Search

Background and aims: Resistance training is associated with certain cardiovascular adaptations. However, a lack of exercise may affect it. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of detraining followed by resistance training on the fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cardiac dimensions of male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 20 male Wistar rats at the age of five weeks were randomly divided into control, training, control+detraining, and training+detraining groups. The control (8 weeks) and control+detraining (11 weeks) groups were placed in their respective cages with 24-hour free access to food and water and did not exercise for eight weeks. The resistance training+detraining and resistance training groups performed eight weeks of the resistance training protocol. The resistance training+detraining group did not do any type of training after the training period of 3 weeks. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Results: In terms of fibrosis, there was a significant difference between the control and control+detraining groups (P=0.001), between control and training groups (P=0.001), and between control+detraining and training+detraining groups (P=0.001). In addition, a significant difference was found between the training and training+detraining groups in terms of fibrosis (P=0.001). In terms of angiogenesis, a significant difference was observed between the control and training groups (P=0.001) and between the training and training+detraining groups (P=0.007). Conclusion: Resistance training could reduce fibrosis and increase cardiac angiogenesis in rats. Based on the findings, fibrosis increased significantly in the detraining period compared to the active period, and angiogenesis was also reduced due to detraining.

The aim of this study was to considering the correlation between the muscle fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), blood and heart level of Irisin in exercise-trained rats with Nano selenium supplementation after intraperitoneal injection of cigarette smoke extract induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To this end, 49 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were divided into seven groups: control, SeNPs (2.5 mg/kg b.w by oral gavage, 3 days/week, 6 weeks), AIT (49 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks, interval), SeNPs+AIT, CSE (150 µL by IP injection, 1 day/week for 6 weeks), CSE+AIT, and CSE+SeNPs+AIT. The results of the present study showed that CSE injection caused inflammation and damage to lung tissue, especially alveoli, compared to the healthy group. In other words, based on the histological examination of cigarette smoke extract, it was able to cause lung tissue damage similar to COPD, and doing exercise and taking nanoselenium antioxidant supplement could control these lung tissue damage. Pearson's correlation method was used to investigate the relationship between muscle FNDC5, serum and heart Irisin, and the results of this correlation were not significant in different groups (p>0.05). It seems that exercising and taking nanoselenium supplements can increase Irisin levels in serum and heart tissue by expanding muscle contraction and increasing muscle FNDC5. However, the relationship of this factor in muscle and heart crosstalk should be investigated more closely.

Background: Exercise and dietary supplements can partially mitigate the negative effects of cadmium. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of swimming and silymarin on placental growth factor (PLGF) in pregnant mice exposed to cadmium. Methods: Seventy-two 8-week-old pregnant Wistar rats (weighing 20 ± 200 g) were divided into 9 groups, with 8 rats in each group. Cadmium chloride at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight was fed to rats by drinking a water solution. Silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously 3 times a week. The exercise program during pregnancy consisted of 60 minutes of swimming per day, conducted for 5 days a week. The microscopic sections of samples were taken 2 days after birth using the usual method of tissue sectioning. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test at the error level of 0.05 were used to analyze the data. Results: The PLGF index in the cadmium group showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) compared to the cadmium + silymarin and cadmium + silymarin and swimming groups. However, swimming training alone had no effect on PLGF index (P = 0.162). Conclusion: Cadmium significantly reduced PLGF levels in neonatal lung tissue, and regular swimming endurance exercises and silymarin supplementation inhibited the effects of cadmium chloride.

