mahmoud nikseresht

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, like other inflammatory diseases, causes a change in the levels of pro-inflammatory (such as gremlin-1) and anti-inflammatory (such as pentraxin-3) markers. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of 10 weeks of aerobic and resistance training on serum levels of pentraxin-3, gremlin-1 and insulin resistance in men with type 2 diabetes.

In this semi-experimental study, 29 men with type 2 diabetes in the age range of 25-45 years were selected and randomly divided into three groups: aerobic training, resistance training and control. Aerobic training program with an intensity of 55-75% of the maximum heart rate and resistance training with an intensity of 55-75% of one repetition maximum was implemented during 10 weeks and 3 sessions per week. Before and after the intervention period, serum levels of pentraxin-3, gremlin-1 were measured and also insulin resistance index was calculated.

In both aerobic (P= 0.039) and resistance (P= 0.019) training groups, pentraxin-3 serum level increased significantly compared to the control group; but there was no difference between the two groups (P= 0.703). Also, serum levels of gremlin-1 and insulin resistance of the aerobic (P= 0.022 and P= 0.040, respectively) and resistance (P= 0.037 and P= 0.031, respectively) training groups showed a significant decrease compared to the control group; Although there was no difference between the training groups (P= 0.815 and P= 0.659, respectively).

This findings demonstrate that both types of aerobic and resistance training are equally effective in improving inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients.

Maintaining the capacity of mitochondrial biogenesis during aging is considered a key factor to prevent the development of age-related diseases. this study aimed to investigate the effect of 8-weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and hawthorn extract on the peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor-γ gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) proteins levels in the soleus muscle of aged rats.

Thirty-six aged rats were randomly and equally assigned into control (CON), HIIT, extract or combined (COM, HIIT+ extract) groups. The HIIT protocol consisted of 6 to 9 sets×5-min of running on a treadmill, which was performed 4 minutes at 16 m/min and one minuteat a speed velocity of 25 m/min, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Over the intervention period, rats in the extract and COM groups received 100 mg/kg per day hawthorn. After the interventions, TFAM and PGC-1α protein expression levels were detected in the soleus muscle using the western blotting method.

There was a significant increase in PGC-1α for all interventions when compared to the CON, although this increase in the COM was significantly higher than the other groups. After 8 weeks , there was a significant increase in TFAM level in extract group compared to CON,also, the training groups had more effects on this marker in comparison to the former intervention (p>0.05).

It seems that, 8-weeks of the HIIT+ intake hawthorn is a more efficient approach in improving mitochondrial oxidative capacity compared to HIIT and extract alone.

The pathogenic mechanism underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not entirely understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of resistance training on the level of antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue of male Wistar rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver. In the present experimental study, 21 adults male Wistar rats were purchased and randomly divided into three groups: control, high fat diet and high fat diet+ resistance training groups. Animals in the high-fat diet groups received a high-fat diet including a combination of fructose, carbon tetrachloride and olive oil for 23 weeks. The training group while receiving a high-fat diet, in the final 8 weeks performed the progressive resistance training protocol including carrying weights equivalent to 30 to 100 percent of body weight three sessions a week. At the end of the intervention, level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes in liver tissue were measured by enzyme colorimetric method. Also, liver histopathology was performed to confirm the biochemical results. The data collected were analyzed using statistical tests of one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's follow-up test. Liver SOD enzyme level in the high-fat diet+ resistance training group showed significant increase in compared to the high-fat diet group (p = 0.035), but liver GPX enzyme level did not change significantly in the three groups (p = 0.085). The histopathological examination of the liver also confirmed the changes caused by the high-fat diet and the protective effects of resistance training. According to the results of this study, it can be said that resistance training can significantly improve the disorder of antioxidant enzymes and liver tissue steatosis caused by high-fat diet in male Wistar rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Resistance training may play a role in muscle cell synthesis by increasing the secretion of interleukin-7 (IL-7). On the other hand, fasting (reduced energy intake) can affect the metabolism of proteins. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 20 sessions of low-intensity resistance training (low-RT) on IL-7, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2</sub>max) in fasting state during Ramadan.

