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Background and Objective: Stroke and cerebral ischemia are the second leading causes of death in the world. Currently, there are limited therapeutic interventions for patients with ischemia / reperfusion. This study was performed to determine the protective effect of aerobic exercise and adenosine on changes in inflammation mediators after transient ischemia of common carotid arteries in male Wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, fifty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into to 5 groups: control, cerebral ischemic control, aerobic exercise + cerebral ischemia, adenosine + cerebral ischemia and aerobic exercise + adenosine + cerebral ischemia. Ischemia was performed by blocking the common carotid artery for 45 minutes after a period of exercise and injection of adenosine. Neuronal structure was examined by Nissel tissue staining. The expression of NGF and Glutamate genes were measured in CA1 region of hippocampal tissue samples.
Results: Cell death was increased in neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the ischemia / reperfusion group, While a significant reduction in cell death in the adenosine + ischemia / reperfusion and aerobic exercise + ischemia /reperfusion groups was due to adenosine administration and aerobic exercise (P<0.05). NGF and glutamate gene expression in the adenosine + ischemia/reperfusion and adenosine + aerobic exersice + ischemia/reperfusion groups significantly increased and reduced compared to the ischemia/reperfusion control, respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Co-administration of adenosine combined with aerobic exercise increase the protective effect of aerobic exercise on improving the neuronal damage after ischemic / reperfusion.

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Background and Objective: Vitamin D increases muscle strength through protein synthesis and myogenesis and may play an important role in anaerobic and aerobic activities. This study was done to determine the vitamin D status and its relationship with physical function indexes in young Taekwondo athletes.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 75 young male Taekwondo athletes, aged 18-23 years that were selected using randomized sampling method. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was measured by ELISA method. The 20-meter shuttle run, running based anaerobic sprint (RAST), vertical jump, 36-meter sprint and Illinois agility tests were used to determine aerobic and anaerobic capacities, explosive anaerobic power of the lower limbs, speed and agility, respectively. Body mass index and percent body fat was measured for each subject. Level below 20, 20-30 and more than 30 ng/ml of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were considered as vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and normal status, respectively.
Results: The results showed that 48% (36 athletes) and 42.66% (32 athletes) of taekwondo athletes had deficient and insufficiency levels of vitamin D, respectively. Also, a significant correlation was detected between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and aerobic power (r=0.897), anaerobic power (r=0.901), vertical jump performance (r=0.855), fatigue index (r=-0.838), agility (r=-0.634) and 36 meters sprint (r=-0.793) times (P<0.05). However, this association was significant in athletes with lower than normal levels of vitamin D (P<0.05), no association was found in subjects with normal vitamin D levels.
Conclusion: Vitamin D of 90.66% of young taekwondo practitioners was lower than normal level. Increasing in vitamin D level can improve the physical performance of young athletes with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency status.

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Background and Objective: Eotaxin is a pre-inflammatory adipokinin secreted from adipose tissue that plays an important role in function regulating of adipose tissue. This study was done to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training on the gene expression of eotaxin in visceral adipose tissue and insulin resistance following metabolic syndrome in rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (weight 180±20 gr) were selected and after 12 weeks of high-fat diet and the creation of the metabolic syndrome model were randomly divided into four groups including  control, metabolic syndrome, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and metabolic syndrome with HIIT. Rats in the high-fat diet were subjected to a special diet (30 to 40% fat) for 12 weeks to develop a model of metabolic syndrome. HIIT consisted of 5 to 10 interval 1-minute intensive running on treadmill at 80 to 95% of maximum speed and in slow alternations at 55% of maximum speed for 8 weeks. Insulin resistance using HOMA-IR mode is considered as a basic factor for determining metabolic syndrome.
Results: The gene expression of eotaxin and insulin resistance in the metabolic syndrome group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Gene expression of eotaxin and insulin resistance was significantly lower in HIIT and metabolic syndrome with HIIT groups than the metabolic syndrome group (P<0.05). Also, the gene expression of eotaxin and insulin resistance was significantly lower in HIIT group than the metabolic syndrome with HIIT group.
Conclusion: It seems that HIIT may be an important factor in down-regulating eotaxin and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome.

