The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Collagen Type I and IV Gene Expression and Collagen Type I Protein Changes in the Sciatic Nerve of Diabetic Rats

Background: Neuropathy is one of the complications of diabetes, probably due to the destruction of the extracellular matrix and the thickening of the peripheral nerve basement membrane. However, its mechanisms and the impact of exercise on these disorders has not fully understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on collagen levels of type I and IV and collagen type I protein changes in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen 10-week-old Wistar male rats weighing 250 ± 20 g were randomly divided into three groups of healthy control (n=6), diabetic (n=6) and diabetic + aerobic exercise (n=6). For this purpose, after introduction and adaptation of rats to new environment, diabetes was induced by single dose injection of dissolved streptozotocin in sodium citrate buffer at pH=4.5 at 45 mg/kg intraperitoneal. After confirming neuropathic conditions (with behavioral tests), diabetic+exercise rats underwent moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the treadmill for 8 week. At the beginning and at the end of the period, blood glucose of all rats was measured by glucometer and the mean of each group was measured separately. Changes in collagen type I and IV gene expression, and collagen type I protein levels in sciatic nerve of rats were evaluated by real-time PCR technique and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: Diabetes increased collagen type I and IV gene expression and collagen type I protein levels in the sciatic nerve samples of rats. However, exercise reduced blood sugar levels and expression of collagen type I and IV genes (p=0.05) and collagen type I protein significantly reduced in sciatic nerve (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that aerobic exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy by negative regulating type I and IV collagen factors at the gene and protein level, was able to control and inhibit the effects of diabetes on extracellular matrix components in the sciatic nerve

The effects of aerobic exercise with lavender essence use on cognitive state and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in elderly with mild cognitive impairment

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12-week aerobic exercise and lavender essence on cognitive states and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels of elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods: In this clinical study, 40 elderly whose scores for mini–mental state examination (MMSE) ranged 21 to 25 were purposively selected by simple sampling. They were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: aerobic exercise, lavender extract, aerobic-lavender. and placebo. They underwent their respective treatments for 12 weeks. The aerobic exercise consisted of 8-minute running session with intensity of 75-85 HRR Max for the first session. One minute was added to the running span after each 2 sessions. Accordingly, the running span reached 26 minutes at the end of the 12-week exercise period. To conduct treatment with lavender, 2 drops of lavender essence were administered twice a day. Before and after the treatments, cognitive state was measured and blood samples collected to measure BDNF.Results: BDNF levels of the exercise and exercise + lavender groups increased significantly compared to those of the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the cognitive states of the 3 intervention groups increased significantly compared to that of the placebo group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Combination of 12-week aerobic exercise and lavender may decelerate or probably halt the progressive process of the impairment via improving the cognitive state in elderly with MCI

Potent Anti-Cancer Effects of Less Polar Curcumin Analogues on Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Curcumin and its chalcone derivatives inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. It is reported that replacement of two OH groups in curcumin with less polar groups like methoxy increases its anti-proliferative activity. In this study, we explored benzylidine cyclohexanone derivatives with non-polar groups, to see if they possess increased anti-cancer activity. Novel 2,6-bis benzylidine cyclohexanone analogues of curcumin were synthesized, and their inhibitory effects on gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (KYSE30) cancer cells were studied using an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by EB/AO staining, and cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was performed for gene expression analysis. All synthesized analogues were cytotoxic toward gastric and esophageal cancer cells and showed lower IC50 values than curcumin. Treatment with 2,6-Bis-(3-methoxy-4-propoxy-benzylidene)-cyclohexanone (BM2) was 17 times more toxic than curcumin after 48 h incubation. All novel compounds were more effective than curcumin in apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. These results suggest that less polar analogues of curcumin have potent cytotoxicity in vitro. However, they need to be investigated further, especially with animal tumor models, to confirm their chemotherapeutic activity in vivo

The Effect of Short-Term Treadmill Exercise on the Expression Level of TFAM in the Heart of Nicotine-Sensitized Rats