 In this semi-experimental study, 48 overweight women [age: 37.2 ± 5.9 years, height: 160.2 ± 5.3 m, and body mass index (BMI): 25-29.9 kg/m2</sup>] were randomly assigned into fasting (FAS, n= 12), Low-RT (n = 15), FAS + Low-RT (n = 11), and control (CON, n = 10) groups. The Low-RT program involved eight exercises emphasis on major muscle groups, which was performed 5 sessions a week at an intensity of 30%-60% one-repetition maximum during Ramadan. During this month, the fasting time lasted about 17 hours. Blood samples were taken in the fasting state from all subjects before and on the last day of fasting (48 hours after the last training session).

Muscular endurance and VO2</sub>max increased significantly in Low-RT and FAS + Low-RT groups compared to the CON. Moreover, there was a significant increase in IL-7 in the Low-RT and FAS + Low-RT groups compared to the baseline.

 A month Low-RT program in fasting state improved IL-7, aerobic capacity and muscular fitness. Thus, overweight women can benefit from low-intensity resistance training during Ramadan.

Hookah consumption is an underlying decline in lung function. However, data are limited on the physiological effects in young trained and untrained men. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic hookah consumption on aerobic capacity (VO2max), resting and submaximal heart rate in men who are trained and untrained.

Forty-nine young men (18-34 years) were assigned into the following groups: a. trained-hookah (n = 11), b. untrained-hookah (n = 14), c. trained (n = 12) and d. untrained (n = 12). The trained men had done at least three sessions (1-hour for each) of aerobic training a week during the past three years, while the untrained men had continued a sedentary lifestyle. Hookah smokers had smoked at least three times a week during the period. The VO2max, resting and submaximal heart rate indices were measured in all subjects.

One-way analysis of variance showed that VO2max was significantly higher in trained group than the other groups, although no significant difference was observed in the other groups. Resting and submaximal heart rate were remarkably lower in the trained groups than in the untrained groups, but no significant difference was noted in the other groups.

The results of the present study indicated that hookah smoking has a negative effect on aerobic capacity in men who are trained; however, it seems that the effect of aerobic training is higher than the effect of hookah on resting and submaximal heart rate indices.

Leptin is mainly produced in adipose tissue and plays an important role in regulatingglucose metabolism. It seems that exercise training can improve glucose homeostasis and leptin level in human. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic interval, non-liner resistance and concurrent training on the level of serum leptin and insulin resistance in overweight women.

In this semi-experimental study, 40 volunteers women were randomly assigned (n=10 each) to non‐training control, aerobic interval training, non-liner resistance training, or concurrent training group.Subjects in Exercise group were on 12-week supervised exercise training program of four three per week, whereas the control group maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Insulin resistance and leptin were assessed from fasting bloodsamples before and after 12-week of intervention.All data were analyzed using Statisticalsoftware version 24 and the levels of statistical significance were set at P<0.05.

At baseline, fasting blood sugar, insulin, HOMA-IR and leptin were not different between the groups. Fasting blood sugar improved in concurrent resistance group (P=0.005), whereas no relevant change occurred in other groups. In other hand, insulin, HOMA-IR and leptin did not change throughout the study.

In summary, compared to either aerobic interval or non-liner resistance training alone, concurrent training is as efficacious for improving fasting blood sugar in overweight women.

Regular exercise training is a useful strategy to reduce inflammatory markers, but it is still unclear what type of training is better. Thus, this study compared the effects of 12-week of low-intensity resistance (Low-RT) and high-intensity interval aerobic training (High-IAT) on serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels and insulin resistance (IR) markers in obese and young men.

