Showing 19 results for Protein
Mina Hemmati, Elham Zohoori, Somayeh Asghari,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Dyslipidemia increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. Lipoprotein a, as a cholesterol carrier and competitive inhibitor of plasminogen in the blood coagulation system is considered an atherogenic factor which increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis in diabetic individuals. Based on previous studies, Barberry is thought to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Since increased cholesterol level, especially Lipoprotein a, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with diabetes, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of Lipoprotein (a) in diabetic rats treated with aqueous extract of Barberry.
Method: In this experimental study, diabetes was induced in 15 mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and then they were treated orally for 14 days with liquid extract of the said plant in doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg. At the end of the treatment period, mice were kept fasted for 12 hours and then by heart phlebotomy, serum levels of Lipoprotein a, serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured in normal and diabetic groups. The results were then analyzed using SPSS version 16, ANOVA and Tukey›s test.
Results: Data analysis showed that the consumption of both oral doses of Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) in diabetic rats causes a significant reduction in serum levels of triglyceride, serum glucose and VLDL(P=0.01).
The extract at both used doses also significantly reduced serum levels of lipoprotein (a) in treated diabetic rats (P=0.012).
Conclusion: Oral administration of the aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) is effective for reducing triglyceride and glucose levels in diabetic mice. Since Barberry lowers Lipoprotein (a) levels, it can be considered as an anti-atherogenic factor.
Aniseh Jamshidi, Bahareh Shabanpour, Parastoo Pourashouri, Mojtaba Raeisi,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Production of fish protein hydrolysate is a method for converting the low-value economical underutilized fish species to value-added products. This study aimed to evaluate the different proportions of distilled water to the substrate on the functional characteristics, antioxidant and nutritional quality of fish protein hydrolysate of bigeye ilisha (Ilisha megaloptera) produced by enzymatic hydrolysis.
Materials and Methods: After defatting of minced fish, the hydrolysis process was carried out using three different 4:1, 5:1 and 6:1 distilled water to substrate proportions by using alcalase enzyme in three replications. The protein hydrolysate samples were analyzed for approximate composition (soluble protein, moisture, fat and ash), functional characteristics (solubility, foam capacity, and foam stability), antioxidant properties (DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power) and mineral composition.
Results: In this study, the ratio of distilled water to the substrate affected the protein hydrolysate properties and the highest amounts of hydrolysis degree and DPPH radical scavenging activity were observed in samples with 5:1 ratio. Fish protein hydrolysate obtained from 4:1 ratio had the highest amount of soluble protein, and no significant difference was observed in term of solubility with samples obtained by 5:1 ratio. Moreover, there were no significant differences in terms of lightness and foam capacity of samples obtained from 4:1 and 6:1 proportions.
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, using a 4:1 ratio of distilled water to substrate led to the production of fish protein hydrolysates from bigeye ilisha with higher functional properties and nutritional composition.
Sahar Ghovanjzadeh, Hadi Bazzazi, Yaghoub Yazdani,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with a complex genetic background. The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) is a lymphoid specific protein tyrosine phosphatase which is involved in negative regulation of T cell response. Several studies have assessed the association between PTPN22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with RA susceptibility. Here, we aimed to assess the association of PTPN22 (1858 C>T) variant with the susceptibility to RA in northeast of Iran.
Methods: A total of 127 RA patients and 119 age- and sex- matched healthy donors were enrolled. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect PTPN22 (1858 C>T) SNP. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze data using relevant statistical tests.
Results: Comparison of allele and genotype frequencies of PTPN22 (1858 C>T) SNP in RA patients and healthy donors revealed no significant association with RA susceptibility.
Conclusion: The present study suggests that the PTPN22 (1858 C>T) genetic variants are not associated with RA susceptibility and disease activity. While this is the first report from northeast of Iran, further studies are needed to confirm these findings
Farah Nameni, Siavash Shahdusti, Majid Hashemi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Clinical studies have indicated, that exercise activity and supplementation may have different effects on heart function and health. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of weight training with whey protein supplementation on ANP, BNP, and Galactin-3 in 60-65 years old sedentary men.
