پیام سعیدی

Adequate sleep is recognized as a fundamental factor in enhancing athletic performance. Studies have shown that poor sleep can lead to decreased anaerobic power and increased risk of diseases. Additionally, caffeine consumption, as one of the popular sports supplements, can directly or indirectly affect the immune system through its impact on sleep and rest, and also result in positive effects on performance. In the current study, the effects of normal and interrupted sleep combined with acute caffeine supplementation on some immune system indices and anaerobic power in male athletes were examined.

This semi-experimental study was conducted using a randomized design. Fourteen male athletes (mean±SD; age, 22.92±1.32 years; height, 176.4±4.38 cm; weight, 71.42±9.65 kg) participated in this study. Participants were randomly and equally assigned to 2 groups and 2 sessions: 1) normal sleep, caffeine/placebo (NSP/NSC) and 2) Interrupted sleep, caffeine/placebo (ISP/ISC). The supplement group consumed 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight, while the placebo group consumed chickpea flour. To assess anaerobic power, a Monark cycle ergometer test was applied with 20 seconds of cycling followed by 20 seconds of rest, immediately followed by 12 sets of 4-second cycling with 10-second rests. Blood samples were taken at four time points: 8 AM (baseline), 60 minutes after supplementation, 5 minutes post-test, and 360 minutes post-test.

Five minutes after the test, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation (SII) values showed a significant decrease in normal sleep and caffeine conditions compared to interrupted sleep and placebo conditions. Whith blood cells (WBC) values in normal sleep and placebo conditions demonstrated a significant (p<0.05) increase compared to other conditions at 360 minutes post-test. Additionally, at 360 minutes post-test, NLR and SII values in interrupted sleep and caffeine conditions showed a significant increase compared to normal sleep and caffeine conditions (p<0.05). Caffeine supplementation significantly increased NLR and SII values in interrupted sleep and caffeine conditions compared to normal sleep and placebo conditions (p<0.05). Caffeine consumption led to a significant increase in peak power in the normal sleep group compared to other conditions (p<0.05).

The results indicated that sleep deprivation negatively impacts immune system indicators, and caffeine supplementation after sleep deprivation improves some immune markers. Although the ergogenic effects of caffeine were confirmed under normal sleep conditions, the lack of enhancement in anaerobic performance with caffeine supplementation during sleep deprivation suggests a need for further research on the effects of different dosages of caffeine supplementation on anaerobic performance. Therefore, considering the improvement in immune function markers under sleep deprivation with caffeine supplementation, even without enhancing anaerobic performance, and the fact that sleep deprivation strongly activates the body's inflammatory signaling network, the use of this supplement can be recommended for athletes in conditions of sleep deprivation and before intense activities.

 Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve cardiovascular function. The present study was performed to evaluate cardiovascular responses following high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in inactive obese men.

 In the present semi-experimental study, eight inactive obese men (age: 22.5 2 2.5 years, body mass index: 31.5 ± 1.5 kg / m2) using a randomized crossover design, participated in three HIIE, MICE and control interventions.  Blood samples were taken before, immediately and one hour after exercise to measure nitric oxide (NO) concentration. Also, heart rate and blood pressure were measured before, immediately and every 15 minutes for one hour after exercises.  

  No significant changes in hemodynamic factors and NO were observed in the control group. However, after HIIE and MICE protocols, a significant decrease (p <0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed compared to baseline conditions, which this phenomenon has persisted for a long time following HIIE. Heart rate and NO increased significantly after both protocols (p <0.05), with the increase in NO following HIIE persisting for longer.

It seems that training intensity can be an influential factor in the development of PEH. Also, due to the longer increase in NO caused by HIIE compared to MICE, it can be considered that longer PEH after HIIE is probably related to the mechanism of NO-induced vasodilation.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks itself and causes damage and inflammation. Cortisol, which is one of the most important hormones of the HPA axis, is directly related to the level of inflammation in the body of MS patients, and research has shown that disruption of this axis may cause changes in the symptoms of MS, so the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of two aerobic and resistance training programs on hormones. HPA axis in women with MS.

This semi-experimental research was conducted with the participation of 30 women diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (with a disability scale ranging from 0 to 5.5) within the age range of 25 to 50. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: aerobic exercise (10 participants), resistance exercise (10 participants), and control group (10 participants). The patients engaged in exercise sessions three times a week for 8 weeks, including warm-up, resistance training, aerobic exercises, and cooldown. All movements were designed to be performed in a home environment. Trainers ensured exercise quality through video calls. Blood samples were collected from the participants' brachial before and after the protocol. Data analysis employed tow-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni’s post hoc test. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 software, with a significance level of 0/05.

