Anabolic myokine responses and muscular performance following 8 weeks of autoregulated compared to linear resistance exercise in recreationally active males.

BACKGROUND: To date, no studies, to our knowledge, have compared the efficacy of autoregulated periodized and linear resistance exercises on anabolic myokines and muscular performance among recreationally active individuals. This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week autoregulated periodized resistance exercise (APRE) program with a linear resistance exercise (LRE) program on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), follistatin (FST), myostatin (MST), body composition, muscular strength, and power in recreationally active males. METHODS: Thirty males were randomly assigned to either the APRE group (n = 15) or the LRE group (n = 15). Participants completed training three times a week for 8 weeks. The outcome measures included serum IGF-1, FST, MST, muscular strength (isometric knee extension and handgrip), power (vertical jump), lean body mass, and fat mass. RESULTS: IGF-1 circulating levels increased over time following APRE (34%) and with no significant change following LRE (~-1%). There were no significant differences over time or between groups for FST or MST. Muscular strength (knee extension [21.5 vs. ~16%] and handgrip [right: 31 vs. 25%; left: 31.7 vs. 28.8%]) and power (~ 33 vs. ~26%) significantly increased to a greater extent following APRE compared to LRE. Interestingly, the results revealed that lean body mass increased over time only after APRE (~ 3%), but not LRE. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that APRE may be more effective than LRE in increasing muscular strength, power, and lean body mass, as well as circulating IGF-1 levels, in recreationally active males. The observed differences may be attributed to the increased training volume associated with APRE. However, further research is needed to directly assess muscle protein synthesis.

The effect of two concurrent exercise modalities on serum concentrations of FGF21, irisin, follistatin, and myostatin in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study investigated the effect of concurrent training (CT) sequences on fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), irisin, myostatin (MSTN), and follistatin (FST) among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fifty-one diabetic men were randomly selected and assigned to concurrent aerobic-resistance (A-R) training and concurrent resistance-aerobic (R-A) training, and non-exercise control (CON) groups. The training protocols consisted of three sessions per week for 12 weeks. The A-R and R-A groups received the same CT protocols and performed with different sequences. The subjects' blood samples were obtained at baseline and 48 hours after the last session of the intervention. The results showed that the concentration of FGF21 did not change significantly after the 12 weeks of CT with different sequences (p > .05, η2 = 0.123), but the serum concentration of irisin (A-R = 2.93 µg.L-1 (95% CI = 1.45-4.42, d = -0.57) and R-A = 3.31 µg.L-1 (95% CI = 1.13-5.49, d = -0.68)) and FST (A-R = 4.96 ng.mL-1 (95% CI = 3.41-6.5, d = -0.39) and R-A = 4.19 ng.mL-1 (95% CI = 2.82-5.56, d = -0.55)) significantly increased while the serum MSTN concentration (A-R = 152.32 ng.L-1 (95% CI = 61.83-242.82, d = 1.31) and R-A = 173 ng.L-1 (95% CI = 35.89-227.5, d = 0.83)) of both A-R and R-A groups mainly decreased (p < .01). There was no significant difference between A-R and R-A groups' irisin, FST, and MSTN concentration (p > .05), though the CT improved the body compositions, strength, and peak oxygen uptake in both groups (p < .01). Regardless of the CT sequences, it was found that CT acted as a therapeutic modality of training for T2DM patients by increasing their irisin and FST and decreasing their MSTN concentrations.

Investigating the effect of non-ideal conditions on the performance of a planar CH3NH3PbI3-based perovskite solar cell through SCAPS-1D simulation.

