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Background Previously, researchers reported performance enhancements following long-term plyometric training in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (LCA). However, the effects of combined eccentric and plyometric training on measures of isokinetic strength and psychological statues in male athletes have not been examined yet. Knowledge on the effects of combined eccentric and plyometric training help to better plan and program rehabilitations sessions and thus return-to-sports. Objective This study sought to compare the effects of three different rehabilitation training programs, eccentric training (ECC), plyometric training (PLYO), or combined eccentric and plyometric training (COMB), on psychological measures (kinesiophobia [TSK-CF], functional knee assessment, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score [KOOS], international knee documentation committee 2000 questionnaire [IKDC], and knee flexor and extensor isokinetic muscle performance (peak torque [PT], total work, ratio [R-HQ], and ratio of total work [R-TW]) at different angular velocities post ACL surgery in male elite athletes. Methods Forty elite male athletes from different sports (e.g., athletics, team sports) with ACL reconstruction participated in this study. The study started after a 14-weeks post-surgery rehabilitation program, which was identical for all subjects. After this initial rehabilitation period, athletes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ECC (n = 10), PLYO (n = 10), and COMB (n = 10), and a control group (CON: n = 10). Testing was conducted pre- and post-the 6-weeks intervention period and included the TSK-CF, KOOS, and IKDC. Peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors was tested at 90, 180, 240 °/s, after the 6-weeks training program only. Results Participants’ adherence rate was 100% across all groups and none reported any training or test-related injury. No significant between-group baseline differences (pre-6-weeks intervention) were observed for any of the reported psychological and muscle strength parameters. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for TSK-CF (p = 0.001, d = 2.85), KOOS (p = 0.001, d = 1.31), and IKDC (p = 0.001, d = 1.07). The post-hoc analyses indicated that COMB showed larger pre-post improvements for all psychological variables (p Conclusion The results showed that COMB induced greater gains for measures of psychological status and isokinetic muscle strength compared with single-mode PLYO and ECC in elite male athletes during a post-surgery ACL rehabilitation period. Accordingly, it is recommended to implement COMB as an effective rehabilitation means to improve knee function in male elite athletes. Trial registration This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered.

Military activities often involve high-intensity exercise that can disrupt antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effects of oregano supplementation on muscle damage, oxidative stress, and plasma antioxidant markers of soldiers performing the army combat readiness test (ACRT). Twenty-four healthy male soldiers (age: 24 ± 3 years, height: 167 ± 14 cm, mass: 66 ± 3 kg) were randomized into a placebo group (

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of different intensities of interval resistance training (IRT) protocols on the levels of select myokines (decorin, follistatin, myostatin, activin A, transforming growth factor beta-1 [TGF-β1]), and cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity.MethodsForty-four obese males (age: 27.5 ± 9.4 yr.; height: 165.4 ± 2.8 cm; weight: 97.9 ± 2.6 kg and BMI: 35.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=11 per group): low-intensity interval resistance training (LIIRT), moderate-intensity interval resistance training (MIIRT), high-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) or control (C). The LIIRT group performed 10 exercises in 3 sets of 40% (20 repetitions), the MIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 60% (13 repetitions), and the HIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 80% (10 repetitions) of one maximum repetition (1RM), which were followed with active rest of 20% of 1RM and 15 repetitions. The resistance training groups exercised ~70 min per session, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training.ResultsBaseline levels of myokines, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were not different between the four groups (p>0.05). The group x time interactions for decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-β1, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were statistically significant (p2peak, HDL, TG, glucose, activin A, decorin were not significant in LIIRT compared to the control group, while changes in activin A, follistatin, and TFG-β1 levels were greater in HIIRT and MIIRT groups compared to the LIIRT group (pConclusionThe LIIRT, MIIRT, and HIIRT protocols all produced beneficial changes in decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-β1 levels, and cardiometabolic risk factors, with greater effects from the MIIRT and HIIRT protocols compared to LIIRT.

