Determination of CRP blood level in type 1 diabetic patients and the effect of aerobic and resistance training on the level of this biomarker.

BACKGROUND: Increasing prevalence of diabetes and its complications, including cardiovascular problems, increase the cost of health care. With proper planning to change lifestyle, like costs and complications of type 1 diabetes could be diminished. The present study investigated the effect of aerobic and resistance training on blood CRP level of type 1 diabetic patients as a protective marker on cardiovascular cells. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 32 patients with type 1 diabetes were divided into two groups of aerobic and resistance exercise training. Serum CRP levels were measured in all patients before and after exercise. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Bootstrap and SPSS tests. RESULTS: In this study, for abnormal data, Bootstrap method was used, which created an acceptable confidence interval. And using analysis of variance to control the effect of CRP (interfering) level before and after exercise was not significant (P=0.37). CONCLUSION: Considering the relationship between exercise training with CRP level in type 1 diabetic patients specially in aerobic training group as well as CRP level according to the training program condition, it can be concluded that there is not effective relationship between this biomarker and exercise training in type 1 diabetic patients.

Swimming training combined with chitosan supplementation reduces the development of obesity and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Obesity is often introduced as one of the metabolic disorders caused by imbalance between energy consumption and metabolisable energy intake. Experts in the field considered obesity as one of the robust risk factors for the lifestyle-associated diseases. The present research examined interventional effects of marine chitosan (CS), swimming training (ST) and combination of CS and ST (CS + ST) in the mice fed with high-fat diets (HFD). In this study, sample size was considered more than three in groups. Forty mice were randomly divided into five groups (n 8 per group) including control group (received the standard diet), HFD group (received high-fat food with 20 % fat), HFD + CS group (treated with high-fat food with 5 % CS), HFD + ST group (treated with HFD and ST) and HFD + CS + ST group (treated with high-fat food with 5 % CS and ST). After 8 weeks, the blood glucose, oxidative stress (OS) and lipid profile were measured. The results showed that CS + ST group has more effects in the control of body weight with the increased concentration of HDL-cholesterol, OS inhibition via enhancing the body antioxidant capacity in comparison with the ST or CS alone in HFD-fed mice. Moreover, lipid profile was improved in CS + ST-treated mice compared with HFD-treated mice, and OS inhibition correlated with the greater activities of the antioxidant enzyme enhances the lipid oxidation, cholesterol and fatty acid homoeostasis. The results suggested that a dietary intervention with a combined ST and CS can be a feasible supplementary for human prevention of obesity.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Body Composition and Gene Expression of ACE2, NLRP3, and FNDC5 in Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Obesity is considered a multisystem disease associated with higher mortality and morbidity in adults. This study explored the effects of two Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and the gene expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in adults with obesity. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 36 obese, inactive subjects (age: 45.16 ± 3.13 yrs.; mean, BW: 112.38 ± 20.1 kg, Height: 1.67 ± 0.07, and BMI: 39.66 ± 6.07 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: HIIT: (n = 12), MICT (n = 12), and control (n = 12). Both exercise groups received 40 min of training per session (three times/week) for eight weeks. Body composition, body fat percentage (BFP), VO2max, and the gene expression of ACE2, and NLRP3, were taken pre- and post-intervention using the qRT-PCR technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS software via parametric (ANOVA and ANCOVA) and non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis). Results: Our results showed that HIIT and MICT protocols could be effective in normalizing body composition measurements and VO2max, but HIIT could reduce body fat percentage (BFP) in obese subjects. Moreover, HIIT and MICT could significantly reduce the gene expression of NLRP3 (p < 0.0001) and ACE2 (p < 0.0001), while increasing the gene expression of FNDC5 (p < 0.0001). There were negative correlations between the gene expression of FNDC5 and NLRP3, as well as ACE2. Furthermore, increased FNDC5 was negatively correlated with BFP (r = 0.392, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, our results indicated that HIIT and MICT protocols had the greatest impact on the gene expression of NLRP3, ACE2, and FNDC5.

A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Continuous and Discontinuous Aerobic Exercise on Patients' Stem Cell Mobilization before Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: Transplant success largely depends on the number of hematopoietic stem cells. The release of catecholamines following exercise can, as a treatment in addition to medication, affect the mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood. The aim of the present study is to compare two types of aerobic exercise on stem cell mobilization before autologous transplantation. Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental applied study, 60 patients in the age range of 22-69 years referred to Taleghani Hospital were randomly selected and assigned into 3 groups of 20 members (continuous aerobic, discontinuous aerobic and control group). Aerobic exercise program was performed for 7 consecutive days of mobilization period including walking on a treadmill (according to the patient's ability) continuously and discontinuously for 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon. Blood samples were taken the morning before and after mobilization and the CD34 and MNC levels were counted as absolute. Chi-square test, paired t-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOA) and multiple comparison test were used for statistical analysis. All analyses were considered significant at p ≤ 0. Results: Moderate-intensity continuous and discontinuous aerobic activity increases the number of CD34 and MNC cells. A comparison between continuous and discontinuous aerobic activity showed an increase in the amount of these cells. The continuous aerobic activity group was found to have a statistically significant increase compared to the discontinuous group (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Moderate intensity continuous and discontinuous aerobic exercise significantly increased hematopoietic stem cells. However, this increase was greater as a result of continuous aerobic exercise than discontinuous exercise. Regarding the potential role of these cells in transplantation, they could possibly help the transplant process.

