Combined Ursolic Acid and Resistance/Endurance Training Improve Type 3 Diabetes Biomarkers-Related Memory Deficits in Hippocampus of Aged Male Wistar Rats.

Background: Both aging and diabetes are two well-established risk factors related to type 3 diabetes and memory deficits. Accordingly, diabetes multiplies the effects of aging on cognition impairments once these conditions occur simultaneously. Methods: In this present experimental study, 56 male Wistar rats with HFD/STZ-induced T2D were randomized into seven groups (n = eight animals per group): (1) sedentary old non-diabetic (C); (2) sedentary HFD/STZ-induced T2D (D); (3) sedentary HFD/STZ-induced T2D plus UA (UA) (DU); (4) endurance-trained HFD/STZ-induced T2D (DE); (5) resistance-trained HFD/STZ-induced T2D (DR); (6) endurance-trained HFD/STZ-induced T2D plus UA (DEU); and (7) resistance-trained STZ-diabetic plus UA (DRU) rats. Two-way ANOVA was applied to measure the training, supplementation, and interaction effect on serum and gene expression outcomes. Result: The study results established no significant interaction effect between the UA supplementation and the resistance/endurance training with regard to the levels of glucose (P = 0.534), insulin (P = 0.327), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (P = 0.191), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (P = 0.448). Conclusions: To develop novel practical nutritional strategies involving UA intake, further studies are thus needed to clarify how chronic consumption of UA with/without resistance/endurance training reverses cognition disorder process in old male Wistar rats with HFD/STZ-induced T2D.

The Effects of 4-Week Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of CCl2, CCl5, and their Respective Receptors in Female BALB/C Mice Suffering from Breast Cancer.

Background: The studies reported that chemokines Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) have tumor-promoting roles in breast cancer (BC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of continuous aerobic exercise (AE) on chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 and their relative receptors in animal model of human BC. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were divided randomly into four groups included cancer control (CC) and three other groups. The total duration of the experiment was 14 weeks, including 2 weeks of familiarization of mice with treadmills and three of 4-week periods of experiment. Tumor inoculation and formation were performed in the second 4-week period. Group 1 received AE in the first 4-week, Group 2 received AE in the second 4-week and Group 3 in the third 4-week. Results: The CCL2 was reduced significantly in Groups 1, 2, and 3 compared to control (F3,12= 4705, P = 0.0001). In terms of CCL5, a significant decrease was seen only between Group 3 and control. Western blot results showed a significant reduction in C-C chemokine receptor Type 2 (CCR2) between Group 1 versus CC and Group 2 versus CC (F3,20= 1.812, P = 0.004). In terms of C-C chemokine receptor Type 5 (CCR5) a significant decrease was observed between Group 2 versus control and Group 3 versus control (F3,20= 273.3, P = 0.042), (P = 0.004). Conclusion: It can be concluded that 4-week AE significantly reduces the chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 and their respective receptors levels CCR5 and CCR2 in different stages, and it may have an inhibitory effect on tumor growth.

Effects of 8-Week Noncontinuous Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of CCL2, CCL5, and their Respective Receptors in Female BALB/C Mice Suffering from Breast Cancer.

Background: Recently, the importance of chemokines and their receptors in carcinogenesis and the protective role of aerobic exercise in primary cancer development and progression is highlighted. Based on the facts that endurance exercise may result in hypoxia condition, and in addition, the effect of exercise therapy on the levels of CCL2, CCR2, and their related receptors in breast cancer (BC) model has not been investigated so far, therefore we aimed to evaluate the effect of eight-week noncontinuous aerobic training on the levels of CCL2, CCL5, and their related receptors; CCR2 and CCR5 in female BALB/C mice with BC. Methods: Thirty-two BALB/C mice (4-5 weeks old) were randomly divided to four 8-member groups of control and experimental. The experimental group received 8 weeks of noncontinuous aerobic exercises (AEs) while the control group did not receive any exercises during these 8 weeks. After last of experiment, 5 ml of blood was taken from each rat's lower inferior vein. The plasma levels of CCL2 and CCL5 were measured by ELISA and CCR2 and CCR5 by western blot. Tumor volume also measured in each step. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA test and the SPSS v. 0.24 Software. Results: After 8 weeks of participation in noncontinuous AEs, a statistically significant decrease was made between the control and experimental groups in terms of CCL2, CCL5, and CCR2 levels, as well as tumor volume. However, there was no significant difference between groups in terms of CCR5 level. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the 8 weeks of noncontinuous AEs did not result in CCR5 reduction while resulting in a statistically significant decrease in CCL2, CCL5, CCR2, and tumor volume.