International audience; OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine how different resistance training protocols affect gremlin 1, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), cardiometabolic, and anthropometric measures in obese men. METHODS: Forty-four males with obesity (weight: 93.2 ± 2.2 kg, BMI: 32.9 ± 1.2 kg/m(2), age: 27.5 ± 9.4 years) were randomly assigned to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. TRT group performed ten exercises at 50% of 1RM with 14 repetitions for three sets and 30 seconds rest interval between exercises and 1.5 min rest between sets, the CRT protocol included three circuits of 10 exercises, at an intensity of 50% of 1-RM, 14 repetitions with a minimum rest (< 15 s) between exercises and 3 min rest between sets, and the IRT group performed two sets of the same exercises with 50% of 1 RM, and 14 repetitions were followed with active rest of 25% of 1RM and 14 repetitions. All resistance training groups performed 60 min per session resistance exercises, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training. RESULTS: Resistance training (TRT, CRT, and IRT) significantly decreased plasma levels of gremlin (TRT from 231.0 ± 5.8 to 210.0 ± 11.6 ng/ml, CRT from 226.0 ± 7.6 to 188.0 ± 7.7 ng/ml and, IRT from 227.0 ± 6.3 to 183.0 ± 9.0 ng/ml, effect size (ES): 0.50), MIF (TRT from 251.0 ± 7.4 to 260.0 ± 6.5 ng/ml, CRT from 248.0 ± 10.9 to 214.0 ± 9.0 ng/ml and, IRT from 247.0 ± 8.9 to 196.0 ± 6.9 ng/ml, ES: 0.55) and CRP (TRT from 28.4 ± 1.7 to 23.3 ± 2.1 nmol/l, CRT from 28.5 ± 2.2 to 21.1 ± 1.8 nmol/l, IRT from 28.1 ± 1.3 to 20.8 ± 1.3 nmol/l, ES: 0.49) compared to the control group (p

Background: The effects of exercise and stevia extract on diabetes-related indicators have been already reported, but their cardiac benefits on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are unclear. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of endurance training and stevia supplementation on gene expression levels of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and β-Myosin Heavy Chain (β-MHC) in the heart tissue of T1D rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 25 rats with the average weight of 250-300 g were divided into five groups; healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic+supplementation, diabetic+training, and diabetic+training+supplementation. T1D was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg/ body weight). Endurance training was performed 5 days a week at a speed of 20-30 meters per minute on a surface with a zero slope for 8 weeks. Stevia was gavaged in a dose of 250 mg/kg/body weight. Rats were slaughtered 48 hours after the last training session. Cardiac tissue was used to measure the parameters. The gene expression of ANP and b-MHC in cardiac tissue was measured by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Data were analyzed by using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test. Findings: The gene expression levels of ANP and β-MHC were significantly higher in the diabetic control group compared to the healthy control group (P=0.001), and significantly lower in the diabetic+training and diabetic+training+supplementation groups compared to the diabetic control group (P=0.001). Conclusion: Endurance training and stevia supplementation can have beneficial effects on the heart of T1D rats.

Summary The reasons why North African women's football teams do not progress to the final phases of world cup competitions may be related to anthropometry and physical fitness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of young elite Tunisian female players with age-specific international standards. Twenty-four elite female players from the Tunisian national under 17 team (U17; 16.5 ± 0.4 y) participated in this study. Players were tested for anthropometry (body mass, body composition), football-specific cardiorespiratory endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; YYIRT1), power (countermovement jump, CMJ; squat-jump, SqJ; five-jump-test, 5JT), agility (t-test with and without ball), soccer skill (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test, LSPT) and speed (30 m sprint with 5 and 10 m splits). The results show that body mass and body fat percentage of Tunisian U17 elite female soccer players are higher than international standards and that endurance qualities and agility performances are similar to international data for the same age. However, in terms of strength and speed, performances of Tunisian female players are low or even very low compared with international standards. Consequently, physical training programmes of Tunisian female soccer should focus on increasing strength and speed fitness to be ready for international soccer competitions.

Fasting is defined as the abstinence from consuming food and/or beverages for different periods of time. Both traditional and modern healthcare systems recommend fasting as a therapeutic intervention for the management of several chronic, non-infectious diseases. Exercising during a fasting state increases lipolysis in adipose tissue while also stimulating peripheral fat oxidation, resulting in increased fat utilization and weight loss. A key focus of this review is to assess whether endurance training performed while fasting induces specific training adaptations, where increased fat oxidation improves long-term endurance levels. Fasting decreases body weight, lean body and fat content in both trained and untrained individuals. Several studies indicate a broader impact of fasting on metabolism, with effects on protein and glucose metabolism in sedentary and untrained subjects. However, there are conflicting data regarding the effects of fasting on glucose metabolism in highly trained athletes. The effects of fasting on physical performance indicators also remain unclear, with some reporting a decreased performance, while others found no significant effects. Differences in experimental design, severity of calorie restriction, duration, and participant characteristics could, at least in part, explain such discordant findings. Our review of the literature suggests that there is little evidence to support the notion of endurance training and fasting-mediated increases in fat oxidation, and we recommend that endurance athletes should avoid high intensity training while fasting.

