Showing papers in "Acta vitaminologica et enzymologica in 1984"

Hospital malnutrition: incidence and prospective evaluation of general medical patients during hospitalization.

Abstract: The incidence of malnutrition and the effect of hospitalization was evaluated in 100 consecutive admissions to the Clinical Pathology R Department of the University of Genoa. Nutritional deficiencies were evaluated at the time of admission and discharge from the Hospital, among patients hospitalized 2 weeks or longer, using the following nutrition-related parameters: body fat, muscle proteins, weigh, rate of weight loss plasma proteins level, vitamin B12 and folic acid plasma level, plasma iron and ferritin. We also considered the nutritional alterations in malnourished patients with relation to appetite decrease and to pathological status. At the admission to the hospital, the findings showed a high incidence (79%) of alterations in some nutritional parameters. In patients with nutritional impairments we observed a worsening of most of the nutritional parameters during hospitalization, especially in patients with severe appetite decrease and those affected by sepsis, neoplastic, gastric and renal diseases.

Studies on the urinary excretion of xanthurenic acid in diabetics.

Abstract: Xanthurenic acid (XA), kynurenic acid (KA) and creatinine in fasting urine were determined by reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography in order to investigate the distortion of tryptophan metabolites in diabetes mellitus. The results of ten patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and ten normal healthy subjects were compared. No tryptophan load test was performed in this study, because tryptophan loading produces further latent shortage of active vitamin B6 which results in exacerbation of the disease. The ratios of XA to KA and to creatinine were 0.35 +/- 0.099 (mean +/- S.D.) and 0.99 +/- 0.321 in the diabetic patients. The corresponding figures in the normal subjects were 0.17 +/- 0.064 and 0.55 +/- 0.22. Both ratios were significantly higher in the diabetic patients than in normal subjects (p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.01, respectively). This means that XA was excessively excreted in diabetic patients resulting in distortion of tryptophan metabolism. Our findings indicated that the ratios are useful to monitor excess XA excretion and also for detection of diabetes.

Intestinal absorption of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in experimental uremia.

Abstract: Folate deficiency and megaloblastic anemia occur in chronic renal failure. However, the possible role of intestinal malabsorption as a cause of the reported deficiency has not been investigated. Therefore, we examined the intestinal absorption of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in rats made uremic by subtotal nephrectomy using in vivo perfusion technique and in vitro everted sac technique. The results were compared with those obtained in a group of sham-operated rats with normal renal function. The amount of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate absorbed in vivo was significantly lower in the uremic animals as compared to the control group. In contrast, no significant difference was found in the absorption of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in vitro in the two groups. To mimic the uremic environment, the in vitro studies were repeated using jejunal sacs from normal animals filled with either buffer solution, or sera from uremic patients before and after dialysis. Their results showed a marked suppression of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate absorption with predialysis sera and a significant improvement with post dialysis sera. We conclude that intestinal absorption of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is impaired in uremia. The results of the in vitro experiments suggest that the observed transport defect is due to some influence of uremic environment rather than to an acquired intrinsic defect of enterocytes in uremia.

Separate determination of anticoccidial thiamine analogs by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: The separate determination of anticoccidial thiamine analogs such as chloroethylthiamine and dimethialium, and thiamine was achieved by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography after conversion to the corresponding thiochromes by alkaline oxidation. Using this method, it was demonstrated that chloroethylthiamine is accumulated in nonproliferating cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the same transport mechanism as for thiamine and dimethialium.