In this quasi-experimental study, 38 obese and young men (age = 28.4 ± 5.2 years and body fat% = 27.5 ± 1.5) randomly assigned into a low-RT (n=14), high-IAT (n=12) and control (CON, n=12) groups. An age-matched control group of non-obese men (age = 27.0 ± 5.9 years, body fat% = 15.5 ± 2.6 and n=15) were also recruited for baseline comparison. Subjects performed the training programs (Low-RT: 10 exercises at 30-50% of 1-repetition maximum, and High-IAT: 16-minute of interval running at 80-90% of maximum heartbeat with a 3-minute recovery between intervals) for 12 weeks and 3-day a week. Data analyzed using SPSS version 18.

The independent t-test showed that the concentrations of glucose (P = 0.01), insulin (P = 0.04) and IR-index (P = 0.02) in obese men was higher than the non-obese at baseline, but no significant difference was noted for IL-6 (P = 0.14). The 2-factor analysis of variance revealed that insulin and IR-index similarly and remarkably decreased in response to the training (P < 0.05), but remained unchanged with glucose and IL-6 (P > 0.05).

In summary, insulin resistance markers in the obese men group were higher than in the non-obese men group, but no significant difference was detected in IL-6 in these groups. Insulin and IR-index decreased remarkably and similarly after training programs, but no significant changes were found in glucose and IL-6.

Neurotrophic and growth factors are known to have positive effects on neuronal proliferation. However, findings on the effects of exercise training on these factors following brain stroke are limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of endurance training on gene expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the hippocampus of rats after brain stroke.

Twenty and one adult male Wistar rats (weighing 210-252 gr) were purchased and randomly divided into three groups: control, stroke, and stroke+ training groups. Stroke was induced by the occlusion of both common carotid arteries (CCA) for 45 minutes. The rats in the training group were run on a treadmill at speeds ranging from 18 to 30 meters per minute for 20 to 50 minutes per session, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Forty eight hours after the last training session, rats were sacrificed and gene expression of NGF and FGF in the hippocampus were measured with the Real Time-PCR technique.

In comparison to the control group, stroke led to a significant decrease in gene expression of NGF (p=0.0001) and FGF (p=0.0001). Also, after brain stroke, endurance training resulted in a significant increase in gene expression of NGF (p=0.001) and FGF (p=0.023) in the hippocampus of rats.

Based on the findings of this study, endurance training probably via up-regulation of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors could have therapeutic effects against ischemia-reperfusion induced injuries and decreased impairments induced by cerebral ischemia.

The risk of cardiovascular diseases increases in relation with age and physical inactivity. However, there is limited data about the importance of each factor. Thus, the present study has examined the association of physical activity level (PA) and age with chest pain signs and blood pressures in patients with heart failure. Totally, 299 patients with heart failure in two age groups of 45-59 years old (middle-aged, N=175) and 60-77 years old (elderly, N=124) were enrolled to the study. Chest pain signs were evaluated by Rose angina questionnaire (chest pain questionnaire, London school of public health) and blood pressure and physical activity levels of the participants were also assessed. Data analysis was performed by partial and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests. In the middle-aged group, the PA had a significant negative correlation with chest pain signs (p= 0.004, r= -0.221) independent of age, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference, however the correlation was not significant in the elderly group. There was a positive and significant correlation between the chest pain and age in the elderly group (p=0.020, r=0.212); however, this relationship was not significant for the middle-aged group. There were no significant relations between blood pressure and neither PA nor age in both groups. It seems that the level of physical activity in the 45-59 years old patients is an effective factor to improve chest pain signs in comparison to 60-77 years old.