International audience; Aim: The effects of nutrition and exercise on autophagy are not well studied. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of high-fat diets (HFD) and exercise training (ET) on autophagy in white adipose tissue of mice.Materials and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into four groups of 7 mice per group: (1) Control, (2) high-fat diet-induced obesity (HFD-Ob), (3) exercise training (ET), and (4) high-fat diet with exercise training (HFD-ET). The HFD-Ob group was fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks, while the ET group continuously ran on a treadmill for five sessions per week for seven weeks, and the HFD-ET group had both HFD and exercise training. qReal-time-PCR and western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of autophagy markers in white adipose tissue.Results: Mice from the HFD group showed higher levels in autophagy-related gene5 (ATG5, p = 0.04), ATG7 (p = 0.002), cathepsin B (CTSB, p = 0.0004), LC3-II (p = 0.03) than control. Mice in the ET group displayed higher levels of genes for ATG7 (p = 0.0003), microtubule-associated protein1-light chain 3 (LC3, p = 0.05), lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2, p = 0.04) and cathepsin L (CTSL, p = 0.03) than control. Mice from the HFD-ET group had higher levels of genes for ATG7 (p = 0.05) and CTSL (p = 0.043) and lower levels of genes for CTSB (p = 0.045) compared to the HFD group and lower levels of LAMP2 (p = 0.02) compared to the ET group.Conclusion: There were increases in autophagosome formation in the white adipose tissue from mice in the HFD and ET groups. A combination of HFD and ET enhances autophagosome formation and modulates lysosomal degradation in white adipose tissue.

Obesity and associated chronic inflammation lead to insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying intensity circuit resistance training on metabolic and inflammatory markers in obese men. In a semi-experimental trial, 44 obese men were selected and randomly divided into four groups, including 1) Control (n=11), 2) Low-intensity circuit resistance training (n=11), 3) Moderate-intensity circuit resistance training (n=11), and 4) High-intensity circuit resistance training (n=11). Resistance training was performed at different intensities, including 1) High-intensity circuit resistance training (80% 1RM), 2) Moderate-intensity circuit resistance (60% 1RM), and 3) Low-intensity circuit resistance training (40% 1RM), three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Serum levels of Dectin-1, TLR2, TLR4, MyD88 were measured using an ELISA kit. Data were analyzed with covariance analysis at P

International audience; Military activities often involve high-intensity exercise that can disrupt antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effects of oregano supplementation on muscle damage, oxidative stress, and plasma antioxidant markers of soldiers performing the army combat readiness test (ACRT). Twenty-four healthy male soldiers (age: 24 +/- 3 years, height: 167 +/- 14 cm, mass: 66 +/- 3 kg) were randomized into a placebo group (n = 12) or an oregano supplementation group (n = 12). The participants consumed a capsule containing 500 mg Origanum vulgare immediately after completing the ACRT. Blood sampling was taken before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 60 and 120 min after oregano consumption. Plasma levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured at the four time points. The time x group interactions were found for CK (p < 0.0001, d = 3.64), LDH (p < 0.0001, d = 1.64), MDA (p < 0.0001, d = 9.94), SOD (p < 0.0001, d = 1.88), TAC (p < 0.0001, d = 5.68) and GPX (p < 0.0001, d = 2.38). In all variables, the difference between placebo and oregano groups were significant at 60 (p < 0.0001) and 120 (p < 0.0001) minutes after ACRT test. The main effect of time was also significant for all the variables (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that oregano supplementation has the potential to reduce muscle damage and increase oxidative capacity following ACRT. Supplementation with oregano may serve as a dietary strategy to increase preparedness and promote recovery in military recruits.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between gastrointestinal hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1), ghrelin, cholecystokinin, peptide YY, morphological characteristics, and physical performances in elite soccer players. Methods: Q2 Twenty-two elite male soccer players (age = 23.1 [2.7] y, height = 177.0 [0.1] cm, weight = 70.2 [2.9] kg, body mass index = 22.1 [1.8] kg/m2) completed 3-day food records each week during the 5-week training period. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast before and after preseason training to assess gastrointestinal hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1, ghrelin, cholecystokinin, and peptide YY). Continuous analysis of the training load was used during the training period. Preintervention and postintervention tests assessed jumping (countermovement jump), sprinting (10, 20, and 30 m), and endurance fitness (the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [YYIRT1]) levels. Results: Preseason training decreased body mass index (P = .001; effect size [ES] = 0.183) and body fat percentage (P = .001; ES = 0.516). There were increases in countermovement jump (P = .032; ES = 0.215), 20- (P = .016; ES = 0.195) and 30-m sprints (P = .001; ES = 0.188), and YYIRT1 performance (P = .001; ES = 0.9). Levels of cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin did not change during preseason training, although changes in leptin (P = .001; ES = 0.41) and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels (P = .039; ES = 0.606) were recorded. Leptinemia correlated with anthropometric parameters (body mass index, r = .77, P = .001; percentage of body fat,r = .67, P = .006) and the total distance covered during the YYIRT1 (r = −.54; P = .03). Conclusion: Changes in morphological parameters and physical performance in elite-level male soccer players are related to variations in selected gastrointestinal hormones.

We investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on selected circulating adipokines and other cardiovascular diseases risks factors in men with obesity. Thirty men with obesity (age: 24.96±3.11 year, BMI: 30.92±1.04 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to HIIT and control groups. The HIIT group participated in a 12-week HIIT program (5×2 min interval bout at an intensity of 85–95% HRmax interspersed by 1 min passive recovery, three times per week), while the control group maintained their usual lifestyles. Blood lipids, insulin resistance, and select serum adipokines were assessed before and after 12 weeks of the intervention period. HIIT improved body composition and lipid profiles (p

Introduction: Evidence suggests that hypoxia and high-intensity exercise training can increase apoptosis of lung cells and Adiantum capillus-veneris (Ac-v) extract can have anti-apoptotic effects. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chronic hypoxia and the (Ac-v) extraction as a supplement on TNF-a and P53 protein expression as well as the respiratory surface. Material and methods: 24 healthy Wistar rats (age = 4 weeks, weight = 72 = 9 gr) were trained using interval training for 6 weeks followed by a 3-week stay in hypoxia conditions. Half of the hypoxia samples received 500 ml/gr/per body weight daily (Ac-v) within 3 weeks of hypoxia. At the end, the lung tissue was removed for histological and immunohistological analysis. Results: After 3 weeks of hypoxia exposure following 6 weeks of exercise, expression of P53 and TNF-a increased and the respiratory surface decreased (p ≤ 0.05). After 3 weeks of taking the Ac-v extract during hypoxia exposure, reduced P53 and TNF-a expression and the increased respiratory surface were observed (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Chronic hypoxia may be considered as a strong stimulus leading to the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and tissue disruption. However, our findings suggest that the antioxidative properties of Ac-v extract could decrease the destructive structural and molecular events that happen along with hypoxia exposure or intense exercise training.

Seyed Morteza Tayebi1, tayebism@atu.ac.ir, ORCID: 0000-0003-0459-4443, Mitra Khademosharie2, m_khadem_un@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0003-4422-8093, Tayebe Amiri Parsa3, amiritayebe@yahoo.com, OrCiD: 0000-0002-5032-7816, Mehdi Abaszadegan4, m.abaszadegan@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0001-6051-5565, Ayoub Saeidi5, saeidi_as68@yahoo.com, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-2458-6256, A.V. Nenasheva6, nenashevaav@susu.ru, ORCID: 0000-0003-0092-2948 1Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran, 2Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, 3Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran, 4Payame Noor University, Maku, Iran, 5University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran, 6South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation Сейед Мортеза Тайеби1, Митра Хадемошари2, Тайебе Амири Парса3, Мехди Абасзадеган4, Аюб Саеди5, А.В. Ненашева6 1 Университет им. Алламе Табатабаи, г. Тегеран, Иран, 2Университет Рази, г. Керманшах, Иран, 3Университет им. Хакима Сабзевари, г. Сабзевар, Иран, 4Университет Пайаме Нур, г. Маку, Иран, 5Университет Мазандарана, г. Баболсар, провинция Мазандаран, Иран, 6Южно-Уральский государственный университет, г. Челябинск, Россия Objectives. ATP-binding cassette transporters transfer a variety of substrates across the lipid bilayers in an energy-dependent manner. ABCA1 is a member of this family, which plays a crucial role in plasma HDL-C metabolism. On the other hand, the short-term effects of exercise training are less studied. The aim of this study was the effects of a single bout of exercise on liver ABCA1 gene expression in the male Wistar rats. Methods. Twenty four male Wistar rats were housed in a standard environment and randomly divided into two Control (n = 12) and Experimental (n = 12) groups. The exercise included running on a treadmill for 120 min (18 m/min). Immediately, 2 and 24 hours after exercise, rats were anesthetized, and samples were taken from the adipose tissue and liver. Liver ABCA1 was assessed by RT-PCR. Results. The results showed that liver ABCA1 gene expression had significant elevation immediately, 2 and 24 hours after exercise (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The findings of this study proved that acute exercise can increase liver ABCA1 gene expression. Цель. АТФ-связывающие кассетные транспортеры переносят различные субстраты через липидный двуслой энергетически-зависимым способом. Ген ABCA1 является членом этого семейства, которое играет первостепенную роль в метаболизме липопротеинов высокой плотности, находящихся в плазме. При этом краткосрочный эффект тренировочных нагрузок на экспрессию данного гена до сих пор остается малоизученным. Цель данного исследования - выявить, какое влияние оказывает однократное выполнение упражнения на экспрессию гена печени ABCA1 у самцов крыс породы Wistar. Методы. 24 самца крысы породы Wistar были размещены в стандартных условиях и разделены случайным образом на две контрольные (n = 12) и экспериментальные (n = 12) группы. Тренировочная нагрузка включала в себя бег на специальном тредмиле в течение 120 минут (18 м/мин). Для взятия образцов из печени и жировой ткани крысы были анестезированы сразу, через два часа и через двадцать четыре часа после выполнения упражнения. Ген ABCA1 был исследован методом ПЦР с обратной реакцией. Результаты. Результаты исследования показали, что экспрессия гена печени ABCA1 значительно возросла сразу, через два часа и через двадцать четыре часа после выполнения упражнений (p < 0,05). Заключение. Полученные результаты подтвердили, что тяжелая физическая нагрузка может повысить экспрессию гена печени ABCA1.

