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Background & objectives:  with Regard to the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on various strategies for its prevention and management seem necessary. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of running on treadmill and low calorie diet on visfatin and hs-CRP values in people with NAFLD.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental Study, 55 NAFLD patients were selected and randomly assigned to one of four groups: training (n=14), diet (n=14), training plus diet (n=14) and control (n=13). The training program included eight weeks running on a treadmill with maximum heart rate intensity of 55-75% for 45 minutes three times a week. A low calorie diet with an energy deficit of 500 calories of daily energy intake was calculated from 3-day food records of the patients. Combined group subjects also used both types of intervention. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis and Bonferron's post hoc test at a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Visfatin values in the training group (p=0.01), in the combined group (p=0.001) and also hs-CRP values in the training group (p=0.003) and the combined group (p=0.008) decreased significantly. The body mass index of subjects was significantly decreased by training (p=0.003) and combined intervention (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Running on treadmill and a low calorie diet simultaneously reduce the plasma levels of visfatin and hs-CRP in male patients with NAFLD. Therefore, these therapeutic interventions are beneficial in reducing NAFLD inflammatory factors.
 

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Background & objectives: Recently it has been shown that some adipose tissue-derived hormones, such as apelin and omentin, can be effective in regulating metabolic metabolism. So the aim of the current study was to examine the effect of 12-weeks Pilates’ body training on serum levels of apelin and omentin-1 in inactive and overweight women.
Methods: This is a pre-test and post-test clinical trial study in which 28 volunteer overweight women with average BMI of 27.2±1.1 kg/m² participated. They were randomly divided into training group (n=14) and control group (n=14). Pilates exercise training was performed 3 sessions per week, 60 min per session for 12 weeks. In order to measure the changes in serum levels of apelin and omentine-1, blood samples were taken after 12-14 hours at fasting status in two steps, 48 hours before the first training session and 48 hours after the last training session. The paired t-test and the ANCOVA test were used to examine intra-group and inter-group differences, respectively.
Results: Based on the findings of this study, 12 weeks of Pilates training had a significant decrease in apelin serum levels in both intra-group and inter-group with significance level of (p=0.001) and (p=0.009) respectively. Serum levels of omentin-1 also changed significantly in both intra-group and inter-group. The serum levels of omentin-1 in the exercise group significantly increased after 12 weeks compared to pre-training with significance level of (p=0.002) and in comparison with the control group with significance level of (p=0.003).
Conclusion: Regarding to the results of the current study and the positive effect of Pilates exercise on adipokines levels, it seems that Pilates exercise can be a functional factor for regulating adipose tissue hormones (adipokines) in obese or overweight women, and overweight people can do Pilates exercise  based on their ability.
 

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Background & objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aerobic training along with resveratrol on cardiac expression of OPA1 and DRP1 in NAFLD male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, forty eight male Wistar rats were classified into two groups: NAFLD (n=40) and Control-Normal (CN), (n=8). NAFLD was induced in rats with high fat diet and then subdivided into five subgroups, including patient (NAFLD), sham (SHAM), exercise-patient (TRNAF), supplement-patient (SUPNAF) and exercise-supplement-patient (TRSUPNAF). Training groups performed a running program on a motor-driven treadmill for eight weeks. Resveratrol (20 mg/kg) was injected into the SUPNAF and TRSUPNAF groups. Forty eight hours after the last training session, rats were anesthetized; hearts were excised and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C for measuring the indexes. Statistical analysis was performed using a one way analysis of variance, and Statistical significance was accepted at p≤ 0.05.
Result: The results indicated that the induction of NAFLD decreased OPA1 expression (p=0.001) and increased DRP1 expression (p=0.001) compared to CN. Also, in SUPNAFLD and TRSUPNAF groups, OPA1 (p=0.014 and p=0.001 respectively) increased and DRP1 (p=0.043 and p=0.007 respectively) decreased significantly compared to the NAFLD group.
Conclusion: It seems that exercise training and resveratrol alone or in combination by increasing OPA1 and decreasing DRP1 myocytes modulates heart damage in NAFLD patients.
 