Psychological stresses induced by competition, can cause immune system alternations, which predisposes the athletes to infectious diseases more than common exercises. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of official sports competition on leucocyte, and subsets counts, immunoglobulin A (IgA), G (IgG), and cortisol levels in male karatekas. Ten male karatekas (aged: 22.9±2.6 yr, height 176.4±8.3 cm, and body mass index 21.2±1.5 kg/m2), acceded to final competition of Ilam province, were selected. Blood samples were collected before, immediately and 2 hours after the competition to measure the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophil’s counts and IgA, IgG and cortisol levels. The leucocyte (P=0.001), lymphocyte (P=0.001), and monocyte (P=0.003) counts were significantly increased immediately after the competition but returned to baseline 2h after the competition. Neutrophil and eosinophil counts did not change immediately and 2h after the competition (P>0.05). The serum levels of IgA (P=0.037) and IgG (P=0.04) were decreased significantly immediately after the competition and returned to baseline 2h after the competition. Also, the serum cortisol level was increased significantly immediately after the competition (P=0.0001) but decreased 2h later, compared to before (P=0.01) and immediately (P=0.001) after the competition results. Based on the findings of the present study, official competition can cause transient depression on humoral immunity in young male karatekas. It seems that 2h rest after the competition is sufficient for the recovery of leucocyte subset counts and immunoglobulin changing induced by competitions.

Abdominal obesity is associated with the risk of albumin increasing which is the main reason for decreasing in renal function. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between resistance training (RT) and fasting on the removal of creatinine and glomerular filtration in sedentary women with abdominal obesity. In this semi-experimental study, 60 sedentary women (average age: 38.3±5.2 years) participated in four groups of 15 persons –including RT, RT with fasting, fasting, and control (no fasting and no exercise). During Ramadan, the RT program consisted of eight main exercises with moderate intensity was performed with emphasis on large muscles for 3 times per week. The fasting duration in Ramadan was about 17 hours. Bio-impedance technique for the assessments of creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were used. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests. One-way ANOVA results showed that the creatinine clearance (p=0.048) and glomerular filtration (p=0.049) in fasting group were significantly higher than the control group, but no significant difference was observed among other groups. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate had an inverse and significant relation with age, while these variables were directly correlated with body mass index. According to the findings of this study, it seems that 17 hours of fasting may have a positive effect on the renal function in women with abdominal obesity.

 Omentin-1 is an adipokine, mainly produced by visceral adipose tissue that improves insulin resistance.   This study compared the serum levels of omentin-1 and insulin resistance markers in active-obese, inactive-obese and inactive normal-weight men.  In this cross-sectional study, 45 men (35.0±4.2 years, no symptoms of illness) were assigned to active-obese (n=16, Body Mass Index (BMI)=28-33.9 kg/m2 and 3-5 score in the Physical Activity level questionnaire (PA-R score), inactive-obese (n=18, BMI=28-33.9 kg/m2 and 1 in PA-R score) and inactive normal-weight (n=11, BMI=18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and 1 in PA-R score) groups. Blood samples were taken from all subjects in fasting state to measure the serum levels of omentin-1, insulin and glucose. Also, Homeostasis Model Assessment Index (HOMA-IR) for insulin resistance was assessed.  The results showed that the omentin-1 concentration was significantly lower in inactive normal-weight compared to the obese groups (P<0.05). In the active-obese group, the glucose, insulin concentrations and insulin resistance index were similar to the inactive normal-weight group; however, these values were significantly lower than the inactive-obese group (P˂0.05). No significant difference was found between normal-inactive and obese-inactive groups for glucose concentration (P=0.079).   Based on these findings, it can be said that physical activity is more effective than obesity. Thus, the obese men can improve the negative effects of obesity on insulin resistance markers by performing physical activity and is not required to reduce the size of obesity.