Circuit resistance training (CRT) is a time-efficient exercise modality for improving skeletal muscle and cardiovascular fitness. But the beneficial role of CRT in obese individuals is still not well understood. This study explores the reducing effects of progressive CRT on inflammatory biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese young men. Methods: Thirty obese men (Body mass index (BMI): 30.67 3.06; age: 23 3.2 years) were divided into CRT and control groups. The CRT was performed for eight-weeks (3 times/week, 65 85% of 1 repetition maximum). Fasting blood samples were taken pre and post intervention for analyzing apelin, chemerin, serum amyloid A (SAA), C reactive protein concentrations (CRP), lipid profile, and insulin resistance index. The data were assessed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Body mass, BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were significantly decreased after training intervention (P < .05). Compared to the control group, the plasma concentrations of Chemrin (P = .038), SAA (P = .004), insulin (P < .001), insulin resistance index (P < .001), total cholesterol (P = .033), triglyceride (P < .001), and low-density lipoprotein (P = .039), were significantly mitigated in the CRT group, but high-density lipoprotein plasma levels increased in the CRT group compared to that of the control group (P = .035). There was no significant difference between two groups in apelin and CRP (P > .05). Moreover, insulin resistance was positively correlated with apelin (r = 0.56) and chemerin (r = 0.51). Also, chemerin had a positive correlation with SAA (r = 0.49), and WHR (r = 0.54). Conclusion: CRT caused an improvement in inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors in young obese men, and this improvement was accompanied by decreased insulin resistance. Scopus

International audience; We review the effects of acute and long-term physical activity on adipokine levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Three electronic databases were searched. Studies made in animal models were excluded, while studies based on participants with and without T2D, and also studies with type 1 diabetes were included. Of the 2,450 citations, 63 trials, including randomised control trials, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, met our inclusion criteria. Seventy and five percent of studies reported the effects of physical activity on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6), adiponectin, visfatin, omentin-1, and leptin levels. There are no robust results due to variations in exercise modality, intensity, duration, and also differences in cohort characteristics in the literature. Only four studies described the effects of an acute session of physical activity on adipokine levels. Overall, physical activity improves diabetes status by regulating adipokine levels. However, long-term aerobic + resistance training combined with dietary modifications is likely to be a more effective strategy for improving adipokines profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Coronavirus-disease 19 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global public health issue, and there is a desperate need for strategies of prevention, reduction, and treatment to halt the epidemic The coronavirus affects the immune system, and individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, are more susceptible to this virus Lifestyle-related variables such as physical activity and nutritional supplements can decrease inflammatory markers, increase anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status, and improve the immune system Lifestyle-related variables play preventive roles against various infectious diseases including COVID-19 This review highlights the effects of physical activity and nutrients supplements on the immune system and their possible benefits in combating the harms caused by infection with the COVID-19 virus © 2021

