The Exercise Preconditioning Effect on Cardiac Tissue Injury following Induction of Myocardial Infarction in Male Rats.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into 4 groups including MI, Sham, HIIT, and HIIT+MI (N = 6). HIIT and HIIT+MI which underwent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 4 weeks (5 days a week). The training protocol included 10 intervals of 1-minute running, with 2 minutes rest between each interval. The training intensity was different every week according to the peak treadmill running speed (v peak) percentage of each rat. Isoproterenol injection was used to induce myocardial infarction (MI). Expressions of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), PGC-1α troponin-I, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microRNA 126 (miR-126) genes were measured. The variables were measured using biochemical and RT-PCR methods. The significance level (P value≤0.05) was analyzed using ANOVA test. Results: The results showed that 4 weeks of HIIT training led to a significant increase in PGC-1α, TFAm, and VEGF levels in the MI, HIIT, and HIIT+MI groups compared to the sham group (P = 0.001). HIIT exercises increased miR-126 in the different groups compared to the sham group; however, it was not significant. Conclusion: The results obtained showed that HIIT exercise exerts cardio-protective effects to reduce cardiac tissue injury and necrosis against MI. These effects increase mitochondrial biogenesis and angiogenesis by inducing the increased expression of VEGF, TFAM, PGC-1α, and miR-126 genes in the heart tissue. Therefore, HIIT training, as a preconditioning program, was able to protect the cardiac tissue against MI.

Changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty liver indicators in rat following continuous and high intensity interval training.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction can be tracked down in most liver diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The most recommended preventative method is lifestyle modification, especially exercise. The aim of this study was the investigation of changes in the indexes of mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty liver indicators in rat following continuous and high intensity interval training. METHODS: Thirty healthy male rats were divided into three control (C=10), Continuous swimming training (CT=10) and High intensity interval swimming training groups (HIIT=10). The training groups performed their specific exercises 5 days a week for 8 weeks. 24 h after the last training session in order to prepare the serum, a blood sample was taken from the left ventricle of the rats. In addition, liver tissue was extracted and the SIRT3, PGC-1α, GSH:GSSG, MDA, LDL, HDL, LDL:HDL, TG, TC, AST, ALT and FBS variables were measured by ELISA and analysis of blood biochemistry. RESULTS: Continuous training (CT) increased the levels of PGC-1α, SIRT3 and significantly reduced LDL, LDL:HDL, TG and FBS (P<0.05) levels. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) caused a significant increase in SIRT3 and a significant decrease in FBS (P<0.05) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptations resulting from further aerobic exercise can increase mitochondrial biogenesis factors such as PGC-1α and SIRT3 in hepatocytes, improve this process in hepatocytes, and ultimately improve the fatty liver markers. Therefore, CT may be more effective than HIIT in preventing fatty liver disease.

Integrative role of traditional and modern technologies to combat COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: With the development of various branches of sciences, we will be able to resolve different clinical aspects of various diseases better. The convergence of these sciences can potentially tackle the new corona crisis. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we attempted to explore and describe various scientific branches studying COVID-19. We have reviewed the literature focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. The primary databases targeted were Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. The most relevant reports from the recent two decades were collected utilizing keywords including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, COVID-19, epidemiology, therapeutics and diagnosis. EXPERT OPINION: Based on this literature review, both traditional and emerging approaches are vital for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. The traditional sciences play an essential role in the preventive and supportive care of corona infection, and modern technologies appear to be useful in the development of precise diagnosis and powerful treatment approaches for this disease. Indeed, the integration of these sciences will help us to fight COVID-19 disease more efficiently.