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Background and Objective: Differentiation of white adipose tissue into brown through hormonal and non-hormonal factors, causes weight loss and weakens in obese and overweight people. This study was performed to determine the effect of 12 weeks of interval exercise with different intensities on serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 and myostatin in obese and overweight males.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on 47 obese and overweight males (20.5±0.73 years old). Subjects were randomly divided into four groups: control, interval exercise with low intensity, moderate intensity and high intensity. The exercise program consisted of 12weeks of interval exercise with light, medium and heavy intensity respectively with 58-63, 73-78 and 88-93 percent of Reserve heart rate for 25 to 63 minutes and three sessions per week. Serum indices of fibroblast growth factor 21 and myostatin were measured using fasting blood sample 48 hours before and after exercise program using ELISA method.
Results: Performing 12 weeks of interval training with different intensities was not contribute to significant changes in the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 and myostatin. Implementation of interval exercise at moderate and high intensities was associated with reduction of body fat percentage and increasing in maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) in overweight and obese men (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Performing 12 weeks of low, medium and high intensity interval training without changing the serum level of fibroblast growth factor 21 and myostatin has a beneficial effect on improving body composition and increasing VO₂max in obese and overweight young males.

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Background and Objective: Sedentary life and vitamin D deficiency are considered as related factors to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in obese individuals. This study was performed to determine the effect of Pilates training with vitamin D supplement on Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in overweight men.
Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 56 overweight men were randomly assigned to control, Pilates, vitamin D and combination groups. The Pilates training was performed for 8 weeks with the intensity of 50-75% of reserve heart rate, 3sessions/week. The vitamin D and combination groups received 50,000 units of vitamin D per week. The levels of MCP1 and SOD activity were in the first and 8 weeks after interventions.
Results: Vitamin D status in subjects was lower than normal level. MCP-1 level in Pilates, vitamin D and combination groups significantly reduced and SOD activity increased after 8 weeks (P<0.05), but the combined intervention had a stronger effect on the modulation of MCP-1 level and SOD activity compared to the other two interventional groups (P<0.05). In addition, the effect of Pilates exercises on increasing SOD activity was more than vitamin D intake (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that Pilates training and Vitamin D intake can be exert their protective effects in overweight individuals with abnormal vitamin D status by an increase on the SOD activity and decreasing the inflammatory index of MCP-1. Although these effects developed with combined intervention, Pilate training was associated with greater increases in antioxidant levels than vitamin D.
 

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Background and Objective: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays an important role in muscle biology and is involved in hypertrophy and activation of satellite cells. This study was done to determine the effect of eight weeks of concurrent training with different order on S1P in fast and slow muscles in wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male wistar rats (weight 180-200 gr) were randomly allocated into 5 groups including control, resistance training, endurance training, resistance- endurance training, endurance- resistance training. Resistance training consisted 1-meter ladder climbing with the loading of percent of overloading test (%75 of weight body) in the first week and increased to 30 gr per week. Endurance training consisted of running on treadmill with speed of 12 m/min and 10 minutes in the first week to 30 m/min and 60 minutes in the last week. The resistance- endurance group performed resistance training 5 minutes before endurance training and the endurance- resistance group performed endurance training 5 minutes after resistance training. The protein level of S1P was measured in flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and soleus muscles.
Results: The S1P level in fast and slow twitch muscle increased significantly in endurance- resistance training, resistance- endurance training and resistance training compared to controls (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between concurrent training with differing order.
Conclusion: It seems that exercise order in concurrent training result in no different effect on S1P level in fast and slow twitch muscles in wistar rats.

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Background and Objective: Aging and old age are associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, constituents of spirulina may be able to reduce or even improve this process. This study was performed to determine the effects of endurance training and spirulina supplementation on the level of inflammatory cytokines in overweight men.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 40 overweight, middle-aged and elderly men were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups: control-normal, control-overweight, overweight + training, overweight + supplement, and overweight + training + supplement. The training program consisting of an hour of walking on a treadmill, stationary bike workout, and climbing stairs was performed at an intensity of 65% of the maximum heart rate, 3 sessions a week, for 8 weeks. Individuals in the supplement groups received a spirulina tablet (500 mg) twice daily in the morning and evening. Blood sampling was performed after 12 hours of fasting at baseline and 48 hours after the last training session. The level of inflammatory cytokines including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: The levels of TGF-β, IL-6, and TNF-α were higher in the control-overweight group than in the healthy control-normal group (P<0.05). Training and supplementation significantly reduced the inflammatory markers in overweight men (P<0.05). Moreover, the level of inflammatory markers was significantly lower in the training + supplement group compared with the training group and the supplement group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Endurance training combined with spirulina supplementation can significantly reduce inflammatory factors in overweight individuals.
 