Background: The current study investigated the chronic effects of high-volume moderate-intensity training and low-volume high-intensity training on heart rate variability (HRV) and arterial stiffness in sedentary adult men. Materials and methods: Forty-five males (age: 42± 5.7 yrs.) were randomly assigned into control group (n=15), high-volume moderate-intensity training (HVMIT) (n=15), and low-volume high-intensity training (LVHIT) (n=15). The HVMIT group ran three times per week, on the treadmill at 50% to 60% of VO2max for 45 to 60 minutes, while the LVHIT trained at 70% to 85% of VO2max for 25 to 40 minutes. Both training programs were equated by caloric expenditure. HRV, Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), hemodynamic variables, and body composition were measured before and after 12 weeks.Results: Both protocols (HVMIT and LVHIT) significantly increased the Standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) and High-frequency (HF) bands after 12 weeks (p ˂ 0.05). The LF/HF ratio decreased significantly in both training groups (p ˂ 0.05). However, these changes were significantly greater in the LVHIT protocol (p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, the Root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) significantly increased only in the LVHIT protocol (P ˂ 0.05). Moreover, a significant decrease in low-frequency (LF) and PWV was only observed following the LVHIT protocol (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates that the LVHIT protocol is more effective and efficient for improving HRV variables and PWV than the HVMIT protocol.

International audience; Increasing the amount of physical activity is an important strategy for weight loss. This systematic review summarizes recent findings on the effects of physical training on anthropometric characteristics, physical performances and physiological capacities in individuals with overweight and obesity. A systematic literature search strategy was conducted from inception until June 2019 using four electronic databases that identified 2,708 records. After screening for titles, abstracts and full texts, 116 studies were included in our final analysis. Both aerobic (e.g., endurance training) and anaerobic training (e.g., high-intensity training, resistance training) improved body composition and physical fitness indicators in adults, adolescents and children with obesity (effect size 0.08 < d < 2.67, trivial to very large). This systematic review suggests that both low- and high-intensity training significantly reduced body weight and fat mass while increasing fat-free mass in individuals with obesity (effect size 0.04

International audience; The prevalence of obesity in the world is increasing rapidly, and the associated morbidity and mortality require crucial need for non-pharmacological and therapeutic intervention to reduce alteration of appetite, food intake, and gut hormones. The effectiveness of this non-pharmacological intervention for weight management is due to probable alteration in gut hormones which regulating appetite and food intake. There are several types of hormones that control an individual’s appetite. In this study, researchers focused on major hormones of appetite regulation, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), leptin, and oxyntomodulin (OXN). Obese individuals were believed to have lower energy expenditure (EE) rates compared to normal and overweight ones. As such it is important to increase EE through exercise. The decrease in energy expenditure is partly due to a reduction in lean mass, the component of the body responsible for most of the energy expenditure of rest, which is found during diet. In addition, adaptive responses to weight loss are associated with many hormonal changes, including a decrease in leptin, insulin, intestinal peptide PYY, and sympathetic nervous system activity, with an increase in tissue sensitivity to insulin and circulating levels of ghrelin. Studies have shown that aerobic or resistance training resulted in slightly higher or no changes in circulating levels of these hormones, while other studies in normal-weight or overweight individuals found an interesting result about more intense physical exercise. They suggested that this type of exercise could affect ghrelin by decreasing the secretion of this peptide and stimulating that of another gastrointestinal peptide antagonist, the PYY. Intense physical exercise decreases energy intake in normal-weight and overweight individual. Further studies are required to confirm those results in obese individual. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Background: We examined the effect of antioxidant supplementation and exercise on irisin within postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty-eight participants (age: 55.7 ± 4.9 years; weight: 68.0 ± 6.3 kg; BMI 27.0 ± 2.7; mean ± SD) were randomized into four groups for the eight week intervention: control group (CG; n = 12), resistance training group (RTG; n = 12), supplementation with Zataria multiflora group (ZG; n = 12), or supplementation with Z. multiflora and resistance training group (ZRTG; n = 12). RTG and ZRTG performed circuit resistance training, and both ZG and ZRTG consumed 500 mg of Z. multiflora every day during the intervention. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the intervention. Results: There was a significant difference in irisin at post-training, with greater levels in ZRTG compared to CG. A significant increase was noted for irisin at post-training compared to pre-training for ZG, RTG, and ZRTG. Moreover, we identified a significant decrease in malondialdehyde in the RTG and ZRTG groups and increase in glutathione in the ZG, RTG, and ZRTG groups when compared to CG. Conclusion: These findings showed that exercise, Z. multiflora supplementation or their combination led to an increase in irisin. Keywords: Antioxidants, Circuit resistance training, Myokine, Postmenopausal women, Zataria multiflora

