Abstract

      Background and Objectives: Diabetes induced oxidative stress plays an important role in pathological damage to the heart and liver by increased production of extracellular matrix. It is thought that the use of medicinal plants, particularly Portulaca oleracea. L and regular exercise are effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Portulaca oleracea. L consumption along with resistance training on cathepsin S, cystatin C and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on type 2 diabetes patients.

     Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 28 female type 2 diabetes patients with a mean age of 52 were randomly devided into 4 groups of control, exercise, supplement and supplement-exercise. Portulaca oleracea. L supplement was cosumed 7.5 g per day. Resistance training program was performed with a rubber band for 8 weeks, 3 days a week for 60 minutes with40-50% intensity, up to a maximum repetition. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after the last intervention.

     Results: After eight weeks, cathepsin S, cystatin C and CRP levels in the supplementation and supplementaion-exercise group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were also significant differences between the groups.

    Conclusion: Portulaca oleracea. L consumption and resistance training have each separate positive impacts on the cathepsin S, cystatin C and CRP levels, but the simultanous effect of Portulaca oleracea. L seed consumption and physical activity can lead to a better efficiency.

     Keywords: Portulaca oleracea, resistance training, cathepsin S,  cystatin C, C-reactive protein, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

       Background and Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disorder and is also currently considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Regular exercise training may decrease fatty liver disease complications, although its impact is not yet clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of aerobic training on liver enzymes and other factors contributing to metabolic syndrome in young inactive women.

       Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 37 inactive overweight women were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimental one participated in a controlled aerobic training program (5-minute interval walking) at 65-90% maximum heart rate for 6 weeks, 45-90 minutes per session and 4 sessions per week. Blood samples were taken following 12 hours of fasting, both before and after the training program.

       Results: The levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase decreased in both groups. Alanine aminotransferase level, weight and waist circumference were significantly decreased in the experimental group following the 6-week exercise training (P<0.05). High-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly increased in both groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase level was decreased in the experimental group, but increased in the control group. The results showed no significant difference in the basic profile of participants, liver enzymes concentration and lipid profile between the experimental and control group.

        Conclusion: Six weeks of aerobic training may help prevent hepatic damage through decreasing serum levels of liver enzymes, anthropometric factors and some metabolic syndrome factors associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

        Keywords: Fatty liver, Aerobic training, Metabolic syndrome, Liver enzyme.

Abstract

      Background and Objective: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a recently proposed exercise protocol, which is time-effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HIIT for 8 weeks on the lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and anthropometric parameters of young women who do not exercise.

     Methods: In this study, 20 young physically inactive women performed HIIT workouts for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. The training protocol consisted of 10-times treadmill running for 15 seconds at maximum effort and then 30 seconds of resting. Blood samples were taken while fasting, a day before and after the training and then the considered parameters were measured. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the obtained data.

      Results: HIIT significantly reduced FBS, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein /cholesterol ratio and CRP while increasing the HDL levels. There was a significant difference in the weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, abdominal circumference and chest circumference of the subjects before and after the training (p <0.05).

      Conclusion: HIIT can improve lipid, inflammatory and anthropometric parameters, thus it can be considered as a suitable alternative to time-consuming exercises, especially for physically inactive women who like to spend less time to achieve optimal physical wellness and body fitness.

      

ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Osteoporosis is one of the complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of resistance training along with Portulaca oleracea supplementation on OPG and NFκB levels (bone markers) in women with type II diabetes.

       Methods: Overall, 28 women with type II diabetes (44 to 60 years old) were randomly and equally assigned into four groups (supplement, training, training-supplement and control). An eight-week resistance training program (three one-hour sessions per week with one repetition maximum) was performed using three types of bands with different resistances, at 40-50% intensity and 50-70% maximum heart rate. P. oleracea seeds were supplemented daily (7.5 grams mixed in yogurt) for eight weeks. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test and ANOVA.

       Results: After 8 weeks, OPG and NFκB levels in the three groups of supplement, training and training-supplement increased and decreased, respectively. The highest change in both variables was observed in the training-supplement group. Moreover, the level of these two variables in the training-supplement group had significant difference with the controls and other groups (P=0.000).

       Conclusion: As a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach, the regular resistance training and P. oleracea supplementation can increase bone formation markers and reduce bone resorption in women with type II diabetes.

  

ABSTRACT

          Background and Objective: Adipose tissue secrets various hormones including adiponectin, which is closely related to weight control and energy, balance. This study investigated the effects of resistance training on adiponectin, testosterone and cortisol levels in untrained men.  

