Aerobic training with moderate or high doses of vitamin D improve liver enzymes, LXRα and PGC-1α levels in rats with T2DM

Dysregulation of key transcription factors involved in hepatic energy metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), has been observed in T2DM. The present study aims to investigate the effects of aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation on liver enzyme levels and the levels of PGC-1α and LXRα proteins in hepatocytes, in a rat model of T2DM. The study involved 56 male Wistar rats, divided into two groups: one was non-diabetic and acted as a control group (n = 8), and the other had induced diabetes (n = 48). The diabetic rats were then split into six subgroups: two groups received high or moderate doses of vitamin D and aerobic training (D + AT + HD and D + AT + MD); two groups received high or moderate doses of vitamin D alone (D + HD and D + MD); one group underwent aerobic training with vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and one group was a diabetic control receiving only sesame oil (oil-receiving). The D + AT + HD and D + HD groups received 10,000 IU of vitamin D, while the D + AT + MD and D + MD groups received 5000 IU of vitamin D once a week by injection. The D + AT + oil group and the sham group received sesame oil. After eight weeks of treatment, body weight, BMI, food intake, serum insulin, glucose, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ALT, AST, and visceral fat were measured. The levels of PGC-1α and LXRα proteins in the liver was assessed by western blotting. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Tukey post hoc test at a significance level of P < 0.05. Body weight, food intake, and BMI decreased significantly in the D + AT + HD, D + AT + MD, D + AT + oil, D + HD, and D + MD groups with the highest reduction being observed in body weight and BMI in the D + AT + HD group. The D + AT + HD group exhibited the lowest levels of insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR while the D + C group exhibited the highest levels among the diabetic groups. The D + AT + HD and D + AT + MD groups had lower levels of ALT and AST enzymes compared to the other groups with no significant difference between D + AT + HD and D + AT + MD. D + AT + HD (p = 0.001), D + AT + MD (p = 0.001), D + HD (p = 0.023), D + MD (p = 0.029), and D + AT + oil (p = 0.011) upregulated LXRα compared to D + C. Among these groups, D + AT + HD exhibited a more profound upregulation of LXRα than D + AT + MD, D + AT + oil, D + HD, and D + MD (p = 0.005; p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Similarly, D + AT + HD showed a more notable upregulation of PGC-1α compared to D + AT + oil, D + HD, and D + MD (p = 0.002; p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Pearson correlation tests showed significant and negative correlations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin levels and both visceral fat (r = - 0.365; p = 0.005) and HOMA-IR (r = - 0.118; p = 0.009); while positive and significant correlations between the liver-to-bodyweight ratio with both ALT and AST enzymes and also between QUICKI levels with LXRα (r = 0.578; p = 0.001) and PGC-1α (r = 0.628; p = 0.001). Combined administration of aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation potentially improves liver enzymes in type-2 diabetic rats that were simultaneous with upregulating the levels of PGC-1α and LXRα proteins in hepatocytes. These improvements were more significant when combining exercise with high-dose vitamin D supplementation. This study highlights the potential of this combination therapy as a new diabetes treatment strategy.

Exploring the prevalence of anabolic steroid use among men and women resistance training practitioners after the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on individual health and fitness routines globally. Resistance training, in particular, has become increasingly popular among men and women looking to maintain or improve their physical fitness during the pandemic. However, using Anabolic Steroids (AS) for performance enhancement in resistance training has known adverse effects. Thus, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of AS use among men and women resistance training practitioners after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3,603 resistance training practitioners (1,855 men and 1,748 women) in various geographical locations impacted by COVID-19. The participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, which included questions regarding demographic information, training habits, and current or prior usage of AS. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and the chi-square method, with a significance level of (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 3603 men and women resistance training practitioners completed the survey. In the study, 53.05% of men and 41.99% of women used anabolic and androgenic steroids. Of those men who used steroids, 29.47% used Testosterone, while 31.20% of women used Winstrol. Additionally, 50.30% of men used steroids via injection, while 49.05% of women used them orally. According to the study, 49.99% of the participants had 6 to 12 months of experience with resistance training, and 64.25% of them underwent three training sessions per week. The analysis using the χ2 test did not reveal any significant difference between men and women in terms of duration of bodybuilding, frequency per week, and engagement in other activities.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that a significant proportion of men and women resistance training practitioners used AS, particularly among young adults with limited training experience. Thus, there is a need for targeted education and awareness campaigns to address the hazards of AS use and promote healthy training habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vitamin D improves the antidiabetic effectiveness of aerobic training via modulation of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase expression