Summary Objectives Tobacco use contributes to 5 million deaths per year worldwide with half of the people who smoke today likely to die prematurely. The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of waterpipe (WP) smoking on cognitive function and hematological parameters prior to and following supramaximal exercise. Methods A total of 20 sedentary males were assigned into two groups: WP smoker (WPS, n = 10, with more than 10 years smoking experience), and non-smoker (NS, n = 10). Participants performed a 30 s Wingate supramaximal exercise test. Blood samples and cognitive test were obtained before and immediately after the exercise test. Results No significant difference was observed between groups for cognitive function at both pre- (54.0 ± 9.9 vs. 58.3 ± 11.8%, P = 0.428) and post-exercise (62.5 ± 6.3 vs. 61.1 ± 5.9%, P = 0.645). All hematological indices increased significantly at post-exercise with white blood cell, neutrophil, haematocrit and lymphocyte values significantly greater for WPS compared to NS. Conclusion Long-term WP smoking resulted in significantly greater hematological indices potentially reflective of greater inflammation. Despite these hematological differences, similar group responses were observed during stress (i.e. supramaximal exercise) indicating that long-term WP smoking may have limited impact on cognitive function via hematological changes. Future studies may elucidate the impact of long-term WP smoking on cardiovascular and cognitive function.

Catecholamines [adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA)] are known to stimulate glucose metabolism at rest and in response to maximal exercise. However, training and recovery mode can alter theses hormones. Thus our study aims to examine the effects of recovery mode during High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on glucoregulatory hormone responses to maximal exercise in young adults. Twenty-four male enrolled in this randomized study, assigned to: control group (eg, n=6), and two HIIT groups: intermittent exercise (30 s run/30 s recovery) with active (arg, n=9) or passive (prg, n=9) recovery, arg and prg performed HIIT 3 times weekly for 7 weeks. Before and after HIIT, participants undergo a Maximal Graded Test (MGT). Plasma catecholamines, glucose, insulin, growth hormone (Gh) and cortisol were determined at rest, at the end of MGT, after 10 and 30 min of recovery. After training V02max and Maximal Aerobic Velocity (MAV) increased significantly (p

The present study investigated the acute and short-term effects of oral feeding of jujube solution on blood platelets and its morphological indices in response to circuit resistance exercise. Fourteen young male volunteer students were randomly divided into the placebo and jujube solution groups. All participants performed one circuit resistance exercise[9stations/nonstop, 30 seconds for each station, 3sets with a 3-minute active rest between sets, and an intensity of 75%with one repeat maximum]. In an acute supplementation protocol, participants received either a placebo or a jujube solution(0.5g/kgbody weight in 2.5cc of distilled water) an hour before testing. Blood samples were collected 60minutes before feeding, immediately after, and 2hours after the exercise. In the short-term supplementation protocol, participants received either placebos or jujube solutions for as long as 7days at certain times and in a double-blind manner. Blood samples were collected 30 minutes before, immediately after, and 2 hours after the exercise. Platelet counts(PLT), platelet distribution width(PDW), mean platelet volume(MPV), and platelet large cell rate(PLC-R) were measured with a hematology auto analyzer. The acute supplementation protocol showed that PLT increased in the placebo group in response to exercise and decreased during the recovery period; in the jujube solution group the alterations were insignificant(p=0.031). PDW,MPV, and PLC-R were not affected by supplementation type and did not change in response to exercise, but they decreased during the 2-hour recovery period(p

Background We examined the effect of antioxidant supplementation and exercise on irisin within postmenopausal women. Methods Forty-eight participants (age: 55.7 ± 4.9 years; weight: 68.0 ± 6.3 kg; BMI 27.0 ± 2.7; mean ± SD) were randomized into four groups for the eight week intervention: control group (CG; n = 12), resistance training group (RTG; n = 12), supplementation with Zataria multiflora group (ZG; n = 12), or supplementation with Z. multiflora and resistance training group (ZRTG; n = 12). RTG and ZRTG performed circuit resistance training, and both ZG and ZRTG consumed 500 mg of Z. multiflora every day during the intervention. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the intervention. Results There was a significant difference in irisin at post-training, with greater levels in ZRTG compared to CG. A significant increase was noted for irisin at post-training compared to pre-training for ZG, RTG, and ZRTG. Moreover, we identified a significant decrease in malondialdehyde in the RTG and ZRTG groups and increase in glutathione in the ZG, RTG, and ZRTG groups when compared to CG. Conclusion These findings showed that exercise, Z. multiflora supplementation or their combination led to an increase in irisin.