Clinical, biochemical and histological results of a double-blind trial with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, estradiol and placebo in post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Abstract: Twenty-eight women with postmenopausal osteoporosis were studied in a double-blind trial aimed to compare the effects of a one-year treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), estradiol valerate (E2) and placebo. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1 was given 1,25(OH)2D3 alone, group 2 was given E2 alone, group 3 was given 1,25(OH)2D3 + E2, group 4 received a placebo. The evaluation of the effects of the treatments included clinical examination of patients, the measurement of a number of biochemical parameters, such as plasma and urinary calcium and phosphate, urinary hydroxyproline, serum alkaline phosphatase, the measurement of intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineral content (BMC) and a histomorphometric study of bone biopsies from the iliac crest. The best clinical results were obtained in the patients who were given 1,25(OH)2D3 alone; appreciable results were also noticed in the patients who were given E2 alone or in combination with 1,25(OH)2D3, while patients in the placebo group worsened. BMC decreased in the placebo group and increased, although non significantly, in the patients treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 or E2 or both. The histomorphometric study showed a significant increase in the mean trabecular diameter in patients treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 alone or in combination with E2. Changes in the volume density of trabecular bone paralleled those in BMC. The results of the trial indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 is an effective therapeutic agent in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Thiamin absorption by small intestine.

Abstract: In different animal species, including man, thiamin is absorbed in vivo from the small intestine by means of two mechanism: at low intraluminal concentrations (less than 1.5 microM), absorption shows a saturation kinetics; at higher concentrations, passive transport (diffusion) takes place. The absorption is maximal in the duodenum, its rate decreasing caudally along the small intestine. In vitro at low concentrations, the transcellular transport system of thiamin shows the following general features: it takes place against a chemical concentration gradient, is easily saturable (Km = 0.16-0.63 microM; Vmax = 5.2 mumol X g-1 X h-1), is blocked by cellular metabolic inhibitors, anoxia, low temperature and thiamin structural analogues. It is Na+-dependent and operates mainly from mucosa to serosa. In contrast, distinctive features of the thiamin transfer are the following: entry in the enterocyte in the free form (sodium-independent); pyrophosphorylation by means of a cytoplasm thiamin-pyrophosphokinase; the dephosphorylation of thiamin-pyrophosphate by means of particulate intracellular phosphatases; the cellular exit mainly in the free form, through the action of the controluminal Na-K activated ATPase. A working scheme for thiamin intestinal transport is proposed and discussed.

Ascorbic acid supplementation and five year survival rates in women with early breast cancer.

Abstract: The effect of long term ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation (3g per day) on 27 women with early breast cancer has been investigated For comparison a similar but limited study was carried out in patients with benign breast disease The responses of leucocyte levels of AA to supplementation provided some evidence to suggest that the metabolism and utilisation of the vitamin may be different in these patients In addition longitudinal measurements of urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine (OHPro/Cr) ratio were carried out in these patients The long term ingestion of AA did not appear to affect the prognosis of the disease in the early breast cancer group Similar 5 year survival rates were seen in the unsupplemented and supplemented cancer groups

Effects of mercuric chloride on several scavenging enzymes in rat kidney and influence of vitamin E supplementation.

Abstract: Administration of HgCl2 at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day for 15 days to male albino rats brought about a marked depression of the scavenging enzymes viz. glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase, in kidney. There was an adaptive rise in the levels of catalase and no increased lipid peroxidation was observed. The levels of both glutathione and glutathione reductase were decreased, whereas total thiol increased. In the intoxicated rats, Vitamin-E was effective in bringing back glutathione levels to normal. The adaptation in this group of animals is reflected by increased superoxide dismutase activities. Feeding of Vitamin-E alone could cause a depression of the scavenging enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase along with a slight lowering of glutathione levels.

Nutritional studies on anti alpha-amylase: I) Influence on the growth rate, blood picture and biochemistry and histological parameters in rats.

Abstract: Anti-alpha-amylase is a protein characterized by an antienzymatic activity in the sense that it prevents hydrolysis of the alpha--1,4 glycoside bond of starch. Such action could be exploited for reducing the caloric value of the diet. We studied the in-vivo effectiveness of large doses of anti-alpha-amylase extracted from white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The growth rate of rats was clearly impaired, the blood pictures and biochemistry showed modifications, and the internal organ histology revealed alterations in the liver and kidney.

Nutritional studies on Spirulina maxima.