 The studied exercise protocol did not show the ability to make significant changes in the hormones of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in women with MS. In fact the level of cortisol (P=0.946) has been increased but likewise the other hormones such as dopamine (P=0.561), testosterone (P=0.714) and adrenocorticotropin (P=0.933) there were no significant change as a response to training interference.

 Based on the results of the current study, 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance exercises (home-based training) did not show the ability to significantly alter the hormonal levels of the HPA axis in patients with depression and relatively limited mobility.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the acute effects of blood flow restriction (BFR), static (SS) and dynamic (DS) stretching during rest between sets of a resistance session on serum levels of growth hormone (GH), lactic acid (LA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in men.

Twenty-eight healthy men with at least one year of regular resistance training (age: 22.28±1 years, BMI: 23.72±1 kg/m2, and fat percentage: 13.15±0.6%) participated in this study voluntarily and were randomly divided into 4 groups: blood flow restriction (BFR,30% 1RM) Static-Stretching (SS, 75% 1RM), Dynamic-Stretching (DS, 75% 1RM) and traditional resistance exercise (TRE, 75% 1RM). Resistance exercise (unilateral front knee extension on the machine) included 1 set of 30 repetition plus 3 sets of 15 repetitions for BFR and 4 sets of 15 repetitions for other groups. For BFR and other groups respectively 90 sec and 60 sec rest intervals implemented. The SS and DS groups performed static stretching on the same leg immediately after each set for 60 seconds. Serum levels of growth hormone, lactate, and nitric oxide were measured before and immediately after exercise sessions.

All four types of activities significantly increased GH, LA, and NO immediately after exercise (P=0.001). But no significant differences were observed between conditions.

Based on the findings, it can be concluded that incorporating different stretching methods (SS or DS) or utilizing BFR during rest intervals, at least for one exercise in a unilateral condition, does not provide any additional benefits compared to inactive rest intervals in the traditional resistance exercise method.

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of 10-weeks of 4 energy restriction methods on histologic changes of adipose tissue and macrophage infiltration as well as glycemic indices in unsaturated-high-fat-fed obese male rats.

 Blood and tissue samples were collected from 72 wistar male rats (weight 195±5g, age 8 weeks) at 1st, 18th and 28th weeks after overnight fasting. After first sampling, remaining 64 rats were randomly divided into two groups of control (n=16) and high-fat-diet (UHFD)(n=48). UHFD group was randomly divided into food content change (SD), exercise training (EX), combination (CR+EX) and unsaturated-high-fat-diet (UHFD) subgroups after 18 weeks. Ex group ran for 10 weeks (5d/wks.) with intensity equivalent to 70-75% of Vo2max. CR was implemented reducing 25% of energy intake and SD group used a change from UHFD to a standard diet. Histologic changes of retroperitoneal and mesenteric regions as well as macrophage infiltration were assessed after tissue passage, H&E staining and high-resolution microscopic picturing.

The results of this study indicated that in comparison to UHFD, all experimental groups showed a significant difference in all glycemic indices and lipid profile variables (but HDL) as well as adipocyte size of studied adipocyte tissues (P > 0/05).

Therefore, it seems that regardless of the intervention type, energy intake manipulation methods possibly due to the reduction of adipocyte size had not change in macrophage infiltration to cause improvement in metabolic profiles.

Start or continuation of physical activity can especially be a challenge for non-athletes due to exercise-induced muscle injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent effects of beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate (HMB -FA) on muscle and liver damage indices induced by high-intensity eccentric resistance exercise in non-athlete girls.

24 non-athlete girls (age= 25.87±1.65 years, BMI=20.97±1.36) selected from volunteers to participate in this study. Participants were randomly divided into three HMB-FA supplementation groups (n=8) with doses of (HMB-1.5) 1.5, (HMB-3) 3, and (HMB-4) 4 g/d. After six days of supplementation, an eccentric resistance session with a maximum intensity of 120% was carried out. Blood and urine samples were collected in 4 stages including before supplementation, before exercise, immediately, and 24 hours after exercise. For comparison of the results, 3×4 variance analysis was used.