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Background & objectives: In the pathogenesis of endometriosis, a variety of genes are involved. The aim of this study was to investigate the GATA2 gene expression changes in endometriosis rat model following a period of aerobic exercise and vitamin B6 intake.
Methods: For this purpose, 25 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including: healthy control, patient control, patient+training, patient+vitamin, patient+vitamin+ training. In order to create an endometriosis model, rats were first anesthetized and after opening abdominal muscle, ovarian tissue and part of uterine tissue were removed and were inserted into a sterile container with one cc of PBS and sliced. Tissue fragments were transplanted into the abdominal and ovarian areas. The amount of vitamin intake was 60mg/kg and swimming program lasted 8 weeks, 30 minutes a day, five days a week. One-way ANOVA test and Tukey post hoc test were used for data analysis.
Result: The results showed that a period of swimming exercise program in the patient + training group significantly increased the GATA2 level compared to the patient control group (p≤0.001). Also, the GATA2 gene expression level was significantly increased in the patient + training + vitamin group compared to the patient control group (p=0.002). However, its level in the patient group was significantly lower than that of the healthy control group (p≤0.001).
Conclusion: Regular aerobic exercise combined with intake of vitamin B6 may decrease GATA2 gene expression level in endometrial rat model.
 

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Background & objectives: Lipocalin family proteins, have been identified as adipokines associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the metabolic syndrome. Exercise training and active compounds of plants have potency as antidiabetic that can be used for treating T2D. We have evaluated the effect of exercise training and Momordica chianti L. on Retinol binding protein-4(RBP4), Fatty acid binding proteins-4 (FABP4) and Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in Men with T2D.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 36 T2D men in Tehran were selected and randomly divided into four groups (control, M. charantia, training and M. charantia+training). The training groups participated in a progressive aerobic training for eight weeks, three sessions per week (40% to 70% of the reserved heart rate for 15 to 45 min). The groups of M. charantia and M. charantia+training received 2000 mg of M. charantia for eight weeks (twice a day before breakfast and dinner). Two days before and after the protocol, blood samples were taken in fasting state. Data were analyzed using Independent t test and ANOVA at p<0.05.
Results: The results showed that the RBP4, FABP4 and LCN2 decreased significantly in the experimental groups (p<0.0001). Also, RBP4, FABP4 and LCN2 levels were significantly decreased in  the M. charantia+ training group compared to training and M. charantia groups (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Aerobic training and M. charantia may decrease inflammation in T2D patients by decreasing lipocalins. Furthermore, aerobic training along with M. charantia had a better effect. 

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Background & objectives: Physical training and some supplements through different mechanisms could be effective in reducing apoptosis; the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training and supplementation of Persia Rosa extract on mitochondrial apoptosis of myocardium.
Methods: In this experimental study, 52 male rats were randomly assigned into five homogeneous groups, three-month control, six months control, Persia Rosa supplement, endurance training and endurance training+Persia Rosa. Training groups participated in endurance training protocol for 12 weeks. The Persia Rosa and endurance training+Persia Rosa groups received 1 gram Persia Rosa extract per kg body weight. After the implementation of the training protocol and consumption of the extract, the surgical and cardiac tissue extraction procedures were performed. The data were analyzed by ANOVA test and Bonferroni post hoc tests at the significant level of less than 5% using SPSS-22 software.
Results: The results showed that Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 gene expression were significantly decreased in endurance training and endurance training+Persia Rosa groups to the control group (p˂0.05). Bax/Bcl-2 showed a significant decrease in the Persia Rosa supplement group (p˂0.05), but Caspase-3 was not significant in the Persia Rosa supplement group.
Conclusion: It is expected that the effect of endurance training with consumption of Persia Rosa extract on Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 will provide a good platform for caspase mechanisms and apoptosis processes in the myocardium of rats.

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Background & objectives: Leptin and galanin are hormones involved in appetite and energy balance that play an important role in metabolism regulation and energy balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 12 weeks of intense intermittent exercise (HIIT) and curcumin consumption effect on leptin and galanin levels on inactive obese women.
Methods: 30 obese women were randomly selected from 85 women referring to sports clubs in  the Urmia city with an age range of 30-35 years in the form of a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and were divided into two groups of 15 Individual HIIT-Placebo and HIIT-Curcumin. The preparation period lasted for three weeks and HIIT training for nine weeks (4 sessions per week). Blood samples were taken in two stages before and 48 hours after the last training session in the follicular phase. Serum leptin and galanin were measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and analysis of covariance. Significance level was considered 0.05 and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.
Results: The results of statistical analysis showed that 12 weeks of HIIT training reduced leptin (p<0.05), galanin (p<0.05), body mass index (p<0.05), and weight (p<0.05) was significantly higher in the HIIT-Curcumin group than in the HIIT-Placebo group.
Conclusion: The results showed that HIIT training combined with curcumin consumption as a non- invasive method can have a positive effect on reducing leptin and galanin levels and obesity-related factors.

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Background & objectives: Foxo1 is a transcription factor in insulin signaling in the liver. The function of Foxo1 is important in the ability of insulin to regulate hepatic glucose production and glucose homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of resistance training program on Foxo1 expression in liver cells as well as glucose and insulin serum levels in male Wistar rats with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: The statistical population of this experimental study was 10-weeks old, male Wistar rats weighing 220±20 g (n=14). The studied rats were subjected to 6 weeks of high-fat diet and STZ injection for type 2 diabetes induction and then rats were randomly divided into two groups (control and resistance). The training group participated in a resistance training course for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week, in the form of 4 sets and 5 repetitions per set, climbing a 26-step ladder to a height of one meter with a vertical slope of 80%. Finally, 48 hours after the last training session, fasting blood  glucose and insulin levels as well as Foxo1 expression level  in liver cells of both groups were measured and compared by independent t-test (a=%5).
Results: The resistance training improved fasting blood glucose compared to control subjects (p>0.001). the serum insulin levels were significantly increased (p=0.042) and Foxo1 expression significantly decreased in resistance group when compared with control subjects (p=0.023).
Conclusion: Based on these data, the decrease in glucose concentration in the exercise group can probably be attributed to the decreased expression of Foxo1 in hepatocyte cells in response to resistance training.

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Background & objectives: Osteoarthritis as a result of the destruction of articular cartilage, leads to joint pain and stiffness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance and ozone therapy on the expression levels of FLS and VEGF genes in the knee tissue of rats with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: Subjects were male Wistar rats that were randomly divided into 5 groups after two weeks of adaptation, including: control-healthy, control-patient, patient-ozone, patient-exercise and patient-sport. For adapting the rats to exercise and treadmill, walking program was performed before exercise program. The training program consisted of 30 minutes of running on a treadmill with no slope at a speed of 16 m/min for the first week and one m/min added weekly until it reached 22 m/min in the eighth week. Ozone was injected into the knee through the tibiofemoral articular line at a concentration of 20 μg/ml once a week for 3 weeks at 9 o'clock in the morning. Expression levels of FLS and VEGF genes were measured by Real Time PCR. One way ANOVA and Tukey's method were used to determine the difference between groups.
Results: The results showed that the expression levels of FLS and VEGF genes were significantly increased in rats with osteoarthritis. It was also shown that physical training and ozone therapy led to a decrease in FLS and VEGF gene expression levels in osteoarthritic rats. VEGF and its receptors are expressed in OA cartilage and indicating the possibility that VEGF is involved in the elimination of OA articular cartilage by increasing MMP production.
Conclusion: The results of this study are promising for the role of VEGF as a diagnostic marker. VEGF can participate in early OA changes and a treatment modality by modulating VEGF production, which can be considered in future.

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Background & objectives: Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main risk factors for neurological diseases which are associated with aging. On the other hand, aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on the brain health and cognitive function, and also improves mitochondrial dynamics. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on spatial learning, memory performance and mitochondrial dynamics in the hippocampal tissue of old rats.
Methods: For this purpose, 14 male Wistar rats at 20 months of age were randomly divided into 2 groups: aerobic exercise (n=7) and control group (n=7). The exercise group performed 4 weeks of treadmill training (5 days per week at a speed of 10 to 15 m/min). Forty-eight hours after the last training session, the animals underwent behavioral tests. Twenty-four hours after the behavioral test, all rats were killed and hippocampal tissue was extracted. The mRNA expression of OPA1, Mfn2 and Drp1 genes were assayed using Real Time-PCR. The Independent t test was used for statistical analysis.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise in old animals improved spatial learning and memory performance, increased hippocampal OPA1 gene expression, and decreased Drp1 gene expression compared to the control group (p≤0.01).
Conclusion: It seems that aerobic exercise can improve the function of brain mitochondria by modulating fusion and fission processes and it can be considered as an effective non-pharmacological method to deal with aging-related learning and memory perturbations.

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Background & objectives: Physical activity is one of the several factors which stimulate the secretion of growth and nerve growth factors in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of Pilates training and ginger consumption on serum level of BDNF and TNF-α in women with MS.
Methods: Forty women with MS were randomly selected from 85 women referred to the Welfare Office of Urmia city, in Iran, with the age range of 30-35 in the form of a pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental study design. Participants were divided into four groups including: exercise+ supplement, exercise+ placebo, ginger supplement and control group with 10 individuals in each group. The intervention groups performed Pilates exercises for 12 weeks, 3 sessions of 60 minutes every week, and the supplement groups took three ginger capsules of one gram daily. In order to analyze the data, analysis of covariance was done using SPSS-22 software.
Results: The results showed that ginger consumption combined with physical exercises increases BDNF in the intervention groups compared to the control groups, but this increase is more significant in the exercise+supplement group (p<0.05) than other groups. Also, the results showed that TNF-α level has a significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that ginger consumption as a non-invasive method can have a positive effect on increasing BDNF level and decreasing TNF-α level in women with MS.

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Background & objectives: The increased incidence of metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes and obesity) has seriously affected human health and life safety worldwide. It is of great significance to find effective drugs from natural compounds and exercise to treat metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of berberine chloride with aerobic training on Liver Gene Expression Nrf2, HO-1 and PPARγ in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
 Methods: In this experimental study,  32 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=8): Diabetes (DM), Diabetes-Berberine (BDM), Diabetes-Aerobic Training (TDM), Diabetes-Aerobic Training -Berberine (TBDM). Diabetes was induced by injection of STZ in male rats. Berberine chloride (30 mg/kg/day) were administered orally, by gavage, once a day. Training groups have performed a progressive aerobic running program (at 10-18 m/min, 10-40 min/day, and 5 days/week) on a motor-driven treadmill for six weeks.
Results: There was a significant increase in Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in BDM in BDM (p=0.027 and p=0.038, respectively), TDM (p=0.022 and p=0.028, respectively) and TBDM (p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively). This increase was also observed in TBDM groups compared to BDM (p=0.034 and p=0.034, respectively) and TDM (p=0.043 and p=0.046, respectively). PPARγ was significantly increased in TDM (p=0.046) and TBDM (p=0.001) groups.
Conclusions: Berberine chloride combination with exercise may possibly inhibit STZ-induced liver damage through up-regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and PPARγ.

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Background & objectives: Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases and the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of five weeks of endurance training in combination with curcumin on the cancer progression, intratumoral gene expression of angiomiR-126 and Angiopoietin-1 in breast cancer bearing female BALB/c mice.
Methods: The present study was an experimental study. 4T1 breast cancer was transplanted into forty female BALB/c mice. Afterward, they were randomly divided into four groups including, a control group (C), an endurance training group (E), an endurance training along with curcumin (EC) and curcumin group (CC). E and EC groups performed 40 min at a constant running intensity corresponding to 60-65% vVo_2peak at 0% inclination, 5 weeks (five days a week). CC and EC groups were treated by oral gavage with curcumin for five weeks (six days a week). Then, tumor tissue of all mice was extracted 24 hour after the last training session. Gene expression levels of miR-126 and angiopoietin-1 were determined by qReal-time PCR. Statistical data values were also measured by One-way ANOVA.
Results: The results showed a significant inhibition of cancer growth, increased gene expression of miR-126 (p<0.001) and decreased angiopoietin-1 gene expression (p<0.001) in E, CC, and especially E-C compared to control group. All of these changes were significantly greater in the EC group than in the other intervention groups (p<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that five weeks of endurance training with curcumin supplementation possibly have a further effect on decreasing breast cancer mass growth by inhibiting miR-126 /angiopoietin-1 axis compared to other interventions alone.

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Background & objectives: Over the last couple of decades, research has focused on attempting to understand the genetic influence on sports performance. Whole exome sequencing (WES) has great potential to explore all possible genetic variants associated with physical performance. However, this new technique has not been used in sports genetics research. Therefore the aim of this case study was to report new variants in genes involved in skeletal muscles strength (ACE, NOS3, IGF1R, IL-6) in an elite weightlifter using WES.
Methods: After obtaining a written testimony from a 32-year-old man, who is a member of the Iranian national weightlifting team, 5 cc of blood was taken and then DNA was extracted. DNA samples were analyzed using the whole exome sequencing method.
Results: Whole exome sequencing analysis revealed a missense variant (99454613G>A) in IGF1R, 22771156C>T polymorphism in IL-6, 150695726T>C and 150704250C>G polymorphisms in NOS3 and 61573761T>C and 61564052A>G in ACE genes.
Conclusion: Results of whole exome sequencing analysis revealed a missense variant and polymorphism in muscle strength and hypertrophy related genes in this elite weightlifter. However, other studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate the relationship between these variants and power athlete status. 

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Background & objectives: Exercise, with beneficial effects on brain health and cognitive function reduces the destructive effects of some neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four weeks of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and expression of Sirt1, CREB and BDNF genes in the hippocampus of male Wistar rats with Alzheimer's disease.
Methods: The statistical population included 18 male Wistar rats from the Pasteur Institute. Rats were randomly divided into three groups including Alzheimer's group, Alzheimer's disease-exercise group and a healthy control group. Alzheimer's disease group was induced by injecting Aβ42 into the hippocampus. Seven days after surgery, the rats performed the aerobic exercise for four weeks (five sessions per week at a speed of 10-15 m/min). They underwent behavioral tests 48 hours after the last training session. Twenty four hours later, rat hippocampal tissue was extracted. Sirt1, CREB and BDNF mRNAs were measured using Real time-PCR.
Results: Learning and spatial memory performance decreased in rats of Alzheimer's disease group compared to a healthy control group (p˂0.001). Decreased mRNA expression of Sirt1, CREB and BDNF genes was observed in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease group compared with the healthy control group (p˂0.001). Alzheimer's rats with intermittent aerobic exercise had improved learning function, spatial memory and increased mRNA expression levels of Sirt1, CREB and BDNF genes in comparison with Alzheimer's disease group (p˂0.001).
Conclusions: Periodic aerobic exercise in rats with Alzheimer's disease can improve spatial learning and memory by positively regulating the Sirt1/ CREB/ BDNF signaling pathway in hippocampal tissue.

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Background & objectives: Minimizing muscle damage and inflammation can boost the immune system and improve sport performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training-cold water immersion and curcumin supplementation on muscle injury and inflammation following a session of acute strength activity in futsal players men.
Methods: twenty futsalist volunteered to participate in the study and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Blood sampling was performed after 12 hours of night fasting during four stages. After the first phase of blood sampling, both groups were performed one session of acute circular strength training, then, the second phase blood sampling was performed. 48 hours later, the experimental group performed 8 weeks of circular resistance training, three sessions per week as in the acute strength training and were immersed immediately after exercise, 20minutes at 5-10°C in cold water and used 150mg curcumin supplementation. forty eight hours after the last training session and last using curcumin, blood sampling was performed in both groups. Then, both experimental and control groups performed the second acute circular strength training and the fourth stage blood sampling was performed. The differences of variables at different time intervals were compared with 2×4 two-way ANOVA and differences between the two groups were investigated  with Independent-Samples T-Test at significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Creatine kinase and white blood cells significantly increased in both groups after the first acute strength activity (p=0.049). Performing 8 weeks of resistance training-cold water immersion and curcumin supplementation, significantly decreased creatine kinase and white blood cell counts (p=0.024). Also, 8 weeks of resistance training-cold water immersion and curcumin supplementation, significantly reduced creatine kinase and white blood cells following acute second strength activity (p=0.021).
Conclusion: Appears to, 8-week resistance training-cold water immersion and curcumin supplementation following a session of acute strength training reduce muscle injury and inflammation in futsal players  men.

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Background & objectives: Obesity and osteoporosis are major problem that their prevalence is increasing. Physical activity can be effective in the prevention of osteoporosis by some mechanisms such as changes in anthropometrics variables. Body mass index (BMI) in men and women is closely related to bone mineral density (BMD). However, the relationship varies between BMI and BMD according to the  different studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index and lumbar bone mineral density in active and inactive middle-aged women.
Methods: Sixty active, middle-aged women and 60 inactive women in the age range of 50 to 65 years, with medical records and clinical trials were selected in Milad Hospital in Tehran. Body mass index was calculated and bone mineral density was measured by DEXA scan in the lumbar spine (L₁ to L₄). Independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the data. SPSS software version 26 was used for data analysis.
Results: The results of this study showed that in the active group in L₁, L₃ and L₄ lumbar vertebrae (p=0.034, p=0.017, p=0.019, respectively), and in the inactive group in L₃ and L₄ vertebrae (p=0.034, p=0.022, respectively), there was a positive and significant relationship between body mass index and bone mineral density. No significant relationship was found in other lumbar vertebrae of both groups.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that weight gain and consequently BMI among active women reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Physical activity in women seems to lead to more muscle mass, which in turn leads to an increase in bone mineral density. Considering this issue, it can be said that one of the applications of the results of the present study is the use of this index in predicting the bone density of individuals

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Background & objectives: Preptin and adropine are peptide hormones that play an important role in the controlling of obesity by regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training on preptin, adropine and insulin resistance in men with overweight.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 18 overweight and obese men (age 58.39±3.92, body mass index 28.75±1.23) were selected and randomly divided into two groups (control and exercise). Exercise group participated in an aerobic exercise program for eight weeks, five sessions per week (with an intensity of 65 to 85% of maximum heart rate, 40 minutes). Two days before and after the protocol, fasting blood samples were taken. Preptin and adropine were measured by ELISA. Data were tested using independent t-test and ANCOVA at a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The level of preptin in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (p=0.001) and the pretest (p=0.000). Also, the adropine level in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the control group (p=0.000) and the pretest (p=0.000). Also, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) values in the exercise group compared to the control group (p=0.000) and pretest (p=0.000) showed a significant decrease.
Conclusions: Exercise improved glycemic index in obese and overweight men by improving the levels of preptin and adropine. It seems that aerobic exercise can be an effective intervention method to control and prevent the occurrence of metabolic diseases in these people.

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Background & objectives: Caffeine can affect many physiological functions of the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of aerobic function, blood pressure and some immune system factors of trained men to acute caffeine consumption in dehydrated condition and warm and humid environment.
Methods: Thirty male athletes with a mean age of 26.6±3.9 years in dehydrated conditions voluntarily participated in this study, which was performed in a double-blind manner. Subjects were divided into three groups: caffeine consumption group (n=10), placebo group (n=10) and control group (n=10). The Caffeine group consumed 6 mg/kg body weight of caffeine. Sixty minutes later, the subjects performed an increasingly exhausting exercise. Blood samples collecting and blood pressure measuring took place before, immediately after and 24 hours after exercise. Analysis of variance with repeated measures (group * time) and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical calculations.
Results: The duration of the exhaustion test in the caffeine consumption group was significantly longer than the control (p≤0.01) and placebo (p≤0.05) groups. In the blood sampling immediately after exercise, the level of leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes in the exercise groups were significantly higher than the control group (p≤0.001). Also, the caffeine group experienced a lower increase in leukocytes and neutrophils compared to the placebo group (p≤0.001). Blood pressure values ​​in the exercise groups were significantly higher than the control group (p≤0.001). Also, the caffeine group experienced a greater increase in systolic blood pressure at baseline and immediately after exercise compared to the placebo group (p≤0.001).
Conclusion: In general, exhausting exercise in a warm environment and dehydrated condition increases the number of immune system cells and blood pressure. In addition to improving aerobic function, caffeine seems to prevent further increases in the number of immune system cells, while increasing blood pressure in the normal range in warm and humid environment.

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Background & objectives: Insulin-like growth factor -1 (IGF-1) has a variety of roles, but the abundance of scientific evidence indicates that it is a metabolic biomarker associated with physical fitness and health. The present study investigates the effect of eight weeks of polarized exercise training on serum GH / IGF-1- indices in active young men.
Methods: In this double-blind experimental study, 20 young males were allocated randomly into polarized training group (N=10) and a control group (N=10). The polarized training group performed 80-70% of the main workout volume (30 minutes) with light to moderate with 50-60% reserve heart rate (RHR) intensity and the remaining 20-30% at 85-95% RHR intensity; in a way that they ran two periods consisting 3 repetitions of 15-30 seconds, with 30-60 seconds of active rest after each repetition and 3 minutes of active rest after each period. Blood samples were taken from all subjects in three stages, including: pre-test stages, 24 hours before the start of the post-test, and after 12 hours overnight fasting. Post-test samples were collected, one sample immediately after the first session and the another  48 hours after the end of the last exercise session.
Results: The results of the present study showed that bipolar training significantly increased growth hormone and free IGF-I levels after one training session, and after eight-week bipolar training program. However, total IGF-1 levels decreased significantly after one exercise session and after eight-week bipolar exercise program. Also, no significant change was observed in IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 levels after one training session and eight-week training program. Acid-labile subunit levels did not change significantly after one training session, but decreased significantly after eight weeks of bipolar training.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that the use of bipolar exercises, training may be a good way to improve the hormonal function and assess the level of health and physical fitness of active young men.