Introduction: Introduction: The current cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between physical activity and the severity of the COVID-19 disease in hospitalized patients. Material & Methods: The statistical sample of the study consisted of 295 people with COVID-19 who voluntarily participated in this study. The subjects included 104 critically ill patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 191 patients without severe complications not hospitalized in the ICU. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Evaluation of food intake was done using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of 147 items. Findings: The results of this study showed an inverse and significant relationship between physical activity and weight items (P < 0.001) and body mass index (P < 0.001) of patients. Also, patients with more physical activity had significantly higher levels of venous oxygen (P = 0.001) and bicarbonate (P = 0.028). The results of this study after adjusting for possible confounding factors showed that in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the amount of physical activity is not related to the severity of the disease (P=0.098). Although subgroup analysis based on gender showed an inverse relationship between physical activity and disease severity in women with COVID-19 (P=0.010, CI: 0.040-0.479, OR: 0.045). Discussion & Conclusion: It seems that proper physical activity has been able to play a decisive role in the prevention and management of women suffering from the severe form of the disease of COVID-19. More studies are needed in order to draw more precise conclusions in this field.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) and the severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present case–control study was carried out on 295 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (≥18 years old), including 104 critical patients (Intensive care unit [ICU] admission) and 191 COVID-19 patients without severe complications (Non-intensive care unit [Non-ICU] patients) as cases. Dietary intake was assessed by a 147-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the considered risk factors. Our outcomes (after multivariate adjustment) suggested that higher adherence to DAQS was significantly associated with a decreased risk of COVID-19 infection severity (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04–0.29, p < 0.001). Similar results were seen when analyzed by sex [men (OR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.002–0.15, p < 0.001) and women (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06–0.68, p = 0.012)]. A significant association between vitamin D3 intake and decreased risk of COVID-19 severity (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.89–0.94, p < 0.001) was also observed. Moreover, multivariate results revealed that there were no significant associations between vitamin C (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.00, p = 0.067), vitamin E (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.86–1.11, p = 0.798), zinc (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.86–1.20, p = 0.805), and selenium (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99–1.00, p = 0.077) intakes with the risk of COVID-19 severity. However, subgroup analyses by sex suggested a significant association between vitamin C intake and the risk of COVID-19 infection severity in women (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, p = 0.028). Our findings showed a negative association between DAQS adherence and the risk of COVID-19 infection severity. Our results may be used to develop potential dietary therapies to decrease COVID-19 severity.

Background: Smart and flexible methods are attracting remarkable interest in cancer-related biological and chemical therapies. To achieve a safer, affordable, and more effective cancer treatment, we evaluated the application of submaximal swimming and Nigella sativa (NS) nano-drug on lung tissues of female rats induced by NNK. Material and methods: A 12-weeks protocol of submaximal swimming was performed in pathologic and non-pathologic groups. NNK and NS groups, respectively received weekly doses of 12/5 mg/kg and 125 μg/kg of body weight. By the end of the protocol, the ratios of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 determined by using immunohistochemistry essay, and RT-PCR analysis for VEGFR-2 and TGFβ-1. Results: As a result, treatment with exercise and NNK resulted in VEGFR-2 overexpression (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.05, respectively). In NNK, NNK+E, NNK+NS, and NNK+NS+E groups, protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly increased, despite the reduction of TIMP-1 levels in the same groups compared to control (P ≤ 0.001). TGFβ-1 ratio significantly increased following preformed interventions in non-pathologic groups: E (P ≤ 0.001) and NS+E (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: IHC and gene assays indicate a favorable and acceptable effect of the designed training protocol besides the treatment with N.sativa nano-drug, by which cancer development could be restricted through recovering the natural balance of angiogenic and angiostatic markers.

Background: Carcinogen nitrosamine 4-(methyl-trosamino)−1-(3-pyridyl)−1-butanone (NNK) remarkably affects the actions of growth factors: EGFR, VEGFR-2, as well as the natural tumor suppressors: TGFβ-1 and TIMP-1. We propose that utilizing non-chemical interventions such as swimming and Nigella sativa nanocapsule play role in controlling cancer progression through direct effects on tumor-inherent factors. Material and methods: Male rats were randomly placed into seven groups: Control (C), Solvent (S), (NNK), NNK+N.sativa (NNK+NS), NNK+Exercise (NNK+E), N.sativa+Exercise (NS+E), NNK+N.sativa+Exercise (NNK+NS+E). The exercise program consisted of 12 weeks of submaximal swimming. NNK and NS groups received weekly doses of 12/5 mg/kg and 125 μg/kg of NNK and N.sativa, respectively. By the end of the protocol, the levels of VEGFR-2, and TIMP-1 were determined using immunohistochemistry method and EGFR, and TGFβ-1 levels were measured by RT-PCR assay. Results: In comparison with control group, there was a significant increase in the levels of VEGFR-2 in NNK, NNK+E, NNK+NS, NS+E, and NNK+NS+E groups (P ≤ 0.001), also TGFβ-1 levels of NNK+E and NS+E groups significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001). While EGFR levels did not change remarkably (P˃0.05), except in NNK group (P ≤ 0.001), TIMP-1 in NNK, NNK+E, NS+E, NNK+NS+E groups significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: We recommend 12 weeks of submaximal swimming and 125 μg/kg N.sativa nanocapsule are safe interventions to recover the balance of selected angiogenic/ angiostatic markers and to control tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis in lung carcinoma induced by 12/5 mg/kg of NNK injection.

