Impact of 8-week cold-and warm water swimming training combined with cinnamon consumption on serum METRNL, HDAC5, and insulin resistance levels in diabetic male rats

Objective

Numerous studies have reported the beneficial effects of exercise and the use of herbal supplements in improving type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. However, there are still many unanswered questions about the effects of cold and hot water, exercise, and herbal supplements on meteorine-like protein (METRNL), which is considered one of the key factors influencing insulin resistance improvement in this condition. Hence, the current study aimed to address these knowledge gaps and investigate the effects of 8 weeks of warm and cold-water swimming exercise with cinnamon consumption on serum levels of METRNL, histone deacetylase-5 (HDAC5), and insulin resistance in diabetic male rats.

Methods

For this purpose, 70 diabetic male rats were randomly divided into seven groups (10 rats in each group) H ealthy control (HC) , Diabetic control , swimming training in cold water (temperature 5 °C) , swimming training at 5‌‌ °C + cinnamon consumption (200 mg/kg body weight) , swimming training in warm water (temperature 36-35 °C) , swimming training in warm water (temperature 36-35 °C) + consumption of cinnamon, and consumption of cinnamon only.

Results

The present study revealed a significant increase in serum METRNL concentration in the cold-water swimming + cinnamon consumption group (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in insulin levels and HOMA-IR across the different groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, noteworthy findings included a significant reduction in HDAC5 levels in both the cold-water swimming group and the cold-water swimming + cinnamon consumption group, as well as a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels in all groups compared to the HC group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrate that the combination of cold-water swimming exercises and cinnamon extract consumption led to notable increases in serum METRNL concentration. Additionally, significant reductions were observed in HDAC5 and FBS levels. These findings highlight the potential effectiveness and benefits of the combination of cold-water swimming exercises and cinnamon extract consumption as an approach to improve diabetes-related indices.

Resistance training modifies of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases in multiple sclerosis women - a randomized controlled trail

The objectives of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) on serum levels of controlling blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability indices and cognitive performance in MS women (MS-W). In this randomized control trail study (IRCT registration code: IRCT20120912010824N3, 07.09.2023), twenty-five MS-W were randomly divided into sedentary (MS) and resistance exercise (12 weeks/3 times per week/ 60-80% of 1RM) (MS + RT) groups. Fifteen healthy aged-matched women participated as a control group (HCON). The serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors-1 (TIMP-1), tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors-2 (TIMP-2), and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) were assessed. In addition, cognitive performance was assessed pre- and post- intervention with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS). A significant reduction in MMP-2, TIMP-2 serum levels, and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio were observed in post-test for MS + RT group (p < 0.01) in comparison to the HCON and MS groups; however, no changes were observed in MMP-9, TIMP-1, S100B and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio after RT (p > 0.05). The verbal learning was improved in post-test for MS + RT group (p < 0.01), although no change were observed for visuospatial memory and information processing speed (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that resistance training can modify some indices of BBB permeability and improve verbal learning in MS-W. The findings may also be beneficial as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce inflammation.

The effects of TRX suspension training on sarcopenic biomarkers and functional abilities in elderlies with sarcopenia: a controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is an age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that can be modulated by resistance training. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TRX Suspension Training (TST) on serum levels of neuromuscular and growth factors and functional indices in elderly men with sarcopenia, an age-related condition characterized by progressive muscle mass and strength loss.

METHODS

Nineteen sarcopenic elderly men (age = 74.87 ± 4.58 years) were randomly assigned into two groups, the TST group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 9). Serum concentrations of regulatory muscle markers, anthropometric and body composition indices, and functional tests were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks. The training protocol consisted of eight weeks of TRX exercises, with three weekly sessions.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of training, growth factors such as Follistatin (FST) (P = 0.001), 22 kDa C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) (P = 0.031), and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) (P = 0.049) increased significantly in the training group in comparison to the control group and Myostatin (MSTN) (P = 0.002) had a significant decrease. However, there was no significant difference in ASMM/m2 (P = 0.527), SMM/m2 (P = 0.621), or Body fat mass (P = 0.433) within or between groups. In addition, the TRX Suspension Training had a significant effect on the functional tests and improved gait speed (P = 0.037), chair stand (P = 0.016), and TUG (P = 0.016) as well as Handgrip strength (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the efficacy of TRX Suspension Training in enhancing the serum levels of muscle growth factors and functional capacities among elderly individuals with sarcopenia. Therefore, considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this protocol can prove beneficial for this demographic group.

TRIAL REGISTRY

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20230727058944N1, prospectively registered 20-09-2023, https://en.irct.ir/trial/71635.