Modeling the resistance mechanism of passive knee joint flexion and extension for use in rehabilitation equipment.

The purpose of this study was to model the resistance mechanism of Passive Knee Joint Flexion and Extension to create a similar torque mechanism in rehabilitation equipment. In order to better model the behavior of passive knee tissues, it is necessary to exactly calculate the two coefficients of elasticity of time-independent and time-dependent parts. Ten healthy male volunteers (mean height 176.4+/-4.59 cm) participated in this study. Passive knee joint flexion and extension occurred at velocities of 15, 45, and 120 (degree/s), and in five consecutive cycles and within the range of 0 to 100° of knee movement on the sagittal plane on Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. To ensure that the muscles were relaxed, the electrical activity of knee muscles was recorded. The elastic coefficient, (KS) increased with elevating the passive velocity in flexion and extension. The elastic coefficient, (KP) was observed to grow with the passive velocity increase. While, the viscous coefficient (C) diminished with passive velocity rise in extension and flexion. The heightened passive velocity of the motion resulted in increased hysteresis (at a rate of 42%). The desired of passive velocity is lower so that there is less energy lost and the viscoelastic resistance of the tissue in the movement decreases. The Coefficient of Determination, R2 between the model-responses and experimental curves in the extension was 0.96 < R2 < 0.99 and in flexion was 0.95 < R2 < 0.99. This modeling is capable of predicting the true performance of the components of passive knee movement and we can create a resistance mechanism in the rehabilitation equipment to perform knee joint movement. Quantitative measurements of two elastic coefficients of Time-independent and Time-dependent parts passive knee joint coefficients should be used for better accurate simulation the behavior of passive tissues in the knee which is not seen in other studies.

Effect of viscoelastic properties on passive torque variations at different velocities of the knee joint extension and flexion movements.

This study aimed to investigate the rate of passive torque variations of human knee joint in the different velocities of knee flexion and extension movements. Ten healthy men were invited to participate in the tests. All passive torque tests were performed for the knee joint extension and flexion on the sagittal plane in three different angular velocities of 15, 45, and 120°/s; in 5 consecutive cycles; and within 0° to 100° range of motion. The electrical activity of knee joint extensor and flexor muscles was recorded until there was no muscle activity signal. A Three-element Solid Model (SLS) was used to obtain the viscose and elastic coefficients. As the velocity increases, the stretch rate in velocity-independent tissues increases, and the stretch rate in velocity-dependent tissues decreases. By increasing the velocity, the resistance of velocity-dependent parts increases, and the velocity-independent parts are not affected by velocity. Since the first torque that resists the joint movement is passive torque, the elastic and viscous torques should be simultaneously used. It is better to perform the movement at a low velocity so that less energy is lost. The viscoelastic resistance of tissues diminishes. Graphical abstract.

Influence of MLC901 Alone and with Moderate Exercise on Pain Response Concurrent Due to Stress of Male Mice.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is known to have a positive effect on pain responses induced by stress, while chronic stress causes a negative effect on cognitive abilities. Depending on the type, duration, and intensity of the stressor, it can induce analgesia or hyperalgesia. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicine MLC901 on stress processes have been reported. Here, the effects of MLC901 and moderate physical activity on pain response in restraint-stressed mice was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male NMRI mice were used in this study and were restrained in plexiglass mesh restrainers for induction of chronic restraint stress. Treadmill exercise was carried out for moderated exercise, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. MLC901 was intraperitoneally administered in the experimental groups. The pain response of the adult NMRI mice was detected via the hot-plate test. RESULTS: It was showed that intraperitoneal administration of MLC901 dose (0.4 but not 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg; once/2 days; for 25 days) resulted in the decreased percentage of time in the hot plate, indicating hyperalgesia. Moreover, restraint stress for 3 but not 6 and 9 hours/day elicit hyperalgesia in mice. The data showed that subthreshold dose of MLC901 (0.1 mg/kg) reduced hyperalgesia in 3-day stressed mice. Moderate treadmill running (10 meters/min for 30 min/day, 5 days/ week) potentiated the effect of 6 and 9 days on pain (induced hyperalgesia) that was blocked by MLC901 (0.1 mg/kg). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that subthreshold dose of MLC901 alone or when it associated with moderate exercise decreased hyperalgesia induced by stress, indicating the protective effect of MLC901.

Altered Neural Response Induced by Central-Fatigue in the Cortical Area During High-Intensity Interval Pedaling.