Background and Objectives: Several studies have reported that some conditions such as exercise and hypoxia induce DNA damage and dysfunction and apoptosis. Some plant foods contain numerous bioactive compounds and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight DNA damage. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of supplementation of Adiantum capillus-veneris (ACV) extract on Bax/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) ratio apoptotic index and remodeling of pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells in lung tissue of healthy Wistar rats during stressful conditions (hypoxia). Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven Wistar male rats (four-week old, 72 &plusmn, 9 g) were randomly assigned into three groups: normoxic, sedentary, and not-supplemented (NG, n = 9), exercise and hypoxia and not-supplemented (HE, n = 9), and exercise and hypoxia and supplemented group (HS, n = 9). The NG remained sedentary in the normoxia environment for nine weeks. The HE group participated in a high-intensity (IT) program for six weeks, then remained sedentary in the hypoxia environment for three weeks. The low-pressure chamber simulated a ~2800 M altitude 24 h/d. HS participated in IT, then entered and remained sedentary in the hypoxia environment for three weeks, and they consumed 500 mg per kg of body weight ACV extract. Results: The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio of the HE group increased significantly (+50.27%, p &le, 0.05), the average number of type I pneumocytes was reduced significantly (&minus, 18.85%, p &le, 0.05), and the average number of type II pneumocytes was increased significantly (+14.69%, p &le, 0.05). Also, after three weeks of consuming the ACV extract, the HS group in comparison with the HE group had their Bax/Bcl-2 ratio reduced significantly (&minus, 24.27%, p &le, 0.05), the average number of type I pneumocytes increased significantly (+10.15%, p &le, 0.05), and the average number of type II pneumocytes reduced significantly (&minus, 7.18%, p &le, 0.05). Conclusion: The findings show that after three weeks of hypoxia following six weeks of high-intensity interval training in Wistar rats, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the number of type II pneumocytes were increased and the number of type I pneumocytes was reduced significantly. These results strongly suggest that an apoptosis state was induced in the lung parenchyma, and consuming ACV extract modulated this state.

Background: It is observed that the levels of retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4) and cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in people with obesity, diabetes and low physical activity, such as postmenopausal females, are more than those of the healthy individuals. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of circuit resistance training (CRT) and Zataria multiflora supplementation (ZMSuppl) on RBP-4 and TNF-α in postmenopausal females. Methods: Forty-eight untrained postmenopausal females participated in the study and were divided into four groups (n = 12) of control (Con), CRT, ZMSuppl and CRT along with ZMSuppl (CRT + ZMSuppl). CRT program included 12 stations (30 seconds for each station, 85% one repetition maximum) for eight weeks (three sessions/week). 500 mg of ZMSuppl was consumed daily after breakfast in ZMSuppl and CRT + ZMSuppl groups. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before the first session and 48 hour after the last session of training to measure plasma RBP-4 and TNF-α. Results: A significant reduction was observed in plasma TNF-α in the CRT + ZMSuppl group in comparison with Con (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant reduction was observed in plasma RBP-4 in both CRT and CRT + ZMSuppl groups in comparison with Con (P < 0.01) and ZMSuppl (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The current study showed that intense CRT causes significant reduction only in plasma RBP-4; but this reduction was higher in RBP-4 and also in TNF-α, when ZMSuppl was added to CRT. Therefore, it may be an effective method to reduce disorders and abnormalities related to inflammatory factors resulting from menopause.

Background: The enzyme HGPRT 5-phosphoribosyl converts to hypoxanthine or guanine to build up IMP or GMP as an ATP and GTP precursor in the purine nucleotides salvage pathway. This enzyme is most active in the liver, blood cells, nervous system, and skeletal muscles. In fact, the normal activity of this enzyme is involved in the salvage of 90% of free nucleotides and thereby contributes to the economy of purine in cells. Minor decrease or defect of this enzyme results in the increased xanthine, uric acid, and oxygen free radicals. Reports suggest the relationship between this enzyme and the level of physical preparation, antioxidant capacity, and low blood uric acid levels in active individuals. However, the effect of different types of exercise, especially high-intensity intermittent exercise on this enzyme is not clear. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the possible compatibility of this enzyme and some purine nucleotide cycle variables in a short-term high-intensity interval training. Methods: 18 healthy, untrained, male, eligible volunteers (based on their age, height, and weight) were randomly divided into control and training groups. The training group rode the bicycle ergometer with maximum intensity for 2 weeks (3 sessions per week) with 45-second repetitions and a 4-minute rest between the sets. Blood samples were collected for measuring HGPRT, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid before and 48 hours after the last training session, and data were analyzed using analysis of covariance at alpha level of 0.05. Results: A significant increase was found in the levels of hypoxanthine (P = 0.001) and xanthine (P = 0.001) while a statistically significant reduction was found in the level of uric acid (P = 0.02). However, after training, the HGPRT serum level did not increase significantly (P = 0.386). Conclusions: The results suggest that this short-term program was able to improve the variables involved in the purine nucleotide recycling pathway, and probably led to maintaining the balance of total nucleotide pool.