Meteorin-like protein (Metrnl): A metabolic syndrome biomarker and an exercise mediator.

Metrnl is a secreted protein able to activate different intracellular signaling pathways in adipocytes, macrophages, myocytes and cardiomyocytes with physiological effects of the browning of white adipose tissue (BWT), insulin sensitivity, inflammation inhibition, skeletal muscle regeneration and heart protection. Shown to be regulated by obesity, diabetes, caloric restriction, weight loss and heart diseases, Metrnl is definitely involved in metabolic turbulences, and may play roles in metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, due to the conflicting data yielded, Metrnl is still far from clinical application as a diagnostic and/or a therapeutic agent or even a therapeutic target in MetS-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Nevertheless, blood Metrnl levels as well as Metrnl as a cardiokine have been reported to play cardioprotective roles against heart diseases. Considering the established metabolic and anti-inflammatory hallmarks, exercise-induced Metrnl (as a myokine) is regarded as an exercise mediator in improving obesity-induced complications such as insulin resistance, T2D and inflammation. Besides, due to its healing role in muscle damage, Metrnl is also a potential therapeutic candidate to enhance regeneration with ageing or other inflammatory myopathies like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Therefore, there are still many exercise-related questions unanswered on Metrnl, such as Metrnl-mediated fat browning in humans, exercise effects on heart Metrnl production and secretion and the effects of other exercise-induced skeletal muscle stressors like hypoxia and oxidative in Metrnl production other than exercise-induced muscle damage.

Effectiveness of Care for Child Development Program on the Sensitivity and Responsiveness Skills of Mothers.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was done to analyze the impact of the "care for child development" program on the sensitivity and responsiveness skills among mothers of children at risk of developmental delay. MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest design and experimental and control groups. The statistical population included all mothers with children at risk of developmental delay in Tabriz. Fifty mothers were selected through purposive sampling. Then, they were divided into two groups of 25 cases (one experimental group and one control group) using simple random sampling. The experimental group received training about the "care for child development" program, while the control group received no training. The Social-Emotional Assessment/Evaluation Measure Family Profile (SEAM TM family profile) and Maternal Caregiving Quality Scale were the research measurement tools. The obtained data were evaluated by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and independent t-test using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in maternal caregiving quality and responsiveness, provision of appropriate activities, predictable programs, and provision of play environment and safe home (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the care for child development program has positive effects on sensitivity and responsiveness skills of mothers of children at risk of developmental delays and can be considered and applied as a practical plan in national health policies.

Five-factor model trait profiles of narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability in Iranian university students.

This study examined the relationship between pathological narcissism, narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability and the five-factor model of personality. Participants consisted of 290 undergraduate students from four universities in three different cities in Iran, recruited by available sampling, Instruments, including, Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) were also completed for the participants. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that narcissistic grandiosity was positively associated with extraversion and openness, while narcissistic vulnerability and overall pathological narcissism were positively associated with neuroticism and negatively related to agreeableness and openness (only for narcissistic vulnerability). The results are consistent with prior research in Western cultures (e.g., United States, Germany) and revealed that neuroticism is a common factor in narcissistic vulnerability and pathological narcissism which suggested pathological narcissism may be a distinct dimension from normal narcissism. Also, there were various contributors of personality traits for narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability which can be considered as a support for the distinction of two phenotypes of pathological narcissism.

Psychometric properties of the behavior rating inventory of executive function, second edition (BRIEF2) in a sample of children with ADHD in Iran.

This study investigated the psychometric properties of a Persian translation of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function(BRIEF2) in 253 children with ADHD in Iran (137 boys, 116 girls)ages 8 to 12 years old (M = 10.04; SD = 1.42). The parents of the children completed the Persian BRIEF2 and the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI). The findings indicated that the Persian version of BRIEF2 had good reliability (internal and test-retest) and satisfactory to good validity (convergent and construct). With respect to its construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a three-factor solution was the best model fit for the nine subscales of the BRIEF2, which supports the valid interpretation of the three BRIEF2 indexes in the Persian BRIEF2. These findings support the clinical relevance of the Persian BRIEF in Iranian children with ADHD, as well as the multidimensional nature of executive functions.

