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Background & Objective: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damages in certain areas of the brain, especially the hippocampus. Evidence indicates that physical exercise may reduce the damages caused by cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8-week exercise preconditioning on the expression of NT-3 and TrkC genes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus after the cerebral ischemic-reperfusion in male rats.
Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 gr were randomly selected and divided into three groups (healthy control, control + ischemia and exercise + ischemia). Rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Ischemia by occlusion of both common carotid arteries (CCA) was created for 45 minutes. In order to evaluate the gene expression, Real time PCR technique was used.
Findings: NT-3 gene expression was significantly different between exercise + ischemia with control + ischemia groups and control + ischemia with healthy control groups (P <0.05), and TrkC gene expression was significantly different between exercise + ischemia with healthy control groups and control + ischemia with healthy control groups (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that exercise before the induction of ischemic stroke increased the NT-3 gene expression but did not influence the TrKC gene expression.
 

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The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of Myostatin (MSTN) and Follistatin (FLST) gene expression in fast and slow twitch muscles in response to 8 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT).  To this end, 12 male 8-week old Wistar rats were randomly classified into two groups of exercise (n=6) and control (n=6). Exercise group performed a progressive HIIT protocol, five times weekly for 8 weeks using alternating sprint running for 30 min/session that divided into three 4min bouts (35-50m/min speed, >90% VO2 max) separated by a 2min active recovery period (30-50% VO2 max). Gene expression levels for MSTN and FLST in Soleus (SOL) and Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were measured by real-time RT-PCR. MSTN mRNA levels has slightly (7%); yet significantly (p<0.001), decreased in SOL muscle, while expression of this gene in EDL muscle decreased (30%) (p<0.001). Moreover, FLST gene expression in SOL muscle increased 31% (p<0.001). Interestingly, level of FLST gene expression in EDL muscle increased 100% compared to control group (p<0.001).The results provide a perspective regarding muscle differentiation in MSTN and FLST and their variation in response to HIIT and suggests that HIIT may be an effective way to decrease adipose tissue by MSTN and FLST regulation in skeletal muscles.
 

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Background and objectives: Evidence has shown that inflammatory mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of eight weeks of continuous and intermittent aerobic exercise on some inflammatory indices in men with heart failure.
Methods: The effects of continuous aerobic exercise (at 45-70% maximum heart rate) and intermittent aerobic exercise (at 45-80% of maximum heart rate) on the level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were evaluated in 42 men with heart failure using commercial ELISA kits. Blood samples were taken after 12 hours of fasting one hour before the first session and 48 hours after the last exercise session. The subjects performed exercises three sessions a week, for eight weeks. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA at significance of 0.05.
Results: After the exercise program, serum hs-CRP (P=0.023), IL-6 (P=0.018) and TNF-α (P=0.048) differed significantly between the exercise groups and the control group. In addition, serum levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP decreased slightly in the intermittent aerobic group, but there was no significant difference between the two exercise groups. Intermittent aerobic exercise significantly reduced serum TNF-α level compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Probably aerobic exercise can have positive effects on the level of hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in patients with heart failure.

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Background and objectives: Evidence suggests that decrease in the serum concentration of myostatin (MSTN) may reduce age-related decrement in muscle mass, especially in older individuals. This study aimed at investigating the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on MSTN and muscular strength (MS) of elderly women.
Methods: Thirty elderly women were randomly assigned into three groups of resistance training with blood flow restriction (n=10), resistance training without blood flow restriction (n=10) and control (n=10). The resistance training intervention was carried out three sessions a week for 12 weeks. Body composition, MS and serum concentrations MSTN were assessed at baseline and 48-36 hours after the last training session.
Results: There was a significant time × group difference in MS following 12 weeks of exercise intervention (P=0.001). However, there was no significant group and time × group difference in MSTN concentrations (P=0.2).
Conclusion: Low intensity BFRT does not decrease MSTN concentrations in elderly women. However, low intensity BFRT can increase MS values in these individuals.

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Background and objectives: Fibroblast growth factor ₂₁ (FGF₂₁) and fetuin A are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, regular physical activity has an important role in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of moderate aerobic exercise on serum levels of FGF₂₁ and fetuin A in women with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This was a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. The study was performed on 28 women with type 2 diabetes aged 40-50 years (mean weight: 70.58 ± 2.11) who were randomly divided into an exercise group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). The training intervention consisted of eight weeks of moderate aerobic exercise at 60-70% of maximum heart rate, five times a week. Serum levels of FGF₂₁, fetuin A and some metabolic parameters were evaluated before the first session and 48 hours after the last session. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS (version 24) using repeated measures ANOVA and at significance of 0.05. 
Results: The eight-week aerobic training intervention caused a significant increase in FGF₂₁ and insulin sensitivity as well as a significant decrease in fetuin A, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c (P=0.001).
Conclusion: As a complementary therapy, regular aerobic exercise can be beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients in improving some metabolic parameters as well as FGF₂₁ and fetuin A levels.

