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Background and Objective: Copper oxide nanoparticles with unique properties have numerous biological applications with probably toxicity. This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles on the pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis in male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups including control group and three intervention  groups which receiving the cancentration of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of copper oxide nanoparticles 5 times intra-peritoneally, respectively. Blood sampling was collected first day and 15 days after the last injection. Level of testosterone, FSH and LH were measured by ELISA method. After anesthesia and dissection of mice in each group, tissue sections of testis were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Morphological status of spermatogenesis process and counting of types of cells (spermatogonium, spermatocyte and spermatid) were studied by optical microscope.
Results: In the first day of blood collection, a significant increase in LH and FSH level was observed at concentrations of 10 and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Also, Testosterone and FSH level decreased significantly reduced at 10 mg/kg/bw concentration compared to control (P<0.05). In 15 days after of the last injection, level of testosterone (P<0.05) and LH (P<0. 05) significantly increased in concentrations of 10 and 30 mg/kg/bw respectively. Also, there was a significant reduction in level of FSH in the concentration of 10 mg/kg/bw (P<0.05). The examination of testis tissue sections showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in density and number of cell types (spermatogonium, spermatocyte and spermatid) and anomalies in the spermatogenesis process, in a dose-dependent manner. The most disturbances was seen at a concentration of 30 mg/kg/bw of copper oxide nanoparticles.
Conclusion: Copper oxide nanoparticles may interfere with the secretion of gonadotropins and testosterone and ultimately lead to a disruption of the spermatogenesis process.

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Varicocele is a deficiency of the testicular veins which is recognized by elongation and tortuosity of the pampiniform or cremasteric venous plexus and can lead to impaired spermatogenesis. Varicocele intensity is associated with the reduction of male fertility potential. This review article discusses the effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis process and fertility potential, etiology of varicocele, therapeutic approaches, and the result of treatment. All the published papers from 1975 to 2018 from databases bank such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed with keywords; infertility, varicocele, varicocelectomy, spermatogenesis, clinical outcome were collected and within these papers, only 74 papers were included for this study. Increased of testicular temperature, backflow of toxic metabolites from the kidney or adrenal glands, hypoxia, hormonal disturbances and oxidative stress are the most prevalent pathogenic cause of varicocele that they can alter testis and sperm functions. Several studies show that varicocelectomy can improve sperm parameters, chromatin statue and fertility potential in infertile men with varicocele. Possibly, treatment of varicocele before assisted reproduction technologies could increase the chance of spontaneous pregnancy in these infertile men.

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Background and Objective: The ever-increasing resistance to beta-lactame antibiotic in opportunistic Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria considered as one of the important factors of death of hospital-acquired infections. This study was performed for determine the antibiotic resistance and prevalence of IMP-1 and VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase and integron class I genes in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 200 Pseudomonas spp. isolates from blood, urine, ulcer, eye and sputum infections were collected from Arsanjan hospital in Fars province in south –west of Iran during April-September 2016. After confirmation genus of bacterial by biochemical and 16S rRNA tests, and isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by specific primer of lasI Gene, antibiotic susceptibility was done according to diffusion disk assay and CLSI procedure, the presence of blaVIM, blaIMP and Int-1 genes were determined by PCR.
Results: The results of phenotypic and genotypic tests led to the isolation of 107 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that the highest resistance with (79.38%) for cefepime and the lowest resistance with (13.08%) for tobramycin. Out of 107 isolates, 10 (9.35%) isolates were carrying class1 Integron,19 (17/76%) isolates carrying IMP gene, 23 (21.5%) isolates carrying VIM gene, 4 (3.74%) isolates carrying IMP gene and integron class1, 11 (10.28%) isolates carrying VIM gene, and class1 intgron, 15 (14.02%) isolates carrying both IMP, VIM and 12 (11.22%) isolates simultaneously were carrying each three genes, VIM, IMP and class1 integron. 13 (12.15%) isolates did not have none of these three genes, VIM, IMP, class1 integron.
Conclusion: The results showed increased multidrug resistance and simultaneous presence of one or two IMP, VIM and Int-1 genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Int-1 has the ability to transduce resistance genes and create resistant populations.