Studying the Effect of Garlic Consumption and Endurance Training on Serum Levels of Some Pro-and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Female Mice with Breast Cancer - A Randomized Trial.

Background: This study aimed to determine the effect of garlic consumption and endurance training on the serum levels of some pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in female mice with breast cancer. Methods: This study is an experimental research randomly conducted on 32 female BALB/c mice divided into 4 equal groups (N = 8), including: Cancer Control (CC), Garlic Supplementation (GS), Endurance Training (ET), Endurance Training + Garlic Supplementation (ET + GS). One million cancerous cells were injected to all mice's upper right thigh using the subcutaneous injection method. Exercise groups performed endurance training for 8 weeks (5 days a week.(Garlic supplement groups received 1 ml of the garlic extract orally per kilogram of body weight. The control groups -were not given any task, activity or exercise during the research. At the end of the research, all the mice were anesthetized, and their blood samples were collected. Results: The period of 8-week simultaneous endurance exercise and consumption of garlic supplement significantly decreased the serum level of interleukin-6 (F = 75 P = 0.00), interleukin-8 (F = 97.9 P = 0.00), and interleukin-17 (F = 95.7 P = 0.00), and increased the serum level of interleukin-10 (F = 50.4 P = 0.00). Conclusions: Along with other existing methods, reduction of inflammatory factors, endurance exercises and consumption of garlic supplement have been proved to be an extremely effective treatment for breast cancer patients.

Irisin, A Mediator of Muscle Crosstalk with Other Organs: From Metabolism Regulation to Protective and Regenerative Effects.

Physical exercise is a therapeutic strategy for some systemic and non-systemic complications. Various processes or factors like myokines are involved in an exercise course. Irisin is produced in skeletal muscle during exercise, and its effects resemble many exercise effects. Besides the systemic effects of muscle-derived irisin, this peptide is produced in different tissues. Numerous studies have investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of irisin effects. Despite some controversies, most studies have demonstrated the improvement of metabolic-related complications and immunomodulatory or regenerative mechanisms in correlation with the circulating level of this peptide or after in vivo/in vitro treatments that have introduced it as a peptide with therapeutic value. This review describes the similarities and differences of the effects in various tissues and their correlation with the most prevalent tissue-related complication to present a view for the mechanism(s) of function, efficacy, and safety of this peptide in each tissue as an exercise effector and endocrine peptide.

Age-related biochemical dysfunction in 6-OHDA model rats subject to induced- endurance exercise.

Exercise can alleviate the disorders considered as the normal consequences of aging. Whether or not the treadmill endurance training affects the biochemical markers in the Parkinson's disease model rats after the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection is assessed in this article. The experimental groups of N=8 rats consist of 1) Saline and Young sedentary (S-Young); 2) Saline and Old sedentary (S-Old); 3) Young and 6-OHDA without exercise (Y); 4) Young and 6-OHDA with exercise (YE); 5) Old and 6-OHDA without exercise (O); and 6) Old and 6-OHDA with exercise (OE). An 8 µg of 6-OHDA is injected into the right MFB. The rotation due to apomorphine, weight variation, and some biochemical expression are measured in the rats' striatum. Exposure to 6-OHDA: increase weight loss by (%8) and rotation by (%90), reduce the protein levels of Bdnf by (30%), Th by (43%), and Tfam by (24%), in aging rats (P<0.05). The P53 level rose after the injection compared with the same Saline group (Old rats: 27% and Young rats: 14%), the highest in the O group. The findings indicate that endurance exercise amends the mitochondrial parameters and the apomorphine-induced rotation impairments in the presence of 6-OHDA injection. These positive effects of treadmill running in unilateral 6-OHDA lesioned rat model are age-dependent and are more significant in younger rats.