The difference between the simulation and experimental results of solar cells has always been challenging for researchers. Some simplifying assumptions in the simulation programs are the most common reason for this content. However, in some simulation programs, utilizing some nonidealities, the simulated solar cell can approach real conditions. In the present study, we attempted to simulate the conventional FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au perovskite solar cell by considering resistance paths, reflection in front contact (FTO), and recombination (radiative and Auger) through SCAPS-1D software. For this, the effect of each of these nonidealities was investigated step by step. The efficiency results of the studied solar cell represented significant differences between the efficiency of the device before and after the application of these conditions that was from 19.26% to 8.40%. This significant decrement is mainly due to the reflection and radiative recombination. Besides, to optimize each of the active layers' essential properties, the effect of mentioned parameters, including thickness and doping density, was investigated in terms of efficiency and recombination plots. The novelty of this research was in employing the non-ideal conditions in the simulation phase and approximating them to the reported experimental works' outcomes. Moreover, utilizing the recombination plots helped a lot in choosing the optimum layer property, e.g., doping density selection. Finally, after optimizing all the properties mentioned above, the efficiency was enhanced by about 4% and reached PCE = 12.83%. The general results represent that despite the significant reduction in the cell performance, the simulated cell is closer to the experimental conditions and offers a better model of a solar cell.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Alone or in Conjunction With Diet on Liver Function, Insulin Resistance and Lipids in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercises are the first step of therapy for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of aerobic exercise training with or without diet to ameliorate liver function, insulin resistance, and lipids in adults. DATA SOURCES: We searched relevant databases up to 10 June 2021 for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials lasting 4 or more weeks that investigated the effects of aerobic exercise alone or accompanied by diet on change in liver enzymes, intrahepatic fat (IHF), insulin resistance, and lipids. RESULTS: Sixteen studies including 2255 participants were included. There was a significant pooled weighted mean differences (MD) for the comparison between aerobic exercise versus control in alanine aminotransferase (ALT; p = 0.003), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; p = 0.006), IHF (p = 0.0004), body mass (p = 0.0003), and body mass index (p = 0.004). Moreover, there was a significant pooled MD for the comparison between aerobic exercise plus diet versus control in ALT (p < 0.0001), AST (p = 0.01), IHF (p = 0.02), GGT (p < 0.00001), insulin (p < 0.0001), HOMA-IR (p < 0.00001), body mass (p < 0.0001), and BMI (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate a role for aerobic exercise with and without diet protocol as a therapeutic purpose, and suggest that evaluation of aerobic training levels and aerobic training prescription plus diet should be routine in NAFLD.

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with concurrent training on body composition, glycaemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

AIMS: Chronic inflammation is one of the major challenges in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our primary aim was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation and concurrent training in obese men with T2DM. METHODS: Sixty obese men with T2DM (age = 39 ± 5 years; body mass = 93.9 ± 6 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups; concurrent training + placebo (CT; n = 15), saffron supplementation (S; n = 15), concurrent training + saffron supplementation (CTS; n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The participants in the CT group performed concurrent training (resistance + aerobic) three times per week for 12 weeks and received daily one pill of placebo (maltodextrin); the participants in the S group supplemented with one pill of 100 mg of saffron daily, and the participants in the CTS group participated in both saffron and training intervention while CON group continued regular lifestyle (no training and no supplementation). Inflammatory markers, body composition (evaluated by a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device; Jawon X-Contact 356), and metabolic profile were evaluated before and after interventions. RESULTS: All three interventions significantly (P < .05) decreased TNF-α (CT = -4.22, S = -1.91, CTS = -9.69 pg/mL), hs-CRP (CT = -0.13, S = -0.1, CTS = -0.32 ng/mL), IL-6 (CT = -6.84, S = -6.36, CTS = -13.55 pg/mL), IL-1ß (CT = -8.85, S = -6.46, CTS = -19.8 pg/mL), FBG (CT = -6.97, S = -2.45, CTS = -13.86 mg/dL), insulin (CT = -0.13, S = -0.03, CTS = -0.21 mU/L), HOMA-IR (CT = -0.12, S = -0.04, CTS = -0.21), HbA1c (CT = -0.17, S = -0.11, CTS = -0.26%), and increased IL-10 (CT = 1.09, S = 0.53, CTS = 2.27 pg/mL) concentrations. There was a positive correlation between changes in BFP with hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α, and IL-10 concentrations across the intervention groups. Additionally, significant differences were observed between the changes for all variables in the CTS group compared to CT, S and CON groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It seems that an interaction of saffron supplementation and concurrent training has more efficient effects on anti-inflammatory status compared to saffron supplementation or concurrent training alone.