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease whose inflammatory processes are involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction, and increases the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of interval training on some of the effective factors in atherosclerosis in heart tissue of asthmatic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 15 rats were randomly divided into three groups of sham, asthma, and asthmatic-interval training. The model of asthma was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml ovalbumin for 2 weeks, and then asthmatic-interval training rats for 8 weeks participated in interval training. During the training protocol period, twice weekly intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin 1 ml, and were placed into a glass container exposed to 5% ovalbumin spray. 48 hours after the last training session, the rats were anesthetized and their hearts were ejected. The levels of proteins expression of ICAM, VCAM, and galectin-3 were measured by immunohistochemistry, and western blotting, respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS at the significant level α=0.05. Results: The results of this study showed that the expression of ICAM (P=0.001), VCAM (P=0.001), and galectin-3 (P=0.001) was significantly increased in heart tissue of asthma rats. Whereas, interval training decreased the expression of ICAM (P=0.001), VCAM (P=0.001), and galectin-3 (P=0.01) proteins in the asthmatic-interval training group compared to the asthma group. Conclusions: It seems that, interval training is effective in preventing atherosclerosis in patients with asthma.

Background and Objective: People with asthma are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and increased risk of death. Asthma is associated with the structure and function of vessel changes. In this regard, MicroRNAs, AKT and VCAM play an important role in endothelial function. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of interval training on expression of mir-126, mir-1185 AKT and VCAM in cardiac tissue rats with allergic asthma. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 15 Wistar rats. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups (n=5) including healthy control, asthma control and asthmatic interval training. Ovalbumin solution was injected subcutaneously 3 times per week to asthma groups, and suffering from asthma was confirmed by increasing the amount of IgE. The asthma group participated in 8-week exercise training. The rats were anesthetized at the end of 8 weeks and then their heart tissue was isolated by surgical instrument and immediately placed in nitrogen fluid. Expression of mir-126, mir-1185, AKT and VCAM in rats cardiac tissue were evaluated. Results: AKT and VCAM expression was significantly increased in asthma control group compared to healthy control group (P

Introduction: Nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a potent cancer-causing agent in cigarettes and is also associated with the induction of lung tumors by the stimulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expression of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The present study aimed to examine the variations of MDA levels and TAM expression in the lung tissues of rats exposed to NNK following 12 weeks of Nigella sativa nanocapsule injection. Methods: In this study, 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of supplement, supplement with NNK, NNK, control, and saline. For 12 weeks, NNK was injected subcutaneously per kilogram of the animals' body weight with the weekly dose of 12.5 milligrams. In addition, the nanocapsules were subcutaneously injected once a week per kilogram of the body weight with the weekly dose of 12.5 milligrams. The MDA levels and CD68-TAM expression in lungs were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The injection of Nigella sativa nanocapsules for 12 weeks significantly decreased the MDA levels and CD68-TAM expression in the NNK group (p

Background: Researchers argue that supplements are somewhat capable of influencing the lung tissue exposed to smoking carcinogens through cell cycle. Cyclin D1 is a gene involved in cell cycle. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12-week injection of Nigella sativa nano-capsule on the expression of Cyclin D1 of the lung tissue of the rats receiving exposure to Nicotine-Derived Nitrosamine Ketone. Method: 46 Wistar rats were assigned into five groups: NNK, Supplement, and Supplement, + NNK, Control and Vehicle group. 125 μg/kg body weight of Nigella sativa nano-capsule supplement was injected subcutaneously into the Supplement and Supplement NNK groups once a week. NKK and Vehicle groups received a weekly dose of 12.5 mg/kg NNK and distilled water for 12 weeks through subcutaneous injection. After isolating the lung tissue, the expression of the Cyclin D1 gene was measured using Real Time PCR-ABI. One-way ANOVA parametric analysis and Tukey post hoc test were used to analyze the data at the significant level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: According to the results, the expression of Cyclin 1 gene was relatively reduced in Supplement NNK (P = 0.003) and Vehicle (P = 0.001) groups in comparison to the NNK group. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed among the Supplement, Vehicle, and Control groups. We believe that Nigella sativa nano-capsule supplement reduced the relative changes of Cyclin 1 in the lung tissues exposed to carcinogen NNK. Conclusion: Apparently, this supplement is capable of reducing Cyclin 1 level in cell cycle; hence, it can reduce the carcinogenic effects of NNK and the negative effects of smoking among other therapeutic methods.