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Background and Objective: Considering the role of diet and the use of natural antioxidants in addition to exercise, the attention of researchers has been drawn to take further advantage of the effects of exercise to improve cellular metabolism. Despite the favorable role of exercise and antioxidants on heart health, the simultaneous effect of exercise and consumption of propolis (prepared by bees) is not yet known. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training and propolis against oxidative and myocardial stress in diabetic ovariectomized rats.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 36 female Sprague Dawley rats aged 12-16 weeks and weighing 220-250 grams. Six rats were included in the healthy control group. Diabetes was induced in 30 overiectomized rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Then, the diabetic animals were divided into five groups of six including diabetic ovariectomized control, sham, propolis, endurance training, and endurance training + propolis. Rats in the training groups trained for eight weeks, five sessions per week, with 55-75% VO2 max. Moreover, propolis was administered 100 mg/kg/day by peritoneal injection. The level of Pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and expression of HSP72 and NF-κB genes were measured.
Results: HSP72 expression was significantly higher in the propolis, endurance training, and endurance training + propolis groups. The levels of NF-kB and malonaldehyde were significantly decreased in the ovariectomized diabetic rats (P<0.05). Expression of HSP72 in the endurance training and endurance training + propolis groups were significantly higher than in the propolis group. Moreover, NF-kB in the endurance training and endurance training + propolis groups were significantly lower than in the propolis group (P<0.05). The value of PAB in the propolis and endurance training + propolis groups were significantly lower than in the ovariectomized diabetic rats (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Exercise and consumption of propolis seem to synergistically improve the protective HSP72 pathway and reduce oxidative stress in heart tissue following estrogen dysfunction and diabetes. However, the interaction of the two depends on endurance training.
 

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Background and Objective: Exercise training and Zataria multiflora have a positive effect on health and can modulate cardiovascular risk factors. Adipose tissue-derived factors such as ANGPTL8 and adhesive molecules play an important role in exerting the pathological effects of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance-endurance exercise training combined with Zataria multiflora ingestion on the levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in sedentary overweight and obese men.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 40 sedentary overweight and obese men (with an average body mass index of 28.41±1.75 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to four groups with 10 subjects each. The groups included placebo, Zataria multiflora, training, and training + Zataria multiflora. The exercise training was combined training consisting of resistance-endurance exercise, conducted three times per week over eight weeks. Zataria multiflora supplement consumption was set at 500 mg daily. Blood sampling was conducted before and after the eight-week intervention, and the levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured using the ELISA method.
Results: A significant decrease in serum levels of ANGPTL8 was observed in the training and training + Zataria multiflora groups compared to the placebo and Zataria multiflora groups (P<0.05). A decrease in serum ICAM-1 levels was significant in the training + Zataria multiflora group compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). Statistically significant decreases in serum VCAM-1 levels were observed in the training and training + Zataria multiflora groups compared to the placebo and training + Zataria multiflora groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Zataria multiflora consumption, along with combined training, can have a synergistic effect in decreasing ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 levels.
 

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Background and Objective: Understanding the cellular signaling mechanisms involved in muscle hypertrophy is considered a scientific challenge. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the regulatory factors in this process that increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle through phosphorylation. This study aimed to determine the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscles of adult male Wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 16 adult male Wistar rats (six weeks old and weighing an average of 190.93±4.97g) were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of control and training (n=8). The training group underwent six weeks of HIIT on a treadmill, with five sessions per week. The load was increased during the six weeks from repeating the interval of 30 meters per minute for 30 seconds in the first sessions to eleven repetitions of the interval of 35 meters per minute for 30 seconds at the end of the sixth week, with rest intervals between the intervals at a speed of 13 meters per minute for 60 seconds. The control group did not undergo any training. The mice were anesthetized, and the Vastus lateralis of the quadriceps muscle was extracted. The level of phosphorylated mTOR protein in the quadriceps muscle was measured using the immunohistochemical method.
Results: HIIT significantly increased the levels of mTOR phosphorylation protein in male Wistar quadriceps femoris muscle compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Interval activity can have a positive effect on muscle hypertrophy through mTOR.
 