Auto-regulatory progressive training compared to linear programming on muscular strength, endurance, and body composition in recreationally active males.

We compared eight weeks of auto-regulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) to linear programming resistance exercise (LPRE) on changes in muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and body composition in recreationally active males. Twenty-four recreationally active males (age: 24 ± 3 y; body mass: 78.3 ± 10.3 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: APRE (n = 12) and LPRE (n = 12). Both groups performed supervised training 3x/week for eight weeks Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic power, and body composition were assessed at baseline, week 4, and 48 h after the final training session. Repeated measures ANOVA and hedge's g effect sizes (ES) were used to interpret the data. After training, there was a significant increase in absolute leg press (APRE: ES = 2.23; LPRE: ES = 1.35) and chest press strength (APRE: ES = 2.19; LPRE: ES = 0.98), upper (APRE: ES = 2.50; LPRE: ES = 1.074), and lower body peak power (APRE: ES = 0.78; LPRE: ES = 0.39), and upper (APRE: ES = 2.50; LPRE: ES = 1.60) and lower mean power (APRE: ES = 0.99; LPRE: ES = 0.54) over time in both groups compared to baseline. Following APRE, absolute leg press strength was significantly greater compared to LPRE (p = 0.04; ES = 2.41, ES = 1.36), while absolute chest press strength gains were similar between groups (p = 0.08; ES = 2.21, ES = 0.98). Skeletal muscle mass significantly increased similarly in both groups over time (APRE: ES = 0.46; LPRE: ES = 0.21), while there was no change over time or between groups for body fat %. APRE and LPRE were both effective at improving anaerobic power and skeletal muscle mass; however, APRE was more effective at improving lower body muscular strength in recreationally active males.

The Assessment of Some Metabolic Markers by Combination of Ursolic Acid Supplementation and Resistance Training in Young Older Obese Women.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we explored the impacts of moderate-to-high intensity resistance circuit training (MHRCT) and Ursolic acid (UA) supplementation to improve these pathological changes in young older obese women (women between the ages of 50 and 70). METHODS: The study included twenty-five young older women (age > 50 years and ≤70 years) with stage I-II obesity (BMI ≥ 30 and <40 kg/m2), who received eight weeks placebo with MHRCT, and MHRCT with UA supplementation. UA or placebo orally was ingested as a capsule three times per day for eight weeks. The following parameters were evaluated post- and pre-intervention. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: Interleukin-15 (IL-15), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in the placebo and UA groups versus control, but the UA group significantly decreased compared with the placebo (p<0.05). In turn, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Irisin levels showed a significant increase in the placebo and UA groups versus control. However, the BDNF in the UA group significantly increased compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that applying resistance training can reverse the pathological changes that may occur with aging and a sedentary lifestyle. Our results showed that UA could enhance the effects of this type of exercise. Therefore, a combination of the resistance training program and UA supplementation may be considered as a novel and influential intervention to metabolic derangements and may also decrease the burden associated with this condition.