Training-induced physiological adaptations reduced during detraining, but researches are limited about the comparison of the effects of detraining after different types of training. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of one month detraining on cytokines concentrations in aerobic- (AT) and resistance trained (RT) and overweight men. In this quasi-experimental study, 19 trained men (25-38 years) were assigned to RT (n=10) and AT (n=9) groups, based on the types of training. The groups were matched by the physical activity level, age and body mass index. The subjects avoided to perform any exercises for a month. All subjects were taken blood samples to measure serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17A, and IL-20 before and after the detraining period. After 4 weeks of detraining, body fat percentage and waist circumference increased significantly in the AT and RT groups, while the maximal oxygen consumption in these groups was significantly decreased (for all variables, P<0.05). The concentration of IL-17A (P=0.049) showed a significant increase only in the RT group; however, no significant differences were noted for IL-10 and IL-20 concentrations in response to the detraining period in both groups (both, P>0.05). It seems that the negative effects caused by one month of detraining are more prominent in the RT group (increase in IL-17A)

Apelin is an adipokine that may play a significant role in regulating energy metabolism. Obesity and physical activity are factors that affect the concentration of apelin, but it is not known which one is more prominent. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of apelin-13 and the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in men who are inactive normal-weight, active and inactive obese. Forty-five healthy men (age range, 34-46 years) were assigned to one of the following groups. 1) active-obese: body mass index (BMI)=28-33.9 kg/m2, 3-5 score in the physical activity rate questionnaire (PAR-Q) and n=16; 2) inactive-obese: BMI = 28-33.9 kg/m2, 1 in PAR-Q and n=18; 3) inactive normal-weight: BMI=18.5-24.9 kg/m2, 1 in PAR-Q and n=11. Blood samples were collected from the subjects in a fasting state; then, the serum level of apelin-13 was measured by the ELISA method. The VO2max was estimated by the non-exercise method and based on the PAR-Q. One-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in the serum levels of apelin-13 between the groups (P=0.73). It was found that VO2max was significantly lower in the inactive-obese group compared to the other groups (P≤0.001); however, no significant difference was noted between the active-obese and inactive normal-weight groups (P=0.14). Findings of this study show that the moderate physical activity and type 1 obesity could not be effective in apelin-13 concentration. In addition, it can be suggested that the obesity and physical activity indices have the same reciprocal effects in maximal oxygen consumption.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of human mortality worldwide. Myocardial ischemia is a type of cardiovascular disease that increases with age spread. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare non-invasive myocardial ischemia in patients with heart problems in different age groups.
This study is a causal-comparative study was conducted from July to October 2016 in the University of Mazandaran. One hundred and seventy-five (age=45-59 years) and 124 (age=60-77 years) men with heart problem participated in this study. The questionnaires of Rose angina pectoris (for assessing the risk of ischemic myocardium), lifestyle and physical activity level were completed by the participants. In addition, the anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) of the participants were measured.
The risk of myocardial ischemia in men aged 60-77 years was significantly higher than men aged 45-59 years (P=0.049). Men aged 60-77 years were significantly lower in good indices (physical activity level, VO2peak and more lifestyle indices) and higher in bad indicators (waist/hip ratio, body shape index, ankle systolic blood pressure, brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure) than men aged 45-59 years (P It seems that the higher risk of myocardial ischemia in men aged 60-77 years, as compared to men aged 45-59 years, might be related to aging process and imbalance in the risk factors. Promoting physical activity can favorably affect the risk of myocardial ischemia in the middle-aged or elderly men. It is concluded that physical activity effectively decreased the risk of myocardial ischemia.

The aim of present study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of nonlinear resistance training (NRT) and aerobic interval training (AIT), and also effects of 4 weeks of detraining after these training on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin resistance in young obese men.
In this randomized clinical trial, at first 38 obese men were matched by aerobic fitness, age and percentage of body fat. Then, they were randomly assigned to NRT (n=14), AIT (n=12) and control (Con, n=12) groups. The training groups performed 3 weekly sessions for 12 weeks followed by a 4 weeks detraining period. NRT consisted of 40-65 minutes of weight training at different intensities with flexible periodization. AIT consisted of running on a treadmill (4 sets of 4 minutes at 80-90% of maximal heart rate, with 3-minute recovery intervals). Serum levels of IL-6 and insulin resistance were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the glucose oxidase method for serum glucose concentration.
Compared to Con, it was not observed in serum IL-6 levels any change significantly after the NRT (P=0.593) and AIT (P=0.623), but this cytokine worsened significantly after detraining with the NRT (P=0.011) and AIT (P=0.017). Both NRT (P=0.006) and AIT (P=0.046) groups was equally effective at reducing insulin resistance, but these values returned to the pre-training levels after detraining.
The young obese men can use the two exercise programs to reduce insulin resistance. Also, IL-6 increased significantly in both training groups after detraining. Thus, it is recommended that the training programs should not be discontinued to prevent worsening of inflammatory conditions.

