repetitions per exercise. The nine body mass‐based resistance exercises (leg raise, squats, rear raise, overhead shoulder mobility exercise, rowing, dips, lunge, single‐leg Romanian deadlifts and push‐ups) included the maximum possible repetitions per session, which were performed in one or two sets. Mid‐thigh magnetic resonance images using the two‐point Dixon method were taken pre‐ and post‐training. The muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) and IMF content in the quadriceps femoris were measured from the images. Both the groups showed significantly increased muscle CSA post‐training (free weight RT group, P = 0.001; body mass‐based RT group, P = 0.002). IMF content in the body mass‐based RT group significantly decreased (P = 0.036) but did not significantly change in the free weight RT group (P = 0.076). These results suggest that the free weight and body mass‐based RTs could induce muscle hypertrophy; however, in healthy young and middle‐aged individuals, decreased IMF content was induced following the body mass‐based RT alone.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of online home-based resistance exercise training on fitness, depression, stress, and well-being. A total of 67 individuals participated. Of them, 28 participants (13 men and 15 women, average age: 45.1 ± 12.2 years) performed the same exercise training online (n = 17), using Zoom, or in person (n = 11) in 2020 (Study 1). In addition, 39 participants (15 men and 24 women; average age: 47.6 ± 10.8 years) performed eight weeks of online home-based resistance exercise training in 2021 (Study 2). The participants performed low-load resistance exercises twice a week for eight weeks (16 sessions). Muscle strength, thigh muscle cross-sectional area, fitness parameters, blood pressure, mental health (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale—CES-D; and Kessler Psychological Distress scale—K6), and well-being (Well-Being Index—WHO-5) were measured pre-and post-resistance training. In Study 1, eight weeks of online home-based resistance training improved CES-D (p = 0.003), and a similar tendency was observed in resistance training (RT) with the in-person group (p = 0.06). There was a significant improvement in CES-D symptoms after the online home-based resistance training in Study 2 (p = 0.009). However, there were no significant changes in the WHO-5 and K6. Our results suggest that online low-load resistance training improves fitness parameters and curbs depressive status.

The significance of GALNTL6 rs558129 polymorphism in relation to muscle strength and power performance has been reported in several studies. However, there has been no replication study in the Japanese population. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the association of GALNTL6 rs558129 polymorphism with athlete status and muscle strength in Japanese athletes. In study 1, genotype frequencies were compared between 376 power-oriented athletes (male: n = 257, female: n = 119) and 1,139 controls (male: n = 448, female: n = 691). The power-oriented athletes included wrestlers ( n = 146), weightlifters ( n = 151) and power lifters ( n = 79). In study 2, isokinetic knee extension and flexion muscle strength tests were performed in 347 athletes (male: n = 298, female: n = 49). In both studies, GALNTL6 rs558129 polymorphism was identified using the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. In study 1, there were no significant differences in genotype frequencies between the power-oriented athletes and controls. However, the frequency of TT genotype was significantly higher in wrestlers compared to controls ( p = 0.044). In study 2, isokinetic knee extension muscle strength was significantly higher in athletes with the T allele than in athletes with the CC genotype ( p = 0.012). In addition, a significant tendency of the isokinetic knee extension muscle strength was observed in the CC, CT, and TT genotype, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the TT genotype and T allele of GALNTL6 polymorphism are associated with knee extension muscle strength in Japanese athletes and that the TT genotype is observed at a higher frequency in Japanese wrestlers. These findings are consistent with and further validate the results of previous studies.

The rs671 polymorphism is associated with the enzymatic activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is weakened by the A allele in East Asians. We recently reported the association of this polymorphism with the athletic status in athletic cohorts and the muscle strength of non-athletic cohorts. Therefore, we hypothesized the association of ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism with the performance in power/strength athletes. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and performance in power/strength athletes. Participants comprising 253 power/strength athletes (167 men and 86 women) and 721 healthy controls (303 men and 418 women) were investigated. The power/strength athletes were divided into classic powerlifting (n = 84) and weightlifting (n = 169). No differences in the genotypes and allele frequencies of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and an association between performance and the ALDH2 rs671 genotype were observed in weightlifters. However, the relative values per body weight of the total record were lower in powerlifters with the GA + AA genotype than those with the GG genotype (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0; p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.08). Our results collectively indicate a role of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism in strength performance in powerlifters.

Background: In recent years, comprehensive analyses using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) have been conducted to identify genetic factors related to athletic performance. In this study, we investigated the association between genetic variants and elite wrestling status across multiple ethnic groups using a genome-wide genotyping approach. Methods: This study included 168 elite wrestlers (64 Japanese, 67 Turkish, and 36 Russian), all of whom had competed in international tournaments, including the Olympic Games. Control groups consisted of 306 Japanese, 137 Turkish, and 173 Russian individuals without elite athletic backgrounds. We performed a GWAS comparing allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between elite wrestlers and controls in each ethnic cohort. Cross-population analysis comprised (1) identifying SNPs with nominal significance (p < 0.05) in all three groups, then (2) meta-analyzing overlapped SNPs to assess effect consistency and combined significance. Finally, we investigated whether the most significant SNPs were associated with gene expression in skeletal muscle in 23 physically active men. Results: The GWAS identified 328,388 (Japanese), 23,932 (Turkish), and 30,385 (Russian) SNPs reaching nominal significance. Meta-analysis revealed that the ATP2A3 rs6502758 and UNC5C rs265061 polymorphisms were associated (p < 0.0001) with elite wrestling status across all three populations. Both variants are located in intronic regions and influence the expression of their respective genes in skeletal muscle. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate gene polymorphisms associated with elite wrestling status in a multi-ethnic cohort. ATP2A3 rs6502758 and UNC5C rs265061 polymorphisms may represent important genetic factors associated with achieving an elite status in wrestling, irrespective of ethnicity.