The effect of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on PPAR-α, SIRT1 gene expression, and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD male rats.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is known as the most important cause of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is accompanied by a decline in gene expression of hepatic's peroxisomes Proliferator-Activated Receptors-alpha (PPAR-α) and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on hepatic PPAR-α and SIRT1 expression, IR, serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in rats of NAFLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: A total of 37 male NAFLD rats induced 12 weeks of HFD were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, aerobic, resistance, and combined training. All groups continued the HFD until the end of the study. The training groups carried out exercise training with moderate intensity by 8 weeks of running on a treadmill and climbing a ladder for 5 sessions/week. At the end of the trainings, PPAR-α and SIRT1 expressions were examined via qPCR technique in the liver tissue. RESULTS: The 3 types of trainings controlled the weight gain caused by HFD and showed a significant decrease in serum ALT (P<0.05). Post-hoc test results indicated a significant reduction in AST and IR between the control group and HFD+AT, as well as the control group and HFD+RT (P<0.05). Despite a notable increase in hepatic PPAR-α and SIRT1 expression, it was not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Doing any aerobic, resistance, and combined training for 8 weeks can control body weight, improve IR, decrease ALT; nevertheless, resistance training is more effective in improving NAFLD.

The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Ankle-Brachial Index in Middle-Aged Women.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has been linked to cardiovascular risk factors characterized by endothelial dysfunction and arterial wall thickening. Regular exercise training is recognized as a powerful tool to improve endothelial function and cardiovascular risk profile, but it is unknown which of high-intensity interval training or moderate-intensity continuous training is the best exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 inactive and overweight women aged 40-50 years old and body mass index >27 kg/m2 were randomized to high-intensity interval training, moderate-intensity continuous training, or control. The exercise intervention consisted of 12 weeks of training and three supervised sessions per week. The moderate-intensity group was trained continuously for 47 min at 60-70% of maximal heart rate. High-intensity interval training consisted of four interval bouts of 4 min at 85%-95% of maximal heart rate with 3 min breaks at 50%-60% of maximal heart rate between the intervals. For all analyses, statistical significance was assigned at P < 0.05. RESULTS: According to our findings, while carotid intima-media thickness decreased in both training groups, this reduction was not statistically significant. In the high-intensity training group, the right ankle-brachial index increased significantly (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of exercise training, especially in high-intensity interval training, have led to improving lipid profiles and endothelial function, it can be said that regular and prolonged exercise can probably be a preventive factor in cardiovascular disease in overweight women.

The effects of interval aerobic training on mesenchymal biomarker gene expression, the rate of tumor volume, and cachexia in mice with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: It seems that regular exercise can have inhibitory effects on the progression of breast cancer. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the influences of interval aerobic training on mesenchymal biomarker gene expression, muscle cachexia, and tumor volume changes in mice with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two female Balb/c mice were allocated to four groups: Exercise Tumor Exercise, Rest Tumor Rest (Control), Rest Tumor Exercise, and Exercise Tumor Rest. Interval aerobic training was done 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after tumor induction. Weight test and inverted screen test were carried out as muscle function tests. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and HSD post hoc. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in gene expressions of Twist, Vimentin, and TGF-ß in Exercise Tumor Exercise group in comparison with the Control group (P<0.05). Remarkable reduction of the rate of tumor volume was also observed in two training groups (Rest Tumor Exercise, Exercise Tumor Exercise) compared with the control group. According to function tests' results, muscle functions were diminished due to cancer, but interval aerobic training can keep muscles in a normally-functioning state in cancer (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering final results, a period of interval aerobic training can be used not only as a prevention method, but also help cancer treatment and impede cachexia by tumor volume reduction, decrease mesenchymal biomarker gene expression, and increase muscle strength functions.

Serum ferritin levels and bone mineral density in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Iron overload influences negatively on bone mineral density (BMD) but the results of studies regarding serum ferritin (SF) and BMD are conflicting.This study aimed to determine the association of SF and BMD in the elderly. METHODS: All participants of the Amirkola cohort selected between 2011-2012, aged > 60 years were classified as high or normal (<200ng/ml) SF. BMD at femoral neck and lumbar spine was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the results were expressed as BMD g/cm2 and BMDT-score. Multiple logistic regression analysis with calculation of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the association of low BMD (LBMD) defined as BMD T-score < -1 with SF. RESULTS: 1089 subjects (women, 44.7%) were studied. High SF was observed in 366 (33.6%) and LBMD in 874 (80.2%) subjects. The two groups of SF were similar regarding biochemical parameters and demographic characteristics except MetS, overweight /obesity and diabetes which were more prevalent in high SFgroup. BMD g/cm2 at both measurement sites was significantly higher (P=0.001 for both) and the prevalence of LBMD was significantly lower (74.1% vs 83.1%, P=0.001) in high SF group by OR= 0.60 (0.44-0.81). After adjustment for all biochemical and demographic variables, the association remained significant by adjusted OR= 0. 68 (0.49-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show a negative association between high SF and LBMD indicating a beneficial effect of high SF in the elderly. Regarding detrimental effect of iron overload on bone mass, these findings require further studies.