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Background and Objective: Hormone and genetic disorders are the most important causes of hyperglycemia in obese and diabetes patients. This study was done to determine the effect of the resistance training program on FOXO1 gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue as an effective transcription factor in insulin signaling pathways, fasting glucose and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, type 2 diabetes induced by high fat diet and Streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg/bw) intraperitoneal injection in 14 male wistar rats (220±20 g) .Animals were randomly allocated into exercise (n=7) and control (n=7) groups. Exercise group were participated in resistance training program (6 weeks, 5 days/weekly). Fasting blood glucose and insulin as well FOXO1 gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured lasted exercise session in the two geoups.
Results: Resistance training  significantly reduces in fasting glucose, insulin resistance and FOXO1 gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue in exercise group in compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Resistance training lead to decrease of insulin resistance and blood glucose by inhibiting FOXO1 gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue in diabetic rats.

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Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most common cause of nosocomial infections. Treatment of Staphylococcal infections has become more complicated due to the emergence of methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) strains. This study was done to determine the frequency of methicillin resistance encoding gene (mecA) and β-lactamase resistance encoding gene (blaZ) in S. aureus isolates from clinical samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out on 59 S. aureus isolates from clinical samples in Gorgan hospitals from January-February 2017 to June-July 2017. All the isolates were identified using gram staining, catalase test, tube coagulase test, growth on Mannitol salt agar medium and the DNase test in the Microbiology Laboratory .Antibiotic resistance was evaluated using the standard disk diffusion.  Iodometric method was used to detect β-lactamase production / activity in this bacterium. PCR test was done to detect mecA and blaZ genes.
Results: All S. aureus isolates (100%) clinical samples possessed blaZ gene, followed by 27 isolates (45.8%) possessed mecA gene (MRSA), which these isolates possessed mecA gene were concurrently positive for blaZ gene. 5% of oxacillin-resistant strains and 3% of cefoxitin-resistant strains possessed mecA gene and 47 isolates (79.4%) carrying blaZ gene were β-lactamase-positive in phenotypic method.
Conclusion: This study showed that in all clinical samples isolated S. aureus isolates which these isolates possessed mecA gene were concurrently positive for blaZ gene.

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Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly; MCPH is a rare neurologically condition observed in new born at the birth. Most patients suffer from moderate to severe intellectual disability. In this review article, we introduce MCPH disorder; include all of the chromosomal locations, kind of MCPH genes and numbers of mutations, functional efficacy, how to identify the genes separately and diagnostic algorithm of articles and data base such as OMIM, HGMD. 23 locations genes (MCPH1-23) have been recognized causes primary microcephaly in different population, so far. Function of them is to correct orientation of mitosis spindles, duplication of DNA, organization and function of centrosome, transfer of vesicles, transcription regulation, response to DNA lesion, etc. According to investigations, MCPH in Iran and Pakistan population is common because of more consanguinity marriage. MCPH1 and MCPH5 genes are more common in Iran. Recent advances in molecular biological techniques and animal models have helped to identify the genetic cause of microcephaly and open up the horizons for researchers in the field, and also elucidating of the underlying molecular mechanisms will improve our understanding of the structure and function of the brain.

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Background and Objective: Sperm dysfunction and damage in spermatogenesis are the most common causes of male infertility. Diazepam is also a painkiller for benzodiazepines that can be addictive for a long time. This study was done to determine the effect of Diazepam on testicular tissue parameters and spermatogenesis in Rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 Wistar male rats with a 250-200 gram weight were randomly allocated into 5 groups. Experimental groups were received diazepam with doses of (2, 3, 4, 5 mg/kg/bw) for 14 days, intraperitonally. Serum physiology was injected in control group. The animals were anesthetized and the testes and epididymis ductus defran were removed for examination, sperm motility, and percentage of live sperm.
Results: Weight, large and small testicular diameter, percentage of live sperm and number of sperm moving forward were reduced with injection groups, at a dose of 3 mg / kg in all factors except the number of sperm moving forward in compared to the control group. In other groups, only testicular weight was significantly reduced at a dose of 2 mg/kg (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Diazepam can affect spermatogenesis process in rats.