Introduction: TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A) is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and induces anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Nicotine can also alter the function of cardiovascular system and induce heart failure and other heart diseases. Interestingly, it has been reported that exercise can interfere with the effects of nicotine, and change the expression pattern of different genes. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of short-term treadmill exercise on the expression level of TFAM in the heart of nicotine-sensitized rats.Materials and Methods: Nicotine was administered intraperitoneally at the dose of 0.21 mg/kg. Treadmill exercise was performed during 14 days, according to the study’s protocol.Results: The results revealed that nicotine reduced the expression of TFAM. The treadmill (Fourteen-day training) increased the expression of TFAM in the heart of the control rats. Furthermore, 14-day training with treadmill restored the effect of nicotine on the expression of TFAM in nicotine-sensitized rats.Conclusion: Nicotine induced pro-apoptotic and anti-oxidative stress effects via down-regulating the expression of TFAM. Fourteen -day training with treadmill induced a protective effect against nicotine-induced cardiac apoptosis and oxidative stress, via restoring the effect of nicotine on TFAM. The results are indicative of the fact that short-term treadmill exercise may decrease the risk of heart failure and other cardiac diseases. 

Berberine Supplement and Resistance Training May Ameliorate Diazinon Induced Neural Toxicity in Rat Hippocampus Via the Activation of the TrkB and ERK Signaling Pathway

Background: Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide that is broadly applied to control insectswhich causes oxidative damages in hippocampus tissue. We aimed to examine whether resistancetraining and berberine supplementation can protect the hippocampus against berberine-inducedneural toxicity.Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into eight groups of seven including:Control (Ctrl), Sham (normal saline), T1 (diazinon + berberine chloride (2 mg/kg) + resistancetraining), T2 (diazinon + berberine chloride [15 mg/kg] + resistance training), T3 (diazinon), T4(diazinon +resistance training), T5 (diazinon + berberine chloride [2 mg/kg]), and T6 (diazinon+ berberine chloride [15 mg/kg]). In the experimental groups, diazinon was intraperitoneallyadministered at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg. In the training groups, rats were trained every three days for sixweeks and 8-12 dynamic movements (repetitions) during each climb (six climbs for two sets). Theexpression of hippocampus PI3K and CDK genes and TrkB and ERK protein levels were evaluated inthe brain of diazinon-treated rats.Results: The protein expression of ERK and TrkB were increased following the treatment of diazinonintoxicated rats with berberine and resistance training (P=0.001). The administration of berberineat a dose of 15 mg/kg in combination with resistance training significantly (P=0.001) decreasedthe cell death rate in the hippocampus. Diazinon treatment caused extensive apoptosis in thehippocampus region of the rats’ brain (P=0.001). The gene expression of PI3K and CDK wassignificantly increased and the cell death rate significantly decreased (P=0.001) in the hippocampusfollowing the treatment of rats with berberine and resistance training.Conclusion: Six weeks of resistance training in combination with berberine treatment significantlyreduced apoptosis in the hippocampus region of diazinon-intoxicated rats. It seems theneuroprotection effects of berberine and resistance training are mediated by the stimulation of theexpression of enzymes responsible for the antioxidant defense within neuronal cell

The effect of regular resistance exercise, vitamin D, and calcium supplements on the gastrocnemius muscle in rats in the post-menopausal period: An experimental study