Abstract: This study was designed to explore the nutritional value of proteins derived from algal biomasses of genus Spirulina maxima, with a view to the possible use of such proteins in human alimentation. Recently the use of such biomasses has commanded attention both as an alternative source of alimentary protein and as a coadjuvant in diet treatment requiring a reduced caloric intake - this because these substances seem to prolong gastric transit time and so produce a feeling of satiety. Our research was conducted in young growing rats; it provided confirmation of the validity of Spirulina as a protein source in terms of good weight gains by the test animals and freedom from adverse effects; the same research, on the other hand, failed to confirm the effectiveness of these protein materials in reducing caloric intake: throughout the test period, indeed, feed consumption (hence caloric intake) was practically the same in the control lot and in animals receiving Spirulina protein.

A method for routine estimation of vitamin D activity in human and bovine milk.

Abstract: To estimate the antirachitic activity of human and bovine milk, we developed a modern biochemical method for determining vitamin D metabolites in milk. Vitamin D metabolites were assayed from milk whey and from whole milk. Milk whey yielded poor recovery of both endogenous and added vitamin D, suggesting a marked loss of vitamin D activity to milk fat during homogenization and separation of the milk whey. A method for assaying the vitamin D metabolites in whole milk involves 1) lipid extraction, 2) cold methanol and ether precipitation, 3) alkaline backwash to reduce the amount of interfering lipids, 4) an efficient reverse-phase preparative purification, 5) an additional silica purification for vitamin D, 6) an analytical high-performance liquid chromatography, and 7) separate sensitized protein-binding assays for vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The method for whole milk resulted in good recovery of added vitamin D, and levels of assayed metabolites and their calculated antirachitic activity agreed well with earlier reports, that is, about 10-50 IU of vitamin D activity per liter.

Transient lipoprotein deficiency at birth: a cause of low levels of vitamin E in the newborn.

Abstract: In newborns, the level of vitamin E in blood is very low as compared to that of placental intervillous blood and maternal blood. In our attempt to investigate the role of placenta in the transfer of vitamin E from the maternal to the newborn circulation, we have discovered that vitamin E is able to enter placental blood but is not being efficiently transferred from the placental to the newborn circulation. It appears from our preliminary study that the most limiting factor in the transfer of vitamin E from the placental to the newborn circulation is the transient deficiency of prebeta lipoprotein in the newborn blood at birth. A transient lipoprotein deficiency is implicated as a cause of low levels of vitamin E in the newborn.

Serum vitamin E and lipid peroxides in malnutrition, hyper and hypothyroidism.

Abstract: Serum lipoperoxides were measured, by a modified thiobarbituric acid method, in 25 children affected with malnutrition, 40 adults having hyperthyroidism and 40 adults having hypothyroidism and compared with the serum lipoperoxides content of 40 normal adults. The lipid peroxide content was 3.9 nmol/ml in normals, 1.8 nmol/ml in malnutrition, 2.5 nmol/ml in hyperthyroidism and 3.1 nmol/ml in hypothyroidism. The vitamin E content of the serum in all the cases was found to vary in the same way as the amount of circulating lipid peroxides. The serum inhibitory capacity against in vitro lipid peroxidation, using rat brain homogenate as a model system, was totally abolished in malnutrition and was decreased to about 50% in hyperthyroidism and to about 33% in hypothyroidism, as compared to normal human serum. It is concluded that the level of circulating lipid peroxides in serum is related to the serum vitamin E concentration.

Action of vitamin P like compounds on lysosomal fragility in hypercholesterolemia: implication of ascorbic acid and its metabolites.

Abstract: Possible mechanisms responsible for hepatic lysosomal fragility in hypercholesterolemic rats have been investigated. It was found that certain factor(s) present in the intracellular environment of liver were required for the release of lysosomal enzymes. Elevated hepatic dehydroascorbic acid content in hypercholesterolemic rats is thought to render the lysosomes fragile in this pathological state, since this compound was found to labilise the lysosomes in vitro. Quercetin and hesperidin were found to be responsible for lysosomal stability, probably by reducing the content of dehydroascorbic acid to a normal level in the hypercholesterolemic condition.

Nutritional studies on maltitol. Part 1: Acceptability, energetic yield, effects on growth and blood biochemical parameters.

Abstract: Maltitol is a disaccharide molecule with special physico-chemical characteristics due to a glycosidic bond which is not easily split by the natural disaccharidases. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of a prolonged feeding with maltitol on growing rats. Acceptability, caloric yield, intestinal absorption and metabolic effects have been determined.

