ABSTRACT Objective: This study investigated the acute effects of high-intensity interval (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous (MICE) exercise on ghrelin levels in obese men. Subjects and methods: A total of 10 obese men (age 27.6 ± 1.8 years, body mass index 35.4 ± 4.5 kg/m², body fat 39.9 ± 2.1%) performed two exercise sessions in a randomized order: HIIE (10 × 1 min intervals at 90% of the maximal heart rate [HRmax] interspersed by 1 min of active recovery) and MICE (20 min at 70% of the HRmax). Ghrelin levels were assessed pre-, post- and 1h post-exercise, and energy intake was assessed 1h post-exercise through an ad libitum meal. Results: HIIE and MICE showed a trend to decrease ghrelin levels immediately post-exercise (-14.1 ± 21.6% and −9.6 ± 23.8%, respectively, p = 0.07) and decreased 1h post-exercise (-12.7 ± 31.8% and −13.8 ± 21.7%, respectively, p < 0.05). No changes were observed for post-exercise energy intake (p > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the change in ghrelin levels and post-exercise energy intake only for HIIE (r = 0.63, p = 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, a single session of HIIE and MICE elicits a reduction on ghrelin levels without changing post-exercise energy intake in obese men.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk of malnutrition, but few studies have described the changes in nutritional status during the different phases of chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in nutritional status, food intake and appetite-regulating hormones among children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the first phase of chemotherapy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study developed in the pediatric oncology departments of two hospitals in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. METHODS: Fourteen children/adolescents (mean age of 7 years; 50% female) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were monitored over the 28 days of an induction chemotherapy cycle. Anthropometric measurements, 24-hours food weight records and appetite-regulating hormone levels (ghrelin, leptin, insulin and cortisol) were obtained at three different times (before, in the middle and at the end of the induction phase). RESULTS: Most of the patients (85.7%) had normal weight at the beginning of the treatment, and this did not change significantly during the 28 days. Energy and nutrient intakes improved from the start of the treatment to the midpoint, according to the ghrelin levels (from 511.1 ± 8.3 to 519.3 ± 6.6 pg/ml; P = 0.027). Other appetite-regulating hormones did not present changes. CONCLUSION: Food consumption improves during the first phase of treatment, without alterations in anthropometric nutritional status.