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Pomegranate, recognized as one of the most widely utilized herbal medicines, comprises three components: Pomegranate juice, seeds, and peel. Each part of the fruit contains a range of phytochemical compounds, macronutrients, and micronutrients. With a history dating back to 3000 BC, pomegranate has gained global recognition for its diverse therapeutic effects, attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals such as flavonoids (e.g., flavonols, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and phenolic acids). These compounds contribute to the herb's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, cardioprotective, and other health-promoting properties. The beneficial properties of pomegranate have captured the interest of sports physiologists, who recognize this herb as a promising substance to augment the health-promoting effects of exercise programs. A review of the SID and Google Scholar databases revealed that Iranian sports physiologists have published 25 articles investigating the combinational effects of exercise programs and pomegranate administration. The primary focus of these studies was on metabolic changes, followed by oxidative stress markers. The majority of their participants were obese women with type 2 diabetes. Collectively, these findings indicated that the combination of pomegranate consumption and physical exercises, particularly aerobic exercises, enhanced the beneficial impact of aerobic training on metabolic parameters and anti-oxidative markers. Based on these studies, it can be concluded that pomegranate extract can potentiate the health-enhancing effects of physical exercise. Therefore, it is recommended to consider utilizing pomegranate derivatives in conjunction with exercise programs to maximize their beneficial health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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<0.05) and also decreased fasting insulin levels (p=0.001) and HOMA-IR (p=0.002) levels. Furthermore, HIIT increased levels of lipocalin-2 (p=0.002) while decreasing omentin-1 levels (p=0.001) in men with obesity. Changes in lcn2 and omentin-1 concentrations correlated with the changes in risk factors in the HIIT group (p<0.05). The results indicate that 12 weeks of supervised HIIT significantly improves both circulating concentrations of lcn2 and omentin-1, two recently described adipokines, and risk markers of cardiovascular diseases in men with obesity. Further research is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms involved with these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Related reviews reveal that the impact of obestatin (with or without exercise) on the level of ghrelin has not been investigated. The present study investigates the possible effect of intraperitoneally (IP)-administrated obestatin and short-term exercise on serum acyl-ghrelin and body weight in rats. Methods: In present experimental study forty-five male rats weighing 100±5 g were divided into five groups; Group 1: control group was normally reared, and did not receive any injections or exercise. Group 2 (placebo) was treated with basal solution (50mLdistilled water). Group 3 was referred to as obestatin group which was subjected to double-injection during the test with obestatin (10 μg obestatin/ rat). Group 4 was known as treadmill group whichwassubjected to treadmill exercise. Finally, group 5,knownas obestatin /treadmill group (OT),wassubjected to injection with obestatin and treadmill exercise. The exercise groups were trained for 3 weeks (run at 25 m/min for 60 minutes, 5 days/week).The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 16. Results: Twomain parameters include body weight gain and serum acyl-ghrelin was assayed. The results indicate that body weight and ghrelin level in obestatin and OT groups did not significant changes compared with the control group (P< 0.001). However, treadmill group had less ghrelin level was different significantly from control group (P < 0.0001). Also, the treadmill group had the least weight gain (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: It was found that whereas short-term treadmill exercise significantly reduces serum acyl-ghrelin, IP-administration of obestatin had no significant impact on serum acyl-ghrelin and final body weight. The short-term treadmill exercise reduced weight gain rate. The results of the study indicated that the combination of obestatin injection and treadmill exercise had no significant impact on the measured variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two resistance exercise (RE) protocols with different rest intervals between sets on oxidative stress and exercise-induced muscle damage. For this purpose, twenty untrained males voluntarily participated in the research and were randomly assigned to one of two resistance exercise groups: a) a shorter inter-set rest interval of 90 second (RI-90; n=10); or b) a longer rest interval of 180 second (RI-180; n=10). Resistance exercise in both groups consisted of chest press (CP), "lat" pull down (LP), leg extension (LE), leg curl (LC), and back squat (BS) exercises; these were done at a load of six repetitions maximum (6 RM). Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein preexercise, immediately post-exercise, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-exercise, and analyzed for malondiadehyde (MDA) concentration and creatine kinase (CK) activity. The results indicated that both RI-90 and RI-180 caused significant changes in the MDA response (p=.003 and p=.036 in RI-90 and RI-180, respectively); MDA significantly increased six hours post-resistance exercise in both groups. Creatine kinase activity significantly increased at the 24-hour point post-exercise in both groups and continued for 48 hours postexercise (p=.000 for RI-90 and RI-180). There was no significant difference between corresponding MDA and CK values of two groups. We conclude that the rest interval between sets of resistance exercise does not affect oxidative stress and myocellular damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of branched- chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation on acute hormonal responses to a single bout of resistance exercise. Design: double-blind with control group Material and Methods: In a double-blind with control design, 20 males (age: 21.5 ± 1.7 years; height: 177.3 ± 1.1 cm; weight: 77.2 ± 2.2 kg) consumed 200 mg.kg-' BW of either BCAA or placebo 30 minutes prior to exercise. Each subjects completed 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions at their 8-10 repetition maximum to volitional fatigue. The exercise session consisted of the high pull, leg curl, standing overhead press, leg extension, lat pull-down, leg press, and bench press. Blood samples of each subject were collected 30 min before exercise, immediately post-exercise, 60, 120 min and 24 h after exercise. Results: Testosterone, insulin and cortisol were significantly elevated at immediately post-exercise, 60, 120 min in two groups. Concentrations of insulin and testosterone were different significant between supplementation and placebo group (p < 0.05) after resistance exercise. Concentration of cortisol was not differs between supplementation and placebo group (p < 0.05) after resistance exercise. Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementary BCAA prior to resistance exercise might augment the anabolic-hormonal response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the levels of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers after acute resistance exercise in young athletes. In a randomized double-blind design, twenty subjects were divided into two equal groups; each subject receiving three capsules per day (3000 mg) of either omega-3 or a placebo for seven days. All subjects underwent high intensity acute resistance exercise. Venous blood samples were collected one week prior to the exercise, immediately pre-exercise, and 24 hours post exercise. Malondiadehyde (MDA), plasma total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in the serum. MDA, CRP and CK concentrations were significantly higher 24 hours post exercise in the placebo versus the omega-3 group (p=.005). The mean of total antioxidant capacity in both groups showed no significant differences immediately pre-exercise and 24 hours post exercise (p>.005). LDH activity was significantly higher 24 hours post exercise in both groups (p=<.05). The results of this study indicate that high intensity resistance exercise induces oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and cellular damage indices in athletes. However, seven days of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may ameliorate these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and its metabolic consequences are major risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, lifestyle interventions, including exercise training and dietary components may decrease cardiovascular risk. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the effects of ginger supplementation and progressive resistance training on some cardiovascular risk factors in obese men. In a randomized double-blind design, 32 obese Iranian men (BMI≥ 30) were assigned in to one of four groups: Placebo (PL, n = 8); ginger group (GI, n = 8) that consumed 1 gr ginger/d for 10 wk; resistance training plus placebo (RTPL, n = 8); and 1gr ginger plus resistance exercise (RTGI, n = 8). Progressive resistance training was performed three days per week for 10 weeks and included eight exercises. At baseline and after 10 weeks, body composition and anthropometric indices were measured. To identify other risk factors, venous blood samples were obtained before and 48-72 hours after the last training session for measurement of blood lipids (LDL-C, HDLC, TG), systemic inflammation (CRP), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). After 10 weeks both RTGI and RTPL groups showed significant decreases in waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percent, body fat mass, total cholesterol, and insulin resistance (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in fat free mass (FFM) (p < 0.05), while it remained unchanged in PL and GI. Further, significant decreases in the mean values of CRP were observed in all groups except PL (p < 0.05). Our results reveal that resistance training is an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in obese Iranian men. Further, ginger supplementation alone or in combination with resistance training, also reduces chronic inflammation. However more research on the efficacy of this supplement to reduce cardiovascular risk in humans is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of an eight-week progressive resistance training (PRT) program on Interluekine-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Materials and methods: For this purpose, twenty men voluntarily participated in the research and assigned in one of the PRT (n = 10) or control (n = 10) groups. Resistance training was done with eight exercises, 3 sets of 6-3 repetitions for eight weeks at 60% one maximal repetition (1RM) and reached 95% 1RM by week eight. Blood samples were taken at rest and repeated after last session training with interval 48 h after eight weeks. Concentration of IL-6 and CRP were measured in plasma and by analyzing with ELISA kits. Results: No differences were seen between groups in plasma IL-6 (1.98 ± 0.82 vs. 2.08 ± 0.25 pg/ml; RT) and (2.3 ± 0.71vs.2.1 ± 0.7 pg/ml; Con). Also, there was no significant difference in CRP (2.08 ± 0.25 vs. 3.1 ± 0.82 pg/ml; PRT) and (2.6 ± 0.25 vs. 2.8 ± 0.5 mg/1; Con) at rest and after eight week resistance training, respectively (P > 0.05). Discussion: It can be concluded that eight week high resistance training cannot attenuate inflammation markers such as IL-6 and CRP, and it seems that this duration for changes in inflammation markers was too short. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adiponectin and leptin are closely related to weight control and energy balance, whereas exercise training has beneficial effects in obese men. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of 10 weeks of progressive resistance training on serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations in obese men. Methods Sixteen obese men (BMI≥ 30, 18–32 years) in a randomised controlled design were divided into two equal groups (exercise (n=8) and control (n=8) groups). The experimental subjects received resistance training programme. Progressive resistance training was performed three times a week on alternate days for 10 weeks and included seven exercises. At baseline and after 10 weeks, blood samples were taken in fasting state from all subjects and leptin and adiponectin determined by an ELISA technique that was commercially available. The one-way analysis of variance was used in the statistical analysis. Results Compared to pre-training, the leptin levels decreased (p<0.05) and the adiponectin levels increased (p<0.05) significantly after 10 weeks of progressive resistance exercise in the trained subjects, while it remained unchanged in control subjects (p>0.05). Conclusions Therefore, according to this results it can be suggested that progressive resistance training for 10 weeks has been an effective therapeutic devise to favourable changes in leptin and adiponectin concentration in obese men. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main indicator of cardiac arrests and mortality (Willoughby and Holmes 2002).Disruption of the normal rheological properties of blood is considered an independent risk factor for CVD (Douglas and Hein 1998). Platelets play an important role in the pathophysiology of CVD and its associated risk factors (El-sayed 2005). In addition, current evidence implicates fibrinogen (Fib) in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular diseases and as an independent cardiovascular risk factor (Lars 2003). Also, haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Htc) factors have the key and important role in whole blood viscosity (El-sayed 2005). Habitual, regular physical activity has been postulated to reduce the incidence of CVD (Johansson and Sundquist 1999). However, high intensity exercise may precipitate acute cardiac events and sudden cardiac death through an occlusive platelet-rich thrombus (Bartsch 1999). However, it has been shown that flavanol-rich foods, such as cocoa promote health and attenuate, or delay the onset of CVD (Murphy 2003). The present study designed to evaluate if cocoa attenuate the effect of an incremental exhaustive exercise on platelet count (Plt), Fib, Hb and Htc. Twenty athlete (football player) male (mean age: 22±1.3 years; body mass: 71.1±4.5 kg; BF%: 22.5±1.2; VOmax: 54.6±2.4 ml/kg/min) provided written informed consent. Bruce exercise test was performed as an incremental exhaustive protocol on two occasions, 1 week apart. In a double-blind design, each participant received either a volume of cocoa solution or flavoured solution based on his body mass before exercise trial. Venous blood samples were collected 2-h prior to exercise (baseline), pre-, post- and 1-h after completion of each trial. Differences were examined using a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measures as appropriate. Platelet counts, Fib, Hb and Htc decreased significantly (p<0.001) after exercise compared with before exercise in cocoa trials (Plt: from 280.30±31.20 to 206.00±21.13; Fib: from 231±2.20 to 200±1.13; Hb: from 16.80±0.58 to 14.36±1.22; Htc: from 49.60±1.97 to 44.36±2.42). Fib were unaffected by condition and did not differ at any time after exercise protocol (p>0.05). This study showed that increased platelet activity in response to an incremental exercise could be decreased with oral supplementation of cocoa that is line with Murphy (2003) and Rein (2000). In addition, very little is known about cocoa and it's effecting on Fib, Hb and Htc levels. However, the findings showed that cocoa supplementation decreased Fib, Hb and Htc levels. In conclusion, short-term cocoa supplementation decreased blood coagulation in response to an incremental exhaustive exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, though it is well known that exercise training decreases the CVD risk factors of low HDL and high blood pressure. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) levels are positively correlated with high blood pressure and decreased HDL, yet the effect of concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training on sICAM-1 is unknown. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the effects of concurrent aerobic-resistance training (CT) on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and some CVD risk factors in sedentary overweight middle- aged men., Methods: Thirty sedentary middle- aged men (aged 30-50 years) were assigned to either an experimental (EX; N.=15) or Control (Cl; N.=15) group. EX performed three days per week of progressive CT for eight weeks whilst CL did not train. Before and after the intervention, venous blood samples were obtained for measurement of blood lipids (LDL-C, HDLC, TC and TG) and plasma sICAM-1 concentration and anthropometric measures (weight, BMI, WC, WHR, body fat percent) were made., Results: CT produced a significant decrease in plasma sICAM-1, LDL-C, TC, and significantly increased HDLC in the EX group (P<0.05). Further, CT induced significant improvements in body composition (P<0.05). These variables remained unchanged in the CL group (P>0.05)., Conclusions: Eight-weeks of concurrent exercise training reduce both circulating concentrations of sICAM-1 and markers of CVD risk in sedentary middle-age men. The mechanistic role by which sICAM-1 may improve CVD risk with training remains to be determined.