The Effect of All Extremity High Intensity Interval Training on Athero-Protective Factors and Endothelial Function in Overweight and Obese Women.

CONTEXT: Obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as hormones are highly contributive in cardiovascular system, while they are disrupted through obesity. Weight-bearing high intensity interval training (HIIT) as an effective procedure in preventing obesity-related complications in adults with obesity may be limited due to the subjects' muscular weakness and complications interfering walking. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of non-weight bearing all extremity HIIT (all ex. HIIT) on FGF21, adiponectin, nitric oxide (NO), and flow mediated dilation (FMD) in overweight and obese women. METHODS: Thirty healthy overweight and obese sedentary university female students within 20.53 ± 1.50 age range and BMI ≥27 kg.m-2 were assigned in two experimental and control groups. All ex. HIIT consisted of 4 × 4 min at 85-90% max HR with an interspersed with 3 × 3 min recovery per round at 70% max HR by upper and lower ergometers in a simultaneous manner on 10 weeks of four sessions of 40 min each. FGF21, adiponectin, NO, FMD, weight, waist and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured in pre and post-tests. Paired sample t-test and analysis of covariance are applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Results indicated a significant increase in adiponectin (P ≤ 0.01) and FMD (P ≤ 0.001), while there existed no changes in FGF21 at (P ≥ 0.10) and NO (P ≥ 0.84). The weight and waist decreased at (P ≤ 0.001), and the VO2max increased at (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: All ex. HIIT may be a safe alternative for overweigh and obese women who have complications with weight-bearing exercises, and may increase adiponectin, and improve the FMD, aerobic fitness, and body composition.

Impact of resistance training and basic ferritin on hepcidin, iron status and some inflammatory markers in overweight/obese girls.

BACKGROUND: Exercise can reduce hepcidin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 and improve the iron status, but the intensity of exercises is very important. This study will compare the effect of resistance training (RT) intensity on hepcidin levels, iron status, and inflammatory markers in overweight/obese girls with and without iron stores deficient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 students of the University of Isfahan (18-22-year old, with 35 > body mass index [BMI] ≥25) voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups with 20 participants, based on serum ferritin (>30 ng/ml or ≤30 ng/ml). Participants in each group were randomly and equally assigned to one of the moderate or high-intensity training groups. RT was performed 8 weeks, 4 days a week, and each session for 1 h, with an elastic band. The iron levels, hepcidin, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, hemoglobin, TNF-α, and IL-6 before and after intervention were collected with the blood samples. Two-way analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of exercise and ferritin level and their interaction, and the paired test was utilized for test changes from baseline. RESULTS: There are no significant interactions between ferritin levels and exercise intensity for the main outcomes (all P > 0.05). The significant impact of the mode of exercise was observed in TNF-α (P < 0.05), and a significant difference between low and high levels of ferritin was observed in hepcidin (P = 0.002). Besides, in all four groups, significant decreases were observed in BMI (28.00 ± 3.00 to 27.00 ± 3.00), hepcidin (1234.02 ± 467.00 to 962.06 ± 254.00), and TNF-α (223.00 ± 99.00 to 174.00 ± 77.00) compared to the baseline measurements (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Basal ferritin levels appear to be effective on hepcidin levels, TNF-α, and IL-6 after the intervention. RT with two different intense can reduce BMI, hepcidin, ferritin, and TNF-α in all groups. It seems that performing RT reduces inflammation and hepcidin in obese/overweight participants with different iron stores.