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Background and Objective: Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive and foodborne pathogen that is psychrophilic and has the ability to tolerate a high percentage of salt by more than 10%. This bacterium grows in many food products that have a long shelf life. This study was performed to evaluate the expression of genes hly and inlA of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) condition in temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius.
Methods: In this descriptive laboratory study, bacteria in 10⁶ counts in mid log phase were inoculated into BHI Agar rich medium and It was investigated and stored at refrigerated temperature (4 degrees Celsius) until the cultivate was lost. At the end of the 16S rRNA gene, the hly and inlA genes were studied as pathogenic genes of this bacterium. The expression of these genes before and after entering to VBNC state was performed to compare their expression.
Results: Listeria bacteria lost its cultivation ability after 5 months of storage at a refrigerated temperature. The results of the gene expression analysis showed that at the end of the period, the bacterium entered "Viable But non-Culturable" form; also the hly and inlA pathogenic genes were not expressed in riched medium. By adding blood to the rich culture medium of this bacterium, the hemolysin O pathogen gene was re-illuminated.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the possibility of bacterial entry into VBNC mode occurs at the refrigerator condition, and the expression of its pathogenic genes is affected. Blood and its agents can act as an agent for the induction and clarification of the hly gene. Therefore, it is necessary to review the microbial quality control of fishery products.

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Background and Objective: Ovarian cancer, also known as “The Silent Killer,” is one of the most dangerous cancers for women, which often diagnosed late and incurable. On the other hand, conventional therapies currently have limitations, failures and various side effects. This study was performed to determine the effect of pomegranate peel extract on the expression of angiogenesis stimulating gene (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: VEGF) by culturing A2780 cell line of ovarian cancer.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, pomegranate peel extract was prepared and then ovarian cancer cells (A2780 cell line) were exposed to different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract (500, 250, 100, 75, 50, 25 and 10 µg/ml) for 48, 24 and 72 hours. Also, the survival rate of the cells was tested by MTT assay and VEGF gene expression was evaluated using RT-PCR.
Results: Pomegranate peel extract concentration of 500 µg/ml reduced the survival rate to 18% in 72 hours (P<0.05). At concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 µg/ml of pomegranate peel extract, the expression of VEGF reduced by 7%, 16% and 19%, respectively, which was significant compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Pomegranate peel extract, due to its numerous compounds and significant antioxidant properties, is likely to reduce metastasis and malignant manifestations by reducing the expression of the angiogenesis agent.

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Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic and global health threats. The gene needed for the development of the TBX20 gene is the fusion of the gene, and the defect in the sequence and expression of this gene also causes heart defects. Due to significant prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in human population, this study was done to evaluate the effect of TBX20-induced gestational diabetes mellitus in the heart of the mice embryo at 11.5 days.
Methods: This experimental study was done on induced diabetic C57BL/6 female mice. Gestational diabetes induced by interaperitoneal injection of sterptozotocin at GD1. On the day of pregnancy 11.5, embryonic heart samples from these mice were isolated. After extraction of RNA, cDNA synthesis of RNA was performed. The Real Time-PCR technique was used to determine the expression of TBX20 gene. Expression level   of TBX20 gene in experimental and control was calculated using the 2^–∆∆CT method.
Results: Expression of TBX20 gene in diabetic specimens was twice as high as the control samples, which was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems, increasing TBX20 gene expression in embryonic heart tissue may be one of the complications of gestational diabetes mellitus and can lead to abnormalities in the heart embryo.

