Effects of aerobic versus resistance training on serum fetuin-A, fetuin-B, and fibroblast growth factor-21 levels in male diabetic patients

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic versus resistance training programs on serum fetuin-A, fetuin-B, and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) levels in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants (n = 34) were randomly assigned to a resistance training group (RTG; n = 12), an aerobic training group (ATG; n = 11), or a control group (n = 11). The ATG completed 30-45 min of aerobic running training at 65%-75% of the maximum heart rate. The RTG completed three sets of 10 repetitions maximum of leg press, bench press, knee extension, seated cable row, knee flexion, military press, and calf rise. Blood samples were taken before and after the training period to assess dependent variables. After 8 weeks, both the ATG and the RTG reduced fetuin-A (p < 0.05) and fetuin-B (p < 0.05), but increased FGF-21 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the RTG showed greater decrease than the ATG in fetuin-A (-18.3% vs. -7.9%), fetuin-B (-29.2% vs. -11.45%), and a lower increase in FGF-21 (42.2% vs. 25.1%), respectively. Aerobic and resistance exercise training significantly decreased serum fetuin-A, and fetuin-B, and increased FGF-21 levels in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, more significant alterations in serum factors were observed from resistance training. Thus, resistance training may be considered a more suitable training strategy.

Prevalence and Perceptions Toward Anabolicandrogenic Steroid Use Amongst University Students

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are highly sought-after in order to achieve muscle growth and better physical attributes. The study was conducted to measure the prevalence and attitudes towards the use of AASs among university students. 1008 male students from Isfahan University, Iran, between the ages of 18 and 25 years (23.3 ± 1.2 years) completed a questionnaire that investigated participation in bodybuilding, level of sport competition, participation in sports and recreational activities, AASs use, prevalence, knowledge among users, attitudes, as well as intent to continue using AASs in the future. 8% of respondents had used AASs and 6% currently use AASs. 71% of users believed using only a small amount of AASs or using AASs with anti-toxic drugs would not result in any harm, 10% indicated that AASs were harmless and 19% admitted to taking AASs despite knowing the adverse effects. 33% of respondents believed that they needed to use AASs to ensure athletic success and 26% believed that athletes should be allowed to use AASs without consequence. The prevalent use of AASs is a public health concern which implies that educational programmes at university level are needed to educate students about the adverse effects of AASs use

The evaluation of BMI and serum beta-endorphin levels: the study of acute exercise intervention

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare BMI and the effects of a session of acute exercise on serum beta-endorphin levels among the sprint swimmers and runners.

METHODS

In a semi-experimental study, 15 healthy skilled male swimmers (mean and SD of age: 21.64 ± 2.35, weight: 75.25 ± 9.81 kg, height: 180.31 ± 4.75 cm), and 14 healthy skilled runners (age: 21.38 ± 2.76, weight: 69.78 ± 6.86 kg, height: 182.21 ± 5.22 cm), purposefully and voluntarily participated in this study. Venous blood samples of the subjects were taken in three stages 1) basic conditions; 2) immediately after each field of specialized training, with an intensity equal to 80-85% VO(2max) 30 minutes after exercise in the fasting state. Data was analyzed using with repeated measures (ANOVA).

RESULTS

The body composition and anthropometric variables assessed in the study were not significantly different between the 2 groups, except BMI, which was significant (P<0.05). The baseline β-endorphin serum levels were significantly higher in swimmers than runners (P=0.009). There were significant differences between levels of beta-endorphin of male sprint runners and swimmers in the three periods before, immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise (P ≤ 0. 05).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that Increased fat storage may underlie the higher BMI observed in swimmers compared to runners and B-Endorphin Serum Levels was in swimmers more than runners and an acute exercise session significantly increases the levels of beta-endorphin serum hormone in sprint swimmers and runners.

Fatigue, depression, and health-related quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Quality of life (QoL) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is worse than that of other chronic diseases. There is a need to examine the impact of fatigue and depression on the QoL independent of level of physical disability in MS. The aim of this study is to explore physical, psychological, and social aspects of health-related QoL (HRQoL) of MS patients in association with physical disability, fatigue, and depression.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 281 (63.4% women, 36.6% men) patients with MS participated in the study. The HRQoL was assessed by the Persian version of the multiple sclerosis quality of life (MSQoL-54) questionnaires. Other covariates included in the study were disease type, physical disability, fatigue, disease impact, and depression.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis disease type, physical disability, fatigue, disease impact, and depression were significantly associated with both physical and mental health composite summaries of MSQoL-54. In multivariate regression analysis, patients' physical disability remained significantly associated with both components of MSQoL-54, whilst fatigue and depression were associated with physical and mental composite summaries, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that MS-related physical disability, fatigue, and depression affect the HRQoL of MS patients, independently of each other and other potential confounding factors. Effective interventions that target fatigue and depression may help improve the QoL of patients, regardless of their disease type and level of disability.