INTRODUCTION: The central-governor model explains the mechanism of endurance exercise-induced central fatigue, but high-intensity exercise-induced central fatigue has not been investigated yet. This study aimed to research how central fatigue during high-intensity intermittent pedaling alters the neural response, which results in Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. METHODS: We assessed neural response by measuring the alternation of brainwave spectral power during an intermittent high-intensity 60-minute exercise on an ergometer cycle. The cadences were changed every 10 minutes according to intermittent pattern altering (90-120-60-120-60-90 rpm). EEG was used to analyze altering brain function. Heart Rate (HR), Blood Lactate (BL), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were measured after the change in cadences. RESULTS: HR, BL, and RPE increased at a cadence of 120 rpm compared with 60 rpm on the ergometer cycle. The spectral power of EEG, according to cadence × brainwaves, significantly increased (P<0.01) in the alpha and beta frequency ranges with a change in cadences between 60 rpm and 120 rpm. The spectral power of the EEG significantly increased (P<0.01) over the whole frequency range from rest to warming (theta: 251%, alpha: 165%, beta: 145%) and significantly reduced in theta, alpha, and beta (theta: 176%, alpha: 142%, beta: 77%) (P≤0.01). CONCLUSION: High-intensity exercises (90 and 120 cadences) increased brain function, regardless of fatigue occurrence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) led to altering the neural response. It would be required to investigate the usefulness of HIIT to treat some of the psychotic disorders.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disorders Among Iranian Elite Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Athletes' health is an important issue and for promoting it, pre-participation examination (PPE) is widely performed by responsible bodies around the world. OBJECTIVES: This study was to determine prevalence of cardiovascular disorders among athletes participating in the Asian games and answering the question whether the electrocardiogram (ECG) is a necessary part of pre-participation examination (PPE) for prevention of sudden cardiac death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All athletes participated at Asian games came to sports medicine federation for a PPE including a comprehensive questionnaire, physical examination and ECG. In this retrospective study all profiles of 338 athletes have been studied as well as their electrocardiograms. Multiple logistic regressions as well as Firth's bias reduction were used with R statistical software and SPSS. For predicting the changes in ECG, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve has done. RESULTS: Among 388 athletes, 80 (20.6%) were female and 308 (79.4%) male with mean age of 23.2 + 8 years. Nine athletes (2.3%) were smokers, 28 of them (7.2%) experienced chest pain and discomfort, 45 of them (13.3%) had palpitations and 28 (7.2%) had history of anemia. Study of their electrocardiograms showed that long Q-T interval was not seen for anyone, but evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy was seen in 12 (3.1%), inverted T wave in 6 (1.5%), and right bundle branch block in 45 (13.3%). CONCLUSIONS: PPE provides very important information of athletes' health. This study has shown that there was not any significant relation between current examination and electrocardiogram changes but regarding the ECG changes we recommend it as a routine part of PPE.

Effects of amplitudes of whole-body vibration training on left ventricular stroke volume and ejection fraction in healthy young men.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different whole-body vibration (WBV) training amplitudes on left ventricular stroke volume and ejection fraction in healthy young men. METHODS: A total of 24 healthy men (age 21.71±1.49 year, height 176.17±6.61 cm, weight 70.73±10.08 kg, BMI 22.36±3.57 kg/m2, and body surface area 1.87±0.13 m2) were divided into two groups: high and low amplitude vibration (n=12). The vibration training consisted of 8 weeks of WBV 3 times a week with amplitudes of 2 or 4 mm and progressive frequencies from 20 Hz with increments of 5 Hz weekly. As outcome measures, left ventricular stroke volume and ejection fraction at baseline and after 8 weeks were evaluated. Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparison between groups; Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to compare pretest and post-test results in each group. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Whole-body vibration training with low amplitude (2 mm) caused an numerically increase in stroke volume (pre-test: 72.42±14.34; post-test: 78.42± 23.19 cm3; p=0.06) and ejection fraction (pre-test: 65.22±3.41; post-test: 67.00±4.18%; p=0.52). So; the increase was not significant. In the high-amplitude (4 mm) group, post-test results were nearly unchanged compared to the pre-test results. No significant difference was evident between groups. CONCLUSION: The intensity and volume of whole-body vibration training were not enough to affect systolic function.

Effects of whole-body vibration training on fibrinolytic and coagulative factors in healthy young men.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate effects of 5-week whole body vibration (WBV) training with different amplitudes and progressive frequencies on fibrinolytic/coagulative factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 subjects were divided randomly in high or low-amplitude vibration, and control groups. Training consisted of 5-week WBV with amplitudes 4 or 2 mm. Plasma samples were analyzed before and after training. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon signed ranked test. P <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: High-amplitude vibration caused an increase in tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (P = 0.028) (pretest: 1744.61 ± 707.95; posttest: 2313.63 ± 997.19 pg/ml), and decrease in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (P = 0.033) (pretest: 97.94 ± 34.37; posttest: 85.12 ± 36.92 ng/ml). Fibrinogen and plasminogen were not changed significantly. Low-amplitude vibration caused an increase in tPA (P = 0.006) (pretest: 2208.18 ± 1280.37; posttest: 3492.72 ± 3549.22 pg/ml). PAI-1, fibrinogen and plasminogen were not changed significantly. There were no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Amplitude of vibrations in WBV training may affect fibrinolytic factors.