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Background and Objective: The increasing usage of cell phones, have raised concerns about the potential effects of these waves on the health of individuals. In the present research the effect of mobile phone radiation on the expression of DAZL gene in BALB/c mice were studied.
Methods: 18 male mice were divided into three groups: Control, sham-exposed and experimental. Experimental mice were exposed to mobile waves for 2 hours daily, during 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the testes were excised and RNA extraction and Real-Time PCR were performed. Sperm counts in deferen channel and the study of sperm motility in epididymis were done.
Results: The percentage of non-progressive sperm motility significantly increased in experimental group in compared to control group (P<0.05).The level of DAZL gene expression in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Weight of the testis, percentage of live sperm, percentage of rapid progressive sperm motility and percentage of slow progressive sperm motility non-significantly reduced in experimental group in comparison with controls.
Conclusion: Exposure to cell phone waves for 21 days and 2 hours a day impairs spermatogenesis by reducing the quality and motility of sperm and also reduction of expression of DAZL gene.

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Background and Objective: Cancer can spread to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in the transition of tumors from a dormant state to a malignant. Some changes in cancerous cells can be improved and treated using herbal extracts. Salvia species in Iranian traditional medicine were used against various infections, inflammatory diseases.This study was done to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Salvia atropatana leaf on subcutaneous tumor model of CT26 colon carcinoma in Mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, for the induction of colon carcinoma, 26CT cells were injected into 18 BALB/c male Mice. Subcutaneous injection was done in the right side of the animal. When the size of the tumor was 50±350 mm3, 18 Mice were randomly allocated into 3 groups, including controls, aqueous extracts a breakdown of each dose 50 and 100 mg/kg/bw. The group containing the aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf was injected for 14 days, daily. To monitor the therapeutic effects, the parameters of the stopping rate in the growth of the tumor, the relative volume changes and the doubling of tumor volume were evaluated. After sacrificed the animals at the end the fourteenth day of the study, tumors were dissected for histological study.
Results: The volume of tumors and the mean density of the number of vessels was significantly reduced in treated group 1 (50 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) and treated group 2 (100 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) in compared to control group (P<0.05). Reduction in density of cells and vascular sections was significantly reduced in treated group 1 (50 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) and treated group 2 (100 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) in compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf has anti-angiogenesis activity and significant inhibitory effects on tumor growth in animal model.

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Background and Objective: Aspartame is a kind of artifical and non-sugar sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in some foods and beverages. This study was done to determine effect of Aspartam on histomorphometric alterations, kidney function and expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3, P53 Genes in Mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into four groups including control group and three experimental groups. The mice in the control group received 0.3 ml of distilled water by oral gavage for 90 days and the experimental groups received 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg aspartame, respectively orally and daily. One day after treatment, blood and kidney tissue samples were taken to evaluate biochemical, histomorphometric alterations and gene expression.
Results: Renal capsule diameter, glomerulus diameter and height of the epithelial layer of distal and proximal tubules were significantly reduced in treated groups compared to control group with increasing dosage of aspartame (P<0.05). However, the size of the urinary space and the diameter of the lumen of distal and proximal tubules were significantly increased in treated groups in compared to control group (P<0.05). The level of blood nitrogen urea (BUN) and creatinine significantly increased treated groups in compared to the control group with increasing dosage of aspartame (P<0.05). Also, with increasing dosage of aspartame, Bcl2 gene expression significantly reduced in treated groups in compared to the control group (P<0.05) however expression of Bax, Caspase 3 and p53 genes were significantly increased in treated groups compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aspartame can cause changes in biochemical, histomorphometric indices, expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3 and P53 genes in mice kidney.

