Academic interests
See below - teaching
Courses taught
- Lectures at Medical faculty, for 1. and 3. semester medical, dentistry and nutrition students on the following topics: procreation of various species and the reproductive system in man; stem cells and the generation and function of haemic cells; inflammation; defence mechanisms of the respiratory tract
- Lectures and case discussion in basic PhD course at Medical faculty: research planning, check list and methods in basic medical research; ethics and fraud in science
Background
- 2010: Professor emeritus
- 1990: Professor of Medicine (Cell Physiology)
- 1983 – 2003: Annual courses for PhD students in the basics of the biomedical research process (with Dr. J.-G. Iversen)
- 1983 – ca. 2000: Medical faculty consultant on university pedagogics, practical aspects of teaching in medical school
- 1972: PhD (UiO) with thesis “Murine haematopoiesis studied with the diffusion chamber technique”
- 1965: MD University of Oslo (UiO)
- 2006 – 09: Elected Pro-Rector University of Oslo
Collaboration
- Colaboration with Professor Bent Rolstad, Immunebiological lab, Dept. of anatomy, Inst. of Basic Medical Sciences
Tags:
Blood and immunology,
Research ethics,
Stem cells
Publications
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Aas, Sigve Nyvik; Tømmerbakke, Daniel; Godager, Sindre; Nordseth, Martin; Armani, Andrea & Sandri, Marco
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2020).
Effects of acute and chronic strength training on skeletal muscle autophagy in frail elderly men and women.
Experimental Gerontology.
ISSN 0531-5565.
142:111122,
p. 1–13.
doi:
10.1016/j.exger.2020.111122.
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Aging is associated with alterations in skeletal muscle autophagy, potentially affecting both muscle mass and quality in a negative manner. Strength training with protein supplementation has been reported to improve both muscle mass and quality in frail elderly individuals, but whether improvements are accompanied by alterations in protein quality control is not known. To address this issue, we investigated protein degradation markers in skeletal muscle biopsies (m. vastus lateralis) from twenty-four frail elderly men and women (86 ± 7 yr) after acute and chronic (10 weeks) strength training with protein supplementation (ST + PRO) or protein supplementation alone (PRO). Acute increases in mRNA expression of genes related to the ubiquitin proteasome system (MuRF-1, MUSA1), autophagy (ATG7, LC3, p62), and mitochondrial fission (DRP1) were observed after the first, but not after the last training session in ST + PRO. Acute changes in gene expression were accompanied by changes in protein levels of both LC3-I and LC3-II. Hence, the acute training-induced activation of proteasomal degradation and autophagy seems to depend on training status, with activation in the untrained, but not trained state. The ten-week training intervention did not affect basal levels of autophagy mRNAs and proteins, and neither markers of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This suggests that a relatively short period of strength training may not be sufficient to increase the basal rate of protein degradation in frail elderly.
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Aas, Sigve Nyvik; Seynnes, Olivier R.; Benestad, Haakon Breien & Raastad, Truls
(2019).
Strength training and protein supplementation improve muscle mass, strength, and function in mobility-limited older adults: a randomized controlled trial.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.
ISSN 1594-0667.
doi:
10.1007/s40520-019-01234-2.
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Background Adaptation to strength training in very old mobility-limited individuals is not fully characterized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a thorough investigation of the adaptation to a lower body strength training regime in this population, with particular emphasis on the relationship between changes in selected variables.MethodsTwenty-two mobility-limited older men and women (85 ± 6 years) were randomized to either a group performing 30 min of heavy-load strength training three times a week, with daily protein supplementation, for 10 weeks (ST), or a control group. End points were leg lean mass assessed by DXA, muscle thickness assessed by ultrasound, isometric and dynamic strength, rate of torque development, and functional capacity.ResultsLeg lean mass increased from baseline in ST (0.7 ± 0.3 kg), along with increased thickness of vastus lateralis (4.4 ± 3.2%), rectus femoris (6.7 ± 5.1%), and vastus intermedius (5.8 ± 5.9%). The hypertrophy was accompanied by improved knee extensor strength (20–23%) and functional performance (7–11%). In ST, neither the change in leg lean mass nor muscle thickness correlated with changes in muscle strength. However, a strong correlation was observed between the change in isometric strength and gait velocity (r = 0.70).ConclusionsThe mismatch between gains in muscle size and strength suggests that muscle quality-related adaptations con-tributed to the increases in strength. The correlations observed between improvements in strength and function suggests that interventions eliciting large improvements in strength may also be superior in terms of functional gains in this population.