Behavior of blood folate in children with thalassemia major under transfusion therapy and in thalassemia trait

Abstract: The folic acid plasma level in 12 out of 13 children with thalassemia major was lower than 3 ng/ml. This deficiency is not due to intestinal malabsorption. Folate deficiency should then be provoked by an increased allowance due to the compensatory erythropoiesis and to the lack of. Folic acid level less then 3 ng/ml in 24% and not more then 6 ng/ml in 50% of thalassemic heterozygotic children has been found. Therefore the necessity of folic acid treatment in thalassemic children with a low blood transfusional therapy and in beta-thalassemic heterozygotic children has been recommended.

Nutritional studies on anti-alpha-amylase: II) Lipid metabolism investigation: fatty acid composition of organs and tissues.

Abstract: The effect of dietary anti-alpha-amylase on some aspects of lipid metabolism has been studied after having shown that rats fed proteins from legumes containing anti-alpha-amylase (to cover one-third of the protein quota in the diet) failed to absorb carbohydrates contained in starch to the point that the total caloric intake was sharply reduced and their growth stunted. Upon feeding rats anti-alpha-amylase, destruction of fatty deposits was observed. The animals, on the other hand, did not show evidence of important structural pathology.

Fatty acid composition of single brain structures following different alpha linolenate dietary supplementations.

Abstract: Weanling female rats randomly divided into three groups were fed a basal alipidic diet added with 10% (w/w) corn oil, soybean oil or linseed oil. After thirty and ninety days of dietary treatment the rats were killed and the fatty acid composition of brain, optic nerve and visual cortex was determined. The results demonstrate a different sensitivity to the diet of the different structures examined and, for the linseed oil treated rats, a strong decrease in the proportions of the total (n-6 + n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in all the structures examined.

Inhibition of serum aspartate aminotransferase induced by isoniazid administration in mice.

Abstract: Intraperitoneal administration of isoniazid (IN), an antituberculous drug, to mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight induced significant inhibition of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) in several hours. The original activity was not restored readily by in vitro treatment of the sera with pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), in contrast to the rapid activation, by the same treatment, of apoAAT in the sera from control mice. Prolonged incubation with PLP prior to the assay was required to restore most of the lost activity. Serum AAT activity enhanced by experimental and the reversal of the inhibition similarly required prolonged incubation with PLP. The results suggest the possibility that human serum AAT activity measured for clinical diagnosis may be underestimated in cases of IN overdose even if the conditions for in vitro PLP treatment of samples are sufficient for conversion of the apoenzyme to the holoenzyme.

Possibility of diacetyl and related compounds as the 4-carbon compound necessary for the formation of riboflavin in Ashbya gossypii.

Abstract: The effects of various compounds (0.5%) involved in the butanediol and the glycolytic pathways on riboflavin formation in whole cells of Ashbya gossypii at rest were examined. The addition of acetate, glycerol and diacetyl inhibited riboflavin formation, while the addition of acetoin had no effect on it, and the addition of ethanol, 2,3-butanediol, pyruvic acid and glucose accelerated it. The relation of diacetyl and acetoin to riboflavin formation during resting cell incubation in the presence of 0.5% ethanol and various concentrations of 2,3-butanediol was examined. The results quantitatively revealed a precursor-product relation between riboflavin formation and the formation of diacetyl and acetoin. The results obtained provide evidence that a high flavinogenic agent, ethanol, was converted to acetaldehyde, pyruvic acid, acetoin and diacetyl in this order, that a week flavinogenic agent, 2,3-butanediol, was transferred to diacetyl through acetoin, and that the diacetyl produced can be utilized as the 4-carbon compound for riboflavin formation in the flavinogenic mold, Ashbya gossypii. It remains obscure whether diacetyl is enzymatically involved in riboflavin formation.

Effect of C 18:3 (n-3) dietary supplementation on the fatty acid composition of the rat brain.

