The association between type 1 diabetes and exercise/physical activity and prolongation of the honeymoon phase in patients.

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the immune system, causing chronic hyperglycemia and micro and macrovascular complications. However, some people experience a 'honeymoon' phase (or partial remission) after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. During this phase, a substantial amount of insulin is still produced by the pancreas, helping to reduce blood sugar levels and the requirement for external insulin. The clinical significance of this phase lies in the potential for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions during this time frame to either slow down or arrest beta-cell destruction. Clearly, we need to continue researching novel therapies like immunomodulatory agents, but we also need to look at potentially effective therapies with acceptable side effects that can serve as a complement to the medicines currently being studied. Physical activity and exercise, regardless of its type, is one of the factors its impact on the control of diabetes is being investigated and promising results have been achieved. Although there are still limited reports in this regard, there is some evidence to suggest that regular physical exercise could prolong the honeymoon period in both adults and children. In this review, having described the immune base of type 1 diabetes, we outline the benefits of exercise on the general health of individuals with T1D. Moreover, we centered on the honeymoon and current evidence suggesting the effects of physical activity and exercise on this phase duration.

Ameliorating effect of 6-week swimming exercise on mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by reducing fetuin-A and increasing AMPK & NAD⁺ levels in liver tissue.

Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting sensory and motor function in the central nervous system. Physical activities in the prevention and treatment of such conditions have shown promising results. However, their mechanisms of action have not been fully known yet and need further study. The present study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of swimming exercise on some liver factors involved in inflammation and MS. Materials and Methods: In this study, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice, and the effect of a 6-week swimming exercise on the levels of fetuin-A, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in their liver tissue was investigated by western blot analysis and NAD+ colorimetric assay. Results: The study showed that EAE induction substantially (3.5 - fold) enhanced the fetuin-A levels and caused a reduction in AMPK and NAD+ amount. This is when doing 6 weeks of swimming exercise reduced fetuin-A to slightly above control. Also, levels of AMPK and NAD+ markedly increased in C57BL/6 mice with EAE. Conclusion: Doing regular exercise may limit the body's inflammatory responses and reduce the severity of MS by regulating the expression of fetuin-A and increasing AMPK and NAD⁺ levels in liver tissue.

Effects of Two Different School-Based Training on Serum miR15b Expression and Lipid Profile of Adolescents with Obesity.

Background: Some circulating microRNAs, such as miR15b, are predictors of diseases associated with adulthood obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two selected school-based and high-intensity interval training (HIT) on miR15b expression and lipid profile of obese adolescents. Methods: Thirty-eight adolescent males (12 ± 1 years) with obesity (body mass: 74.7 ± 13.2 kg, body mass index (BMI): 26.0 ± 2.3 kg/m2, and body fat (BF): 27.2 ± 3.6%) were randomly assigned to the following based on the age-related body mass index: (i) HIT (n = 13), (ii) school-based exercises (SBE, n = 13), and (iii) control (n = 12) groups. Mir15b was extracted using the RT-PCR system, and lipid profile was studied using the enzymatic colorimetric method before and after 12 weeks. Three training sessions were held each week during the course. Results: Following the exercise interventions, in both training groups, miR15b (HIT: -63.8 vs. SBE: -56. 7%; P = 0.001), cholesterol (HIT: -8.8 vs. SBE: -9.2%; P = 0.025), and low-density lipoproteins levels (SBE: -13.1 vs. -20.8%; P = 0.48) decreased; however, the peak oxygen uptake of subjects increased (HIT: 4.0 vs. SBE: 4.0%; P = 0.003). However, there were no significant differences in triglyceride (HIT: -16.9 vs. SBE: -8.3%; P = 0.134), and high-density lipoprotein (HIT: 3.1 vs. SBE: 4.8%; P = 0.479) levels between both intervention and control groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that both types of exercises had almost similar effects on reducing miR15b expression and improving the lipid profile. Hence, based on the difficult nature of HIT for children with obesity, further use of school-based exercises is suggested.

Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Browning, Serum Orexin-A, and Insulin Resistance Following Aerobic Exercise in High-Fat Diet Obesity Male Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) relative to the other adipose tissues may have different roles in health and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on SAT thermogenesis indices, serum orexin-A (OXA), and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-induced obesity male Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats with an average weight of 180-200 g were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups: normal fat diet (NFD), high-fat diet obesity (HFDO), normal fat diet after high-fat diet obesity (HFDO-NFD), and aerobic exercise group with normal fat diet after high-fat diet obesity (HFDO-AEX). Fasting levels of serum OXA, insulin, FBS, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol and gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and UCP1 in SAT were evaluated. Samples were taken in the HFDO group after obesity-induced and in other groups 48 h after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise. RESULTS: The results showed that HFD significantly decreased serum levels of OXA, HDL-c and gene expression of PGC1α and UCP1 in SAT. In addition, it caused a significant increase in Lee index, FBS, insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile in comparison with the NFD group (P ≤ 0.001). Aerobic exercise significantly modified the changes caused by HFD to the normal levels (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that aerobic exercise caused an improvement in insulin resistance and blood lipid profiles through an increase in the serum level of OXA and alteration in the SAT phenotype from white to brown or beige.

The effects of 14-week betaine supplementation on endocrine markers, body composition and anthropometrics in professional youth soccer players: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Betaine supplementation may enhance body composition outcomes when supplemented chronically during an exercise program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of betaine supplementation on development-related hormones, body composition, and anthropometrics in professional youth soccer players during a competitive season. METHODS: Twenty-nine players (age, 15.45 ± 0.25 years) were matched based upon position and then randomly assigned to a betaine group (2 g/day; n = 14, BG) or placebo group (PG, n = 15). All subjects participated in team practices, conditioning, and games. If a subject did not participate in a game, a conditioning protocol was used to ensure workload was standardized throughout the 14-week season. Growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), testosterone, cortisol, height, weight, and body composition were assessed at pre-season (P1), mid-season (P2) and post-season (P3). Anthropometric variables were also measured following a one-year follow-up (F). RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.05) group x time interactions were found for testosterone and testosterone to cortisol ratio (T/C). Both variables were greater in BG at P2 and P3 compared to P1, however, the testosterone was less in the PG at P3 compared to P2. There was no significant group by time interactions for GH, IGF-1, lean body mass, or body fat. There was a significant (p < 0.05) group x time interaction in height and weight at F, with the greater increases in BG compared to PG. CONCLUSION: Betaine supplementation increased testosterone levels and T/C ratio in youth professional soccer players during a competitive season. Betaine supplementation had no negative effects on growth (height and weight) and may attenuate reductions in testosterone due to intense training during puberty.

Changes in Liver Enzymes and Metabolic Profile in Adolescents with Fatty Liver following Exercise Interventions.

PURPOSE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent cause of chronic liver diseases in both adults and children with obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in liver enzymes and metabolic profile in adolescents with fatty liver following selected school-based exercise (SBE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions. METHODS: In a semi-experimental study, 34 obese male adolescents with clinically defined NAFLD were divided into the HIIT (n=11, age=12.81±1.02 years, body mass index [BMI]=26.68 ±2.32 kg/m2), selected SBE (n=11, age=13.39±0.95 years, BMI=26.47±1.74 kg/m2), and control (n=12, age=13.14±1.49 years, BMI=26.45±2.21 kg/m2) groups. The ultrasonography NAFLD grade, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), lipid profile, insulin resistance, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels of the participants were measured before and after the exercise interventions. RESULTS: The BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage of the participants decreased, and a significant increase in VO2peak was observed after the intervention; however, the HIIT group showed a significant improvement compared with the SBE group (p<0.01). Significant reductions were observed in the levels of insulin resistance, triglyceride, total cholesterol, ALT, and AST in both groups, although high-density lipoprotein levels decreased only in the HIIT group (p<0.01). Further, a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein level was observed in the training groups (p<0.01), but this decrease was not significant compared with the control group (p>0.01). CONCLUSION: HIIT and SBE are equally effective in improving health parameters in obese children and adolescents.