High levels of inflammatory markers are associated with several chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. Exercise and physical activity is accepted as a sterategy to reduce these diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 weeks resistance and aerobic training on resting levels of tumor necrosis factor-&alpha (TNF-&alpha), interleukin-1&beta (IL-1&beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in sedentary overweight men.

Thirty sedentary men with average ages 26.6±2.9 yr, and body mass index 28.3±1.8 kg/m2, randomly were assigned to resistance training (n=10), aerobic training (n=11), and control (n=9) groups. Fasting blood sample were collected before and after 10 weeks from intervention, and resting levels of cytokines were measured. Also body mass index, waist to hip ratio, body fat percent, maximal strength and maximal oxygen uptake was estimated. Resistance training program consists of 7 exercises at 70-80% of 10-repetition maximum in each exercise, and aerobic training included cycling on ergometer at 70-80% maximal heart rate for 10 weeks and three sessions per week.

After 10 weeks resistance and aerobic training despite a decrease in the average, no significant change was observed in resting levels of TNF-a, IL-1b and IL-6 (p˃0.05). VO2max showed significantly increase, body fat percent and waist to hip ratio significant decrease in both training groups, and maximal strength significant increase only in resistance training (p˂0.05).Discussion &

These results indicated that 10 weeks resistance and aerobic training with moderate intensity and volume are not sufficient to reduce inflammatory cytokines in sedentary healthy overweight men. It can be concluded that the probable reason for not reducing of this cytokines is because of the normal concentrations in baseline and the subjects being young.

Apelin is an adipokine which may contribute to the link between obesity and metabolic diseases. Regular exercise training has been proposed as a strategy for reducing the risk of these diseases by positive adaptations in adipokines, but there is limited research directly comparing different types of training. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of nonlinear resistance training (NRT) and aerobic interval training (AIT) on serum levels of apelin-13 and insulin resistance in middle-aged obese men. This quasi-experimental study was conducted from October to February 2012 in Ilam City, Iran. Eligible subjects (33 obese men) between aged 34-46 years participated in this study and were allocated to the following groups: NRT (n= 12), AIT (n= 10), and control (n= 11). The inclusion criteria were sedentary (less than 60 minutes physical activity per week), nonsmokers, no regular exercise for at least the past 6 months, no regular consumption of medication, no special diet, percentage body fat > 23% and no history of medical conditions that would prevent them from participating in the exercise intervention. Only the subjects who performed more than 90% of the training sessions were included in this study. The experimental groups performed 3 weekly sessions for 12 weeks, whereas the control group maintained a sedentary lifestyle. NRT consisted of 40-65 minutes of weight training at different intensities and with a flexible period. AIT consisted of running on a treadmill (4×4 min at 80-90% maximal heart rate, 3 min recovery intervals). Analysis of variance showed that there were no significant differences betwee n the groups for apelin-13 and insulin resistance at baseline (P> 0.05). Compared to control group, two exercise programs were equally effective at reducing insulin resistance, but apelin-13 levels increased significantly only with the AIT (P= 0.04). After the training, maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly in AIT and NRT compared with control group (both P= 0.001) and in AIT more than NRT (P= 0.001). The practical applications indicate that obese men can use both AIT and NRT exercise programs to reduce insulin resistance. However, the AIT may have better beneficial effects (as indicated by apelin-13) compared to NRT.