Abstract: Weanling rats have been fed different diets containing hydrogenated coconut oil or a mixture of grapestone + linseed oil as dietary fats. Groups of 12 animals have been sacrificed at weanling or after 60 or 120 days of this dietary treatment. Body and brain weight, brain total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, cerebroside, fatty acid content and fatty acid composition have been evaluated. The diet rich in alphalinolenic acid (C 18:3 n-3) induced a significant increase of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (C 22:5 and C 22:6, n-3) in the brain, with respect to the other experimental conditions.

The effect of different vitamin D treatments on serum vitamin D levels in early postmenopausal women.

Abstract: The effects of vitamin D3 and 1,25 (OH)2D3 or l alpha-OHD3 on vitamin D metabolism were studied in a 12 month placebo controlled clinical study. 29 healthy women in their early menopause were randomized for treatment with either vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day, or 1,25(OH)2D3/l alpha-OHD3(0.25 micrograms/day), or placebo for 12 months. All participants were given a calcium supplement of 0.5 g/day throughout the study. Serum and urinary calcium increased in both vitamin D groups, whereas the posttreatment values in the placebo group were exactly the same as before treatment. Changes in the vitamin D metabolites only occurred in the vitamin D3 group, where 24,25(OH)2D and 25OHD3 were significantly increased, whereas the serum concentration of 1,25(OH)2D was unchanged. In the 1,25(OH)2D3/l alpha-OHD3 group no change in the serum vitamin D was found. The present data indicate that 1,25(OH)2D is subject to a tight feedback regulation; that 1,25(OH)2D is not the only vitamin D metabolite responsible for calcium absorption from the gut, and that 1,25(OH)2D given in physiological doses does not alter the metabolism of the other vitamin D metabolites.

[Therapy of severe acne and acne rosacea with oral 13-cis-retinoic acid (Isotretinoin)].

Abstract: Forty patients suffering of different forms of acne (papulo-pustular, nodulo-cystic, conglobata, rosacea), all in severe conditions and non-responding to other treatments, have been administered 13-cis-retinoic acid p.o. The treatment resulted in a complete and ultimate healing in 31 pts (77.5%) and a marked amelioration in the remaining 9 cases. The initial drug dosage was 40 mg/die (an average of 0.66 mg/kg/die) but it was reduced along the treatment to 2.5 mg/die, a still effective dose. The average treatment duration was 24 weeks (range: 12 to 40). The tolerance was generally excellent, but some adverse effect have been recorded, mainly localized in the skin and mucosa. Increases of total serum cholesterol (66% of the cases) and of triglyceride (72%) level have been observed. This effect was reversible at the end of the treatment. As a conclusion we can confirm that the 13-cis-retinoic acid is the most effective drug for the pharmacotherapy of severe acne.

Nutritional studies on maltitol. Part 2: Effect on lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition of different rat tissues

Abstract: This study has been designed to investigate the possible metabolic consequences of maltitol feeding (replacing 1/3 of the dietary carbohydrates) on the fatty acid composition in various body compartments of the rat. The detailed biochemical analysis of the lipid composition rules out the possible interference of this disaccharide on the lipid metabolism, at least with the dosage and duration of treatment used in the experiment.

[Effect of an energy stimulator on the performance of a group of young people: evaluation by a video-game test].

Abstract: 19 adolescents (age 10-16 years) have been tested with respect to their ability to solve a video-game, before and after a three week supplementation with a mixture of sugars + vitamins + carnitine (New-Gen). The validity of such a test has been previously compared with the classical Wechsler-Bellevue Scale. A good correlation was calculated with all the Weschsler items, not related with the cultural-linguistic status. The supplementation of the normal diet with New-Gen was accompanied by a marked improvement of the ability (time and number of trials) to solve the video-game test.

"In vivo" inhibition of murine liver aspartate aminotransferase by isoniazid.