The effect of two types of combined training on bio-motor ability adaptations in sedentary females.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of combined training of high-volume/low intensity vs. low volume/high intensity on different bio-motor adaptations in sedentary women. METHODS: Thirty sedentary healthy females (mean age, 22.1±3.3 years), were randomly assigned into: control group (CG; N.=10), High-Volume/low-intensity training group (HV; N.=10); or high-intensity/low-volume training group (HI; N.=10). Training protocols were performed for 8 weeks, on three non-consecutive days a week. RESULTS: Post-intervention, there were significant main effects of time and a group by time interaction for all body composition and performance variables (P≤0.001), while no significant differences were found for changes in maximum heart rate. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant decreases in body fat percentage and speed test in HV and HI (P≤0.001) after intervention, while anaerobic power significantly increased in HV and HI (P≤0.001). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly superior in HI than HV (P≤0.05). Additionally, there were significant main effects of time and a group by time interaction for all one-repetition maximum tests (P≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combined interval training and resistance training were effective for improving bio-motor parameters in sedentary young women. HV training produced less RPE than HI training, which may potentially increase adherence to training protocols post-intervention.

Effects of Two Types of Moderate- and High-Intensity Interval Training on Serum Salusin-α and Salusin-ß Levels and Lipid Profile in Women with Overweight/Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to compare the effects of two modes of moderate- and high-intensity interval training on serum Salusin-α and Salusin-ß and lipid profile in women with overweight/obesity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A number of forty females were assigned to each of (1) Control (BMI= 30.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2, n=14), (2) Moderate-intensity (BMI= 31.2 ±3.3 kg/m2, n=13) and (3) High-intensity interval training (BMI=30.9±3.4 kg/m2, n=13) groups. The subjects of experimental groups participated in the selected interval trainings for eight weeks. The first blood sampling was performed within 48 hours prior to the first training session and the second samples were obtained 48 hours after the last training session. RESULTS: The findings revealed that there were significant increases in Salusin-α (36% vs. 3%; p = 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein levels (7% vs. 5%; P = 0.039), while significant reductions in the levels of Triglyceride (-8% vs. -9%; p= 0.012) and total cholesterol (-1% vs. -8%; P =0.01) levels of moderate- and high-intensity interval training groups, respectively. Also, there were insignificant changes in Salusin-ß (-7% vs. -5%; P = 0.108), low-density lipoproteins (-3% vs. -11%; P =0.046) and very-low-density lipoprotein (-10% vs. -8%; P = 0.056) compared to control group. There were only significant differences between Salusin-α and high-density lipoprotein levels of training groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that, although improvements in lipid profile was nearly similar for two training modes, moderate intensity interval training was more effective to prevent and control atherosclerosis.

The effect of six-week aerobic training program on cardiovascular fitness, body composition and mental health among female students.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of six-week aerobic training program including running and rope skipping on cardiovascular fitness, body mass index (BMI), and mental health among female students at the University of Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: In this interventional study we included 30 female students in academic year 2011-12. The participants were randomly assigned in experimental group (n=15, mean±SD for age=26.06±1.18, weight (kg)=57.43±5.67, height (cm)=160.06±4.16) and control group (n=15, mean±SD for age=26.33±1.30, weight=57.66±5.08, height=161.86±3.29). Pre-test and post-test measurements include VO2 max with Queen Step test; BMI and General Health Questionnaire-28 as a measure of mental health were done. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the effects of aerobic training as intervention (P<0.05). RESULTS: There was statistically significance difference between experimental and control groups after adjustment for their own baseline values concerning cardiovascular fitness (P=0.004), BMI (P<0.001) and mental health indices (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A six-week aerobic practice improves cardiovascular strength, mental health and BMI considerably and could be more encouraged at universities.

Correlation between Aerobic Fitness and Body Composition in Middle School Students.

BACKGROUND: Since correlations have been found between body composition and physical activity in different parts of the world, inactivity and poor physical condition likely contributes main factors in childhood obesity. This study was implemented to determine the relationship between cardiovascular fitness and body-composition in a group of Iranian middle school students. METHODS: In this descriptive study, subjects comprised of 12,946 students (10,531 girls and 2,415 boys aged 11-13 years) in the city of Isfahan. Height, weight, body-fat percent, body mass index, and cardiovascular fitness of the aforesaid students were measured by valid tests. RESULTS: This study showed that fat percentage and aerobic fitness (VO2 max) of girls were 24.73%, and 29.5 (ml/kg/min) and boys19.32% and 36.4 (ml/kg/min) respectively. Results also revealed that there was a negative significant correlation between fat percent and aerobic fitness of boys (r = -0.81), and girls (r = -0.77) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, this study signifies that fat percentage augmentation leads to a decrease in aerobic fitness of children. Thus, fat percentage can be associated with different chronic diseases such as cardiovascular ones.