The Effects of 8-Week Resistance and Endurance Trainings on Bone Strength Compared to Irisin Injection Protocol in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a prevalent elderly complication that is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk because of dysregulation in bone mineralization and resorption. Physical activity can enhance bone strength by exerting mechanical forces and myokines. Irisin is a myokine that is increased following physical exercise and can affect bones. In this study, 8 weeks of resistance and endurance exercises are applied in mice compared to irisin injection to assess the contribution of the protocols and this myokine to bone strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male NMRI mice were separated into five groups; control, placebo, irisin injection, resistance exercise, and endurance exercise. 8-week of exercise protocols and irisin injection protocol (100 µg/kg/week) was applied. Plasma irisin concentration and bone strength were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay and 3-point bending assay, respectively. Statistical analyses were done through one-way ANOVA and Tukey test, and P < 0.05 was considered the significant difference. RESULTS: Serum irisin concentration and bone strength in resistance exercise and irisin-injected groups were significantly higher than control and placebo groups (P < 0.0001). Serum irisin concentration, but not bone strength, of the endurance exercise group was also significantly higher than control and placebo groups (P < 0.0001) but lower than resistance and irisin-injected groups. CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise and irisin injection, but not endurance exercise, are likely to be effective in increasing bone strength. There may be a threshold for plasma irisin level to affect bones which the applied protocols of irisin injection and resistance exercise but not endurance exercise can reach.

The effect of high intensity functional training on the oxidative status, muscle damage and performance of basketball players.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 10 weeks of two different in-season training programs on the oxidative status and muscle damage and performance of professional basketball players. We hypothesized that high intensity functional training (HIFT) induces more redox sensitive adaptations than common strength and conditioning training (CSCT). METHODS: Twenty professional basketball players of Iran national women's basketball league (age 21.95±2.45, years of experience 7.15±1.7), were divided into two equal training groups; HIFT and CSCT (in average of 80-150 and 180-240 minutes per week respectively). Blood samples and performance tests including VO2max, basketball simulated performance (BEST), anaerobic power, agility and vertical jump were taken before and after training. Oxidative status and tissue damage were assessed through xanthine oxidase, total antioxidant capacity, pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and creatine kinase. Data were analyzed through repeated measure mixed ANOVA. RESULTS: BEST, average power and Fatigue Index significantly improved in HIFT group (α<0.05). VO2max and agility t-test improved significantly in both groups (α<0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups. Lateral agility and vertical jump did not change significantly in neither of the groups. No significant group × time interaction was observed in the biochemical factors. XO increased, TAC and CK decreased significantly in both groups (α<0.05), with no significant change in PAB in neither of the groups after training. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study showed no oxidative stress and tissue damage in none of the training groups, recommending the implication of more time-efficient HIFT method into the in-season training of team sports.

Exercise-Induced Neuroprotection in the 6-Hydroxydopamine Parkinson's Disease Model.

Exercise exerts helpful effects in Parkinson's disease. In this study, the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection was used to investigate the effect of exercise on apomorphine-induced rotation and neurorestoration. Rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups: (1) Saline+Noexercise (Sham); (2) 6-OHDA+Noexercise (6-OHDA); (3) Saline+Exercise (S+EXE), and (4) 6-OHDA+Exercise (6-OHDA+EXE). The rats were administered 8 µg 6-OHDA by injection into the right medial forebrain bundle. After 2 weeks, the exercise group was run (14 consecutive days, 30 min per day). One month after the surgery, following the injection of apomorphine, the 6-OHDA group displayed a significant increase in rotation and the 6-OHDA+EXE group showed a significant reduction of rotational asymmetry (P < 0.001). 6-OHDA injection reduced the mRNA and protein expression of the AMP-activated protein kinase, brain-derived neurotropic factor, and tyrosine hydroxylase in relation to the Sham group and exercise increased these levels. Expression of the silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha was unexpectedly enhanced in the 6-OHDA groups in relation to the Sham group. These findings suggest that the 6-OHDA injection increased the neurodegeneration and mitochondrial and behavioral dysfunctions and the treadmill running attenuated these disorders in the ipsilateral striatum of the 6-OHDA+EXE group.