Downhill running exercise increases circulating level of myokine meteorin-like hormone in humans.

BACKGROUND: Meteorin-like hormone (Metrnl) is a myokine with immunoregulatory traits. This study aimed at evaluating the response of the plasma levels of Metrnl to a downhill running exercise (DHRE) in humans. METHODS: Twenty active male college students (aged: 22±1.5 years, BMI: 23.50±2.91 kg/m2) completed this study. They performed a skeletal muscle-damaging exercise protocol e.g., downhill running exercise (DHRE) on treadmill. Blood samples were drawn before and after the exercise protocol to measure plasmatic values of Metrnl, eosinophil count, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). RESULTS: Plasma Metrnl level showed a significantly increased level in response to the DHRE (P=0.007). CK (P=0.004), LDH (P=0.001) and the number of plasma eosinophils (P=0.002) also showed significantly increased values following DHRE. Additionally, we found a significant and positive correlation between changes of plasma Metrnl level with those of the number of eosinophils (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Downhill running exercise associated with noticeable skeletal muscle damage is accompanied by significantly increased plasma Metrnl level as well as eosinophils' number in sedentary humans.

Physicochemical changes of barberry juice concentrated by liquid desiccant-assisted solar system and conventional methods during the evaporation process.

The preservation of the quality characteristics of fruit juices during the processing is one of the major challenges in the fruit juice industries. The high costs of fossil fuels and their environmental pollution increased the need to use of the renewable energies. In the present study, some quality characteristics of barberry juice were investigated during concentrating by the methods of liquid desiccant-assisted solar juice concentration system (LD-ASJCS) at the air flow rates of 0.006-0.014 kg/s, rotary vacuum evaporation system (RVES), and evaporation at atmospheric pressure (EAP). Although evaporation rate in LD-ASJCS increased by 25% with increasing of air flow rate from 0.006 to 0.014 kg/s, but it had negative effects on some quality properties of concentrated juices. The anthocyanins retention in the concentrated juices with different air flow rates of LD-ASJCS method were 16-28%. Reduction of the air flow rate resulted in a lower browning index and less variation of color indices (L*, a*, and b*). The a* values, browning index, and sensory attributes of the concentrated juices in the LD-ASJCS at the air flow rate of 0.006 kg/s were comparable to the concentrated juices by the RVES method. Although, RVES method compared to EAP and LD-ASJCS methods better improved the quality of barberry juice, but the LD-ASJCS method can be considered in fruit juice industries because of maintaining quality and sensory attributes, saving energy, and reducing environmental pollution. The mathematical modelling of physicochemical changes of LD-ASJCS concentrated juice showed that these variations are fitted with first-order and zero-order models.

Myokine-mediated exercise effects: the role of myokine meteorin-like hormone (Metrnl).

Meterorin-like hormone (Metrnl), as a novel secreted factor, has been shown to be involved in physiological and pathophysiological processes. The behaviour of Metrnl in metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes is conflicting. Metrnl-mediated (treatment with Metrnl) auto/paracrine actions in skeletal muscle are glucose uptake, fat oxidation and muscle regeneration. Exercise-induced Metrnl actions are increased fat oxidation in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, the control of inflammation in adipose tissue (metainflammation), and the regulation of muscle regeneration. Based on the current knowledge, Metrnl as a myokine can establish the muscle-fat crosstalk; however, the ability of Metrnl as a myokine to create other crosstalks remains unclear yet. Additionally, given the considerable anti-inflammatory roles of Metrnl in muscle regeneration, it could be a potential therapeutic candidate for muscle-related inflammatory diseases and ageing skeletal muscle which need to be addressed in the future studies.