           Methods: Forty untrained men (mean age of 23.8±2.66 years, mean weight of 67.43 ± 4.96 kg) were randomly and equally assigned into groups of upper extremity resistance training, lower extremity resistance training, combined resistance training, and control. The subjects performed eight weeks of weight training, three sessions per week (five sets of 60-85% one repetition maximum). Blood sampling was done prior to the start of the program, after the fourth week, and after the eight week. Alpha level was set to 0.05 for all statically analyses.

         Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed that eight weeks of upper extremities training significantly decreased body fat percentage (p=0.002, 7.39%), and significantly increased adiponectin (p=0.000; 90.42%) and testosterone (p=0.002; 24.19%) levels. In the lower extremities training group, body fat percentage (p=0.006, 7.39%) decreased significantly, while adiponectin (p=0.012; 87.82%) and testosterone (p=0.000; 23.54%) levels increased significantly compared to the pretest. Eight weeks of combined training significantly increased BMI (p=0.006, 1.88%), muscle mass (p=0.007, 2.24%), and adiponectin (p=0.000, 91.56%) level. However, cortisol level decreased (p=0.017, 19.17%) after four weeks of training.  

         Conclusion: Upper and lower extremities resistance trainings significantly change testosterone levels. Different types of resistance training significantly increases serum adiponectin level and changes body composition, which are effective in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

         Keywords: Resistance Training, Adiponectin, Testosterone, Cortisol.

ABSTRACT

        Background and Objective: Exercise training and supplementation have different effects on the immune system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ginger supplementation and endurance training on serum levels of Interleukin 1 alpha (IL1α) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) in untrained young women.

        Methods: The study was performed on 32 untrained young women with mean age of 30±2 years from city of Abbas Abad, in 2014. The participants were randomly assigned into four groups of endurance training (E), endurance training and ginger supplementation (EG), ginger supplementation (G) and control (C). Endurance training was performed at 60-70% heart rate reserve for six weeks, three times a week, and for 60 minutes per session. Daily supplementation with 10 mg/Kg/day of ginger extract was carried out. T-test and ANOVA were used to evaluate the effect of independent variables, and make comparisons between the groups.

          Results: The mean level of IL-1α decreased significantly after the training period in the G and EG groups. There were significant differences between E and EG groups and EG and C groups. The results of intergroup comparison showed that the mean levels of TNFα decreased significantly after the training in the E, G and EG groups. There were significant differences between E and EG groups, E and G groups, EG and C groups, and G and C groups.

         Conclusion: Ginger consumption and adaptation to endurance training can counteract the negative effects on immune function and stability of mast cell membrane.

          Keywords: Endurance Training, Ginger, IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

ABSTRACT
          Background and Objectives: Resistance training is a key component of exercise recommendations for weight control, yet very little is known about the effects of resistance training on appetite and related peptides. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training on appetite and circulating acyl ghrelin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and orexin in sedentary men.
           Methods: This study included 20 sedentary men (mean age: 21.6±3.5 year, body mass index: 23.1±2.7 kg/m²) who were equally divided into a control group and a resistance training group. Participants in the training group performed the whole body exercises three sessions per week with 3-4 sets of 8-10 repetitions at 60-85% one-repetition maximum. Participants in the control group performed no resistance training. Fasting blood samples were taken before starting the study and 72 hours after the last session of resistance training for evaluation of serum acyl ghrelin, NPY, and orexin levels. In addition, perceived appetite was assessed by visual analogue scale while fasting.
           Results: Statistical analysis showed that fasting acyl ghrelin and NPY were not changed by resistance training, but serum orexin level elevated by 40% in response to training (P=0.01). Appetite was not significantly different between the two groups at baseline (P=0.9). However, appetite significantly increased after resistance training (P=0.001).
           Conclusion: Results of the present study show that the 8-week resistance training increases perceived appetite by orexin promotion in previously sedentary men.
          Keywords: Appetite, Ghrelin, NPY, Orexins, Resistance Training.

ABSTRACT
         Background and Objectives: Elevated blood lipid levels are correlated with risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in overweight individuals. The beneficial effect of strength training on lipid profile has been well documented. However, the effect of strength training with flow blood restriction has not been established. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of eight weeks of strength training with and without blood flow restriction on some of the cardiovascular risk factors in overweight females.
         Methods: In this study, 28 overweight females aged 18 to 24 years were randomly assigned into three groups of blood flow restriction strength training (BFRT), traditional strength training (TRT) and control. Participants in the BFRT group performed eight weeks of strength training three sessions per week at 30% of 1-repetetion maximum, while participants in the TRT group performed the training at 65-80% of 1-repetetion maximum. Cardiovascular variables, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after the exercise training. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance.
          Results: Triglyceride level decreased significantly in the BFRT (p=0.022) and TRT (p=0.038) groups compared with the control group. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the body mass, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol levels between the study groups (P≥0.05).
           Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the BFRT and TRT may not be suitable for preventing or even reversing the physiological changes induced by obesity.
         Keywords: Resistance Training, Lipids, lipoprotein, overweight.

