An 8-Week study on the effects of high and Moderate-Intensity interval exercises on mitochondrial MOTS-C changes and their relation to metabolic markers in male diabetic sand rats.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant feature of type 2 diabetes. MOTS-C, a peptide derived from mitochondria, has positive effects on metabolism and exercise capacity. This study explored the impact of high and moderate-intensity interval exercises on mitochondrial MOTS-C alterations and their correlation with metabolic markers in male diabetic sand rats. Thirty male sand rats were divided into six groups: control, MIIT, DM + HIIT, DM + MIIT, DM, and HIIT (5 rats each). Diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ). The Wistar sand rats in exercise groups underwent 8 weeks of interval training of varying intensities. Post sample collection, protein expressions of PCG-1a, AMPK, and GLUT4 were assessed through Western blot analysis, while MOTS-C protein expression was determined using ELISA. Both exercise intensity and diabetes significantly affected the levels of PCG-1a, MOTS-C, GLUT4 proteins, and insulin resistance (p < 0.001). The combined effect of diabetes status and exercise intensity on these levels was also significant (p < 0.001). However, the diabetes effect varied when comparing high-intensity to moderate-intensity exercise. The moderate-intensity exercise group with diabetes showed higher levels of PCG-1a, MOTS-C, and GLUT4 proteins and reduced insulin resistance levels (p < 0.001). Exercise intensity (p = 0.022) and diabetes (p = 0.008) significantly influenced AMPK protein levels. The interplay between diabetes status and exercise intensity on AMPK protein levels was noteworthy, with the moderate-intensity diabetes group exhibiting higher AMPK levels than the high-intensity diabetes group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, exercise elevates the levels of PCG-1a, MOTS-C, GLUT4, and AMPK proteins, regulating insulin resistance in diabetic sand rats. Given the AMPK-MOTS-C mitochondrial pathway's mechanisms, interval exercises might enhance the metabolic rates and general health of diabetic rodents.

Moderate and high-intensity interval training protect against diabetes-induced modulation of hepatic CD86 and CD206 expression associated with the amelioration of insulin resistance and inflammation in rats.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can damage the function of metabolic tissues, including the liver. Liver macrophages are the first responders to tissue damage or exercise. We sought to determine whether eight weeks of interval training (HIIT & MIIT) protect against diabetes-induced modulation of hepatic CD86 and CD206 expression associated with the amelioration of insulin resistance and inflammation in rats. Thirty rats were divided into six groups, including a control group, MIIT, HIIT, DM, DM + MIIT, and DM + HIIT (n = 5 in each group). Diabetes was induced using a combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) and STZ. Wistar rats in the exercise groups were subjected to moderate and high-intensity interval training for eight weeks. After sample collection, liver tissue was removed and weighed. Serum levels of TNFα, IL-6, TGFß, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Protein expression of the immune markers CD86 and CD206 in liver tissue was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Induction of diabetes increased glycemic indices, insulin resistance, and liver injury enzymes, especially in DM and DM + HIIT groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, diabetic groups showed an increase in liver CD86 protein expression, an increase in TNFα, IL-6, and TGFß serum levels, and a decrease in liver CD206 and serum IL-10 (p < 0.05). Doing exercise while being diabetic, especially MIIT, significantly reversed the aforementioned factors and reduced insulin resistance (p < 0.05), except IL-10). We concluded that performing exercise training specially MIIT by decreasing CD86 and increasing CD206 in the liver, followed by decreasing pro-inflammatory factors (TNFα, IL-6) caused the regulation of liver enzymes and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Therefore, it seems that exercise training by regulating macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 can reduce damage to the insulin-signaling pathway by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Attenuation of Some Inflammatory Markers by Endurance Training in the Spinal Cord of Rats with Diabetic Neuropathic Pain.

Nervous inflammation is an important component of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including chronic diabetic neuropathic pain. In order to obtain a decrease in the progression of diabetic neuronal damage, it may be necessary to examine therapeutic options that involve antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the attenuation of inflammatory factors with endurance training in the spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain. Thirty-two 8-week-old male Wistar rats (with a weight range of 204 ± 11.3 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8), including (1) diabetic neuropathy (50 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection), (2) diabetic neuropathy training (30 minutes of endurance training at 15 meters per minute, 5 days a week for 6 weeks), (3) healthy training, and (4) healthy control. After confirmation of diabetic neuropathy by behavioral tests, training protocol and supplementation were performed. The NLRP3, P38 MAPK, TNF-α, and IL-1ß gene expressions were measured by a real-time technique in the spinal cord tissue. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. Endurance training reduced the sensitivity of the nervous system to thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia; also, compared to the diabetic neuropathy group, the gene expressions of NLTP3, P38 MAPK, TNF-α, and IL-1ß were significantly reduced by endurance training (P < 0.05). Endurance training modulates NLRP3, P38 MAPK, and TNF-α, IL-1ß gene expressions and improves the sensitivity of nociceptors to pain factors. Accordingly, it is recommended to use endurance training to reduce neuropathic pain for diabetics.