Association of Meteorin-Like Hormone with insulin resistance and body composition in healthy Iranian adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sedentary behavior and/or physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. Myokines are one of the mediators of physical activity health benefits. Relationship between regular physical activity (RPA) and baseline plasma Meteorin-Like Hormone (Metrnl) has not been explored in human. Hence, we compared baseline plasma Metrnl between sedentary individuals and ones with recreational physical activities, and role of Metrnl as a biological messenger between physical activity and insulin resistance and body composition was also explored. METHODS: Forty healthy young men (aged: 21 ± 2.1 yrs; BMI: 23 ± 3.44 kg/m2) completed the study. Participants were equally assigned into two groups of control (sedentary) and case (recreational athletes). Baseline plasma Metrnl, glucose, insulin and body composition components and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were assessed under resting conditions. RESULTS: Except for baseline blood glucose, baseline plasma Metrnl, insulin, HOMA-IR and body mass index and body fat percentage were similar between two groups (P > 0.05). However, after Metrnl correction for the degree of insulin resistance index (Metrnl/HOMA-IR), recreational athletes showed a significantly greater baseline compared to sedentary subjects (P < 0.05). Baseline blood glucose showed a negative and significant correlation with baseline plasma Metrnl (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline plasma Metrnl is correlated with regular physical activity and insulin sensitivity, but not with body composition parameters. Metrnl may be one possible mediator of the beneficial effects of PA on insulin sensitivity in healthy humans. Hence, increasing awareness of the benefits of physical activity and incorporating physical activity into lifestyle are of great importance for people with non-communicable diseases.

The effects of circuit resistance training on plasma progranulin level, insulin resistance and body composition in obese men.

Background Progranulin (PGRN) is implicated in obesity and insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of circuit resistance training (CRT) on plasma PGRN, IR and body composition in obese men. Materials and methods Twenty-eight healthy obese men [age: 36 ± 7.7 years, body weight (BW): 96.4 ± 15.6 kg, body mass index (BMI): 32.4 ± 4.5 kg/m2] completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of control and training. Subjects in the training group underwent training for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Blood samples and anthropometric characteristics were taken before the commencement of the exercise protocol and 72 h after the last training session. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to measure IR. Results BW, BF%, BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), HOMA-IR and plasma PGRN levels except lean body mass (LBM) were significantly reduced in the training group (p < 0.05). Additionally, except for LBM, subjects in the training group had significantly decreased BW, BF%, BMI, WHR, HOMA-IR and plasma PGRN levels compared to changes in those in the control group (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the changes in plasma PGRN and the changes in insulin, HOMA-IR and BMI (p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings showed that 8 weeks of CRT improved body composition and IR which were accompanied by reduced plasma PGRN levels. This study suggests that CRT has the potential for obese individuals to counteract obesity-associated health impairments.

High intensity intermittent training induces anti-inflammatory cytokine responses and improves body composition in overweight adolescent boys.

Background Anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) modulate systemic energy metabolism through modifying body composition parameters. Hence, this study aimed at overweight adolescent boys to explore the effect of high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) on these anti-inflammatory cytokines and body composition parameters. Materials and methods Twenty overweight adolescent boys [aged: 18.0 ± 1.5 years, weight: 81.8 ± 4.3 kg, body mass index (BMI): 27.6 ± 0.8 kg/m2] completed this study. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of control (CG, n = 10) and training (TG, n = 10). Subjects in the TG performed their training sessions 3 days/week for 6 weeks. The baseline serum values of IL-4 and IL-13 and anthropometric features were measured 1 day before the beginning of exercise intervention and 1 day after the last training session in a fasting state. Results Six weeks of HIIT significantly increased the baseline serum levels of IL-4 (p = 0.022) and IL-13 (p = 0.014) in overweight adolescent boys. In addition, body weight (BW), BMI and body fat percent (BF%) were reduced in response to HIIT. Moreover, significantly negative correlations were found between changes of IL-4 and IL-13 with changes of BW, BMI and BF%. Conclusions HIIT seems to be an appropriate exercise modality for overweight adolescent boys to induce an anti-inflammatory cytokine response and, to improve body composition.

Comparing Behavioral-Emotional Difficulties in Siblings of Children with and without Sensory Impairments.