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Background and Objective: Diabetes leads to impaired blood supply to the peripheral nerves. Sema3A (Semaphorin 3A) is a denervated protein that increases in response to hyperglycemia caused by diabetes. Exercise and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplements can protect against diabetes-induced denervation. This study was done to evaluate the effect of high and moderate-intensity interval training with alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on the expression of Sema3A protein in the soleus muscle of Induced diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, thirty-five male Wistar rats (weight range: 190-220 g, 6-8 weeks old) were randomly allocated into seven groups of five: healthy control, diabetic, diabetic supplement (S), diabetic high-intensity training (HIT), diabetic moderate-intensity training (MIT), diabetic high intensity+supplement (HIT+S), and diabetic moderate intensity training+supplement (MIT+S). Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg/bw). The HIT and MIT protocols were performed five days a week for six weeks. ALA was administered orally at 20 mg/kg daily by gavage. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of Sema3A protein in the soleus muscle. Serum insulin was measured by the ELISA method.
Results: Diabetes leads to increased level of glucose, Sema3A, and a significant decrease in insulin in the soleus muscle compared to healthy (P<0.05). HIT and MIT in combination with ALA, significantly showed lower expression of Sema3A Protein than in the diabetic group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Although HIT and MIT can reduce the expression of Sema3A protein in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats, combining alpha-lipoic acid supplementation with exercise training is more effective in reducing the amount of denervation.

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Background and Objective: Obesity is a well-known public health problem that affects people of all ages. It has myriad effects on several body tissues, including the thyroid, in both human and animal models. Some treatments, such as dietary modification and physical activity, may be effective or ineffective in reducing obesity. Accordingly, the present research investigated the effects of obesity on thyroid tissue and the impact of diet modification and aerobic exercises on histopathological and hormonal changes in the thyroid tissue of obese male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, for obesity induction, 50 three-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to a high-fat diet (including 40% fat, 40% protein, and 20% carbohydrate) for 12 weeks. Then, 25 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control, obese + high-fat diet, obese + normal diet, obese + high-fat diet + aerobic, obese + normal diet + aerobic. After the induction of obesity, 2 groups were given a standard diet (including 20% fat, 10% protein, and 70% carbohydrates). Aerobic exercises for 8 weeks included 30 minutes per day, 8 m/min, and 5 days per week. After anesthesia, an autopsy was performed, and the thyroid tissue was sent to the laboratory for histopathological studies. Also, 5 cc of blood was taken to study TSH, T3, and T4 using a radioimmunoassay kit.
Results: The serum levels of TSH hormone increased slightly in the high-fat diet groups compared to the control group and the normal diet with/without aerobic activity group. Also, the amount of T3 hormone in the group receiving a normal diet along with aerobic activity was significantly lower than in the control, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet along with aerobic activity groups (P<0.05). The T4 hormone increased significantly in all obesity groups compared to the control group (P<0.05), and these values were at the level of the control group (P<0.05) only in the group receiving the normal diet along with aerobic activity. Regarding the histopathological results, many changes were found in the follicular, parafollicular, and follicle cells of the thyroid tissue in the obesity group continuing the high-fat diet; these changes were significantly reduced in the groups for which the diet was changed to the normal diet alone and with aerobic activity.
Conclusion: Induction of obesity causes significant structural and biochemical changes in the thyroid, and the combination of diet modification and aerobic activity is more effective in alleviating these changes.