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Hamarsland, Håvard; Johansen, Mathias K.; Seeberg, Fridtjof S.; Brochmann, Marie; Garthe, Ina & Benestad, Haakon Breien
[Show all 7 contributors for this article]
(2019).
Native Whey Induces Similar Adaptation to Strength Training as Milk, despite Higher Levels of Leucine, in Elderly Individuals.
Nutrients.
11(9).
doi:
10.3390/nu11092094.
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Background: Large amounts of protein (40 g) or supplementing suboptimal servings of protein with leucine are able to overcome the anabolic resistance in elderly muscle. Our aim was to compare the effects of supplementation of native whey, high in leucine, with milk on gains in muscle mass and strength during a period of strength training, in elderly individuals. Methods: In this double-blinded, randomized, controlled study, a total of 30 healthy men and women received two daily servings of 20 g of either milk protein or native whey, during an 11-week strength training intervention. Muscle strength, lean mass, m. vastus lateralis thickness, muscle fiber area, and resting and post-exercise phosphorylation of p70S6K, 4E-BP1, and eEF-2 were assessed prior to and after the intervention period. Results: Muscle mass and strength increased, by all measures applied in both groups (p < 0.001), with no differences between groups (p > 0.25). p70S6K phosphorylation increased (~1000%, p < 0.045) 2 h after exercise in the untrained and trained state, with no differences between supplements. Total and phosphorylated mTORC-1 decreased after training. Conclusion: Supplementation with milk or native whey during an 11-week strength training period increased muscle mass and strength similarly in healthy elderly individuals.
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Hamarsland, Håvard; Handegard, Vilde; Kåshagen, Mauritz; Benestad, Haakon Breien & Raastad, Truls
(2019).
No Difference Between Spray Dried Milk and Native Whey Supplementation with Strength Training.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
ISSN 0195-9131.
51(1),
p. 75–83.
doi:
10.1249/MSS.0000000000001758.
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Background: A rapid digestibility and high leucine content are considered important for maximal
stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. Consequently, with these properties, native whey may
hold greater anabolic potential than milk, when supplemented in combination with strength
training. Our aim was to compare the effects of supplementation with milk or native whey,
during a 12-week strength training period, on gains in muscle mass and strength in young adults.
Methods: In this double-blinded, randomized, controlled study a total of 40 untrained young men
and women received two daily servings of either milk or native whey containing 20 g of protein,
during a 12-week strength training intervention. Muscle strength, lean mass, thigh muscle cross
sectional area, m. vastus lateralis thickness and muscle fiber cross sectional area were assessed
before and after the training period. In addition, the acute phosphorylation of the anabolic
kinases p70S6K, 4E-BP1 and eEF-2 in response to a standardized workout and supplementation
was investigated before and after the 12-week training period.
Results: Muscle mass and strength increased, by all measures applied (5-16%, P < 0.001), with
no differences between groups (P > 0.25). p70S6K phosphorylation increased (~1000%, P <
0.02) 2 hours after exercise in the untrained and trained state, but no differences in anabolic
signaling were observed between supplements (P > 0.40). No correlation between these acute
measures and changes in muscle mass or strength were observed.
Conclusion: Supplementation with milk or native whey during a 12-week strength training
period did not differentially affect muscle mass and strength in young untrained individuals.
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Paulsen, Gøran & Benestad, Haakon Breien
(2019).
Muskelstolhet og rabdomyolyse.
Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet).
ISSN 0029-2001.