The effectiveness of a Pilates exercise program during pregnancy on childbirth outcomes: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Performing exercise with medium intensity has positive effects on the maternal health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates exercise program during pregnancy on childbirth outcomes: METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed on 110 primiparous women who were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n = 55) and control (n = 55). The intervention group performed Pilates exercises from 26 to 28 weeks of gestation for 8 weeks while the control group did not do any exercise. Data collection tools included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale, and a checklist including demographic and obstetrics information. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that Pilates exercise during pregnancy significantly reduces the labor pain intensity, length of the active phase and second stage of labor and increases maternal satisfaction of the labor process (p < 0.05). Based on the Kaplan Meyer analysis, the mean whole length of labor was shorter in Pilates exercise group than in the control group (P = .004). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of Episiotomy, type of delivery, first and fifth Apgar score of neonates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, Pilates exercise during pregnancy improved the labor process and increased maternal satisfaction of chidbirthprocess, without causing complications for the mother and baby. However, studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to prove the efficacy and safty of this practiceduring labor. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT registration number: IRCT20200126046266N1 . Registration date: 2020-05-02 (retrospectively registered).

Synergistic effect of high-intensity interval training and stem cell transplantation with amniotic membrane scaffold on repair and rehabilitation after volumetric muscle loss injury.

Despite the high regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle, volumetric muscle loss (VML) is an irrecoverable injury. One therapeutic approach is the implantation of engineered biologic scaffolds enriched with stem cells. The objective of this study is to investigate the synergistic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and stem cell transplantation with an amniotic membrane scaffold on innervation, vascularization and muscle function after VML injury. A VML injury was surgically created in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in rats. The animals were randomly assigned to three groups: untreated negative control group (untreated), decellularized human amniotic membrane bio-scaffold group (dHAM) and dHAM seeded with adipose-derived stem cells, which differentiate into skeletal muscle cells (dHAM-ADSCs). Then, each group was divided into sedentary and HIIT subgroups. The exercise training protocol consisted of treadmill running for 8 weeks. The animals underwent in vivo functional muscle tests to evaluate maximal isometric contractile force. Regenerated TA muscles were harvested for molecular analyses and explanted tissues were analyzed with histological methods. The main finding was that HIIT promoted muscle regeneration, innervation and vascularization in regenerated areas in HIIT treatment subgroups, especially in the dHAM-ADSC subgroup. In parallel with innervation, maximal isometric force also increased in vivo. HIIT upregulated neurotrophic factor gene expression in skeletal muscle. The amniotic membrane bio-scaffold seeded with differentiated ADSC, in conjunction with exercise training, improved vascular perfusion and innervation and enhanced the functional and morphological healing process after VML injury. The implications of these findings are of potential importance for future efforts to develop engineered biological scaffolds and for the use of interval training programs in rehabilitation after VML injury.

Acute interval walking with blood flow restriction could not increase ERK, p38 and decrease myostatin.

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence that moderate to high intensity exercise training has a key role in skeletal muscle adaption. Blood flow restriction (BFR) low intensity exercise training associated with unique effect on muscle hypertrophy. The purpose of the study was to investigate of effect of acute interval walking with blood flow restriction on phosphorylation of 4EBP1, P38, ERK and myostatin (MSTN) of skeletal muscle in inactive men. METHODS: Five healthy inactive men were participated in 2 sessions with 14 days interspersed. Session one was including BFR by 5 intervals 3-min walking at 55%Maximum heart rate (MHR) and 1 min at rest. Session two was including 5 intervals 3-min walking at 55% MHRand 1 min at rest without BFR. All samples were collected at 30 min and 3 h after exercise test. Concentration of P38, ERK and MSTN skeletal muscle were evaluated by Western blotting. Dependent t-test and Independent t-test was used to analyze the data after subtracting the post-test score from the pre-test. However, there was a significant difference between the pre and post-test for 4EBP1 (P=0.001) and ERK (P=0.049) in the blood flow restriction group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between pre and post-test of P38 (P=0/452). Significant difference was observed for ERK (P=0.012) in acute interval walking (P=0.049). There was no significant difference between pre and post-test of 4EBP1 (P=0.064) and P38 (P=0/122). No significant difference was found between two group for concentration of 4EBP1 (P=0.068), P38 (P-0.091) and ERK (P=0.827), (P≥0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that acute interval walking with blood flow restriction does not activate MAPK pathway signaling in inactive men.

Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, Myostatin and Follistatin in Healthy and Sarcopenic Elderly Men: The Effect of Whole-body Resistance Training.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia describes the inevitable deterioration in muscle mass and strength that accompanies biological aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) on quadriceps hypertrophy and related biochemistry in sarcopenic and healthy elderly men. METHODS: A total of 31 elderly men (55-70 years old) were classified as sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic and were divided into two groups. Both groups participated in a progressive RT program for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Data indicated that the strength in the sarcopenic group increased more than the healthy group (P < 0.05). Quadriceps cross-sectional area also increased more in the healthy group (P < 0.05). Myostatin concentration decreased in both groups after training (P < 0.05). Follistatin and testosterone increased in the healthy group; in contrast, only testosterone increased in the sarcopenic group after training (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that RT improves muscle cross-sectional area and biomarker-related muscle loss in both healthy and sarcopenic elderly men. The findings also demonstrate that growth factor profiles at baseline and changes in testosterone levels play an important role in muscle hypertrophy observed in both groups.

Effects of Two Training Programs on Transcriptional Levels of Neurotrophins and Glial Cells Population in Hippocampus of Experimental Multiple Sclerosis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus low-intensity continuous training (LICT) on transcriptional levels of neurotrophic factors and oligodendrocyte/microglia cell loss in a cuprizone (CP) induced animal model of demyelination. Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to six groups: control (C), cuprizone-induced demyelination (CP), interval training (IT), continuous training (CT), IT plus CP (ITCP), and CT plus CP (CTCP). Training programs on the treadmill were performed for four weeks, and then demyelination was induced by feeding mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone for five weeks. Animals that received cuprizone showed poorer motor function, lower expression of BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and fewer oligodendrocytes in the hippocampus compared to the control animals. The numbers of oligodendrocyte and microglia cells increased in the ITCP group compared to the CTCP group (P<0.05). Both training programs increased the mRNA levels of BDNF, GDNF and NGF, and the HIIT program was more effective than the LICT program (P<0.05). Both exercise programs prevented the abnormal neurological movements induced by cuprizone. Our results indicated that HIIT versus LICT had a greater neuroprotective effect against multiple sclerosis by improving gene expression for abnormal neurotrophins and cellular loss in the hippocampus.

Diets along with interval training regimes improves inflammatory & anti-inflammatory condition in obesity with type 2 diabetes subjects.

BACKGROUND: Different physical activities and diets change the regulation of inflammations in both type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients and obese individuals, but the effect of both (Physical activity and diet) on pro/anti-inflammations has remained unknown. We investigated pro/anti-inflammations control, cardiovascular function, and total physiological parameters before and after 24 weeks of low volume high intensity interval training (HIIT) on a cycle ergometer along with four dietary regimes in obesity with T2D patients. METHODS: 33 non-active obesity T2D patients (BMI ≥ 30) midges (47 yrs. ± 5) were volunteered to participate and randomly divided into three experimental(n = 11) [(1) LCD = low Carbohydrate Diet, (2) LFD = Low Fat Diet and (3) HFD = High Fat Diet)] and one control (n = 9) [ND = normal diet] groups. The whole groups performed underwent 8-week dietary regimes and then performed 3 days/weeks (3 set 10 × 60 s) HIIT on a cycle ergometer for 12 weeks, which followed by a 4-week diet period again. Also, prior to and after 8 weeks diet-12 weeks High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and 4 weeks diet 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), resting blood pressure, incremental maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) cycle ergometer test and blood sample was collected from the subjects in order to measure pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, leptin, resistin, adiponectin, and FGF21). RESULTS: After 24 weeks of intervention, the results indicated that the highest improvement in the percentage of changes in glucose happened in LCD (-34.76), insulin in ND (+16.43), cholesterol in LCD (-33.35), LDL in LFD (-9.14), HDL in LCD (+41.81), TG in LCD (-40.71), weight in LCD (-12.49) and HOMA-IR in HFD (-6.82). The results also indicated that after 24 weeks of HIIT and diet interventions, highest benefit percentage change IL-6, resistin and leptin occurred in LCD (-32.10, -28.29 and - 53.92, respectively), TNF-α, FGF21 and adiponectin in LFD (-48.06, +55.30 and + 42.32, respectively). However, these changes were observed in other groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that HIIT along with low carbohydrate regimes improves overall cardiovascular parameters and reduce pro-inflammatory markers and increase anti-inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients. Additionally, as with HIIT along with low carbohydrate, HIIT coupled with low fat would improve inflammation markers, though these effects were less significant. These findings suggest that HIIT along with low carbohydrate is a beneficial exercise and dietary strategy in T2D patients.