The significance of GALNTL6 rs558129 polymorphism in relation to muscle strength and power performance has been reported in several studies. However, there has been no replication study in the Japanese population. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the association of GALNTL6 rs558129 polymorphism with athlete status and muscle strength in Japanese athletes. In study 1, genotype frequencies were compared between 376 power-oriented athletes (male: n = 257, female: n = 119) and 1,139 controls (male: n = 448, female: n = 691). The power-oriented athletes included wrestlers (n = 146), weightlifters (n = 151) and power lifters (n = 79). In study 2, isokinetic knee extension and flexion muscle strength tests were performed in 347 athletes (male: n = 298, female: n = 49). In both studies, GALNTL6 rs558129 polymorphism was identified using the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. In study 1, there were no significant differences in genotype frequencies between the power-oriented athletes and controls. However, the frequency of TT genotype was significantly higher in wrestlers compared to controls (p = 0.044). In study 2, isokinetic knee extension muscle strength was significantly higher in athletes with the T allele than in athletes with the CC genotype (p = 0.012). In addition, a significant tendency of the isokinetic knee extension muscle strength was observed in the CC, CT, and TT genotype, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the TT genotype and T allele of GALNTL6 polymorphism are associated with knee extension muscle strength in Japanese athletes and that the TT genotype is observed at a higher frequency in Japanese wrestlers. These findings are consistent with and further validate the results of previous studies.

The rs671 polymorphism is associated with the enzymatic activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is weakened by the A allele in East Asians. We recently reported the association of this polymorphism with the athletic status in athletic cohorts and the muscle strength of non-athletic cohorts. Therefore, we hypothesized the association of ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism with the performance in power/strength athletes. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and performance in power/strength athletes. Participants comprising 253 power/strength athletes (167 men and 86 women) and 721 healthy controls (303 men and 418 women) were investigated. The power/strength athletes were divided into classic powerlifting (n = 84) and weightlifting (n = 169). No differences in the genotypes and allele frequencies of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and an association between performance and the ALDH2 rs671 genotype were observed in weightlifters. However, the relative values per body weight of the total record were lower in powerlifters with the GA + AA genotype than those with the GG genotype (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0; p = 0.010, partial η[sup.2] = 0.08). Our results collectively indicate a role of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism in strength performance in powerlifters.

Background Stereotactic irradiation has become the mainstay treatment for brain metastases (BM), and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is often used for symptom palliation. However, the survival time of patients with BM undergoing palliative WBRT (pWBRT) is limited, making it difficult to select patients who should receive treatment. Methods We collected patient data from 2016 to 2022 at the Shizuoka Cancer Center and retrospectively analyzed the factors related to survival time. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the survival time after WBRT. Results A total of 301 patients (median age, 66 years) who underwent pWBRT were included. The primary cancers were lung, breast, gastrointestinal tract, and other cancers in 203 (67%), 38 (13%), 33 (11%), and 27 (9%) patients, respectively. Median OS of all patients was 4.1 months. In the multivariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR]:1.4), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≤ 60 (HR:1.7), presence of extracranial metastasis (ECM) (HR:1.6), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 5 (HR:1.6), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥ upper limit of normal (ULN) (HR:1.3) were significantly associated with shorter OS (all P  < 0.05). To predict the OS, we created a prognostic scoring system (PSS). We gave one point to each independent prognostic factor. Median OS for patients with scores of 0–2, 3, and 4–5 were 9.0, 3.5 and 1.7 months, respectively ( P  < 0.001). Conclusions Male sex, KPS ≤ 60, presence of ECM, NLR ≥ 5, and LDH ≥ ULN were poor prognostic factors for patients with BM undergoing pWBRT. By PSS combining these factors, it may be possible to select patients who should undergo pWBRT.

BackgroundBefore the androgen target therapy era, flutamide was widely used for castration-resistant prostate cancer in Japan. Enzalutamide is currently the recommended treatment; however, the efficacy and safety of enzalutamide and flutamide after combined androgen blockade therapy with bicalutamide, has not been compared.MethodsPatients with castration-resistant prostate cancer who received combined androgen blockade therapy with bicalutamide were randomly assigned to receive either enzalutamide or flutamide. The primary endpoint for efficacy was the 3-month prostate-specific antigen response rate. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02346578) and the University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000016301).ResultsOverall, 103 patients were enrolled. The 3- (80.8% vs. 35.3%; p < 0.001) and 6-month (73.1% vs. 31.4%; p < 0.001) prostate-specific antigen response rates were higher in the enzalutamide than in the flutamide group. The 3-month disease progression rates (radiographic or prostate-specific antigen progression) were 6.4% and 38.8% in the enzalutamide and flutamide groups, respectively [hazard ratio (HR): 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.47; p < 0.001]; the 6-month rates were 11.4% and 51.1%, respectively (HR 0.22; 95% CI 0.09–0.50; p < 0.001). Enzalutamide provided superior prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival compared with flutamide (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.15–0.54; p < 0.001). Median time to prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival was not reached and was 6.6 months in the enzalutamide and flutamide groups, respectively.ConclusionsAs an alternative anti-androgen therapy in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer who fail bicalutamide-combined androgen blockade therapy, enzalutamide provides superior clinical outcomes compared with flutamide. Enzalutamide should be preferred over flutamide in these patients.