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Background and objectives: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common arthritic diseases and a main cause of pain and disability. Simultaneous downexpression of paired box 7 (Pax7) and myogenin genes, as indicators of satellite cells activation is evident in osteoarthritis. This study assessed effects of an exercise training course and stem cell injection on the expression of Pax7 and myogenin in gastrocnemius muscle of rats with arthritis.
Methods: Thirty five male rats aged 6–8 weeks and weighing 250–300 g were divided into five groups: control, patient, exercise, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), and exercise+MSC. Osteoarthritis was induced in rats by surgery. The training program consisted of 30 minutes of running on a non-slip treadmill at a speed of 16 m/min. The rats were injected with 1×10⁶ cells/kg MSC. The expression of Pax7 and myogenin was measured by real–time PCR. Data were analysed with SPSS (version 23) using one-way analysis of variance.  
Results: Both Pax7 and myogenin were significantly overexpressed in the exercise+MSC group compared to the patient group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The combination of MSC therapy and training had more positive effects on Pax7 and myogenin expression compared to training and MSC therapy alone.

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Background and objectives: It has been suggested that irisin and fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) can increase energy expenditure, promote weight loss and improve insulin resistance in diabetic patients by affecting white and brown adipose tissues. In this study, we investigate effect of adipose tissue-derived stem cell transplantation and six weeks of aerobic exercise on FNDC5 and irisin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Forty-eight rats (weighing 220-240 g and aged nine weeks) were divided into six groups of control, sham, diabetes control, diabetes + exercise, diabetes + stem cell and diabetes+ exercise + stem cell. The exercise group ran on running wheel at intensity of 60-70% VO₂max, five days a week for six weeks. Next, 1.56 × 10⁶ stem cells extracted from human adipose tissue were injected into the tail vein of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Finally, FNDC5 and irisin plasma levels of the mice were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.  
Results: FNDC5 and irisin levels reduced significantly in the diabetes control group (P=0.0001). FNDC5 levels in the diabetes + exercise + stem cell and the exercise group increased significantly compared to the diabetes control group (P=0.0001). The irisin level in the diabetes + stem cell + exercise group, exercise group and stem cell group increased significantly compared to the diabetes control group (P=0.0001).  
Conclusion: The results indicate that aerobic exercise program and stem cell therapy alone and combined can significantly increase plasma irisin levels. Given the favorable effects of adipose tissue-derived stem cell injection and aerobic exercise on FNDC5 and irisin levels, this strategy could be further evaluated in coping with the adverse effects of diabetes on metabolism and aging

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Background and Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are highly prevalent. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of regular aerobic training and hyaluronic acid on cardiac tissue Wnt signaling pathway in experimental model of knee OA.
Methods: 42 male rats were divided into 6 groups (7 in each group): 1) control, 2) patient, 3) salin, 4) HA, 5) exercise, and 6) exercise + HA. In the training groups, the OA model was first induced, followed by 5 days of running on the treadmill for 5 weeks. Hyaluronic acid was injected intra-articularly. After 12 to 14 hours of fasting and 72 hours after the last training session, cardiac tissue sampling was performed for β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3β) analysis. The expression of the β-catenin and GSK-3β genes in the cardiac tissue was analyzed by RT-PCR. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA if  a significant difference was observed by Tukey's post hoc test (P <0.05).
Results: Induction of OA in rats led to a significant increase in β-catenin gene  and a significant decrease in cardiac tissue GSK3 gene compared to healthy control group. The results also showed that regular aerobic training, hyaluronic acid injection, and a combination of both treatments reduced the cateninβ gene and  increased the cardiac tissue GSK3 gene compared to the rats of OA group.
Conclusion: Regular aerobic training in combination with hyaluronic acid may exert its protective effect by reducing the expression of β-catenin and increasing the expression of cardiac tissue GSK-3β gene ; this may be  caused by the heart disease in the model, empirically preventing osteoarthritis.

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Background and objectives: Osteoarthritis is the result of a defect in synovial membrane-covered joint tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of glucosamine sulfate alone and combined with moderate intensity exercise on serum levels of CS 846 epitope and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in a rat model of osteoarthritis.
Methods: In this study, after inducing osteoarthritis in 42 male Wistar rats (weighting 250±300 g, aged 8 to 12 weeks), the rats were randomly divided into five groups: control-healthy, control-patient, patient-exercise, patient-glucosamine and patient-glucosamine-exercise. The training program consisted of 30 minutes of running on a non-slip treadmill at speed of 16 m/min in the first week with progressive overload principle reaching 50 minutes by the eighth week. The glucosamine groups received oral glucosamine sulfate (250 mg/kg/day) once a day for eight consecutive weeks. The serum levels of CS 846 epitope and COMP were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. All statistical analyses were performed in GraghPad prism 8 and at significance level of 0.05.
Results: Combined exercise and glucosamine supplementation caused a significant decrease in the COMP and CS846 levels. This decrease was more profound compared to that of glucosamine and exercise alone.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of the present study showed that osteoarthritis increases serum COMP and CS 846 levels. In addition, glucosamine supplementation combined with exercise can significantly improve knee osteoarthritis in rats.