BACKGROUND: Siblings of children with disabilities are the most likely family members to be affected by the child's disability due to the long-lasting nature of relationships between siblings compared to those of other family members. The aim of the present study was to compare the emotional-behavioral difficulties (EBD) in siblings of children with and without Sensory Impairments (SI). METHODS: The statistical population of this causal-comparative research included all siblings of children with and without SI in Shiraz, southern Iran in 2016. The sample consisted of ninety-one siblings of children with (38) and without (53) SI in Shiraz. Sample of siblings of children with SI was recruited by purposeful sampling and sample of siblings of children without sensory impairments were selected through a multistage random sampling method. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was utilized for measuring EBD. Two way ANOVA and MANOVA tests were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Total EBD and two subscales of EBD (emotional problems and peer relationship problems) in siblings of children with SI were significantly greater than the comparison group (P<0.001). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the two subscales (conduct problems, and hyperactivity) between these two groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides strong evidence that siblings of children with SI are significantly at a higher risk of psychological problems, and accordingly we suggest for the related supports and services.

Prevalence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Blood Donors at Urmia Blood Transfusion Organization, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: The importance of toxoplasmosis lies in its global spread, opportunistic nature, and causative role in abortion or irreparable adverse effects on infants of infected pregnant women. Toxoplasma gondii has different transmission routes to humans, including blood transfusion. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies specific for T. gondii in blood donors at the Urmia Blood Transfusion Organization in west Azerbaijan, Iran. METHODS: The present analytical, descriptive study evaluated the plasma of 270 randomly selected blood bags donated in 2013. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was employed to measure anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. RESULTS: The results of the ELISA test showed that 102 samples (37.8%) from 270 blood bags had IgG antibodies in their plasma and none of them were IgM-positive, whereas 98 were men and four were women. CONCLUSION: Any increase in the level of IgM antibodies indicates the presence of an acute disease because the parasite is inside white blood cells and contaminates blood transfusion. Fortunately, all samples were IgM-negative. However, a province-wide seroepidemiological study is required for the Blood Transfusion Organization to consider including screening for anti-T. gondii antibodies in its screening programs.

A Comparative Study of Group Behavioral Activation and Cognitive Therapy in Reducing Subsyndromal Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effectiveness of two group treatments, behavioral activation (BA) and cognitive therapy (CT), in reducing subsyndromal anxiety and depressive symptoms in a sample of Iranian university students. METHOD: Twenty-seven Iranian university students who scored 18 or higher on the depression subscale and 16 or higher on the anxiety subscale of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) were randomly assigned into treatment groups. One group received 8 sessions of BA (n = 14), and the other received 8 sessions of group CT (n = 13). RESULT: Analysis of covariance revealed that the BA group had a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the CT group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the levels of anxiety, stress symptoms or functional impairment after treatment. CONCLUSION: This study found evidence for the effectiveness of BA in reducing anxiety, depressive and stress symptoms and functional impairment compared to CT. BA was more effective than CT in improving depressive symptoms and was as effective as CT in decreasing anxiety, stress and functional impairment. BA is also a cost-effective intervention, particularly in group formats.

Effects of aerobic and anaerobic training programs together with omega-3 supplement on interleukin-17 and CRP plasma levels in male mice.

BACKGROUND: Herein, we studied the effects of two different exercise protocols on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels along with the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) consumption along with two different types of physical activities on IL-17 and CRP plasma levels in trained male mice. METHODS: A total of 130 adult male mice of Syrian race with the age of 2 months and the weight of 35±1 grams were selected. At the beginning, 10 mice were killed in order to determine the amounts of pre-test variables. The rest of the mice were randomly divided into 6 groups including control group (n=20), supplement (n=20), aerobic exercise (n=20), anaerobic exercise (n=20), supplementaerobic exercise (n=20), and supplement-anaerobic exercise (n=20). Blood samples were withdrawn from the tail under intraperitoneal ketamine and xylasine anaesthesia. The anaerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 3 sessions per week; the aerobic training program included 8 weeks of running on treadmill, 5 sessions per week. At the end of the training program, the blood sample from each group was taken in order to measure the CRP and IL-17 levels. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences among the groups. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant difference in IL-17 and CRP plasma levels between the groups after 8 weeks (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Following the two different training programs, both IL-17 and CRP plasma levels increased, although these observed increases were not same for two measured variables. The results might also show that the effect of the supplement depends on the type of training.