Assessment of airway resistance in normal trained and fat untrained adolescent boys influenced by exercise experiences.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obese children are at increased risk of a wide range of health conditions including respiratory diseases. In addition, inactivity can decrease pulmonary function. This study assessed the effect of obesity and inactivity on pulmonary function impairment in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 80 adolescents. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 40 untrained (VO2max= 29.30±4.20) fat adolescents (UO). Group II included 40 healthy trained (VO2max= 58.11±2.23) normal weight adolescents (TN). Body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated and pulmonary function tests were carried out according to the standard protocols. Data were analyzed using student's "t" test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: UO had significantly lower pulmonary function values than the TN group. They also showed lower FEV1/FVC ratio when compared to TN group (P < 0.05). In UO group, BMI, body fat percentage and WHR had a significant negative correlation with pulmonary function whereas in TN group only BMI had significant negative correlation with pulmonary function. A significant decrease in FEV1 was observed in the two groups, which led to a decrease in FEV1/FVC% after the exercise compared to before. Thus, exercise test induced airway resistance in both groups. CONCLUSION: untrained obese adolescents have more respiratory symptoms than their normal weight trained peers, and these factors are recommended to be used as a predictor of pulmonary function in assessment of obese children in epidemiological studies. In addition, obesity and inactivity can surcharge pulmonary function abnormalities in adolescents.

The Effect of High Intensity Interval Exercise in High / Low Temperatures on Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) in Trained Adolescent Males.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) describes airway narrowing that occurs in association with exercise. Exercise in hot and cold environments has been reported to increase exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in subjects with asthma. However, to our knowledge, the effect of hot and cold environment on pulmonary function and EIB in trained males has not been previously studied. The main goal of this research was to examine the influence of environmental temperature and high intensity interval exercise on pulmonary function in trained teenage males. Also, this study sought to assess the influence of exercise and environmental temperature on EIB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty trained subjects (mean age 16.56±0.89 yrs, all males) underwent high intensity interval exercise testing (22 minutes) by running on a treadmill in hot and cold environments under standardized conditions (10 °C and 45 °C with almost 50% relative humidity in random order in winter and summer). Lung function (flow volume loops) was measured before and 1, 5, 15, 30 and 60 min after the exercise by digital spirometer. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The diagnosis of EIB was made by 10% fall in FEV1 post-exercise. RESULTS: The post-exercise maximal reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and average forced expiratory flow rate over the middle 50% of the FVC (FEF25-75) increased significantly compared to pre-exercise at 10 °C with almost 50% relative humidity (cold air). The obtained values were: -15.93(15min post-exercise), -22.53 (1 min post-exercise) and -18.25%(5min post-exercise). Post-exercise maximal reduction in FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75 increased significantly compared to pre-exercise value at 45 °C with almost 50% relative humidity (hot air). Obtained values were: -10.35 (1 min post-exercise), -9.16 (1 min post-exercise) and -7.39 (5 min post-exercise). Changes in FEV1, PEF and FEF25-75 reduction in cold air was significantly greater than in hot air (P < 0.05). Maximal prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in cold and hot air was 60% (18 of 30 subjects) and 40% (12 of 30 subjects), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that pulmonary function in hot and cold air was influenced by temperature (in the same relative humidity (50%) and also high intensity interval exercise. Prevalence of EIB after high intensity exercise in hot and cold air increased in trained adolescent males; however, these changes in cold air were greater than in hot air among trained adolescent males. Therefore, results of this study suggest that adolescents (although trained) should avoid high intensity (95% maximal heart rate) exercise in winter (extremely low temperature) and summer (extremely high temperature) to prevent EIB.