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Background and objectives: Elevated blood lipids and physical inactivity are known risk factors of atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to compare effects of four weeks of high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) and continuous walking on atherogenic indices of obese middle-aged men.
Methods: Study population consisted of 36 male teachers aged 35-50 years, with mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.7 ± 3.5 kg/m² who were working in the city of Galikesh, northeastern Iran. The subjects were enrolled via purposeful sampling and were randomly divided into two experimental groups and a control group. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric characteristics (height, weight and BMI) and blood pressure of each subject were measured. Fasting blood samples were taken from the left brachial vein 12 hours before the first exercise session and 12 hours after the last exercise session to determine lipid profile. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 at significance level of 0.05.
Results: The four-week walking exercise significantly decreased serum levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (P=0.001) and triglyceride (P=0.001). In addition, the HIIT program significantly increased high-density lipoprotein level (HDL-C) (P=0.004) and significantly reduced LDL-C (P=0.049), LDL/HDL (P=0.002), triglyceride (p=0.01), BMI (P=0.027) and blood pressure (P=0.002). In addition, the results of ANOVA and (Scheffe test) showed a significant increase in HDL-C (P=0.042) values and a significant decrease in VLDL-C (P=0.032), LDL/HDL (P=0.041), triglyceride (P=0.024), BMI (P=0.048) and blood pressure (P=0.016) of HIIT group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Our findings indicated that HIIT has beneficial effects on some risk factors of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

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Background and objectives: Cardiovascular disease is one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. The present study aimed to compare two different cardiac rehabilitation protocols on ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) lymphocyte expression and blood lipid profile in middle-aged men undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
Methods: Forty five middle-aged men who had previously undergone coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly divided into three groups of control (C; n=15), aerobic training (AT; n=15) and combined training (CT; n=15). Blood samples were taken before the first and after the last exercise sessions. After isolation of mononuclear cells using Ficoll and mRNA purification, gene expression changes were examined by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.
Results: Eight weeks of training intervention resulted in a significant increase in ABCG1 expression as well as a significant decrease in plasma levels of LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol in both training groups. However, there was no significant difference between the AT and CT groups. In addition, high-density lipoprotein was significantly increased in the AT and CT groups.
Conclusion: Both AT and CT can increase plasma LDL and increase ABCG1 expression and HDL concentrations, indicating the positive effects of both interventions on the prevention of atherosclerosis.

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Background and objectives: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in women is increasing. Secretion of adipokines such as vaspin may affect insulin sensitivity. It has been suggested that physical activity can alter circulating vaspin levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of six weeks of aerobic interval training on serum vaspin and blood glucose levels in obese inactive girls.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 22 inactive overweight girls were selected from the Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. The mean age, weight and body mass index of the subjects were 24.22±1.35 years, 83.77±12.66 kg and 32.56±3.36 kg/m², respectively.  The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group )n=11) and a control group )n=11). The experimental group performed aerobic training on stationary bicycle at 65-80% of maximal strength, three sessions a week for six weeks. Serum levels of vaspin and glucose were measured using commercial kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23) and at significance of 0.05.
Results: The training intervention had no significant impact on the serum vaspin and glucose concentrations (P>0.05). In addition, the covariance analysis showed that serum vaspin and glucose levels did not differ significantly between the study groups (P>0.05).  
Conclusion: Based on the results, the six-week aerobic interval training had no significant effect on vaspin and blood glucose levels of inactive obese girls. It is recommended to further examine the effect of this type of exercise at higher intensities and for longer durations.

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Background and objectives:  Oxidative stress is the most important pathophysiological cause of diseases. Studies have shown that exercise and supplementation with medicinal plants have limited side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of aerobic exercise and ethanolic extract of purslane seed on ATP, O-6-Methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) levels in the heart tissue of rats poisoned with hydrogen peroxide.
Methods: In this experimental trial, 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups: (1) control + H₂O₂ , (2) aerobic exercise, (3) aerobic exercise and 50 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (4) aerobic exercise and 200 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (5) aerobic exercise and 400 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (6) 50 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (7) 200 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (8) 400 mg/kg purslane seed extract, and (9) healthy control. Oxidative stress was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mmol/kg hydrogen peroxide three times a week for eight weeks. Aerobic exercise was performed three sessions a week for eight weeks, and the purslane seed extract was intraperitoneally injected daily at the mentioned doses.
Results: Aerobic exercise and purslane seed extract alone or combined significantly increased ATP, MGMT and significantly reduced MDA and PAB levels in cardiac tissue of rats exposed to hydrogen peroxide (P<0.05). Moreover, the effect of purslane seed extract was dose dependent.
Conclusion: It seems that aerobic exercise and purslane seed extract supplementation have synergistic cardioprotective effects under oxidative stress.