ABSTRACT
           Background and objectives:  Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a conserved a NAD⁺-dependent protein deacetylase essential for cellular metabolism and defence against oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to compare effects of 8 weeks of aerobic and combined training on serum level of SIRT1 and PGC1-α in coronary artery bypass graft patients.
           Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 45 non-active men (mean age 47.4 ± 3.3 years) who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic training, combined resistance and aerobic training and control. Trainings were performed at 80% of maximum heart rate, three sessions a week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the first exercise session and 48 hours after the last training session. T-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for assessment of within-group and between-group differences, respectively. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
           Results: The 8-week aerobic and combined training increased serum levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α compared with the control group, and significantly decreased the weight of subjects (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in serum levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α between the two training groups (P≥0.05).
           Conclusion: Both combined and aerobic training significantly improve the SIRT1 and PGC-1α levels in coronary artery bypass graft patients.
           KEYWORDS: Combined training, Aerobic training, PGC-1α, SIRT1, CABG patient.

ABSTRACT
           Background and objectives: Studies have shown that exercise can affect hormone secretion and some metabolic and endocrine functions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training on thyroid hormones and quality of life in obese postmenopausal women.
           Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 21 obese (body mass index >30 Kg/m²) women aged between 35 and 45 were randomly divided into an experimental (n=10) group and a control group (n=11). The subjects in the experimental group performed 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise at 65-75% of maximum heart rate, three times a week, for eight weeks. Level of thyroid hormones and quality of life subscales were compared within and between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed at significance level of 0.05.
           Results: After the eight-week exercise program, thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyrotropin releasing hormone levels increased significantly, and thyroid releasing hormone level decreased significantly (P=0.001). The exercise program also had significantly positive effects on quality of life and its occupational, sexual and emotional subscales in obese postmenopausal women.
           Conclusion: Aerobic exercise causes a significant increase in levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyrotropin releasing hormone and some subscales of quality of life. It also causes a significant decrease in thyroid releasing hormone level, which indicates the effect of exercise on hormone secretion.
           KEYWORDS: Thyroid hormones, Obese, Quality of life, Aerobic training.

ABSTRACT
           Background and objectives: The present study was designed to determine the effect of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on follistatin to myostatin ratio, body composition and anaerobic power of trained volleyball players.
           Methods: Eighteen trained volleyball players were randomly assigned into two study groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFRT; n=9) and resistance training without blood flow restriction (WBFRT; n=9). The subjects performed trainings three sessions a week, for eight weeks. In each session, barbell squat, leg extension, leg curl and dumbbell lunges were performed in three sets of 15 repetitions, with rest intervals of 30 seconds. Serum follistatin and myostatin concentrations, body composition and anaerobic power were assessed before and after the study. Data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. All statistical analyses were done in SPSS (version 22), and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
           Results: Follistatin levels increased significantly (P=0.001), while myostatin levels decreased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Follistatin to myostatin ratio increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001). Although body fat percentage decreased in both groups, it did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.28). Moreover, anaerobic power increased significantly in both groups (P=0.001), but this increase was more profound in the BFRT group (P=0.001).
           Conclusion: Based on our findings, blood flow restriction can be applied as remarkable approach to boost body adaptation responses to resistance training.
           KEYWORDS: Resistance training, Myostatin, Follistatin, Blood flow restriction.

ABSTRACT
           Background and Objectives: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that regular exercise can affect apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax as important apoptosis factors in diabetic rats.
           Methods: After inducing diabetes in 20 male Wistar rats (weighing 250 ± 1.15 g), the rats were randomly divided into a control group and a training group. The training group performed high-intensity interval training five days a week for four weeks, and the control group did not perform any training. After the intervention, RNA was extracted and TCF mRNA was subjected to real time RT-PCR for measuring Bax and Bcl-2 expression in the heart tissue of diabetic rats. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics V22 using independent t-test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
           Results: The expression of Bcl-2 increased significantly and the expression of Bax decreased significantly after the four-week training intervention.
           Conclusion: The high-intensity interval training can have beneficial effects on the expression of apoptotic genes in rats with type 2 diabetes.
           Keywords: Bax, Bcl-2, High intensity interval training, Heart, Type 2 diabetes.