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Background and Objective: Evaluation of effective factors in the incidence of leukemia, especially pollutants, such as Sodium Sulfide and lead acetate, can contribute to the treatment of cancer and prevention of disease. Npm1 gene is a multiple Phosphoprotein that contains several action domains. Npm1 gene is encoded between nucleus and cytoplasm and performs several functions including protein ribosome transfer and control of centrosome proliferation. Npm1 mutations are transferred from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This study was conducted to compare the effect of lead static poisoning and sodium sulfide on Npm1 gene expression in adult male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult male rats were allocated into 6 groups. The experimental groups include control, the first and second experimental groups were received sodium sulfide with doses of 300 mg/kg/bw and 600 mg/kg/bw, respectively. The third and fourth experimental groups were received lead acetate with doses of 30 mg/kg/bw and 60 mg/kg/bw, respectively. The fifth experimental groups were received maximum doses of sodium sulfide and lead acetate, respectively. Lead acetate and sodium sulfide were gavaged daily for 4 months. After that, blood was taken from the mice and RNA was extracted. Then, CDNA synthesis and Npm1 gene expression compared to Ywhaz gene were evaluated quantitatively using Real Time PCR.
Results: Npm1 gene expression reduced in groups were received sodium sulfide at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight. Npm1 expression increased in lead static groups with doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion: This study showed that by increasing the expression of Npm1 gene expression, Threshold Cycle value decreases.

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Background and Objective: Propofol is one of the most commonly used drugs in anesthesia with the pain during an injection is a side effect of this drug. This study was conducted to compare the effect of Lidocaine, Magnesium Sulfate, and Ketamine on reducing pain caused by intravenous injection of Propofol in patients Undergoing surgery.
Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 80 patients aged 18 to 65 years were randomly blocked and assigned into four groups including Lidocaine, Ketamine, Magnesium Sulfate and Normal Saline. The pain was measured with the Ambesh Score. Hemodynamic changes of patients were evaluated in 1, 3, and 5 minutes.
Results: The patients in Lidocaine, Ketamine, and Magnesium Sulfate groups with 75%, 70%, and 55%, respectively, did not feel pain after Propofol injection compared to Normal Saline group (25%) (P<0.05). The mean time trend of Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure between the studied groups were significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of Lidocaine or Ketamine during Propofol injection can be effective in reducing pain during injection in patients undergo surgery.

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Background and Objective: Streptococci are Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria that are isolated from different sources. These bacteria are capable of producing superantigens, toxins, and biologically-active substances and are therefore very important in the field of infectious disease. Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A (speA) is produced by various bacteria, including Streptococcus dysgalactiae. This study aimed at the isolation, cloning, and production of speA from streptococci from the skin of psoriasis patients.
Methods: In this descriptive-laboratory study, samples were taken from 60 psoriasis patients. S. dysgalactiae isolated were identified by different tests. The speA gene was cloned by the TA cloning method using PTG-19 vector into the Escherichia coli X11 blue as host. Expression of the cloned gene in recombinant colonies was evaluated by SDS-PAGE.
Results: Screening of white recombinant colonies confirmed the presence of speA genes. Expression of the speA gene in E. coli X11 blue was confirmed by SDS-PAGE.
Conclusion: Streptococcus superantigens can be considered as a rich source of vaccine production for different infections caused by these bacteria. By utilizing different cloning hosts and investigating optimal production conditions, S. dysgalactiae could be a candidate for future studies on vaccine production.
 

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Background and Objective: Neurogenesis is the process through which neurons are generated from neural stem cells. This process has been shown to occur in special zones of the adult brain including the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Gonadal steroids affect different steps of neurogenesis, and cell proliferation seems to be increased by estrogens. This study aimed to investigate the neurogenic changes in the SVZ at different phases of the estrous cycle.
Methods: In this experimental study, 26 NMRI mice were used. The mice were identified by vaginal smear and then divided into 4 groups including proestrus (n=5), estrous (n=7), metestrus (n=7) and diestrous (n=7). Different stages of the estrous cycle were determined by staining vaginal smears. Also, the qualitative assessment of cell proliferation in the SVZ was performed by cresyl fast violet staining and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry at different stages of the estrous cycle.
Results: In microscopic sections stained with cresyl violet, it was observed that cell density in the proestrus stage of the estrous cycle was greater than in any other stages of the estrous cycle. A comparison of sections stained with anti-GFAP showed that the density of astrocytes in proestrus was significantly higher than in other groups.
Conclusion: Proestrus stage of the estrous cycle is associated with increased cell proliferation and density of astrocytes in the SVZ of mice. Neurogenesis is correlated to changes in sex hormonal levels at different phases of the estrus cycle.
 