BACKGROUND

Although the effect of Vitamin D Supplementation (Vit D) on several chronic diseases has been well conceded, its role in diabetes remains ambiguous. The present study investigated the interactive effects of Aerobic Training (AT) and different Vit D doses on Protein Kinase B (Akt), Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase (PEPCK), and Glucose-6-Phosphatase (G6Pase) protein expressions in hepatocytes of type-2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups SHAM (non-diabetic control; n = 8), and diabetic (n = 48). Then, diabetic rats were divided into six groups: AT with high doses of Vit D (D + AT + HD), AT with moderate doses of Vit D (D + AT + MD), high doses of Vit D (D + HD), moderate doses of Vit D (D + MD), AT receiving vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and control (oil-receiving). D + AT + HD and D + HD groups received 10,000 IU of Vit D; while D + AT + MD and D + MD groups receive 5000 IU of Vit D once a week by injection; D + AT + oil and SHAM groups received sesame oil. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). After 2 months of intervention, serum insulin, glucose, and visceral fat were measured; protein expressions of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase were assessed by western blotting. The paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA), and the Tukey post hoc test were used at the signification level of P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Our data indicate that the diabeticization of rats increased the level of insulin, glucose, and PEPCK and G6Pase protein expressions and decreased the expression of the Akt (P < 0.05 for all variables). Combined AT and moderate or high Vit D significantly reduced body weight (P = 0.001; P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.001; P = 0.002), food intake (P = 0.001; P = 0.001) comparing the pre-test with the post-test, respectively. Also, AT and either high or moderate Vit D alone therapies lead to the improvement of the metabolic state, however, their combination had a more significant effect on the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from the present study suggested that combined Vit D supplementation and AT successfully improve liver function and attenuate insulin resistance via upregulating Akt and downregulating PEPCK and G6Pase expressions, compared with monotherapy.

Health-related factors of the Iraqi adult population during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: physical activity, eating behavior, quality of life, general health, and mood states cross-talk

BACKGROUND

The lockdown and social distancing caused by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have changed Physical Activity Level (PAL), eating behavior, and health habits due to long-term confinement worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the PAL, eating behavior, Quality of Life (QoL), General Health (GH), and mood states during COVID-19 confinement in a large sample of Iraqi adults.

METHODS

3738 healthy adults (age 18-70 years) residing in Halabjeh, Iraq answered the online questionnaires including the short form of international physical activity, GH, three-factor eating (TFEQ-R18), and a short form of the profile of mood states (POMS-SF) questionnaires. Data analysis was done by Chi-square, and Spearman's correlation using SPSS statistical software at a significant level of (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

The results showed unfavorable PAL, eating behavior, QoL, GH, and mood states in the total population. Low PAL was observed in 69.96% of the men and 75.99% of the women; only 3.60% of the men and 0.77% of the women had a high PAL. There was a significantly positive relationship between low PAL and the incidence of COVID-19 both in men and women (P = 0.801; r = 0.001; and P = 0.682; r = 0.011), respectively; While a significant negative relationship was observed between the moderate and high PAL and the incidence of COVID-19 in men (P = 0.011; r=-0.682 and P = 0.027, r=-0.589), and women (P = 0.001; r=-0.796 and P = 0.018, r=-0.623). No significant relationships were observed between PAL and eating behavior (men: P = 0.086; r = 0.256 and women: P = 0.365, r=-0.121); While, the results show significant positive relationships between PAL with QoL in men (P = 0.012; r = 0.623) and women (P = = 0.001; r = 0.837). based on the results, significant negative relationships between PAL with GH and mood state scores were observed in both men (P = 0.001; r=-0.837 and P = 0.001, r=-0.786) and women (P = 0.010; r=-0.652 and P = 0.001, r=-0.745), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Iraqi adult population showed low PAL, GH, QoL, and mood state during COVID-19 which might be due to the confinement. Also, the significant relationships between low PAL with GH, and mood state recommends physical activity as a valuable health optimizing factor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study of the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and parathyroid hormone levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis, Isfahan, Iran

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible disorder that now is introduced as one of the most important problems of general health (1). Serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) elevate in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Systemic inflammation is correlated with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, parathyroid hormone (PTH) causes releasing of IL-6 from liver and osteoblast. IL-6 increases lifetime and activity of neutrophils. Therefore, PTH may have a direct correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the performance of NLR in hemodialysis and its possible correlation with PTH. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the correlation of NLR and serum intact PTH (iPTH), Ca (calcium) and P (phosphorus) and also Ca×P products (mg2 /dL2 ) in a group of stable hemodialysis patients, including male and female gender subgroups, diabetic versus non-diabetic patients, and also patients with or without chronic hypertensive disease. Results: This study consisted of 136 hemodialysis patients. Our study showed no statistically significant correlation between iPTH (intact parathormone) and NLR in hemodialysis patients (P>0.05). In addition, we test their correlation in other subgroups including hypertensive and normotensive, diabetic and non-diabetics, and male versus female patients. We found no significant correlation between iPTH and NLR in the mentioned subgroups, too. Conclusion: Observed correlation between PTH and NLR in hemodialysis patients may be due to our small sample size. Therefore, further studies on this subject are suggested.