Background: Menopause is the natural termination of menstruation which affects the quality and important aspects of women’s life. Objective: To evaluate the effect of regular resistance training (Ex) with vitamin D (Vit. D) and calcium (Ca) supplements in the postmenopausal period on muscle tissue in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female Wistar rats (8-10-wk old) were randomly divided into control, placebo, Vit. D, Ca, Ex, Ca + Vit. D, Ex + Ca, Ex + Vit. D, and Ex + Ca + Vit. D groups. Control and placebo groups were fed with a standard diet and sesame oil, respectively. Two months after the ovariectomy, Ex, Ca (35 mg/kg), and Vit. D (10000 IU) were administered in all groups except the control. The number of muscle and inflammatory cells, fiber diameter, endomysium thickness, and degenerative collagen fiber area were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: Muscle cell number was increased in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca, Vit. D + Ex, and Vit. D groups compared to the control group; also, inflammatory cell number showed significant increase in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca (12 ± 5.46), Vit. D + Ex (14 ± 3.25), Ex (13 ± 4.08), Vit. D (11 ± 3.26), Ca + Vit. D (10 ± 1.01), and Ca + Ex (9 ± 2.87) groups. Muscle fiber diameter in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups was higher than the other groups. Endomysium thickness was significantly decreased in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups compared to the control and placebo groups (p < 0.001). Degenerative collagen fiber area showed a significant increase in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups (p ≤ 0.001) comparison with the control group. Conclusion: Regular resistance exercise, Vit. D, and Ca supplements can improve muscle morphological features in the postmenopausal period. Key words: Menopause, Muscle, Vitamin D, Calcium, Exercise

Effect of resistance training with and without vitamin D calcium chitosan nanoparticle supplements on apoptosis markers in ovariectomized rats: An experimental study

Background: Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal disorders, but it may increase the risk of breast cancer, coronary heart disease, and pulmonary embolism. Objective: The present study investigated the effect of resistance training with and without vitamin D calcium (Ca++) chitosan nanoparticles on apoptosis markers in ovariectomized rats. Materials and Methods: 42 female Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 6/each). One group was assigned as the healthy controls to show the induction of menopause. The other 6 groups comprised ovariectomized (OVX) animals including: 1) vitamin D + calcium + chitosan + resistance training, 2) saline + estrogen + resistance training, 3) saline + resistance training, 4) vitamin D + calcium + chitosan, 5) saline + estrogen, and 6) OVX + control. 48 hr after the last intervention, the hippocampus tissue was extracted to measure the BCL-2-associated X (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and caspase-3 gene expression as well as the percentage of dead cells. Results: OVX rats demonstrated increased BAX gene expression, ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL-2, caspase-3 gene expression, and percentage of dead cells of hippocampal tissue, but decreased BCL-2 gene expression. Resistance training and vitamin D Ca++ chitosan nanoparticle supplements seemed to reverse these changes. Conclusion: The combination of resistance training and vitamin D Ca++ chitosan nanoparticle supplements may be considered a non-pharmacological treatment for OVX-induced apoptosis. Key words: Apoptosis, BCL-2-associated X protein, Caspase-3, Estrogen replacement therapy, Hormone replacement therapy

The effect of exercise mode and intensity of submaximal physical activities on salivary testosterone to cortisol ratio and α-amylase in young active males

We examined the effect of exercise intensity and mode on the acute responses of free testosterone to cortisol ratio and salivary α-amylase. We also evaluated the relationship between cortisol and salivary α-amylase. Ten healthy young active males participated voluntarily in this study in six single sessions. They exercised on a cycle ergo meter, treadmill, and elliptical instrument at intensities of 70% and 85% maximum heart rate for 25 minutes. Saliva samples were collected 5 minutes before and 5 minutes after each exercise session. No significant changes were observed for cortisol. Free testosterone to cortisol ratio increased during each exercise session (F5, 45=3.15, P=0.02). However, these changes are only significant after exercise on the treadmill at 70% maximum heart rate (t=2.94, P=0.02) and 85% maximum heart rate (t=0.53, P=0.03). Salivary α-amylase significantly varied among exercise sessions (F5, 45=3.97, P=0.005), and a significant decline was observed after exercise on the elliptical instrument (t=2.38, P=0.04) and treadmill (t=3.55, P=0.006) at 85% maximum heart rate. We found that the free testosterone to cortisol ratio is dependent on the exercise mode, while the salivary α-amylase response is dependent on the intensity of exercise. The increase of free testosterone to cortisol ratio in this study may indicate lower physiological stress in response to performing these exercises. Applying muscular strength with moderate intensity weight-bearing exercises possibly activates the anabolic pathways. Although the cortisol and salivary α-amylase responses were opposite in the majority of the exercise sessions, no significant inverse relationship was observed