Background & Objective: Due to The limitation of research literature, related to the effect of exercise training with different intensity, Along with Hypoxia Stress on Pulmonary Apoptosis, The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hypoxia and taper on expression of Bax and Bcl2 apoptotic proteins of lung. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study Twenty-four rats (4-week old, 72±8 gr) were divided accidentally to control and training groups. The samples after 6 weeks anaerobic exercise training, were exposed to Environment hypoxia and lived three weeks over there. Another group Concurrent with exposure to hypoxic environment, implementation Taper (30% reduction in exercise intensity) technique. In lung tissue, the expression of Bax and Bcl2 was studied by the immunohistochemical methods. One-way Anova was performed to analyze data. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Expression of Bcl2 protein in trained rats and exposed to hypoxic stress was increased And reduced after a 3-week use of the taper(P>0.05). Expression of Bax protein in trained rats and exposed to hypoxic stress was increased (P≤0.05), and reduced after a 3-week use of the taper (P>0.05). Conclusion: It seems that, Medium hypoxia is able to apply Apoptotic effects in lung of rats that underwent intensive exercise and likely the use of intensity taper reduces these effects.

Background and Aim: Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death occurring by a series of intercellular messages which is associated with tissue structure remodeling. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interactive effects of reducing exercise intensity and Adiantum capillus veneris extract on remodeling and modulation of pulmonary apoptotic indices of the rats exposed to the hypoxia. Material and Methods: This study included 16 male Wistar rats. After 6 weeks of high intensity interval training, the rats were kept in a hypoxic environment for 3 weeks. In hypoxic environment, half of the rats performed interval training and taper and received 500 mg/kg of Adiantum capillus veneris extract. Finally, lung tissue was extracted for immunohistochemical and stereology studies. Results: 3 weeks of simultaneous exercise intensity and taper and Adiantum capillus veneris extract consumption in the hypoxia group led to decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio(p0.05), compared to increased alveolar nematocytes-1 population in the hypoxia group (p

Objective Ageing is associated with some physiologic and functional declines that can increase disability, frailty, and falls in the elderly, so balance is used as a factor in determining the level of independence of the elderly. On the other hand, the mean velocity is considered as the most reliable indicator of the center of pressure to assess the balance and reduce the risk of falling. Because of significant effects of balance and muscle strength in the health of the more elderly population, the purpose this study was to investigate the effects of a nine- weeks training program on the center of pressure indicators with open and closed eyes condition in the elderly male. Materials & Methods In this study, 27 elderly subjects with general health were participated voluntarily in this study. These were randomly divided into two training groups (n=15, mean age=61.5±08.59 years, weight=77.10±07.23 kg, height=167.6±6.4 cm) and control (n=12, mean age=62.6±08.44 years, weight=72.07±08.06 kg, height=167.9±01.08 cm). To assess the balance subjects were placed in a steady state on the foot scan at the beginning of the work, and the mean velocity of the center of pressure was first recorded in a static state with open eyes and then closed eyes. The kinetic data of the foot scan (mean velocity of the center of pressure) was calculated by RS-scan software, and the mean of the data was extracted from Excel software and evaluated. The training group then performed a nine-week program of lower limb muscle resistance training (on seven lower limb muscle groups including adductor and abductor of femurs, flexors, and extensor of femurs, flexors and extensor of knee, and plantar flexor of ankle) for 1.5 hour (15 minutes warm up, 1 hour of the main exercise, 15 minutes of cool down) and three sessions per week. During this period, the control group was requested to perform its daily activities. After completing the resistance training program, post-test was performed. Data were analyzed using independent and dependent T-analysis at a significant level (P≤0.05). Results Lower limb muscle resistance training for nine weeks yielded a significant improvement in mean velocity of COP (P=0.005, t=3.07) and static balance with open eyes (P=0.004, t=3.46). In the training group, it has been pre-tested; however, no statistically significant effect was observed in static balance with closed eyes (P=0.15, t=1.49 ). Resistance training showed a significant difference between the control and the training group in the mean overall velocity of the center of pressure (P=0.04, t=2.43) and static balance with open eyes (P=0.01, t=2.39) as determined by independent t-test. This difference was not significant between two groups in static balance with closed eyes (P=0.22, t=1.25). Conclusion The lower extremity muscle resistance training improves the center of pressure, static balance and reduces the fall risk. It is suggested that planning sufficient physical activities and training among all age groups is necessary. Appropriate resistance training program can prevent balance disorders and falling among the elderly population.