The Effects of Eight Weeks of Circuit Resistance Training on Serum METRNL Levels and Insulin Resistance in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

The effects of exercise training on meteorin-like protein (METRNL), one of the newest factors involved, is one of the treatment strategies for diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit resistance training on METRNL and insulin resistance in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Twenty eligible diabetics volunteered to participate and were randomly divided into control (n = 10, age = 51 ± 1 years, BMI = 27.43 ± 0.98 kg/m2) and experimental groups (n = 10, age = 51 ± 1 years, BMI = 30.12 ± 0.92 kg/m2). The circuit resistance training (10 exercises) used in this study was performed for eight weeks (3 non-consecutive sessions/week, 2-4 circuits, 40%-80% 1RM, 15-6 repetitions). The rest period between each exercise was 20-30 s, and the rest between each circuit was 3 min. Participants in the control groups were asked to maintain their daily physical activities and not to engage in any systematic training program throughout the study.

Results

METRNL did not change significantly in the control group (0.66 ± 0.06 to 0.7 ± 0.04), but it increased significantly in the experimental group (0.3 ± 0.06 to 0.71 ± 0.03, p = 0.001); In contrast, FBS increased significantly in the control group (122.8 ± 7.5 to 192.8 ± 14.9) and decreased significantly in the experimental group (197.2 ± 7.1 to 135.00 ± 14.00, p = 0.001). Insulin in control and experimental groups did not change significantly (p = 0.96); However, the IR of the control group increased significantly (6.37 ± 1.46 to 9.6 ± 1.53), but its level was significantly attenuated in the experimental group (4.89 ± 1.37 to 4.38 ± 1.44, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Eigth weeks of circuit resistance training with low to high intensities can increase the resting levels of METRNL in men with T2DM, which can be significantly associated with the improved fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance.

A New, Simple and Practical Approach to Increase the Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Serum Levels of Neurotrophic Factors in Adult Males

Environmental enrichment (EE) is defined as a combination of complex inanimate and social stimulation. Physical activity and EE may augment the beneficial effects of each other. This study aimed to assess the effects of running in an enriched environment on neurotrophic factors in adult males. Twelve volunteer adult males (age 26.75 ± 5.34 yrs, body mass 70.72 ± 8.61 kg, height 172.50 ± 5.68 cm, VO2max 56.8 ± 2.93) completed two sessions, each consisted of one hour of running at an intensity of 12-13 on the Borg Scale. One session was completed in a normal environment, while the other was performed in an enriched environment (running track with several obstacles). Participants completed this randomized cross-over study interspersed by two weeks. Ten minutes before and after each session, blood samples were collected from all participants. Serum levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF were measured by ELISA. There was a statistically significant interaction of condition and exercise on BDNF, F (1, 11) = 43.71, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.799 ; IGF-1, F (1, 11) = 83.58, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.884 ; and VEGF, F (1, 11) = 31.86, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.743 . There was also a significant effect of condition on BDNF F (1, 11) = 21.08, p = 0.001, η P 2 = 0.657 ; IGF-1, F (1, 11) = 32.35, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.746 ; and VEGF, F (1, 11) = 116.29, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.914 . In addition, there was a significant effect of Exercise on BDNF F (1, 11) = 52.86, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.828 ; IGF-1, F (1, 11) = 39.14, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.781 ; and VEGF, F (1, 11) = 171.21, p < 0.001, η P 2 = 0.940 . One hour of moderate-intensity running in adult males significantly increased serum levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF. But, exercising in an enriched environment may have a significantly greater effect. Therefore, if enhancing neurotrophic factors are desired outcomes of training sessions, then including obstacles may enhance the likelihood of achieving this goal.

Home-based exercise alters pulmonary function and cellular stress markers in overweight middle-aged men during covid-19 Home quarantine

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined home-based exercise program on potential indicators of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in overweight middle-aged men during home quarantine caused by COVID-19.

METHODS

Forty men (aged 45-64 years) were assigned to the exercise (EXE, n = 20) or control (CON, n = 20) groups. A 6-week combined program was carried out three days/week, starting at 20 min per session at 50% maximal heart rate (HRmax) and advancing to 45 min at 70% HRmax. Pulmonary functional and cellular stress biomarkers were measured before and after the training program. Analysis of the covariance (ANCOVA) was used for comparison between the two groups considering the baseline values.

RESULTS

Thirty-six participants (EXE, n = 17; CON, n = 19) completed the research protocol. The EXE group showed post-training improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, Vital capacity (VC), and Forced expiratory flow at 25-75% (FEF25-75) compared to the CON group (P < 0. 05). Further, the plasma levels of fibrinogen, Interleukin (IL)-6, Interleukin (IL)-1β, D-dimer, and angiotensin (Ang II) decreased in the EXE group compared to the CON group (P < 0. 05). After six weeks of the training program, leukocyte counts increased in the EXE group compared to the CON group (P < 0. 05). There was a significant positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) with cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers other than white blood cells (WBC) in the EXE group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that combined home-based exercise during home quarantine improves risk factors for severe COVID-19 in overweight middle-aged men. These improvements were further correlated with changes in BMI. Future research is required to confirm the findings of this study.