Association of interleukin-6 (rs1800796) but not transforming growth factor beta 1 (rs1800469) with serum calcium levels in osteoporotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease with a strong genetic influence. Recent studies have demonstrated that cytokines, such as TGF-ß1 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) play complex roles in the normal bone metabolism and pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Here, we investigated the roles of 2 polymorphisms mapping to the promoters of TGF-ß1and IL-6 genes on the genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis as well as calcium and vitamin D levels. METHODS: A cohort of 297 elderly participants in northern Iran comprising 181 osteoporotic patients (mean age ±â€¯SD, 68.36 ±â€¯7.21 years) and 116 unrelated healthy controls (mean age ±â€¯SD, 64 ±â€¯5.44 years) was studied for TGF-ß1(C-509T) and IL-6 (G-634C) polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: A significant relationship was observed between calcium level and IL-6 genotypes in osteoporotic males (P = 0.011) and females (P = 0.020). No significant differences were observed between osteoporotic and control groups with respect to allele frequency or genotype distribution based on the 2 selected polymorphisms under different genetic models. The results remained the same after comparing the BMD values of either the femur neck or lumbar spine with the genotypes of the elderly men and women when analyzed separately. CONCLUSION: IL-6 genotype influences serum calcium levels in osteoporotic patients. The lack of association between the common genetic variations of TGF-ß1 and IL-6 genes, and BMD highlights the complex genetic background of osteoporosis in the north of Iran.

Influence of Smoking on Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Men.

BACKGROUND: Smoking has deleterious effects on bone mass and is associated with the subsequent development of osteoporosis, particularly in elderly participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of smoking in the elderly male smokers. METHODS: All male participants aged 60 years and older of the Amirkola cohort who performed bone densitometry entered the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method. In statistical analysis, the smokers and nonsmokers were compared according to BMD, frequency of low bone mass defined as BMD T-score <-1 at either LS or FN, and the number of bone fractures. SPSS software version 18 was used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 203 smokers with mean smoking duration of 21.67 ± 17.7 years and the mean number of 36.4 + 15.8 cigarettes per day were compared with 408 nonsmokers. The mean BMD values in LS (0.90 ± 0.14 vs. 0.94 ± 0.19) and FN section (0.87 ± 0.13 vs. 0.89 ± 0.15) and also the frequency of bone fractures were significantly lower, and the frequency of low bone mass at either LS and FN was significantly higher in smokers (P = 0.014, 0.038, 0.003, and 0.004, respectively). In multiple logistic regression analysis, smoking was independently associated with low bone mass by odds ratio of = 2.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.49-3.44). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a significant association between low bone mass and bone fracture at either LS or FN in the elderly male smokers.

The effect of eight weeks resistance and aerobic training on myostatin and follistatin expression in cardiac muscle of rats.