Abstract Background: It is believed that sports exercises have minimal impacts on the pathological changes in the lung tissue exposed to chemical carcinogens in cigarette smoke. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of swimming exercises on IL-6 concentration in the lung tissue of rats following the injection of carcinogen NNK. Materials and Methods: This study is experimental in terms of the design. Forty-six Wistar rats were divided into five groups: A) Exercise (E), B) Exercise-NNK (EN), C) NNK (N), D) Control (C) and E) Vehicle (V). Exercise groups completed the swimming exercises for twelve weeks, five days per week (25-60min). Rats of vehicle and NNK treatment groups were respectively administered subcutaneous injections of distilled water and NNK (12.5mg/kg, once a week, 12weeks). Then, samples of the lung tissue were collected and IL-6 concentration was measured by ELISA technique. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test were used for data analysis at the level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease of IL-6 concentration in exercise (p=0.009), exercise-NKK (p=0.006) groups and vehicle (p=0.006) with NKK groups; while there was no significant difference between exercise groups and the control groups. The swimming exercises can reduce IL-6 concentration significantly in lung tissue of rats following the injection of carcinogen NNK. Conclusion: It seems that endurance exercises, along with other therapeutic methods, can play a role in reducing the effects of carcinogen NNK and negative effects of smoking by decreasing the inflammatory factor of IL-6.

Background and Objectives: Tobacco contains carcinogens, such as nitrosamine ketone (NNK), which play a role in induction of lung cancer through stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in resting levels of VEGF in lung tissues of rats exposed to nicotine-derived NNK following 12 weeks of aerobic submaximal swimming exercise. Methods: In this experimental study, 46 mature Wistar rats, were randomly divided into five groups, including: exercise, exercise + NNK, NNK, solvent, and control. The groups induced by NNK, received NNK subcutaneously once per week at a rate of 12.5mg/kg body weight for 12 weeks. The training groups performed submaximal swimming exercise for 12 weeks. The levels of VEGF in homogenized lung tissue were measured by ELISA. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests at a significance level of p≤0.05. Results: In this study, a period of swimming training program significantly decreased the levels of VEGF in lung tissue compared to control (p=0.039) and NNK (p≤0.001) groups. A significant reduction was also observed in the VEGF level in exercise + NNK group compared to NNK group (p≤0.001). Furthermore, VEGF levels significantly increased in NNK group compared to exercise (p≤0.001), exercise+NNK (p≤0.001), and solvents (p≤0.001) groups. Conclusion: Overall, it can be concluded that regular submaximal aerobic exercise plays an effective role in the inhibition of NNK-induced lung

Background: Tobacco contains carcinogens such as NNK (nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone) that makes induction of lung cancer by changing the stimulation of IL-10 expression. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in resting levels of IL-10 in lung tissues of rats exposed to NNK after a 12-week aerobic submaximal swimming training. Methods: For this purpose, 46 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups consisting training, training + NNK, NNK, saline and control. NNK-induced groups received NNK subcutaneously one day per week at a rate of 12/5 mg per kg body weight and the training groups performed submaximal swimming training for 12 weeks. The levels of IL-10 in homogenized lung tissue were measured by ELISA. Results: Findings indicated that a period of swimming training increased the IL-10 levels significantly in lung tissue of training group when compared to control (P=0.00) and NNK groups (P=0.00). Also, a significant increase of IL-10 level was observed in exercise + NNK group when compared to NNK group (p≤0/02). Furthermore, it was observed that IL-10 levels of NNK group had a significant decrease when compared to training group (P=0/00), training + NNK group (p≤0/02), but had insignificant increase when compared to saline group (p≤0/85). Conclusions: Generally, it could be confirmed that regular submaximal aerobic training plays an important role in the inhibition of the effects of lung inflammation induced by NNK via increasing IL-10 activity.