The effect of preventive exercise on the neuroprotection in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat brain.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by neurodegeneration and learning deficiency. Physical exercise can alleviate these symptoms by increasing the expression of some effective and relevant factors. The preventive effect of 16-week treadmill running in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, before 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induction, was assessed. Experimental groups consisted of sedentary (SED), SED+6-OHDA, exercised (EX), and EX+6-OHDA rats. Forty-eight hours after the last session of exercise, 6-OHDA was injected into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). One week after the injection, behavioral tests, including spatial learning and memory, were assessed through Morris water maze (MWM) and apomorphine-induced rotation. Three weeks after the injection, mRNA expression and protein levels of the transcriptional co-activator peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α), fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were measured in the striatum and the hippocampus of rats by applying real-time PCR and Western blotting. The findings indicate that exposure to 6-OHDA leads to impairments in behavioral and molecular functions. Exercise training prevents and reduces the symptoms caused by dopamine toxins. The results suggest that treadmill running can exert neuroprotective and have preventive effects to reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms. Novelty Parkinson's disease impairs spatial learning and memory. Parkinson's disease reduced levels of PGC-1α, FNDC5, and BDNF and increased neurodegeneration in the striatum and the hippocampus. Treadmill running before disease attenuated 6-OHDA-induced memory deficit and elevated neuroprotection. Exercise has multiple effects on memory and biochemical factors.

Effects of Preventive Treadmill Exercise on the Recovery of Metabolic and Mitochondrial Factors in the 6-Hydroxydopamine Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in Parkinson's disease, while exercise can induce essential pathways of mitochondrial biogenesis. Here, we tested whether long-term preventive treadmill training (16 weeks, 21 m/min, and 0° inclinations for 50 min/d, 5 d/week) effects the mitochondrial and neurodegeneration markers, in the striatum of rats in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease. Following 16 weeks of exercise or no exercise period (n = 16 rats per group), the animals were divided into four experimental groups (n = 8 per group): (1) no exercise and saline (SED), (2) exercise and saline (EX), (3) no exercise and 6-OHDA (SED + 6-OHDA), and (4) exercise and 6-OHDA (EX + 6-OHDA). For the model, 8 µg of 6-OHDA (2 µg/µL prepared in a solution of 0.2% ascorbic acid and 0.9% saline) was injected into the right medial forebrain bundle. Exposure to 6-OHDA resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of mitochondrial factors AMP-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha, and tyrosine hydroxylase, and increased expression of silent information regulator T1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and p53 in the SED + 6-OHDA group relative to SED group. By contrast, gene and protein expressions upon exercise were higher and p53 protein level was lower in the EX + 6-OHDA group compared with SED + 6-OHDA. Further, exercise reduced the extent of weight loss associated with the 6-OHDA injection. In conclusion, exercise might be used to reduce mitochondrial disorders in Parkinson's disease.

Comparative studies on the effects of high-fat diet, endurance training and obesity on Ucp1 expression in male C57BL/6 mice.

BACKGROUND: Obesity triggers a variety of severe conditions, therefore deteriorates metabolism rate of adipose tissues and muscles. Uncoupling proteins which are highly stimulated by fatty acids are potential targets for anti-obesity agents through breaking the electron gradient in the mitochondrial matrix and creating imbalances in the electron transport chain, thereby increasing the amount of substrate used to produce energy. Therefore, the aim of present study is assessment of exercise and high fat diet on expression level of Ucp1 subcutaneous white and brown adipose tissues (scWAT & BAT) respectively. METHODS: To perform experiments, 48 male C57BL/6 mice were divided to two major groups and fed with high fat diet (HFD) or low fat diet (LFD) during a period of 12 weeks. After the first intervention, each groups was divided into four groups randomly as (HF-EX), (HF-SED), (LF-EX), (LF-SED) [EX: exercise; SED: sedentary] in form of treadmill running for 45 min/day, 5 days/week during 8 weeks. One day after the last practice session, mice were sacrificed and Ucp1 expression was assessed on scWAT & BAT. RESULTS: Data indicated a down-regulation in scWAT Ucp1 in obese mice similar to what observed for the expression of Pgc1α. Both, BAT Ucp1 and Pgc1α mRNA decreased significantly in response to obesity and physical activity. Moreover, exercise caused significant decrease in scWAT mitochondrial proteins contradictory to BAT. CONCLUSION: Taken together, exercise exerted controversial effects compared with HFD and obesity on expression of Ucp1 and Pgc1α in scWAT dissimilar to BAT tissues, concluding that obesity may cause a resistance to exercise in terms of metabolic demands for scWAT tissue.