Presenting a Model for Detecting Osteoporosis In Active Older Men Using the Support Vector Machine Algorithm

Background and Aims: Fractures due to osteoporosis impose high economic costs on patients and the health care system. Data mining has many applications in various fields, including medicine and sports, due to its ability to process large amounts of data and reduce detection time. Therefore, this study aims to provide a model for detecting osteoporosis in active older men using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. Methods: This is a development-applied study. Medical data of 652 patients were first examined. Of these, 108 active older men were selected including 58 healthy men, 33 with osteopenia, and 17 with osteoporosis. The SVM algorithm was used to differentiate them. MATLAB software version 2020 was also used for data analysis. Evaluation was performed using the confusion matrix and based on the accuracy and precision criteria. Results: Of 103 features related to sociodemographic information of participants, 8 features were selected as the inputs of the algorithm. The SVM algorithm could detect osteoporosis with 59.3% accuracy and 54.91% precision. Conclusion: By discovering hidden patterns and relationships in the data, the SVM algorithm can help improve the quality of diagnostic services for osteoporosis.

The Effects of Corrective Exercise With and Without Visual Feedback on Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Dynamic Balance in Adolescent Female Athletes With Dynamic Knee Valgus: A Pilot Study

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of corrective-plyometric training with and without visual feedback on landing biomechanics and dynamic balance in adolescent female athletes with dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Materials and Methods: A total of 26 adolescent female athletes were randomly divided into feedback (n=10), exercise (n=8), and control (n=8) groups. Six weeks of training with and without visual feedback were prescribed for feedback and exercise groups, respectively. Biomechanical data were measured at initial contact (IC) and maximum knee flexion (MAX) using 8 motion analysis cameras (Vicon) and a Kistler force plate. Y-balance test was employed to evaluate dynamic balance. Results: Based on the between-group outcomes, knee flexion-extension moment at IC (P=0.026), hip internal rotation angle at IC (P=0.016), and MAX (P=0.028) significantly changed during double-leg landing. Ankle dorsiflexion angle (P=0.05), tibial external rotation angle (P=0.012), and anterior-posterior ground reaction force (P=0.05) at IC, maximum tibial external rotation angle between IC to MAX (P=0.042), and hip internal rotation angle at MAX (P=0.022) significantly changed during single-leg landing test. Y-balance significant improvements were recorded in anterior (P=0.000), posteromedial directions (P=0.000), and composite (P=0.023). Conclusion: Corrective-plyometric exercises without visual feedback effectively improve landing biomechanics and dynamic balance in adolescent female athletes with DKV.

The effects of exercise training on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Despite several studies on the effects of exercise training on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with breast cancer, no earlier study has systematically summarized their findings. Current systematic review and meta-analysis has been done on earlier clinical trials in this topic.

METHOD

Relevant studies published up to August 2021 were searched through PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using predefined keywords. Studies that examined the effect of exercise training on inflammatory biomarkers in adult women with breast cancer were included.

RESULT

A total of 18 studies were included. Combining 11 effect sizes, exercise training significantly reduced CRP level (WMD: -0.55; 95% CI: -1.10, -0.01). However, it had no significant influence on serum TNF-α (WMD: -0.40; 95% CI: -1.30, 0.50) and IL-6 concentrations (WMD: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.53, 0.43) in 8 and 15 studies, respectively. Pooling 7 effect sizes, we failed to find significant changes in IL-8 following exercise training (WMD: -0.65, 95% CI: -1.57, 0.28). Moreover, we reached no significant findings for serum levels of INF-ɣ (WMD: -2.66, 95% CI: -7.67, 2.36), IL-1β (WMD: 0.03, 95% CI: -0.26, 0.21), and IL-10 (WMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -2.92, 1.52). Based on subgroup analyses, best findings were reached in long-term intervention and after concurrent training.

DISCUSSION

Chronic inflammation is hypothesized to be associated with breast cancer development. We found significant reduction in CRP level following exercise training, which was more considerable after concurrent aerobic and resistance training and in long-term intervention. No significant changes were seen in serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, INF-ɣ, IL-1β following exercise training. Further studies are needed to find more details.