The results showed that different doses of supplementation had no significant effect on blood levels of AST and ALT as well as urine levels of creatinine and urea. However, LDH and CK levels showed significant inter and intragroup differences(p<0.05). Results showed that values of CK and LDH between HMB-1.5 and other groups had significant differences at 24h post-exercise session.

Considering significant differences in enzymatic indices of CK and LDH between 1.5g/d supplementation with 3 and 4 g/d doses, we conclude that 1.5g/d dose should not be considered as an inhibitor of high-intensity exercise-induced muscle damage. Also since 3 and 4 g/d showed no differences in inhibiting muscle and liver damage indices in blood and urine, the lower dose (3g/d) can be our prescription as the optimal dose.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise with and without BFR on mitochondrial dynamic and mitophagy proteins of human skeletal muscle. In a cross-sectional study, five young men (age: 33.4 ± 2.30 year, weight: 79.64 ± 10.49 kg, BMI: 26.24 ± 2.27kg/cm2) performed two aerobic exercise intervention with BFR (EX+BFR) and without BFR (EX) in two separate days. The aerobic exercise included 5 bouts of 2-min activities, interspersed by 1 min active rest which performed with and without BFR. Western Blot method was used to measure the protein levels of MFN2, DRP1, BCL2 and Parkin of skeletal muscle. Data analysis was performed using T test at a significant level of 0.05. The results of the data analyze showed that both EX+BF and EX significantly increased MFN2 and Parkin and also significantly decreased DRP1 compared to the pre-test (p < 0.05). However, EX+BF resulted in a significant increase protein levels of BCL2 compared to the pre-test (p < 0.05). Also, EX+BF has a significant effect on MFN2, BCL2 and Parkin elevation and DRP1 decrease in compared to EX (p < 0.05). Based on the findings of this study, it seems that aerobic exercise with and without BFR is a strong stimulant for the improvement of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy of skeletal muscle.

Taurine is an antioxidant supplement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term supplementation of two different dosages of taurine supplement on responses of some salivary antioxidant parameters of young men after an exhaustive aerobic activity.

Eight healthy non-athlete men (mean ± SD age 21.6 ± 1.7 yrs and VO2 max 62.62 ± 62.2 ml / kg / min) were randomly divided into two categories (3 Vs. 6 Gr/d) in two 7-day periods in the complement of taurine as cross-over, randomized and double-blinded. Saliva samples were collected in three occasions: before and after the supplementation period and immediately after exhaustive aerobic exercise. The subjects started the exhausting aerobic activity on ergometer was performed at 60 RMP and 20 watts, with, 20 watts added to the intensity every minute until the subject got exhausted.

The results showed that the SOD, after supplementation (in doses of 6 grams more than the dose of 3 g) and after exercise increased significantly compared with the pre-supplementation in both doeses (P<0.05). The activity level of POX and DPPH increased with supplementation and activity, but there was no significant difference between the two doses.

According to the research findings, it can be concluded that the short-term consumption of taurine supplementation by increasing antioxidant capacity will reduce the negative effects of free radicals as a result of intense aerobic exercise activities.

 Aerobic exercise with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) plays an important role in skeletal muscle adaptation; however, the effects of this type of exercise on mitochondrial dynamics proteins are unclear. 
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise with and without BFR on mitochondrial dynamics proteins of human skeletal muscles.  

 Participants were 5 young men (mean age, 33.4±2.30 years; mean weight, 79.64±10.49 kg; BMI, 26.24±2.27 kg/m2). They performed aerobic exercise with BFR (AE+BFR) and without BFR (AE) in two separate days at five 2-min sessions and 1 min rest between the sessions. Western Blot method was used to measure the protein levels of Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) and Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP1) in skeletal muscles. 

 AE+BFR (1.02±0.05 vs. 0.77±0.03) and AE (0.65±0.08 vs 0.57±0.03) significantly increased the mean MFN2 protein level compared to the pre-test mean values (P<0.05). AE+BFR (3.54±0.46 and 5.01±0.66) and AE (3.38±0.38 vs. 2.82±0.59) also significantly reduced the mean DRP1 level (P<0.05). Moreover, AE+BFR had greater significant effect on the mean levels of MFN2 (0.24±0.01 vs. 0.08±0.04) and DRP1 (-1.46±0.22 vs. -0.33±0.12) compared to AE (P<0.05).

 It seems that aerobic exercise with BFR is a strong stimulant for the improvement of skeletal muscle mitochondrial dynamics.