139(10).
doi:
10.4045/tidsskr.18.0727.
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In this clinical review, we propose an alternative mechanism for the pain associated with muscle soreness and compare it to the mechanisms underlying muscle injuries and rhabdomyolysis. This is based on our own experience of research in the field, as well as recent cellular and molecular studies in animal models selected from our personal archives and identified through unstructured searches.
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Hamarsland, Håvard; Aas, Sigve Nyvik; Nordengen, Anne Lene; Holte, Kari; Garthe, Ina & Paulsen, Gøran
[Show all 10 contributors for this article]
(2018).
Native whey induces similar post exercise muscle anabolic responses as regular whey, despite greater leucinemia, in elderly individuals.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.
ISSN 1279-7707.
doi:
10.1007/s12603-018-1105-6.
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Objective:
Elderly muscle seems less sensitive to the anabolic stimulus of a meal. Changes in blood concentrations of leucine are suggested as one important trigger of the anabolic response in muscle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether native whey protein, containing high amounts of leucine, may be a more potent stimulator of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in elderly than regular whey protein (WPC-80) or milk.
Design:
Randomized controlled partial crossover.
Setting:
Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.
Participants:
21 healthy elderly men and women (≥70 years).
Intervention:
Participants received either 20 g of WPC-80 and native whey (n = 11) on separate days in a crossover design, or milk (n = 10). Supplements were ingested immediately and two hours after a bout of lower body heavy-load resistance exercise.
Measurements:
Blood samples and muscle biopsies were collected to measure blood concentrations of amino acids by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), phosphorylation of p70S6K, 4E-BP1 and eEF-2 by immunoblotting and mixed muscle fractional synthetic rate (FSR) by use of [2H5]phenylalanine-infusion, GCMS and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry.
Results:
Native whey increased blood leucine concentrations more than WPC-80 (P < 0.05), but not p70S6K phosphorylation or mixed muscle FSR. Both whey supplements increased blood leucine concentrations (P < 0.01) and P70S6K phosphorylation more than milk (P = 0.014). Native whey reached higher mixed muscle FSR values than milk (P = 0.026) 1-3h after exercise.
Conclusions:
Despite greater increases in blood leucine concentrations than WPC-80 and milk, native whey was only superior to milk concerning increases in MPS and phosphorylation of P70S6K during a 5-hour post-exercise period in elderly individuals.
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Hamarsland, Håvard; Nordengen, Anne Lene; Aas, Sigve Nyvik; Holte, Kristin Tosterud; Garthe, Ina & Paulsen, Gøran
[Show all 10 contributors for this article]
(2017).
Native whey protein with high levels of leucine results in similar post-exercise muscular anabolic responses as regular whey protein: a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN).
14:43,
p. 1–12.
doi:
10.1186/s12970-017-0202-y.
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Background:
Protein intake is essential to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis, and the amino acid leucine seems to possess a superior effect on muscle protein synthesis compared to other amino acids. Native whey has higher leucine content and thus a potentially greater anabolic effect on muscle than regular whey (WPC-80). This study compared the acute anabolic effects of ingesting 2 × 20 g of native whey protein, WPC-80 or milk protein after a resistance exercise session.
Methods:
A total of 24 young resistance trained men and women took part in this double blind, randomized, partial crossover, controlled study. Participants received either WPC-80 and native whey (n = 10), in a crossover design, or milk (n = 12). Supplements were ingested immediately (20 g) and two hours after (20 g) a bout of heavy-load lower body resistance exercise. Blood samples and muscle biopsies were collected to measure plasma concentrations of amino acids by gas-chromatography mass spectrometry, muscle phosphorylation of p70S6K, 4E–BP1 and eEF-2 by immunoblotting, and mixed muscle protein synthesis by use of [2H5]phenylalanine-infusion, gas-chromatography mass spectrometry and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Being the main comparison, differences between native whey and WPC-80 were analysed by a one-way ANOVA and comparisons between the whey supplements and milk were analysed by a two-way ANOVA.