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Background and Objective: Paraquat toxicity can damage organisms through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Evidence shows that regular exercise and appropriate antioxidant supplements can help reduce the complications caused by paraquat toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training, along with piperine supplement, on the liver levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in Wistar rats induced with paraquat.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult Wistar rats were randomly placed into 5 groups of 8, including 1) sham, 2) negative control-paraquat, 3) paraquat + training, 4) paraquat + training + piperine, and 5) paraquat + piperine. Aerobic training included 7 weeks of walking on a treadmill (5 sessions per week for 30-40 min per session, at a speed of 10-18 m/min). Paraquat was administered to the rats by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight. The piperine supplement was daily gavaged at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight. The concentration of TNF-a and IL-10 was measured in the liver tissue.
Results: A significant increase in IL-10 and a decrease in TNF-a concentrations were observed between the paraquat-negative control groups compared to the sham, paraquat + exercise, paraquat + piperine, and paraquat + exercise + piperine groups (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean concentrations of TNF-a in the liver tissue between the two negative control groups - paraquat with paraquat + piperine supplement (P<0.05), paraquat + exercise + piperine (P<0.05), paraquat + exercise (P<0.05), and sham (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in concentrations of IL-10 in the liver tissue between the two negative control groups - paraquat with paraquat + piperine supplement, paraquat + exercise + piperine, paraquat + exercise), and sham (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The concentration of TNF-a and IL-10 in male rats induced with paraquat were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, compared to paraquat + piperine supplement, paraquat + exercise + piperine, paraquat + exercise, and sham groups. Therefore, it seems that performing aerobic exercise, along with piperine supplementation, can be a proper way to reduce the inflammation caused by paraquat.

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Background and Objective: Obesity and overweight, one of which symptoms is chronic inflammation, is associated with changes in tryptophan metabolism, culminating in numerous diseases. Sport training is among the ways to control obesity and overweight. This study was conducted to determine the effect of eight weeks of endurance training on amino acid tryptophan serum levels and body mass of overweight women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 24 overweight women in two groups of 12 people, including the control and experimental groups. The mean age and standard deviation of the control and experimental groups were 41.16±3.45 and 41.08±2.93 years, respectively. The body mass was measured using the anthropometric device, and blood samples were taken in the pre-test and post-test in a 12-hour fasting condition. The subjects of the experimental group underwent endurance training 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks with an intensity of 60% to 75% of the maximal heart rate reserve. Serum tryptophan level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Results: Eight weeks of endurance training led to enhancing serum tryptophan levels, reducing fat mass, and reducing body mass index (BMI) (P<0.05), and also resulted in a statistically insignificant increase in fat-free mass in overweight women.
Conclusion: Eight weeks of endurance training could be effective in improving the physiological status and body composition of overweight women.

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Background and Objective: Oxidative stress can harm cells, proteins, and DNA and play a role in the aging process. The present study was conducted to determine the impacts of six weeks of Pilates exercises and Lycium barbarum supplement on oxidative stress indices of saliva and body composition of inactive elderly females.
Methods: This field trial was carried out on 49 inactive elderly females. The subjects were selected in a purposeful manner and were randomly assigned to 4 groups, including control, supplement, exercise, and exercise plus supplement. The exercise program protocol was implemented for six weeks, three 45-60 minute sessions per week with an intensity of 50-70% maximum heart rate. The Lycium barbarum supplement group used 14 g of supplement daily. Oxidative stress indices of saliva and body composition were compared. The individuals’ physical activity level was determined using the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) and the samples’ health status was specified using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
Results: The amount of malondialdehyde had a statistically significant reduction in the exercise plus supplement group compared to the control group, the exercise group, and the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of malondialdehyde was not statistically significant in the exercise group and the supplement group compared to the control group. The amount of salivary catalase was not statistically significant in the exercise group plus supplement group compared to the control group, the exercise group, and the supplement group. The amount of salivary catalase had a statistically significant increase in the exercise group compared to the control group and the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of glutathione peroxidase had no statistically significant difference in the exercise plus supplement group compared to the control group but had a statistically significant increase compared to the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of glutathione peroxidase had a statistically significant increase in the exercise group than in the supplement group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Regular exercise with moderate intensity and Lycium barbarum supplement resulted in improved antioxidant function and body composition in inactive elderly females.

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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