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of 10-week aerobic training and unsaturated-high-fat-diet on adiponectin serum in obese male rats. Blood samples were collected of forty-eight wistar male rats (average weight 195±5g, age 8 weeks) at 1st, 18th and 28th weeks after overnight fasting. After first sampling, remaining 40 rats were randomly divided into control (n=16) and high-fat-diet (39% of energy content from unsaturated-fat) (n=24). High-fat-diet group randomly divided in to exercise training and high-fat-diet subgroups after 18 weeks. Exercise training group ran for 10 weeks (5d/wk) with intensity equivalent to 70 to 75% of vo2max. Serum levels of total and HMW adiponectin as well as lipid profile and glycemic variables were measured. The results of this study indicate that in comparison to unsaturated-high-fat-diet, aerobic training in unsaturated-high-fat-diet induced obese male rats, increased serum concentration of total adiponectin significantly (P> 0/01). Also insulin resistance index and serum concentrations of insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C and TG were decreased in aerobic exercise compare to high-fat-diet group (P> 0/05). This study indicates that aerobic training increase serum concentrations of total adiponectin in obese male rats even with simultaneous consumption of unsaturated-high-fat-diet and cause improvement in lipid and metabolic profiles.

The aim of present study was to investigate the interaction of aerobic training and calorie restriction on levels of adiponectin isomers in serum and abdominal fat depots in obese male rats. Forty-eight wistar male rats were used as the study sample. Blood and tissue samples were collected at the 1st, 18th and 28th weeks. After baseline sampling, the remaining 40 rats were randomly divided into control and high-fat-diet groups. The high-fat-diet group received their regimen for 18 weeks and were then randomly divided into the negative energy balance (NEB) and high-fat-diet (HFD) subgroups. NEB group alternately underwent 25% calorie restriction or aerobic training (running) with an intensity of 70 to 75% of vo2max for 10 weeks. Compared to the standard diet, HFD feeding increased weight and decreased retroperitoneal adipose tissue adiponectin level at the 18th and 28th weeks (P<0.05). In comparison to the HFD, group negative energy balance in obese male rats, caused weight control with significant increase in serum levels of total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin as well as adiponectin levels in retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat depots (P<0.05). Also insulin resistance index in line with serum concentrations of insulin, glucose and triglycerides were decreased in negative energy balance, compared to the high-fat-diet group (P<0.05). This study indicates that even with simultaneous consumption of high-fat-diet, combination of aerobic training and calorie restriction can increase concentrations of adiponectin in serum and abdominal fat depots of obese male rats, and aligned with it improves lipid and metabolic profiles.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 10-week negative energy balance (NEB) methods on adipocyte size and adiponectin levels in different abdominal fat depots as well as glucose and lipid variables and insulin resistance in high-fat-diet obese male wistar rats. Study sample were consisted of sixty-four Wistar male rats (average weight; 194.5±12.6g). Blood samples were collected at 1st, 18th and 28th weeks after an overnight fasting. After first sampling, remaining 56 rats were randomly divided into control (n=16) and high-fat-diet (n=40) groups. After 18 weeks High-fat-diet group randomly divided into high-fat-diet (HFD) and negative energy balance consisted of calorie restriction, exercise training and combination (exercise training with calorie restriction) subgroups. Negative energy balance subgroups underwent an aerobic training (running) with intensity of 70 to 75% of VO2max, %25 calorie restriction and interval of both methods for 10 weeks. Adiponectin Levels and adipocyte size in retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat depots, insulin and glucose levels and lipid profile were measured. HOMA-IR was also calculated. The results of this study indicated that in comparison to high-fat-diet, negative energy balance methods despite consumption of high fat diet, decreased adipocyte size in retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat depots (P<0.05) and insulin resistance index improved in line with decrease of serum concentrations of insulin, glucose and triglyceride in obese male rats (P<0.05). However although lipid profile improved, only triglyceride concentration significantly decreased (P<0.05). From negative energy balance subgroups only combination showed significant increase in adiponectin levels of studied depots compared to high-fat-diet (P>0.05). This study indicated that negative energy balance methods can actually decrease adipocyte size of retroperitoneal and mesenteric fat depots even with simultaneous consumption of high-fat-diet which is largely congruent with improvement in lipid and metabolic profile Results also indicate a superiority of aerobic training in improving the lipid profile compare to other NEB methods.