Results:
Native whey increased blood leucine concentrations more than WPC-80 and milk (P < 0.05). Native whey ingestion induced a greater phosphorylation of p70S6K than milk 180 min after exercise (P = 0.03). Muscle protein synthesis rates increased 1–3 h hours after exercise with WPC-80 (0.119%), and 1–5 h after exercise with native whey (0.112%). Muscle protein synthesis rates were higher 1–5 h after exercise with native whey than with milk (0.112% vs. 0.064, P = 0.023).
Conclusions:
Despite higher-magnitude increases in blood leucine concentrations with native whey, it was not superior to WPC-80 concerning effect on muscle protein synthesis and phosphorylation of p70S6K during a 5-h post-exercise period. Native whey increased phosphorylation of p70S6K and muscle protein synthesis rates to a greater extent than milk during the 5-h post exercise period.
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Nilsen, Tormod Skogstad; Thorsen, Lene; Fosså, Sophie Dorothea; Wiig, Martin; Kirkegaard, Camilla & Skovlund, Eva
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2016).
Effects of strength training on muscle cellular outcomes in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.
ISSN 0905-7188.
26(9),
p. 1026–1035.
doi:
10.1111/sms.12543.
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Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves lifeexpectancy in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, but is asso-ciated with adverse effects on muscle mass. Here, weinvestigated the effects of strength training during ADTon muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and regulatorsof muscle mass. PCa patients on ADT were randomizedto 16 weeks of strength training (STG) (n = 12) or acontrol group (CG; n = 11). Muscle biopsies wereobtained from m. vastus lateralis and analyzed by immu-nohistochemistry and western blot. Muscle fiber CSAincreased with strength training (898 μm2, P = 0.04), withthe only significant increase observed in type II fibers(1076 μm2, P = 0.03). There was a trend toward a differ-ence in mean change between groups myonuclei number(0.33 nuclei/fiber, P = 0.06), with the only significantincrease observed in type I fibers, which decreased themyonuclear domain size of type I fibers (P = 0.05). Satel-lite cell numbers and the content of androgen receptorand myostatin remained unchanged. Sixteen weeks ofstrength training during ADT increased type II fiber CSAand reduced myonuclear domain in type I fibers in PCapatients. The increased number of satellite cells normallyseen following strength training was not observed.
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Bøyum, Arne; Forstrøm, Rune Johansen; Sefland, Iren; Sand, Kristin Larsen & Benestad, Haakon Breien
(2014).
Intricacies of redoxome function demonstrated with a simple in vitro chemiluminescence method, with special reference to vitamin B12 as antioxidant.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.
ISSN 0300-9475.
80(6),
p. 390–397.
doi:
10.1111/sji.12220.
Full text in Research Archive
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Knudsen, Eirunn; Carlsen, Harald; Bøyum, Arne; Benestad, Haakon Breien & Iversen, Per Ole
(2014).
No major role for the transcription factor NF-κB in bone marrow function during peritonitis in the mouse.
International journal of hematology.
ISSN 0925-5710.
100(2),
p. 111–118.
doi:
10.1007/s12185-014-1598-7.
Full text in Research Archive
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Paulsen, Gøran; Cumming, Kristoffer T.; Holden, Geir; Hallén, Jostein; Rønnestad, Bent & Sveen, Ole
[Show all 19 contributors for this article]
(2014).
Vitamin C and E supplementation hampers cellular adaptation to endurance training in humans: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Journal of Physiology.
ISSN 0022-3751.
592(8),
p. 1887–1901.
doi:
10.1113/jphysiol.2013.267419.