Abstract: Intraperitoneal administration of isoniazid (IN), an antituberculous agent, to mice or rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight resulted in remarkable and rapid inhibition of liver cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase (AAT); inhibition was less marked with other antivitamin B6 compounds; AATs in other tissues and other aminotransferases in liver were less effectively inhibited by IN. The inhibition of liver cytosolic AAT was apparently irreversible in vivo; it was reversed only a little by gel filtration and dialysis to remove excess IN in vitro, although treatment with pyridoxal phosphate or 5'-deoxypyridoxal slowly restored the full activity. Attempts to inhibit the enzyme by in vitro treatments showed that IN itself was not an effective inhibitor, while the liver extracts from IN treated mice contained some strongly inhibitory substance. In addition, the extracts were shown to contain only trace amounts of IN. These results suggest that IN is metabolized to some other form which is markedly inhibitory to murine liver cytosolic AAT, and the metabolite binds to the coenzyme moiety of enzyme in a manner not readily dissociable.

1-alpha-OH-cholecalciferol (1-alpha-OHD3) and low phosphate diet in predialysis chronic renal failure: effects on renal function and on secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Abstract: The effect of 1-alpha-OHD3 on the rate of decline of renal function was studied in 18 patients with predialytic chronic renal failure. 9 patients with serum creatinine 4.19 +/- 1.63 mg/dl, were treated with 1-alpha-OHD3 0.4 +/- 0.11 micrograms/day and a low phosphate diet and 9 patients, with serum creatinine 3.69 +/- 1.24 mg/dl, received the low phosphate diet alone. In the first group retrospectively in 8 patients up to 3-44 months and prospectively in all patients reciprocal values of serum creatinine levels fell linearly with time. Comparison of the slopes of the regression lines before and following the start of treatment did not show statistical differences in 6 cases, in 1 case the decline of renal function improved significantly and in 1 case it became positive. Serum calcium increased significantly (p less than 0.025), alkaline phosphatase decreased (p less than 0.005) and serum iPTH decreased in 6 of 8 cases. In the low phosphate diet group, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase did not change while iPTH increased in 8 of 9 cases. The rate of decline of renal function before treatment in 3 cases did not improve after the institution of the diet. In conclusion improvement or prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in predialytic chronic renal failure can be achieved with daily doses of less than or equal to 0.5 micrograms 1-alpha OHD and a low phosphate diet. The small increment in serum calcium levels induced by the treatment did not accelerate the deterioration of renal function while showing a better control of alkaline phosphatase and serum iPTH than the low phosphate diet alone.

The metabolism of [3H] pteroylglutamic acid in rat liver during regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

Abstract: The rate of [3H] PteGlu uptake and of its incorporation into pteroylpolyglutamate derivatives at different times after label administration, was studied in the regenerating liver of rats 36 hr after partial hepatectomy. While 1 hr after administration of labelled PteGlu the radioactivity levels in regenerating livers are quite similar to controls, they are markedly higher 6, 12, 24 hr after label injection, which is mostly due to the high polyglutamate content. If the regenerating process, on the one hand does not modify the folate uptake rate, it does, on the other, increase the capacity for retaining folates, thanks to a more powerful ability to convert them into pteroylpolyglutamates.

Urinary excretion of xanthurenic acid and zinc in diabetes: 1) Separation of xanthurenic acid-Zn2+ complex by ion-exchange chromatography.

Abstract: In view of the relevance of urinary xanthurenic acid (XA) and zinc in diabetes, a chromatographic procedure has been devised which allows separation of XA from its complex with Zn2+. The procedure involves chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B at pH 7.2 with a stepwise Tris-HCl concentration gradient. The ultraviolet absorption difference spectra due to formation of the XA-Zn2+ complex allowed the estimate of the binding molar ratio in the XA-Zn2+ complex. This corresponds to a 1:1 as estimated on the basis of the Hill plot of the experimental data.

The effects of an energy stimulator on blood electrolyte and lactate levels in athletes under training.

Abstract: The effects of a mineral-vitamin-sugar preparation has been tested on a group of volley ball players under training. Plasma electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), erythrocyte electrolyte content, plasma lactate concentration and erythrocyte water content have been determined before and after a training session in three different experimental situations: a) controls; b) acute treatment with the energy stimulator; c) chronic treatment (8 days) with a similar preparation of the energy stimulator. The results are indicative of a significantly lower lactate production and a more stable electrolyte concentration after treatment with respect to the control data.