ABSTRACT
            Background and objectives: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term acquired disability. It is of great importance to seek ways for improving motor, sensory, and cognitive function after stroke and brain injury. In this regard, therapeutic exercise is the most commonly used method of rehabilitation that can significantly reduce the severity of functional damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of eight weeks of forced treadmill training on cognitive and motor functions in ischemic rats.
            Methods: Fourteen adult male Wistar rats were divided into an exercise group and a control group (no exercise). Occlusion of both common carotid arteries was made to induce cerebral ischemia. Twenty-four hours after the induction of ischemia, the subjects in the exercise group were subjected to treadmill running, five days a week for eight weeks. The skilled ladder rung walking task was used to evaluate motor function before and after the stroke.
            Results: The number of errors was decreasing in both groups, but significant differences were observed in the motor function between the two groups in the third, fifth, and eighth week.
            Conclusion: Our results suggest that post-ischemic exercise might modulate ischemia-induced hippocampal injury and ameliorate the subsequent memory and motor impairment.
            Keywords:  Stroke, Cerebral Ischemia, Exercise, Treadmill training, sensorimotor.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation improves functional capacity of post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of eight weeks of cardiac rehabilitation on serum levels of sirutin1 (SIRT1) and functional capacity of post-CABG patients.
             Methods: Forty-five non-active men (mean age: 47.4 ± 3.3 years, duration of disease: 150 ± 69.12 months) were randomly divided into three equal groups: aerobic exercise, combined (resistance and aerobic) exercise and control. The subjects performed trainings at 60-75% of maximum heart rate, three sessions a week for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the first exercise session and 48 hours after the last exercise session. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16.0 using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
             Results: Aerobic and combined exercise increased serum SIRT1 levels and functional capacity. There was no significant decrease in body mass index (P=0.06). The SIRT1 level did not differ significantly between the two exercise groups after the intervention (P=0.91). There were significant difference between the study groups in terms of the travelled distance (P<0.034).
             Conclusion: Both combined and aerobic exercise can increase serum levels of SIRT1, reduce body mass index and improve functional capacity in CABG patients.
             Keywords: Resistance training, exercise, SIRT1.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Apolipoprotein M (APOM) is a novel high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated protein involved in the production of pre-beta HDL and cholesterol efflux to HDL. The present study examined effect of 12 weeks of aerobic interval training on HDL-associated APOM levels.
             Methods: Study population included 20 healthy men aged 20 to 24 years. The subjects were randomly and equally divided into a training group and a control group. Each training session included 10 minutes of warm-up, 35 minutes of aerobic training (5 combined cycles each including four minutes of running at intensity of 85-95% and an active resting period of treadmill running at 65-75% of maximum heart rate for 3 minutes) and 10 minutes of cool-down. Blood samples (10 mL) were taken every four weeks. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test were used to compare the groups. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
             Results: At the end of the 12^th week, HDL-associated APOM levels increased in the training group and decreased in the control group. However, these changes were not statistically significant (P>0.05). 
             Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the 12-week aerobic interval training does not significantly affect HDL-associated APOM levels. However, it is recommended to monitor subjects’ diet throughout the study period to reach a more comprehensive conclusion. 
             Keywords: Aerobic interval training, Apolipoprotein M, Young men.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Apolipoprotein O (apoO) is a 198 amino acids protein that exists predominantly in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It may exert cardioprotective effects via decreasing fat accumulation and increasing removal of cholesterol from macrophages. Although the health benefits of exercise are well documented, no study has yet investigated the effects of various types of training, including resistance training on apoO level. Therefore, we aimed to determine effects of five weeks of circuit resistance training with different intensities on plasma levels of apoO, HDL, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in young untrained men.
             Methods: Forty-five age- and weight-matched healthy untrained men were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10) and four training groups: training at 20% intensity (n=9), training at 40% intensity (n=8), training at 60% intensity (n=7) and training at 80% intensity (n=8). The subjects performed circuit resistance training at 10 stations (30 seconds at each station) with three repetitions, without rest between stations and with 3-minute active rest between the repetitions. The training was carried out for 45 minutes per session, three sessions a week, for five weeks. Venous blood samples were taken 48 hours before the first exercise session and 48 hours after the last training session. Plasma levels of apoO, HDL, TC and TG were measured using commercial kits. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at significance level of 0.05.
             Results: After the training intervention, mean plasma level of TC and TG did not differ significantly between the study groups (P>0.05). Training at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) caused a slight decrease in the apoO concentrations. Moreover, apoO concentration was significantly higher in the 20% 1RM training group compared to other study groups (F=11.599, P<0.002).
             Conclusion: Our results indicate that circuit resistance training at 80% of 1RM can decrease HDL-associated apoO level but does not significantly alter other parameters.
             KEYWORDS: Circuit resistance training, HDL-O, TC, TG, Young men.