Assessment of Hepatic and Lipid Profiles Following 12 Weeks of Aerobic Exercise in Overweight Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: The impact of aerobic training on liver function by modulating hepatic enzymes and lipid profiles in overweight women is uncertain. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of 12-week aerobic exercise training on hepatic and lipid profiles and cardiorespiratory indices in overweight women aged over 50 years.Methods: Thirty sedentary and overweight postmenopausal women (PMW) over 50 years old were randomly divided into 2 groups: exercise (Ex, n=15) and control (C, n=15) groups. The Ex group performed moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (60 min/d, 3 days/week at 65%-70% of maximal heart rate reserve [HRmax]) for 12 weeks. The C group participated in no intervention during a 3-month period and maintained their normal daily lifestyle. The serum levels of hepatic and lipid profiles were assessed at baseline and after week 12. Descriptive and inferential (ANCOVA test) statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 23.0 at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: After 12 weeks of exercise intervention, the serum levels of hepatic and lipid profiles were not significantly different in the Ex group compared to the C group (P > 0.05). However, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), walking-jogging time to exhaustion (WJTE), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased in the Ex group (P < 0.05). In contrast, systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly decreased in the Ex group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (jogging and walking) at 65%-70% of HRmax did not affect the liver function without modulating hepatic enzymes and lipid profiles in overweight women over 50 years old, whereas cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) by modulating VO2max, WJTE, and SBP was improved.

Activation of neurotrophins in lumbar dorsal root probably contributes to neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation

OBJECTIVES

Neurotrophins (NTs) exert various effects on neuronal system. Growing evidence indicates that NTs are involved in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. However, the exact role of these proteins in modulating nociceptive signaling requires being defined. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of spinal nerve ligation (SNL) on NTs activation in the lumbar dorsal root.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups: tight ligation of the L5 spinal nerve (SNL: n=5) and Sham (n=5). In order to produce neuropathic pain, the L5 spinal nerve was tightly ligated (SNL). Then, allodynia and hyperalgesia tests were conducted weekly. After 4 weeks, tissue samples were taken from the two groups for laboratory evaluations. Here, Real-Time PCR quantity method was used for measuring NTs gene expression levels.

RESULTS

SNL resulted in a significant weight loss in the soleus muscle (P<0.05), mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia thresholds (respectively, P<0.05; P<0.05). Also, NGF, NT-4, NT-3, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC expression were up-regulated following spinal nerve ligation group (respectively, P=0.025, P=0.013, P=0.001, P=0.002, P<0.001, P=001) (respectively, 4.7, 5.2, 7.5, 5.1, 7.2, 6.2 folds).

CONCLUSION

The present study provides new evidence that neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation probably activates NTs and Trk receptors expression in DRG. However, further studies are needed to better elucidate the role of NTs in a neuropathic pain.

Does Endurance Training Compensate for Neurotrophin Deficiency Following Diabetic Neuropathy?

BACKGROUND

A lack of neurotrophic support is believed to contribute to the development of diabetic neuropathy. On the other hand, neurotrophins have consistently been shown to increase in the central and peripheral nervous system following exercise, but the effects of exercise intervention on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in diabetic neuropathy are not understood.

OBJECTIVES

This experimental study was designed and carried out at the Tarbiat Modares university (TMU) in Tehran, Iran, to investigate the hypothesis that increased activity as endurance training can help to increase the endogenous expression of neurotrophins in diabetic rats.

METHODS

This was an experimental study with 2 × 2 factorial plans performed at TMU in Iran. Sampling was accidental and 28 adult male Wistar rats in the body mass range of 326.3 ± 8.4 g comprised the sample, with each rat randomly assigned to four groups: diabetic control (DC), diabetic training (DT), healthy control (HC), and healthy training (HT). To induce diabetic neuropathy, after 12 hours of food deprivation, an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) solution (45 mg/Kg) method was used. Two weeks after STZ injection, the endurance training protocol was performed for 6 weeks; 24 hours after the last training session, the rats were sacrificed. Real-time PCR was used for BDNF and NGF expression.

RESULTS

The data indicate that diabetes decreases BDNF and NGF expression in sensory (92%, P = 0.01; 90%, P = 0.038, respectively) and motor (93%, P = 0.05; 60%, P = 0.029, respectively) roots. However, NGF mRNA levels in the DT group were significantly higher than in the HC group ((7.1-fold), P = 0.01; (2.2-fold), P = 0.001, respectively, for sensory and motor roots), but this was not shown for BDNF. In addition, endurance training can increase NGF expression in healthy rats ((7.4-fold), P = 0.01; (3.8-fold), P = 0.001, respectively, for sensory and motor roots).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that BDNF and NGF expression decreases in diabetic neuropathy. However, this decrease can be reversed through endurance training. These results also indicate that endurance training may have a potential role in compensating for neurotrophin deficiency following diabetic neuropathy.