A comparative study on the effects of high-fat diet and endurance training on the PGC-1α-FNDC5/irisin pathway in obese and nonobese male C57BL/6 mice.

The present study was performed to clarify how a combined exercise/diet treatment could affect the expression level of the muscle fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (Fndc5) with respect to body fat mass. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 2 groups including low-fat (LF) and high-fat (HF) diets for 12 weeks. Then, LF fed (nonobese) and HF fed mice (obese) were divided into the following 4 groups: HF-Exercise, HF-Sedentary, LF-Exercise, and LF-Sedentary. The exercise group exercised on a motor-driven treadmill for 45 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the final exercise session. Gastrocnemius muscle and the visceral adipose tissue were excised and frozen for the assessment of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc-1α) and Fndc5 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Data indicated that protein level of muscle PGC-1α was decreased in HF versus LF groups and in obese versus nonobese mice. Moreover, Fndc5 mRNA levels were increased in the muscle tissue of HF versus LF groups and in obese versus nonobese mice. Also, in the gastrocnemius skeletal muscle, protein levels of FNDC5 were significantly higher in the HF fed mice, as compared with their low-fat fed counterparts, similar to what was observed for exercised versus sedentary mice. Overall, we found that the HF diet increased Fndc5 transcript levels in the skeletal muscle, but exercise had a minimal effect on the transcript level of Fndc5, whereas endurance training increased the protein content of FNDC5 in the skeletal muscle.

The Comparison between Effects of 12 weeks Combined Training and Vitamin D Supplement on Improvement of Sensory-motor Neuropathy in type 2 Diabetic Women.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complaint of diabetes. This study aimed to determine the effects of 12 weeks combined training with Vitamin D supplement on improvement of sensory-motor neuropathy in women with diabetic neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study conducted on 90 patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Finally, 81 adult females with diabetes type II (20-55 years old) were interred in this study. The control group had no training, but received Vitamin D. The experimental group received Vitamin D and 12 weeks training program (3 days a week, 60 min/session) including aerobic exercises, strength, and flexibility. Aerobic exercise intensity was set at 60-70% maximum heart rate and resistance training intensity was determined by 10 R.M. Michigan neuropathy questionnaire, reflex hammer and tuning fork 128 Hz used to screening tense of neuropathy (Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument) that were used for pretest and posttest. RESULTS: Following 3 months combined training and supplementation with Vitamin D, had observed a significant reduction in numbness (P = 0.001), pain (0.002), tingling (P = 0.001), and weakness (P = 0.002) in the lower limb and also increases in sense of touch intervention (P = 0.005), detects the position of the fingers (P = 0.001) and vibration perception (P = 0.001) in tissues. Knee reflexes (P = 0.77) and ankles reflexes (P = 0.47) did not significantly change after interventions. CONCLUSION: It seems that taking part in combined training and supplementation with Vitamin D can improve the symptoms of sensory-motor neuropathy.

Effects of A 4-Week Aerobic Exercise on Lipid Profile and Expression of LXRα in Rat Liver.

OBJECTIVE: Liver X receptors (LXRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors of the nuclear hormonal receptor superfamily which modulate the expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis. Hence, further unraveling of the molecular function of this gene may be helpful in preventing cardiovascular diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental intervention study included twelve adult Wistar male rats (12-14 weeks old, 200-220 g) which were divided into the control (n=6) and training (n=6) groups. The training group received exercise on a motor-driven treadmill at 28 meters/minute (0% grade) for 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last session of exercise. A portion of the liver was excised, immediately washed in ice-cold saline and frozen in liquid nitrogen for extraction of total RNA. Plasma was collected for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) measurements. All variables were compared by independent t test. RESULTS: A significant increase in LXRα transcript level was observed in trained rats (P<0.01). Plasma HDL-C concentration was also significantly higher (P<0.01) in trained rats. There was a significant decrease in the concentrations of LDL-C (P<0.01) and TC (P<0.02), and the ratios of TC/HDL-C (P<0.001) and LDL/HDL-C (P<0.002) in trained rats. However, the TG concentration was unchanged (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that endurance training induces significant elevation in LXRα gene expression and plasma HDL-C concentration resulting in depletion of the cellular cholesterol. Therefore, it seems that a contributor to the positive effects of exercise in cardiovascular disease prevention is through the expression of LXRα, which is a key step in reverse cholesterol transport.