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Background and Objective: Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug associated with severe psychosocial consequences and is extensively abused. This study aimed to determine the effects of four weeks of aerobic exercise and berberine supplementation on the expression of dopamine 5 receptor and poly (adenosin diphosphat [ADP]-ribose polymerase (PARP) genes in the heart tissue of methamphetamine-exposed rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups of six: Control, methamphetamine, methamphetamine + aerobic exercise, methamphetamine + berberine, and methamphetamine + aerobic exercise + berberine. Intraperitoneal injections of methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) and aerobic exercise and berberine consumption (100 mg/kg) were administered for 4 weeks during the withdrawal period. The expression levels of dopamine 5 receptor and PARP genes was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: There was no significant difference in PARP gene expression between the methamphetamine group (1.02±0.65) and the control group (1.02±0.24). Similarly, there was no significant difference in dopamine 5 receptor gene expression between the methamphetamine group (5.74±4.94) and the control group (4.76±2.63). The expression levels of PARP and dopamine 5 receptor genes following exercise (1.01±0.55 and 4.30±1.96, respectively), berberine supplementation (0.61±0.25 and 2.97±1.45, respectively), and the combined intervention (0.67±0.30 and 3.43±1.87, respectively) showed no significant differences between the groups.
Conclusion: Short-term methamphetamine induction did not induce significant changes in the expression of dopamine 5 receptor and PARP genes in the hearts of methamphetamine-exposed rats.

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Vitamin D deficiency affects a broad range of health-related factors. Both obesity and vitamin D deficiency are associated with the development of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Inflammation can culminate in decreased vitamin D levels through the induction of oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that exercise may improve vitamin D status. However, the effects of exercise interventions on inflammation and oxidative stress in the coexistence of vitamin D deficiency and obesity/overweight are not well-established. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on inflammation and oxidative stress in vitamin D deficiency status accompanied by obesity/overweight. A search for articles from 2006 to 2023 was conducted in specialized databases of PubMed, Scopus, and state inpatient database (SID). The searched studies were original research articles, reviews, and clinical trials selected using the keywords of vitamin D deficiency, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, chemokine, exercise, obesity, and overweight. According to the studies, regular exercise can inhibit the vicious cycle of oxidative stress-inflammation in vitamin D deficiency status accompanied by obesity/overweight by negatively regulating some inflammatory factors and chemokines, reducing lipid peroxidation levels, and increasing antioxidant status. Moreover, the increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels resulting from exercise can be considered another mechanism for reducing oxidative stress-inflammation in vitamin D deficiency status accompanied by obesity/overweight.

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Background and Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among obese individuals, with multiple underlying mechanisms contributing to this condition. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and vitamin D supplementation on the levels of inflammatory markers, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in young women with vitamin D deficiency.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 39 sedentary women with vitamin D deficiency were randomly assigned to three groups: A control group, a HIIT-based running group, and a combined group (training + vitamin D). The training program included 12 one-minute repetitions of running at 80% to 90% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) and one minute of active rest at 50% HRmax, performed three sessions per week. Vitamin D supplementation was used weekly at a dose of 50,000 IU. TGF-β1 and TNF-α levels were measured and compared before and after the intervention.
Results: After 8 weeks of HIIT-based running, with and without vitamin D supplementation, the levels of inflammatory markers, TGF-β1 and TNF-α, showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the control group (P<0.05). The mean percentage change in TGF-β1 and TNF-α was also significantly greater in the combined group than in the training group without vitamin D supplementation (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Following 8 weeks of HIIT-based running, both inflammatory markers, TGF-β1 and TNF-α decreased in the study subjects, and this reduction was more pronounced in the vitamin D-receiving group.

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Background and Objective: The beta-catenin (β-catenin) and T-cell factor 1 (TCF1) genes play a crucial role in bone development and remodeling. This study was conducted to determine the effect of combined resistance-aerobic exercise training on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and bone remodeling in a rat model of aging.
Methods: In this experimental study, 16 aged male Wistar rats (22 months old, weighing approximately 300–350 g) were randomly assigned to two groups: Control and training (n = 8 per group). Additionally, 8 young male rats (3 months old, weighing approximately 190–230 g) were included as a young control group. The training program consisted of eight weeks of combined resistance-aerobic exercise training program, with five sessions per week. Forty-eight hours after the final training session, the rats were anesthetized via intraperitoneal injection of ketamine and xylazine and subsequently sacrificed. Femoral bone tissue samples were isolated under sterile conditions. The expression levels of the target genes were evaluated using the real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.
Results: Following eight weeks of combined resistance-aerobic exercise training, a statistically significant increase was observed in the expression of β-catenin and TCF1 genes compared to the aged group (P<0.05). Specifically, the expression levels of β-catenin and TCF1 genes in the aged training group demonstrated a significant statistical increase compared to the aged control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Performing combined resistance-aerobic exercise training for eight weeks resulted in a significant increase in the expression of β-catenin and TCF1 genes within the bone tissue of aged rats.