[Changes in C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and lipid biomarkers in sedentary middle-aged men after resistance exercise]

Background: The risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the elderly, obese and sedentary population is high. Exercise can improve metabolic disorders associated with these diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks resistance exercises on C-reactive protein [CRP], Interleukin-6 [IL-6] and lipid biomarkers in sedentary middle-aged men.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2012 in the city of Sari. In this study, 24 subjects were randomly divided into two groups; experimental and control group [each group 12]. The resistance exercise program was performed for eight weeks, 3 times a week, 90 minutes per session, with intensity of 60-70 one repetition maximum. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15 and P<0.05 was statistically considered significant.

Results: The results showed that in the resistance exercise group, CRP, IL-6 and percent body fat decreased by 19.14%, 11.00% and 9.55%, respectively [P<0.05]. Although, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were unchanged in two groups [P>0.05].

Conclusion: Eight weeks resistance exercises, through decreasing CRP and IL-6 levels, two known new risk factors, can reduce atherosclerosis and be effective in cardiovascular health.

effects of Ramadan fasting and physical activity on body composition and hematological-biochemical parameters

Hunger and reduction in regular energy intake can lead to a number of problems based on their intensity. For instance, low energy level can cause blood cell production to decline or it may pose a higher risk of anemia. It can also weaken the immune system and platelet aggregation or negatively affect clot formation. This study aimed to have a closer look at fasting and regular physical activity and their impacts on body composition and blood hematological-biochemical parameters among professional wrestlers. In this semi-experimental study, 9 subjects were selected by convenience sampling. The selected training program included participation in this exerciseprogram, 90 min per session, 6 times per week for a period of one month. Blood samples were obtained four times: before the start of Ramadan, 2 weeks after the start, during the last week and 2 weeks after the end of Ramadan. To make intra-group comparison, repeated measure analysis of variance was used. For all statistical comparisons, the level of significance was considered at P<0.05. Body weight and red blood cell count [RBC] dropped significantly at the end of Ramadan [Respectively P= 0.001 and P=0.034]. However, the number of white blood cells [WBC] and circulating platelets [PLT] significantly increased during fasting [Respectively P= 0.048 and P=0.042]. As a matter of fact, PLT and WBC were the only factors which dramatically increased during fasting. Intra-group variations of tetracycline [TC], lowdensity lipoprotein [LDL], LDL: high-density lipoprotein [HDL], triglyceride [TG]: HDL and TC: HDL reduced at the end of Ramadan. However, HDL levels drastically increased during fasting [P

effect of ramadan fasting and physical activity on homocysteine and fibrinogen concentrations in overweight women

Increased levels of certain markers like fibrinogen and Homocysteine are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Considering the numerous favorable effects of healthful nutrition and physical activity on reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, in this study we intend to take into account fasting and physical activity during the month of Ramadan and their impacts on Homocysteine and fibrinogen concentrations in overweight women. In this experiment, 22 overweight and obese women with a body mass index [BMI] of greater than 25 kg/m² aging from 20 to 45 years were enrolled into two groups by means of targeted-sampling method. One group involved fasting accompanied with regular physical activity [12 subjects] and the other group involved only fasting [10 subjects]. The protocol for the physical activity group consisted of three 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise per week with a 50% to 65% of heart rate reserve. Towards the end of Ramadan, the anthropometric and blood levels of Homocysteine and fibrinogen were closely measured. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and the significance level of P

[Effect of eight week moderate exercise training on Angiotensin converting enzyme gene expression and angiotensin II activity in middle-aged men]

The aim of this research is investigation of angiotensin converting enzyme gene expression and angiotensin II activity in middle-aged men, following to eight weeks moderate exercise. This study was a semi-experimental research with a repeated measures design. From 96 volunteer middle-aged men, 20 subject [age range of 45-55 years] participated in this study after signing an informed consent form. Next, subject divided in two groups of training [10 person] and control [10] groups and performed the eight weeks moderate exercise training [time: 45 minutes, speed: 50-65 maximal heart rate, slope: 0%]. Blood samples were collected in three times: baseline, after 4 week and after 8 week, and Real time- PCR[Polymerase Chain Reaction] was used for evaluation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme [ACE] mRNA and Elisa methods for angiotensin II [Ang II]. Angll activity in training group were not significantly changed after 4 weeks exercise training [p=0.255] but significantly increased after 8 weeks [p= 0.004]. In control groups Ang II increased after 4 and 8 weeks exercise training [respectively; p=0.952 and p=0.876]. ACE gene expression was significantly reduced in training group after 4 and 8 weeks [p=0.001], but in control group, ACE gene expression was not increased after 4 weeks of no regular exercises [p=0.35], but after 8 weeks, ACE mRNA significantly increased [p=0.001]. Moderate exercise training has reduced the genetic and blood markers of blood pressure in middle-aged men, but not doing regular exercises increased this factor

Influence of selected exercise on serum immunoglobulin, testosterone and cortisol in semi-endurance elite runners

The aim of this study was to compare the levels of serum immunoglobulin [IgA, IgM, IgG], testosterone and cortisol in semi-endurance elite runners during general preparation and competition phase of training. Thirteen semi-endurance elite male runners with an average age of 18.92 +/- 1.7 years volunteered to take part in this study. The runners participated in the selected training for a period of 14 weeks and 12 sessions per week [in the morning and afternoon]. Blood samples were collected during the three phases of training [before-preparation phase, after-preparation phase and beforecompetition phase]. Data were analyzed by repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test, at a significance level of P<0.05. The levels of serum IgM in semi-endurance elite runners after preparation phase reduced significantly [P=0.004], while these levels during the competition phase increased even though significantly. The levels of serum IgG and IgA also reduced, however not significantly, during both phases. Moreover, after preparation phase, there was no significant change in serum IgA levels; though, these levels reduced, however not significantly, before competition phase. Cortisol levels significantly decrease after preparation phase [P=0.04]; although, it increased before competition phase. Testosterone/cortisol ratio increases significantly after preparation phase [P=0.04], and it decreased before competition phase. Testosterone levels intangibility increased and decreased respectively after preparation and before competition phases. Findings indicated that long and intensive exercises weaken the immune system, while moderate and short drills strengthened this system

[Effects of resistance and endurance exercises on androgens, cortisol and lactate in elderly women]

The basal levels of androgens in women decline gradually with age. These changes may reduce muscle strength and bone density leading to fatigue and psychological problems. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance and endurance exercises on androgens, cortisol and lactate concentrations in elderly women. In this study, 10 elderly women with a mean age of 54.3 +/- 3.74 years and a BMI of 24.88 +/- 2.07 kg/m[2] completed an endurance exercise session [ES], a resistance exercise session [RS], and a control session [CS] in a randomized, cross-balanced design. The RS consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions of eight exercises with 80% 1RM [one repetition maximum] over of 45 minutes and the ES consisted of cycling at 60%-70% of maximum oxygen consumption for 45 minutes. During the CS, subjects performed no exercise. Before and immediately after exercises, and after 15 minutes of recovery, and also during CS blood samples were obtained an analyzed for serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol and lactate. There was a significant increase in testosterone levels following resistance and endurance exercise sessions [P<0.05]. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate demonstrated a significant increase after resistance exercise [P<0.05]. While differences in cortisol levels were not significant within groups, but they were significant [P<0.05] between groups. A session of resistance exercise in elderly women can increase concentrations of androgens that are essential for their health and well-being