Short-term Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Obesity and Aerobic Fitness of Adolescent Girls.

BACKGROUND: In the past two decades, physical activity has decreased during both childhood and adolescence, and particularly adolescence. It seems that schools are attractive settings in which to implement interventions designed in order to promote physical activity in children; but in Iranian students, few studies have evaluated the effects of such interventions on overweight and obese children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term school-based physical activity on obesity and aerobic fitness in 12-14 years aged girls. METHODS: This is a study with single group pretest and posttest design, in which 129 middle school girls in city of Isfahan were assessed based on preventive plan of inactivity in children at the Provincial Health Office. Variables, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage and aerobic power of subjects were measured using valid tests. RESULTS: This study showed that subjects' body fat percentage changed about 3.6% (37.74% pretest vs. 36.39% posttest), VO2 max changed 7.43% (29.72 pretest vs. 31.93 posttest), WHR changed 1.12% (0.89 pretest vs. 0.88 posttest), whereas BMI was changed 1.65% (27.80 pretest vs. 27.34 posttest). Findings also revealed that there were significant differences between fat percent, (P = 0.001) and VO2 max (P = 0.001) of subjects, but there was no difference between BMI of them in pre- and post-tests (P = 0.361). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that even a short-term exercise intervention may lead to positive changes in body fat percentage, WHR and aerobic fitness of overweight children. Therefore, school-based physical activity interventions can be an effective preventive strategy to control obesity and overweight in students.

Short-term Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Obesity and Cardiovascular Fitness of 12-14-year-old Boy Students.

BACKGROUND: Some local governments have implemented strategies to increase physical activity as a way to control obesity in children, but in Iranian students few studies have evaluated the effects of such interventions on overweight and obese children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term school-based physical activity on obesity and cardiovascular fitness in 12-14-year-old boy students. METHODS: This study showed an intervention effect on some health-related fitness factors in students. A number of 127 boy students aged 12-14 years, in the city of Isfahan, based on preventive plan of inactivity in children at the provincial Health office selected randomly as subjects. Measurement variables include; weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body-fat percent and aerobic power of subjects measured by valid tests. RESULTS: This study revealed that body-fat percentage of this students changed near to 17.84% (42.25% pretest vs. 34.71% posttest), WHR 0.44%, (0.915 pretest vs. 0.911 posttest), VO2 max changed 8.54% (27.84 pretest vs. 30.22 posttest) whereas BMI was changed 2.61% (26.81 pretest vs. 26.03 posttest). Results also revealed that there were significant differences between fat percent, (P = 0.001) and VO2 max (P = 0.001), but there was no difference between BMI of subjects in pre and posttests (P = 0.452). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study signify that an implementation of short-term intervention components in the school system may have a beneficial effect on body-fat percentage and cardiovascular fitness of overweight/obese children.

Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight in 12-14-year-old Students in Isfahan-Iran.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a worldwide major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in 12-14-year-old students in the city of Isfahan. METHODS: This study was conducted among 10,531 girls and 2415 boys aged 12-14 years in the city of Isfahan. Percentage of children in the corresponding body mass index (BMI) categories for overweight and obesity (specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria percentiles) were assessed, based on preventive plan of inactivity in children and youth of Isfahan province. RESULTS: Findings revealed that prevalence of overweight in children varied by age from 15.3% to 26.9% in boys and 12.9% to 29.9% in girls, and prevalence of obesity varied from 14.8% to 33.7% and 15% to 29.9% in boys and girls, respectively. Percentile norms for BMI of subjects were computed based on sex categories. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, results of the study revealed that subjects have approximately the same percentage of overweight/obesity compared to other children have been studied; however, in comparison to previous studies, a higher rate was witnessed in grade 8 boy students. These situations indicate that there are needs to implement some intervention programs, as well as management policies.