Background & Objectives: It is well established that High-intensity Interval Training (HIT) may represent a time-efficient strategy to induce adaptations normally associated with endurance training. However, the effect of exercise on lung mitochondrial changes is not well understood.The purpose of the present study is to determine the effects of HIT on NRF-1 and PGC-1α genes at mRNA level in rat lung tissue. Materials & Methods: Twenty Wistar male rats (4 weeks old, 68±9 g weight) were randomly assigned to 6-week training, 9-week training, 6-week control and 9-week control groups. High-intensity interval training program was started with 25 m/min and gradually reached to 70 m/min at the end of the ninth week. Following tissue sampling, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, and the expressions of genes were determined by real time RT-PCR technique. Results: NRF-1 and PGC-1α genes expression were increased following interval training. The expression of NRF-1 and PGC-1α between 9-week training and 9-week control groups was significantly different (P≤0.05). Conclusion: According to the current study, it seems that intense interval training can cause changes in the mitochondrial content and the possibly of mitochondrial biogenesis in lung tissue.

Background & Objectives: It is well established that High-intensity Interval Training (HIT) may represent a time-efficient strategy to induce adaptations normally associated with endurance training. However, the effect of exercise on lung mitochondrial changes is not well understood.The purpose of the present study is to determine the effects of HIT on NRF-1 and PGC-1α genes at mRNA level in rat lung tissue. Materials & Methods: Twenty Wistar male rats (4 weeks old, 68±9 g weight) were randomly assigned to 6-week training, 9-week training, 6-week control and 9-week control groups. High-intensity interval training program was started with 25 m/min and gradually reached to 70 m/min at the end of the ninth week. Following tissue sampling, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, and the expressions of genes were determined by real time RT-PCR technique. Results: NRF-1 and PGC-1α genes expression were increased following interval training. The expression of NRF-1 and PGC-1α between 9-week training and 9-week control groups was significantly different (P≤0.05). Conclusion: According to the current study, it seems that intense interval training can cause changes in the mitochondrial content and the possibly of mitochondrial biogenesis in lung tissue.

The nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK; nicotine derived nitrosamine ketone) is one of the strongest carcinogens in tobacco which is involved in induction of lung cancer by changing the stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and annexin A2 expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in resting levels of annexin A2 and VEGF in lung tissues of rats exposed NNK after 12 weeks of aerobic submaximal swimming training. For this purpose, 46 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups consist of training, training + NNK, NNK, saline and control. NNK-induced groups received NNK subcutaneously one day per week at a rate of 12/5 mg per kg body weight and the training groups performed submaximal swimming training for 12 weeks. The levels of VEGF and annexin A2 in lung tissue were measured respectively by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. To analyze the data; ANOVA and Tukey's test were used at a significance level of p

Background and Objectives: Exposure to cadmium in early pregnancy has long-term effects on the growth and function of the liver. One of the pathways that controls proliferation of the fetal liver involves hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This study was conducted to determine the effect of an endurance swimming training period during pregnancy on the alterations of the levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in neonates of pregnantrats exposed to cadmium poisoning. Methods:In this experimental research, 32 pregnant rats with the mean weight of 200±20g were divided into four groups (control, training, cadmium, and training-cadmium). Training protocol during pregnancy included 60 min swimming per day for 5 days a week. Cadmium group received cadmium chloride as a solution in drinking water (400mg/kg.BW) from the first day of pregnancy until delivery. Training-cadmium group performed training protocol along with cadmium receiving. Tissue sampling from liver of the neonates was performed 2 days after birth, and HGF levels were measured using ELISA method. Results: In this study, the difference between the mean levels of HGF in the cadmium- training group (p=0.797) and the control group was not significantly different (p=0.797), but in cadmium group a significant increase was observed in HGF levels (p=0.025) of neonatal liver. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that endurance swimming training can be effective in the modulation of HGF levels induced by cadmium poisoning of liver in neonates.

Background: The studies have reported that exercise induced apoptosis in various tissues. The abnormal regulation of apoptosis contributes to the progression of pathological processes in the placenta and effects on embryo development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of swimming endurance training during pregnancy on apoptosis induction in pregnant rats' liver. Materials and Methods:: Sixteen female Wistar rats with an average weight of 200 ± 20 grams were divided into two groups: swimming and control. The rats of training group were forced from first day of pregnancy to delivery in a particular pool. The time of training in first day of pregnancy was 10 min and this time in second week reached to 60 min by increasing of 5 min per day. The time of 60 min continued to end of third week. The sampling of the rats' liver was performed two days after delivery and the liver apoptotic index was determined with TUNEL technique. Statistical analysis of the data was done using independent t-test (α≤ 0.05). Results: The results of study showed that swimming endurance training did not induce significant change in liver apoptosis (p < 0.424). The mean of apoptosis in control and training groups was %7.40 and %8.60 respectively. But 3-wk period of swimming training induced significantly minor increase in the amount of post pregnancy weight gain compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, it was observed non-significant decrease in weight of training groups rat's liver compared to the control group (p = 1.00). Conclusion: It seems that endurance swimming training during pregnancy has no anguishing effect on apoptosis induction in liver and it is considered as safe exercise way in the improvement of mother and infant health.