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Background and Objective: Alkaline phosphatase, BMP, and GATA proteins are important factors in the process of spermatogenesis. This study aims to investigate the effect of alkaline phosphatase, GATA, and BMP expression on spermatogenic stem cells, embryonic cells, and embryonic stem-like cells (ES-like) in C57BL mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, spermatogonial stem cells were isolated from three heads of 4-week-old C57BL mice, and embryonic stem cells and ES-like cells were prepared. Alkaline phosphatase staining test was performed on spermatogenic stem cells, embryonic cells, and ES-like cells. The expression of BMP and GATA genes was analyzed using Fluidigm PCR. Protein-protein interaction networks were isolated and drawn using databases.
Results: Positive alkaline phosphatase expression in stem cells and negative expression in testicular Sertoli cells indicated the presence of this enzyme in pluripotent cells. The gene expression of BMP and GATA in spermatogonial stem cells (6.3 and 2.7, respectively), embryonic cells (3.2 and 4.4, respectively), and ES-like cells (8.5 and 2.5, respectively) was positive, but not statistically significant. Bioinformatics studies showed the regulatory role of these genes and their direct effect on alkaline phosphatase.
Conclusion: BMP and GATA genes, along with alkaline phosphatase enzymes, play a crucial role in controlling embryonic and spermatogonial stem cells, maintaining their pluripotency, and guiding them towards differentiated cells.
Keywords:

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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition, genetic counseling is a process in which information is presented about how genetic conditions affect a patient or his/her family. A genetic counselor collects a patient’s personal and family health history to promote the family’s awareness and perception of specific genetic diseases, testing risks and advantages, disease management, and assessment of available therapeutic options. Intellectual disability (ID) and deafness are two common disabilities with considerable impacts on the quality of life of patients and their families. The present research has investigated the role of genetic counseling in the screening and prevention of deafness and ID based on the studies published in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases between 2015 and 2023. Genetic counseling can be employed as an influential tool in screening, early diagnosis, and prevention of ID and deafness. Considering that many cases of ID and deafness are rooted in individual genetics, genetic counseling can help lessen the risk factors of developing these disabilities and improve the quality of individual and family life. The effect of genetic counseling, as an influential tool, on screening, early diagnosis, and prevention of ID and hearing loss is also assessed.

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Background and Objective: Neural, hormonal, and mechanical factors regulate the expression of fast-twitch isoforms in developing and mature muscle fibers. The transcriptional mechanisms responsible for regulating the gene expression of myosin heavy chain types are not well understood. This study aimed to determine the effect of a single session of intense resistance exercise with glutamine supplementation on the relative expression of the alpha and IIX isoforms of the myosin heavy chain gene in male rats.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: control, intense resistance exercise (first experimental group), and fierce resistance exercise combined with glutamine supplementation (second experimental group). The exercise groups participated in a single session of resistance climbing on an inclined plane with 4 sets of 5 repetitions, 30 seconds of rest between repetitions, and 2 minutes of rest between sets. Glutamine supplement powder was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water at a dose of 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight and administered daily via gavage for 5 days. The expression of alpha and IIX isoforms of the myosin heavy chain gene was examined in the extensor digitorum longus muscle tissue.
Results: The relative expression of the alpha myosin heavy chain gene in the fast-twitch muscle fibers increased significantly in the first experimental group (1.93±0.298) and the second experimental group (1.65±0.195) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The relative expression of the IIX motor unit gene in the fast-twitch muscle fibers also increased significantly in the first experimental group (1.42±0.239) and the second experimental group (1.26±0.190) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The increase in the relative expression of the alpha myosin heavy chain gene in the first experimental group compared to the second experimental group was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, the increase in the relative expression of the IIX motor unit gene in the first experimental group compared to the second experimental group was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Our study concludes that a single session of intense resistance exercise, with or without glutamine supplementation, significantly increases the relative expression of the alpha myosin heavy chain gene and the IIX motor unit gene in the fast-twitch muscle fibers of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in adult male rats. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular