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Background & objectives: Several studies have shown that pentoxifylline is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Pentoxifylline (PTX), has been shown to exert protective effects on autoimmune disorders. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of pentoxifylline on histopathology of pancreas in diabetic mice.
Methods: Diabetes was induced by multiple injection of low-dose streptozotocin (40 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days) in male C57BL/6 mice. After induction of diabetes, mice were treated with pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 21 days. The nitric oxide levels were evaluated in spleen cell culture supernatant. Pancreases were isolated and stained by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Gomori aldehyde fuchsin (GAF).
Results: Pentoxifylline treatment significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (p<0.05). In addition, PTX improved the pancreas tissue. It increased the mean diameter of islets and the number of islets and beta cells. (p<0.05).
Conclusion: These findings indicated that pentoxifylline might have a therapeutic effect against the autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells during the development of STZ-induced type 1 diabetes in mice.
 

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 Background & objectives: Ultrasonography as a non-invasive, inexpensive and generally available method has been used to measure of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries changes and finding its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors and vascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the carotid arterial wall thickness (IMT) changes based on clinical and para-clinical indexes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 100 patients with type 2 DM were randomly selected from all patients admitted to diabetes clinics and were considered in terms of clinical and paraclinical indexes of systemic atherosclerosis. Both types of IMT (TA and TB) were measured by ultrasonography in six locations of the carotid system. The intensity of these two values was calculated compared with the normal IMT and also, its relationship with clinical and para clinical indexes were determined. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 19. 
Results: In this study, more than 80% of patients had IMT upper than normal. There was a significant difference between the severe increase of IMT and effective variables such as sex, smoking, physical inactivity, dyslipidemia and poor blood glucose control.
Conclusions: This study showed that the DM and factors such as sex, smoking, physical inactivity had a significant effect on the increasing IMT compared to the normal range.

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Background & objectives: One of the most important diabetes complications is chronic renal failure. This disorder is one of the most important progressive renal problems that is closely associated with high mortality rate in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated blackcurrant extract and  zinc oxide nanoparticles on histopathologic damages of kidney tissue in diabetic rats.
Methods: A total of thirty adult Wistar rats were used and they were randomly divided into the following six groups (n=5): control group; diabetic group (170 mg/kg alloxan); diabetic group treated with insulin (170 mg/kg alloxan & 10 U/kg insulin); diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticle (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg ZnO nanoparticle); diabetic group treated with extract (170 mg/kg alloxan & 150 mg/kg blackcurrant extract) and diabetic group treated with extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticles (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle). Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Conjugated blackcurrant extract and ZnO nanoparticles were produced using green synthesis method. The tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image J software was used for evaluation of histopathological changes.
Results: The comparison between groups treated with blackcurrant extract, ZnO nanoparticles and blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle showed that these compounds somewhat protect kidney tissue from diabetes damage . The highest protective effect was observed in diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticles conjugated with blackcurrant extract.
Conclusion: Our study, for the first time, showed that the conjugation of blackcurrant extract to ZnO nanoparticles can be effective in preventing renal- tissue damage in diabetic patient.

 
 

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Background & objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by metabolic disorders and elevated blood glucose. It is one of the most common diseases in developed countries. Thyme is one of the herbs which have been used in some drug content due to its high antioxidant properties. Thyme can increase the activity of mitochondrial oxidative enzymes and affect metabolic and hematological indices due to its phenolic compounds.
So, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Thymus migricus extract supplementation on the metabolic, hematological indices and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic rats.
Methods: For this purpose, 24 Wistar rats (220-240g) were divided randomly into three groups; group1: healthy control group (NC, n=8), group2: diabetic control group (D, n=8) that took fat diet for 2 weeks then were injected with streptozotocin (37 mg/kg), and group3: diabetic+Thyme group (Th+D,n=8). Thyme hydro-alcoholic extract dissolved in distilled water to the desired concentration (400 mg/kg) according to their daily water consumption (30 ml). Then glycemic, blood and lipid indices were measured in the peripheral blood of the rats.
Results: The results revealed that thyme supplementation significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose level (356.35±40 mg/dl to 261.61±35 mg/dl) and HOMA-IR index (3.52±0.30 mg/dl to 2.2±0.33 mg/dl). Also significantly decreased the lipid profile level of the Th+D group compared to those of the D group (p<0.05), but the hematological parameters of the Th+D group compared to those of D group were not significantly changed. FRAP in Th+D group was not significantly different in comparison with the other two groups, but MDA was significantly increased in diabetic groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, thyme supplementation by decreasing insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose can improve lipid parameters, but does not affect blood parameters and antioxidant indices.
 

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Background & objectives: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common medical problems during pregnancy, which has many negative consequences for mother and fetus. Knowledge of women about gestational diabetes and educational planning based on needs assessment can be effective for early diagnosis and reduction of possible complications of gestational diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the educational needs of diabetic pregnant mothers in Meshgin health centers in 2018.
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by- census on 689 pregnant women referring to Meshgin health centers in the spring and summer of 2018. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire of Hashemi-Beni and colleagues (2015) including three parts: demographic information, knowledge and educational needs assessment for mothers with gestational diabetes. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software.
Results: The mean age of pregnant women participating in the study was 26.94±6.22 years, with an average gestational age of 24.36±9.18 weeks. 22 persons of 689 pregnant women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and the prevalence of gestational diabetes was 3.2%. The mean score of knowledge of diabetic pregnant mothers about gestational diabetes questions was 9.95±3.79 out of 13. In all items of gestational diabetes, at least one third of diabetic mothers reported need for education.
Conclusions: Diabetic pregnant mothers, despite of high knowledge about gestational diabetes, still need to be trained in this regard. Therefore, it is necessary to hold leveled training courses to complete the information of mothers for better care of themselves

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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: 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: 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: Sex impacts the manner in which a person responds to such disease as susceptibility and progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the sex differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequency of some of the adiponectin gene polymorphisms and the comparison of the interaction of the studied polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes-related environment risk factors between males and females.
Methods: This study included 103 males and 79 females with type 2 diabetes and 94 healthy males and 61 healthy females for control. Genotyping was performed using amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (T-ARMS-PCR). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-26.0. The interaction between SNP-SNP and SNPs-environmental factors was analyzed using MDR (version 3.0.2) software.
Results: Sex-genotype interaction effect was significantly associated only for triglycerides with SNP-11391G/A (p= 0.027). For SNP+45T/G, the difference genotypes were distinctly associated with hemoglobin A1c (p=0.024), body mass index (p=0.033) and body fat percentage (p=0.018). For +276G/T fasting insulin level detected a potential difference in genotypes (p=0.016). Regarding to the results of MDR analysis, the combination of fasting blood glucose, rs17300539 and sex was the best three-factor model. In this model, the distribution of patients according to sex is demonstrated that most men with GA and AA genotypes of -11391G/A had Hemoglobin A1C more than 8.5 while in women there was no relation to genotype found.
Conclusion: Sexual difference impact the interaction between adiponectin gene polymorphisms and environmental risk factors. According to the findings of this study, the effect of environmental risk factors on the progression of type 2 diabetes related to Adiponectin gene polymorphisms are demonstrated within the males more than females.

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Background & objectives: Dynamic disorders of mitochondria cause the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of aerobic exercises and atorvastatin consumption on the expression of MFN1/2 and DRP1 in hepatocytes of rat liver with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In this experimental study, 25 male rats were divided into 5 equal groups: diabetes, healthy control, persistence+diabetes, atorvastatin+diabetes, persistence+atorvastatin+ diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in mice. The training groups performed the running program on the treadmill for eight weeks. Atorvastatin and atorvastatin-exercise groups received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) by gavage. 48 hours after the last training session, the rats were dissected; their liver tissue was removed and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen solution at a temperature of minus 80 ° C to measure MFN1/2 and DRP1. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test were used for statistical analysis at a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The results showed that induction of type 2 diabetes decreased the expression of MFN1/2 and increased DRP1 compared to the healthy group. After eight weeks of intervention, a significant increase was observed in the expression level of MFN1 (p<0.05), but this increase was not significant in MFN2 and there was no significant difference in the expression of factors between the groups. Also, after eight weeks, a significant decrease in DRP1 gene expression was observed (p<0.05). This decrease was significant in comparison with the combined groups compared to the patient group.
Conclusion: It is possible that a combination of aerobic exercises and atorvastatin may positively regulate the expression of genes related to mitochondrial dynamics in diabetes.
 

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Background & objective: Diabetes causes chronic problems in the structure and function of tissues, such as apoptosis and fibrosis in addition to glycemic disorders. In this study the effect of 8 weeks of endurance and resistance training on various signaling pathways of apoptosis and tissue fibrosis of the heart of diabetic rats was investigated.
Methods: Thirty Wistar rats, approximately 8-10 weeks old, weight about 210-250 grams, received intraperitoneal injection of diabetic streptozotocin and were randomly divided into three groups: endurance training, resistance training and control group. The rats of the endurance training group were trained on the treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days a week with intensity of vo2Max 60-80%. The resistance training group was trained on the ladder with a slope of 85 degrees and with a weight equals to 30-100% of their body weight. Forty eight hours after the last training session, blood samples were collected and ventricular tissues of mice were extracted. Glucose, insulin, serum insulin resistance index and Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 8 gene expression levels and Bax to Bcl-2 ratio were evaluated. Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining methods were used for histological examination of diabetic rat's heart structure to detect fibrosis.
Results: There was a significant decrease in Bax gene expression and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, and also  there was a significant increase in Bcl-2 and caspase 8 in the endurance and resistance training groups in comparison with the control group. The rate of cardiomyocyte fiber rupture in the endurance and resistance groups was less than the control group, and the presence of lymphocyte cells was observed in some fibers in the control group. (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that high-intensity resistance training and moderate-intensity endurance training can prevent tissue fibrosis caused by collagen deposition in diabetes, and these two types of training can reduce the factors involved in apoptosis both in the internal and external pathways. On the other hand, this training intensity can be used as an effective non-pharmacological method to reduce the problems of apoptosis and fibrosis caused by diabetes in the heart tissue.
 

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