Acute effects of ginger extract on biochemical and functional symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and pain induced by delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) as a result of eccentric exercise (EE) or unaccustomed activity cause some difficulties in exercise for athletes. The purpose of this study was to survey the effect of ginger extract on biochemical and functional symptom of delayed onset muscle soreness. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, 36 healthy female subjects, who were recruited by intra dormitory calls, randomly divided into 3 groups, including: ginger intake 1 hour before exercise (GIBE), ginger intake immediately after exercise (GIAE) and placebo group (PL). Subjects consumed capsules contain 60 mg of ginger extract (equivalent of 2 g dried ginger powder) or placebo before and after exercise. The exercise protocol consisted of a 20 minute step test using a 46cm step at a rate of 15 steps per minute. The blood samples were taken before, 1, 24 and 48 hour after exercise to assay creatine kinase (CK) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Muscle pain scores, isometric strength and circumference of thigh muscle, and hip range of motion were recorded at mentioned times. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measure was used to determine the differences between groups. RESULTS: The results showed a significant reduction of pain in GIBE compared to GIAE after 24 and 48h of EE and GIAE compared to PL (p<0.05). IL-6 changed significantly in GIBE compared to PL (p<0.05) after 1, 24, and 48h after EE. The other factors didn't change meaningfully. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study suggests that 2 grams of ginger may have anti-inflammation and analgesic effect on DOMS.

Effect of aerobic exercise and fish oil supplements on plasma levels of inflammatory indexes in mice.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has positive and negative effects on immune system. Herein, we would like to investigate the effects of incremental aerobic training and fish oil supplementation on the plasma levels of CRP, CPK and IL-17 in trained mice. One of the major roles of immune system is to produce soluble or cellular components that provide the immunity against inflammatory agent. The purpose of this study is to investigate distinct and combine effects of incremental aerobic training and fish oil supplement on plasma levels of IL-17, CPK and CRP in trained male mice. METHODS: Totally, 54 healthy male mice (2 months old, weight= 34±1 grams) were selected. At first 10 mice were killed to determine base line values, the rest of them were randomly divided into four groups, control group (C, n=11), supplement group (S, n=11), training group (T, n=11) and supplement-training group (ST, n=11).The supplement and supplement-training groups were fed with 0.2cc/day fish oil for 8 weeks. Training and supplement-training groups underwent exercise for 5 sessions per week for a period of 8 weeks on animal treadmill. SPSS 16.0 software and multivariate analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis of data RESULTS: Exercise and fish oil supplement lead to a decrease in CRP levels and subsequently causing a reduction in plasma levels of IL-17 and CK in mice (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of exercise and fish oil can reduce regulate inflammatory response caused by incremental exercise.

Parental self-confidence, parenting styles, and corporal punishment in families of ADHD children in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationship between parental self-confidence, warmth, and involvement, and corporal punishment in families of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: The diagnosis of ADHD was established through clinical interviews with the parents, children, and teachers, according the criteria in DSM-IV-TR. This diagnosis was also established by having the parents complete the Conners' Parent Rating Scale, and the teachers complete the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale. Two groups of Iranian parents, one group with children who have ADHD (N=130) and a control group (N=120), completed questionnaires measuring parental self-confidence and parenting styles. RESULTS: Parents of children with ADHD were found to have lower self-confidence and less warmth and involvement with their children, and used corporal punishment significantly more than the parents of control children. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides strong evidence that children with ADHD are at considerable risk of abuse by their parents. Rather than focusing only on the child's ADHD, treatment may also need to address the parents' functioning.