Yoga intervention on blood NO in female migraineurs.

BACKGROUND: The current survey investigates the effect of 12 weeks yoga training on headache frequency, severity, duration and blood nitric oxide levels as well as headache impacts on female migraineurs' lives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two female patients with migraine took part and were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 14) received medication and the yoga group (n = 18) participated in 12 weeks yoga training in addition to receiving the same medication as that of the control group. Frequency and duration of headache were assessed by a questionnaire. Visual Analogue Scale was used to measure the severity of headache, and the metabolite of NO also was measured by Griess reaction. Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) was also used to assess the impact of headache on patients' lives. Data were analyzed by t-test mean variance. RESULTS: After 3 months intervention, in the yoga group, there was a significant reduction in the impact of headache on patients' lives, headache frequency, and severity and a non-significant reduction in headache duration in the yoga group. There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of NO between yoga and control groups before and after the study. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, yoga could be recommended as a complementary method to migraine patients.

Endurance training enhances LXRα gene expression in Wistar male rats.

Liver X receptor α (LXRα) is a member of the ligand-activated transcription factor of nuclear hormonal receptor superfamily, whose activation leads to modulation in the expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis including ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), which plays a crucial role in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether endurance training enhanced the expression level of liver LXRα gene. Twelve adult male Wistar rats (200-220 g) were divided into control and training groups. Training group received exercise on a motor-driven treadmill at 28 m/min (0 % grade) for 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last exercise session, the rats were killed and blood was taken from the right ventricle of each rat. Plasma was collected for HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TC and TG measurements. Furthermore, a portion of the liver of each rat was excised and washed in ice-cold saline and frozen in liquid nitrogen for assessment of LXRα and ABCA1 mRNA levels. Data indicated significant increase in both LXRα and ABCA1 mRNA levels in trained rats, compared to control rats. Plasma HDL-C concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in trained rats at the end of treadmill exercise. However, there was a significant decrease in LDL-C (P < 0.003), TG, TC concentration, TC/HDL-C and LDL/HDL-C ratios in trained rats compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that endurance training induced significant elevation in LXRα gene expression, which correlated with enhanced levels of ABCA1 mRNA and plasma HDL-C concentration.

Effects of intensity of aerobics on body composition and blood lipid profile in obese/overweight females.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a threat to the health of modern urban citizens, especially women. Aerobic is an effect of exercise which rapidly is developing among urban women. This study was designed to examine the effects of light and moderate aerobic intensity on body composition and serum lipid profile in obese/overweight women living in Isfahan. METHODS: Forty-five middle-aged obese/overweight volunteer women (25-40 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 to 30 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned into three groups: 1. Light aerobics [45-50% heart rate reserve maximum (HRRmax)], 2. Moderate aerobics (70-75% HRRmax), 3. No exercise training (control). Training program lasted for 10 weeks and included three sessions of 60 minutes aerobics per week. The intensity of aerobics was controlled by monitoring heart rate. Body composition was measured using skin fold thickness method. Serum lipid was measured. RESULTS: Both light and moderate aerobics significantly improved weight (P < 0.000), fat percent (P < 0.045), BMI (P < 0.000), fat weight (P < 0/031), lean body weight (P < 0.02), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (P < 0.000), High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that both light and moderate aerobics improved body composition and serum lipid profile in obese/overweight women. Our findings support the application of aerobics for obese/overweight women. Initially, they can start with light programs and proceed to more intense programs.