Introduction: The clinical studies have shown that the myostatin gene expression and its serum density occur more frequently in heart patients than in healthy individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of 8-week resistance and aerobic exercise on the myostatin and follistatin gene expression of myocardium muscle of healthy male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 20 five-week-old adult Wistar rats (250 ± 26.5 g) were divided into three groups: healthy control group (n = 6), resistance exercise group (n = 7), and aerobic exercise group (n = 7). The resistance and aerobic exercise plan consisted of 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. The resistance exercise group performed climbing a one-meter 26-stair ladder with a slope of 85 degrees for 3 sets of 5 repetitions per session. The aerobic exercise group performed running at a speed of 12 meters per minute for 30 minutes during the first sessions gradually increasing up to a speed of 30 meters per minute for 60 minutes during the final sessions (equivalent to 70% to 80% of maximum oxygen consumption). The differences between the groups were evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. When appropriate, LSD post-hoc test was used. The significance level for the study was less than 0.05. Results: The results of this study shows that after 8 weeks of exercise, there is no significant difference between myostatin mRNA gene expression levels of the heart muscle among the three groups of control, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise (P = 0.172, F = 1.953). However, the mean differences between follistatin mRNA levels of the heart muscle among the three groups of control, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise are statistically significant (F = 38.022, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the ratio of follistatin to myostatin mRNA gene expression of the heart muscle (P = 0.001, F = 10.288) shows significant difference among the three groups. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the resistance and aerobic exercise could cause a decrease in myostatin and an increase in follistatin levels, thus preventing many muscular physiological disorders such as arthritis and muscle weakness.

The effects of ramadan fasting and physical activity on blood hematological-biochemical parameters.

UNLABELLED: Objective(s) : Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a religious obligation and belief for healthy adult Muslims. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Ramadan Fasting and physical activity on 'Blood Hematological-Biochemical Parameters'. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, twenty-six healthy males in two experimental groups were compared in two different instances before and after the training period. The groups which were selected by convenience sampling method were divided into two non-active fasting (n=13) and active fasting (n=13) groups. For comparison purposes between groups, paired and independent sample t-test was performed, respectively, after ensuring their normality within a significance level of P≤0.05. RESULTS: HDL-C increased significantly in both active and non-active fasting groups, Moreover, amount of hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), TC, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL and TC/ HDL decreased significantly. Amount of hemoglobin (Hgb) and glucose reduced significantly in the active-fasting group. The variation of the means between the groups in the Hgb index and LDL/HDL were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Fasting during the month of Ramadan by regular physical activity caused positive alterations in Hematological-Biochemical Index. These changes may be due to the alterations in diet, biology response of the body to the starving and physical activity during this month.

The effect of ramadan fasting and physical activity on body composition, serum osmolarity levels and some parameters of electrolytes in females.

BACKGROUND: So far, there have been a few and incoherent results about the effects of physical activities. Fasting in Ramadan has an effect on the level of osmolarity and the concentration of serum electrolytes both in active and inactive females. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to observe the changes of serum electrolytes and osmolarity levels according to regular exercise during fasting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TWENTY TWO HEALTHY FEMALES WHO WERE ELECTED BY CONVENIENCE SAMPLING METHOD WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: 1) fasting + exercise (FE; n = 11) and 2) fasting + non exercise (FNE; n = 15). The FE group participated in aerobic training for four sessions per week during the fasting. All measurements were done once before the first day, on the second week, on the fourth week and two weeks after fasting month and these measures were used to analyze test results. RESULTS: THE MEAN DIFFERENCES WERE AS FOLLOWS: significant weight loss, BMI, WHR, in two groups at the end of Ramadan (P < 0.05). The mean of weight, BMI, WHR, body fat, protein, mineral and total water showed no difference between groups (P > 0.05). Potassium, creatinine, urea and uric acid had been decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). Variance between groups was significant only in variable urea (P < 0.05). Variations within group had been changed in FBS; sodium, phosphorus and osmolarity levels were not changed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: According to this result, regular exercise in case of fasting in Ramadan led to some changes in serum osmolarity index, electrolytes and water. Therefore, it is important for female athletes to consider applying a suitable nutritious diet and sufficient water consumption during Ramadan.

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

PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: 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 before-competition phase). Data were analyzed by repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test, at a significance level of P<0.05. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicated that long and intensive exercises weaken the immune system, while moderate and short drills strengthened this system.