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 High Intensity Interval Training with Curcumin on Gene Expression of Bax, Bcl- 2, and Caspase- 3 in Aged Female Rat Hepatocytes

Introduction: Apoptosis is a type of cell death that is essential for homeostasis. Findings on the impact of physical activity on apoptosis are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training with curcumin on gene expression of Bax, Bcl- 2, and Caspase- 3 in aged female rat hepatocytes. Methods: In this experimental study, 35 aged female, postmenopausal Wistar rats (2-year-old), were randomly assigned to five groups including control, curcumin, high intensity interval training (HIIT), curcumin with HIIT and sham. Curcumin was given at 30 mg/kg by gavage in experimental groups 3 days a week. The HIIT protocol consisted of three sessions of high intensity treadmill training per week for 8 weeks. Forty-eight hours after the last training session and gavage, the Bax, Bcl- 2, and Caspase-3 genes expression were measured in the hepatocytes. Results: The expression of Bax (P = 0.0003) and Caspase- 3 (P = 0.0006) genes increased significantly due to HIIT, while curcumin reduced this increase (P≤0.05). Bcl- 2 gene decreased due to HIIT (P = 0.001), and Curcumin with HIIT increased Bcl- 2 (P≤0.05). Conclusion: HIIT and curcumin had an antagonistic effect on expression of apoptosis-regulating genes in hepatocytes

The Effect of Aerobic Interval Training and Massage Therapy on C-Reactive Protein and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Cardiovascular Patients after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8 week period of aerobic interval training and massage therapy on changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) level and cardiorespiratory fitness in cardiovascular patients after coronary artery bypass graft. The study population consisted of patients who had undergone a coronary artery bypass graft and at least one month had passed since their surgery. 60 patients met the study inclusion criteria and were willing to cooperate; they were divided randomly into three groups (n = 20) as follows; interval, massage therapy and a control. Subjects in groups taking interval training and massage therapy were administered three sessions per week for eight weeks. 48 hours before and after eight weeks of exercise, subjects were measured for peak oxygen consumption and blood samples were taken. Results of the present study show that 8-week programs of regular exercise and massage therapy resulted in significant reduction of CRP of 42% and 25% respectively (P<0.05). Peak oxygen consumption values after eight weeks of regular exercise showed a significant increase (22% in interval exercise and 17% in massage therapy (P<0.05). In general, these findings show that 8-week programs of aerobic interval training and massage therapy significantly reduced serum CRP value and caused a significant increase in peak oxygen consumption in patients with coronary artery bypass graft. These changes can be effective for prevention of sudden death and cardiovascular problems after bypass surgery. Also, interval training was more effective on reducing CRP and increasing peak oxygen consumption than massage therapy