Evaluation of the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in hemodialysis patients, Isfahan, Iran

Introduction: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a comorbid factor in Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and especially in chronic dialysis patients. Recently, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which is very available and affordable, has emerged as an inflammatory index in many disorders such as CKD. Several studies also have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D, and scientists believe that we must prevent vitamin D deficiency in CKD patients. Vitamin D supplementation may decrease mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Objectives: There are few studies on the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and NLR in ESRD patients. Therefore, we tried to evaluate this correlation, hoping to be a key for more researches. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 140 ESRD hemodialysis patients in a cross-sectional study and evaluated the correlation of NLR with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and some demographic factors in these patients. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant negative correlation between NLR and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.010, r= -0.216). However, other variables such as disease duration and age had no correlation with NLR (P=0.649, r= - 0.039 and P=0.781, r= - 0.024, respectively). We also used a linear regression test to check any confounder associated with NLR, and the regression was only significant for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.011, B=-0.009). Conclusion: Based on the results, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels can be considered a predictor for NLR in hemodialysis patients.

Molecular-based Survey of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Fars Province, Southern Iran, during 2017-18

Objectives:

Since there have not been any studies on the roles of the Iranian mosquitoes in the transmission of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burneti, the present study investigates the roles of mosquitoes in the transmission of the pathogens using the PCR techniques for the first time in Iran.

Methods:

The present study was conducted in Fars province during the activity seasons of mosquitoes in 2017-18. The primer design was done to investigate the probability of mosquito’s contamination with Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii. The conventional PCR was used after the extraction of DNA from mosquitoes to study the contamination.

Results:

A total of 1103 adult mosquitoes were collected and identified. Among them, 3 genera and 11 species were identified, including Anopheles (25.74%), Culex (51.84%) and Culiseta (22.39%) genera. All tested mosquitoes were negative in terms of contamination to Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii.

Conclusion:

Based on the results, mosquitoes are not considered as vectors of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in this part of the country currently. Further studies on a larger scale are needed to examine the exact role of mosquitoes (as a possible vector with high abundance and mobility) in the transmission of these pathogens in tropical areas of Iran.

Co-treatment of vitamin D supplementation and aerobic training improves memory deficit in ovariectomized rat

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insufficient vitamin D levels are globally increasing phenomena which are correlated with cognitive impairment. This study investigated the interactive effect of aerobic training with vitamin D supplementation on memory deficit in rats with metabolic syndrome induced by ovariectomy.Methods: A total of forty Wistar rats weighing 240-255 gr were randomly matched on their body weight and divided into ovariectomy (OVX, n = 32) and sham-operated (SHAM; n = 8) groups. OV group was then divided into vitamin D supplementation (OVX + Vit D; 10000 IU/kg/week, for 8 weeks, n = 8), aerobic training (OVX + AT; n = 8), aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation (OVX + AT + Vit D; 10000 IU/kg/week, for 8 weeks, n = 8), and vehicle control group receiving sesame oil (OVX + Ses Oil; n = 8). After the end of intervention, passive avoidance learning and memory were assessed in step through passive avoidance paradigm. Obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.Results: After 8 weeks of aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation, step through dark compartment latency (STL) was significantly higher and total time spent in that compartment (TSD) was lower in OVX + AT + Vit D compared to the other counterpart groups.Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation combined with 8-week aerobic training alleviates cognitive impairment metabolic syndrome induced by ovariectomy.

Investigation of educational intervention based on Theory of Planned Behavior on breakfast consumption among middle school students of Qom City in 2012

BACKGROUND

Eating breakfast is crucial for adolescents to be healthy. It also improves students' capacity of learning and doing school homework. Although healthy habits such as eating breakfast, weight control, and regular sleep increase the lifespan in adults, the effects of healthy habits on school-age children have not been studied much. The present study aimed at investigating the impact of an educational program based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on eating breakfast among middle school students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This interventional study was conducted on sixth-grade students in Qom City during the academic year 2012-2013. First, 97 students were randomly assigned to the experimental group and 97 other students were assigned to the control group. Then, a questionnaire was developed on eating breakfast by the researchers according to the TPB. A pilot study was conducted to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, advice by a panel of experts was sought. To carry out a pre-test, both groups answered the questions. After analyzing the pre-test results, the required content was developed for the experimental group. Educational methods included delivering speech, discussion groups, pamphlets, and posters. The required educationalcontent was provided for students during five sessions and for parents in one session. To determine the effect of educational intervention, a post-test study was carried out 2 months after the intervention. Collected data were analyzed using independent t-test, χ,([2]) and repeated measures.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, 36.7% of students were eating breakfast at least in a day of a week, before educational intervention. After implementation of the educational program, only 32.7% of them were continuing their past habit. There was a significant difference between themean scores of attitudes, perceived behavioral control, intention, and practice of eating breakfast in the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the mean scores of subjective norms after implementing the educational program in both groups (P < 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Using the TPB improved students' intentions and behavior of eating breakfast. Thus, it seems necessary to consider all effective environmental factors on the subjective norms in the education of healthy eating behaviors or improving breakfast-eating practice among students.