Material and Methods: This study was based on a quasi-experimental design. The sample population was selected from volunteers out of the Kahrizak charity sanitarium of the Tehran province. Forthy men were randomly assigned to 4 groups (control, exercise, whey protein, and exercise + whey protein). Whey protein and exercise + whey protein groups were asked to consume whey protein. Training protocol lasted for 6 weeks. Blood levels of ANP, BNP, and Galactin-3, before and after the study were measured. Normality and variance heterogeneity was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk and Levene's tests respectively. The significance of differences between training and supplementation groups was assessed by ANOVA and LSD hock post-test.
Results: The results showed that weight training program and in combination with whey protein supplementation significantly reduced Atrial natriuretic peptide (P=0.001), Brain natriuretic peptide (P=0.001), and Galactin-3 (P=0.001), compared to the control group (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The reduction of cardiac injury indices and structural and physiological recovery and the increase of cardiac function have been affected by the synergy of his training and protein.
Ali Mohammadnia, Khosro Jalali Dehkordi, Gholamreza Sharifi,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The application of exercise training and herbal supplements is believed to be a typical approach in treating chronic diseases and metabolic disorders. Accordingly, given the healing effects of swimming training and cannabidiol (CBD) oil consumption, the aim of the current study was to reveal if eight weeks of swimming training and CBD oil consumption downregulates the expression of MAPK, PPARα genes in the heart tissue of myocardial infarction rats.
Material and Methods: In the present experimental study, 20 myocardial infarction rats were divided into four groups of five animals, including: 1) control, 2 swimming training, 3) CBD, 4) CBD + swimming training, and 5) healthy control. For eight weeks, groups 3 and 4 consumed 50 mg/kg of CBD daily by gavage, and groups 2 and 4 performed swimming training five days a week. Induction of myocardial ischemia was performed by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (50 mg/kg i.p.), in myocardial infarction rats. Bax and Bcl2 cardiomyocytes were measured by PCR-RT. For data analysis, one-way analysis variance test was used to compare inter-group differences at P<0.05.
Results: Swimming training, CBD consumption and swimming training with CBD consumption had a significant effect on reducing MAPK gene expression in cardiac tissue (P≤0.05). Also, swimming training with CBD consumption had a greater effect than swimming training and CBD consumption alone on reducing PPARα gene expression in cardiac tissue (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: It appears that application of swimming training with CBD oil consumption has more positive impacts on improving MAPK and PPARα gene expression levels in the heart tissue of rats with myocardial infarction than using each one alone. Besides, swimming training with CBD oil consumption plays a role in the rehabilitation process and improves key factors involved in cardiovascular health.
Seyed Rafie Shafabakhsh, Yaser Kazemzadeh, Hossein Shirvani, Sanaz Mirzaiyan Shanjani, Saeed Sedaghati,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background: Skeletal muscle is a tissue that secretes myokines from muscle cells in response to training stimuli and muscle contractions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 4-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the expression of three genes: apelin, decorin, and musclin in the skeletal muscle fibers of Wistar rats. In addition, the study examined the changes in gene expression levels during the training period.
Methods: The present study enrolled 16 male Wistar rats with an approximate age of eight weeks and a weight range of 200-220 grams. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: An aerobic exercise group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). During the four-week training period, the experimental group performed aerobic exercises on a treadmill with an intensity of 50-70% of their maximum power, for three sessions per week, while the control group did not engage in any activity. After completing the training period, the rats were sacrificed 48 hours later to evaluate the gene expression of the study variables using the real-time PCR method for tissue analysis. An independent t-test was used to examine the difference between groups, and statistical significance was set at P <0.05.
Results: The independent t-test results indicated that the gene expression levels of all three variables: Musclin, decorin, and apelin, were significantly higher in the aerobic exercise group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that aerobic exercise can potentially to increase the gene expression of three specific myokines: apelin, decorin, and musclin in skeletal muscles. These myokines are known to play an essential role in energy homeostasis, and their increased expression levels could have potential health benefits for individuals engaged in aerobic exercise.