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 ± 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 ≤ 0.05), the average number of type I pneumocytes was reduced significantly (−18.85%, p ≤ 0.05), and the average number of type II pneumocytes was increased significantly (+14.69%, p ≤ 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 (−24.27%, p ≤ 0.05), the average number of type I pneumocytes increased significantly (+10.15%, p ≤ 0.05), and the average number of type II pneumocytes reduced significantly (−7.18%, p ≤ 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 and Objectives: Cadmium is one of the most important biological contaminants that its intake in pregnancy causes disease and malformation s in the mother and baby. This study was done with the aim of evaluating the effect of maternal regular swimming training and oral cadmium intake during pregnancy on the levels of lung hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in pups. Methods: In this study, 32 female wistar rats weighting 200±20g, after 2 weeks of familiarity with the new environment and pregnancy were divided into four groups of 8, including: 1- cadmium, 2- swimming, 3- cadmium-swimming, and 4- control. Swimming training started from the first day of pregnancy and continued once a day (5 days per week) until delivery day. Intake dose of cadmium was 400mg/l in drinking water. HIF-1α concentration of Lung was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Holm-Sidak tests at significance level of p

Background and aims: Resistance training is associated with certain cardiovascular adaptations. However, a lack of exercise may affect it. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of detraining followed by resistance training on the fibrosis, angiogenesis, and cardiac dimensions of male Wistar rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 20 male Wistar rats at the age of five weeks were randomly divided into control, training, control+detraining, and training+detraining groups. The control (8 weeks) and control+detraining (11 weeks) groups were placed in their respective cages with 24-hour free access to food and water and did not exercise for eight weeks. The resistance training+detraining and resistance training groups performed eight weeks of the resistance training protocol. The resistance training+detraining group did not do any type of training after the training period of 3 weeks. The results were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Results: In terms of fibrosis, there was a significant difference between the control and control+detraining groups (P=0.001), between control and training groups (P=0.001), and between control+detraining and training+detraining groups (P=0.001). In addition, a significant difference was found between the training and training+detraining groups in terms of fibrosis (P=0.001). In terms of angiogenesis, a significant difference was observed between the control and training groups (P=0.001) and between the training and training+detraining groups (P=0.007). Conclusion: Resistance training could reduce fibrosis and increase cardiac angiogenesis in rats. Based on the findings, fibrosis increased significantly in the detraining period compared to the active period, and angiogenesis was also reduced due to detraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of thrombosis is lower in children and prepubertal period than adults. But its incidence increases in adolescence.The aim of this study was comparing the effect of one session of endurance exhaustive exercise in different times on some of coagulation systems markers in pre and after maturation wistar rats. Material and Methods: 27mature male wistar rats with 241±5 grams mean weight and 27 immature male rats with 97±5 grams mean weight which were 14 and 5 weeks old, respectively, after two weeks getting accustomed to the new environment and treadmill, were divided into one control and two exercising groups. Then, sampling was performed immediately and after 24 hours after exercise. Exhausting endurance exercise program involved increasing the speed of treadmill until getting exhausted. Fibrinogen, APTT, and PT were measured with the Clause and coagulation methods. The analysis was performed by using independent t-test, one-way variance analysis and tukey test. Significance level was assigned for all statistical analysis (p≤0.050). Results: Results in immature and mature rats groups indicated that amounts of fibrinogen has had significant reduction immediately after exercise (p=0.004, p=0.047), and 24 hours after exercise were significantly increased only in mature rats (p=0.000). Also, APTT in all groups decreased immediately and 24 hours after exercise but it was significant just 24 hours after exercise. Conclusion: Due to the increased fibrinogen and decreased APTT at 24 hours after exhaustive endurance exercise in mature and immature rats, it seems that performing such activities in children and inactive adults must be accompanied with special considerations.