Full text in Research Archive
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In this double-blind, randomised, controlled trial, we investigated the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on endurance training adaptations in humans. Fifty-four young men and women were randomly allocated to receive either 1000 mg of vitamin C and 235 mg of vitamin E or a placebo daily for 11 weeks. During supplementation, the participants completed an endurance training programme consisting of three to four sessions per week (primarily of running), divided into high-intensity interval sessions [4-6 × 4-6 min; >90% of maximal heart rate (HRmax)] and steady state continuous sessions (30-60 min; 70-90% of HRmax). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max ), submaximal running and a 20 m shuttle run test were assessed and blood samples and muscle biopsies were collected, before and after the intervention. Participants in the vitamin C and E group increased their VO2 max (mean ± s.d.: 8 ± 5%) and performance in the 20 m shuttle test (10 ± 11%) to the same degree as those in the placebo group (mean ± s.d.: 8 ± 5% and 14 ± 17%, respectively). However, the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX4) and cytosolic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 α (PGC-1α) increased in the m. vastus lateralis in the placebo group by 59 ± 97% and 19 ± 51%, respectively, but not in the vitamin C and E group (COX4: -13 ± 54%; PGC-1α: -13 ± 29%; P ≤ 0.03, between groups). Furthermore, mRNA levels of CDC42 and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in the trained muscle were lower in the vitamin C and E group than in the placebo group (P ≤ 0.05). Daily vitamin C and E supplementation attenuated increases in markers of mitochondrial biogenesis following endurance training. However, no clear interactions were detected for improvements in VO2 max and running performance. Consequently, vitamin C and E supplementation hampered cellular adaptations in the exercised muscles, and although this did not translate to the performance tests applied in this study, we advocate caution when considering antioxidant supplementation combined with endurance exercise.
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Aas, Vigdis; Sand, Kristin Larsen; Åsheim, Hans-Christian; Benestad, Haakon Breien & Iversen, Jens Gustav Heber
(2013).
C-Reactive Protein Triggers Calcium Signalling in Human Neutrophilic Granulocytes via FcγRIIa in an Allele-Specific Way.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.
ISSN 0300-9475.
77(6),
p. 442–451.
doi:
10.1111/sji.12049.
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Benestad, Haakon Breien
(2016).
Et eventyrlig liv.
Hans Landstad (1880-1957): sort får, seilskipsmannskap og sjefskonstruktør.
Michael - Det norske medisinske selskaps tidsskrift.
ISBN 9788292871881.
194 p.
Full text in Research Archive
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Laake, Petter; Benestad, Haakon Breien & Olsen, Bjørn Reino
(2015).
Research in Medical and Biological Sciences: From Planning and Preparation ot Grant Application and Publication.
Academic Press.
ISBN 9780127999432.
566 p.
Full text in Research Archive
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Benestad, Haakon Breien
(2024).
En ny musestudie viser at å hemme ett eneste inflammasjonscytokin gir lengre og bedre liv.
Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet).
ISSN 0029-2001.
144(13).
doi:
10.4045/tidsskr.24.0431.
Full text in Research Archive
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Benestad, Haakon Breien; Sand, Kristin Larsen & Bruusgaard, Jo C.
(2018).
Less than recommended training of aerobic fitness and muscle strength: What to expect?
Acta Physiologica.
ISSN 1748-1708.
224(4).
doi:
10.1111/apha.13104.
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Benestad, Haakon Breien & Valeur, Jørgen
(2018).
Har tarmfloraen betydning for utvikling av multippel sklerose?
[Journal].
Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet).
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Benestad, Haakon Breien & Laake, Petter
(2015).
Research Strategies, Planning and Analysis.
In Laake, Petter; Benestad, Haakon Breien & Olsen, Bjørn Reino (Ed.),
Research in Medical and Biological Sciences: From Planning and Preparation ot Grant Application and Publication..
Academic Press.
ISSN 9780127999432.
p. 89–104.
Full text in Research Archive
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Benestad, Haakon Breien
(2012).
Fysiologiens forandring gjennom 40 år.
Michael Quarterly.
ISSN 1504-0658.
9(4),
p. 389–399.
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Olsen, Ingar & Benestad, Haakon Breien
(2011).
Økt arteriosklerose av kolin?
[Journal].
Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening, 2011;131 (15):1408.
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Published
Apr. 13, 2011 2:40 PM
- Last modified
Aug. 23, 2021 12:05 PM