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Background and objectives: Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has gained substantial interest due to the lower required intensity, which may be beneficial for individuals who are not able to lift heavy weights. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on follistatin (FST) concentrations and physical performance in elderly females.
Methods: Thirty elderly female were randomly assigned into the following groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFRT; n=10), resistance training without blood flow restriction (WBFRT; n=10) and control ( n=10). The resistance training was carried out three session a week for 12 weeks. Serum concentrations of FST, muscular endurance and dynamic balance were assessed at baseline and after the 12week intervention.
Results: Significant main effects of time were observed for FST (p =0.03, η2 = 0.15), muscular endurance (p = 0.00, η2 = 0.59) and dynamic balance (p=0.00, η2 = 0.57). FST [BFRT= 1.4 ng/ml (effect size Cohen’s {d} = -0.8) significantly increased only in BFRT group. However, muscular endurance [BFRT= 95 (d= -4.1) and WBFRT = 32 (d= -0.9)] significantly increased in both intervention groups (P<0.05). In addition, dynamic balance [BFRT= -0.5 seconds (d= 2.2)] significantly increased only in the BFRT group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: BFRT was able to increase FST concentrations. Due to its mechanistic role in muscle mass alterations, elderly females can incorporate our BFRT protocol to improve anabolic conditions for muscular adaptations. 

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Background and objectives: Given the growing prevalence of obesity in children, the present study aimed to investigate effects of continuous and interval aerobic training on insulin resistance index and serum cortisol levels of obese girls.
Methods: The study was performed on 36 healthy girls aged 9-11 years with a body mass index (BMI) of higher than 85th percentile. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups of interval training, continuous training and control. The training groups performed exercises three days a week for eight weeks. The exercises were performed at 70% of VO2max in the first four weeks and at 80% of VO2max in the following weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken 72 hours before the first session and 72 hours after the last training session in order to measure levels of cortisol, glucose, insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).Weight, BMI and body fat percentage were also measured by conventional methods. Data analysis was performed in SPSS 21 using paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The mean level of BMI and body fat percentage decreased significantly after the interval and continuous training, respectively (P<0.05). The HOMA-IR index did not change significantly in the study groups (P>0.05). The cortisol level increased slightly in the continuous training and control groups (P=0.075) and decreased insignificantly (P=0.131) in the interval training group. There was no difference between the training groups and the control group in terms of HOMA-IR and cortisol levels.
Conclusion: Insulin levels, HOMA-IR showed a decrease trend while a reasonable increase in cortisol level we showed in the continuous training group. BMI level and fat percentage decreased in two both training groups.

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Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of an eight-weeks endurance and strength training on levels of cellular and vascular adhesion molecules in obese men.
Methods: Twenty-four obese volunteer men as subjects in this study were selected from Tehran and randomly assigned to control, endurance training, and strength training groups. The enduranBackground and objectives: Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is the most common cause of metabolic abnormalities, such as metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to compare effects of eight weeks of endurance and strength trainings on serum levels of cellular and vascular adhesion molecules in obese men.
Methods: Twenty-four obese men were randomly assigned to control, endurance training and strength training groups. The endurance training group performed a modified treadmill running protocol with an intensity of 50-70% of maximum heart rate. The resistance training included chest press, armpit stretch and leg and crus presses at intensity of 50-80% of one-repetition maximum. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM--1) were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test at significance of 0.05.
Results: Serum VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels decreased significantly in both training groups compared to the control group (P=0.0001). The reduction of serum VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels was more significant in the endurance training group than in the resistance training group.
Conclusion: Given the favorable effects of endurance and resistance trainings on serum levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, the eight-week training could be performed as a protective intervention in obese people.ce training group performed a modified running protocol with an exercise intensity of 50% to 70% of HR_max on the treadmill. Resistance exercises also included chest press, armpit stretch, and leg and crus presses. The training intensity was 50% to 80% of 1-RM. Serum levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were measured using ELISA commercial kits. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey at the significant level P<0.05.
Results: VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels decreased significantly in training groups compared to the control (P = 0.0001). Significant differences were also found between the values ​​of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in the endurance training group compared to the resistance training group (P = 0.0001).
Conclusion: Overall, the levels of molecules showed that the values ​​of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 decreased significantly in the exercise group compared to the control group, but this decrease was more significant in the endurance training group. Therefore, it seems that 8 weeks of training in obese people can be very useful and prevent many diseases.