Effect of regular resistance exercise, vitamin D, and calcium supplements on the bone mineral content and density in postmenopausal model of rats: An experimental study

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis progressively occurs due to alteration in the estrogen level during the menopause period, and subsequently elevates the risk of fractures. Objective: To evaluate the effect of regular resistance exercise, vitamin D, and calcium supplements on bone mineral content and density, postmenopausal rats used. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female Sprague-Dawley rats (8-10 wk: 250 ± 15 gr) were ovariectomized and randomly divided into nine groups (n = 8/each): control, placebo, exercise (EX), exercise with vitamin D supplement (EX + D), exercise with calcium (EX + Ca), exercise with calcium and vitamin D (EX + Ca + D), vitamin D administration (D), calcium administration (Ca), and calcium and vitamin D (Ca + D) groups. Finally, the tail, hip, and lumbar bone mineral content, bone mineral density, bone thickness, and bone cells were evaluated in each group. Results: The tail, hip, and lumbar bone mineral density was increased significantly in the EX + Vit D group compared to the control group (p = 0.004, p = 0.007, p = 0.003, respectively). However, there were no significant changes in the bone mineral content of the hips and lumbar among the groups. Besides, bone thickness in the Ex + Vit D group was more than the other groups (p = 0.02). The number of osteoclast cells decreased in the Ca + Vit D, Ex + Ca, Ex + Vit D, and Ex + Vit D + Ca groups compared to the control group. Osteocyte numbers were increased only in the Ex + Vit D group. Conclusion: Resistance exercise in combination with vitamin D and calcium have a positive effect on the bone mineral density and bone mineral content and might be able to prevent or delay the osteoporosis among elderly women. However, additional researches are needed to assess the molecular pathways of this process. Key words: Menopause, Vitamin D, Exercise, Calcium, Bone mineral density

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Iranian Preschoolers: Interrelationship With Physical Fitness

BACKGROUND: The preschool years are a crucial time to study the determinants of childhood obesity, as it is when eating and physical activity habits are becoming established. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschoolers living in the capital of Iran and to determine relationships between overweight and obesity and selected motor- and health-related fitness parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted with 190 boys and 191 girls aged 5-6 years. Study children were selected from the kindergartens in Tehran, the capital of Iran. All children underwent anthropometric, motor- and health-related fitness tests. Height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and percentage of body fat (PBF) were measured for anthropometric assessments. Sit-and-reach, modified sit-ups, modified pull-ups, the 4 m × 9 m shuttle run, the 20 m sprint test and the 20 m multistage shuttle run test were measured for motor- and health-related fitness tests. Overweight and obesity prevalence was determined by the International Obesity Task Force, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization standard criteria. RESULTS: International Obesity Task Force criteria indicate almost 12% (23/190) of boys and 22.5% (43/191) of girls were overweight or obese with 4.73% (9/190) of boys and 10.99% (21/191) of girls in the obese category. Significant correlations were found between modified pull-ups test and body mass, BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, PBF in boys and modified pull-ups and modified sit-ups tests were significantly correlated with body mass, BMI, WC, WHR, WHtR, and PBF in girls. Compared to their counterparts, overweight and obese boys demonstrated inferior performance in modified pull-ups and predicted VO2max and overweight and obese girls demonstrated inferior performance in modified pull-ups, modified sit-ups, 4 m × 9 m agility shuttle run and predicted VO2max. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the relatively high prevalence of overweight and obesity in both genders of preschoolers and found that overweight and obesity were associated with poor fitness performances. The findings provided evidence to support the establishment of tailored physical fitness intervention programs to manage and prevent obesity in preschoolers