Ailar Jamali , Mojtaba Zare Ebrahimabad, Sareh Zhand, Ayyoob Khosravi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Genetic polymorphisms are predictors of the immune response and susceptibility to certain infectious diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated the association of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) (-2581 A/G) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) (+874 T/A) polymorphisms with susceptibility to pulmonary TB in an Iranian population.
Methods: A total of 124 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 244 healthy subjects (121 related normal controls and 123 unrelated subjects) were included. The MCP1 polymorphic region (-2518 A/G) was genotyped by PCR-RFLP, while ARMS-PCR was used to amplify and detect IFNγ (+874 T/A). SNPStats and SPSS v. 20 were used for the statistical analysis of the data.
Results: The comparison of MCP1 (-2518 A/G) alleles and genotypes in TB patients and healthy subjects showed no significant association in all the constructed heredity models. No association was observed between TB patients and normal subjects in all the constructed inheritance models for IFNγ (+874 T/A) alleles and genotypes.
Conclusion: Due to the lack of association between MCP1 (-2518 A/G) and IFNγ (874 T/A) polymorphisms and susceptibility to PT in our study and the conflicting results of some previous studies, further clinical and molecular research is needed to clarify the role of the studied polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis.
Narges Marefati, Hassan Ghoshooni, Mostafa Mahabadi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
It seems necessary to understand the association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its entering bronchoalveolar and brain cells, which have a high concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although the virus infects healthy people, the rate of infection and mortality is higher and significant in vulnerable people, such as drug users and addicts who have acute and chronic respiratory disease. It also places a heavy economic burden on families and societies around the world. Thus, researchers are aiming to provide prevention and treatment strategies to people at risk. The purpose of the present study was to collect studies on the rate of infection with coronavirus in people who abuse drugs. Besides, the role of the ACE2 receptor as a key factor in coronavirus infectivity in these people was investigated. Our narrative review on the relationship between COVID-19 and opioid abuse and smoking, with consideration of ACE2's role, contains original and human studies. According to the results of the current study, those who smoke or are dependent on opioids are much more likely to experience COVID-19-related respiratory side effects or even pass away.
Roghayeh Koroni, Abdossaleh Zar, Mohammad Mehdi Khaleghi ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease associated with a partial or absolute deficiency of insulin, hyperlipidemia, and impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The present study aimed to compare the effects of different types of exercises on lipid profiles in menopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Fifty-six sedentary obese menopausal women with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into 4 groups: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, combined exercise, and a control group. Each group, except the control group, participated in their respective exercises for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subjects before and 48 hours after the training period. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired sample t tests, with a significance level set at P≤0.05. All calculations were performed using SPSS v. 20.
Results: Triglyceride levels significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise (P = 0.017) and combined exercise (P = 0.0001) groups. Low-density lipoprotein levels significantly decreased in aerobic exercise (P = 0.034), resistance exercise (P = 0.003), and combined exercise groups (P = 0.009). Cholesterol levels significantly decreased in the aerobic exercise (P = 0.0001), resistance exercise (P = 0.030), and combined exercise (P = 0.01) groups. Additionally, high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased in the aerobic exercise (P = 0.041) and combined exercise (P = 0.002) groups.
Conclusion: It appears that combined exercises, rather than resistance or endurance exercises alone, are a more appropriate intervention for improving lipid profiles in menopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Rahil Shahriari, Homa Sheikhani Shahin, Mehrzad Moghaddasi, Alireza Jowhari,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the prevalent metabolic diseases, and knowing its treatment methods is very important. This study investigates the effect of eight weeks of combined high-intensity interval training on intrahepatic FNDC5 protein and irisin in male rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Methods: In this study, 40 rats aged 6 to 8 weeks were divided into two groups: healthy (n=20) and high-fat diet (HFD) (n=20). After eight weeks and assurance of disease induction, the HFD group was randomly divided into control-patient (n=9) and training-patient (n=9). Also, the healthy group was divided into control-healthy (n=9) and training-healthy (n=9). The training group rats performed HIIT in aquatic and land environments (Saturdays and Wednesdays in aquatic environments and Mondays on a treadmill). Western blot method was used to measure FNDC5 and irisin proteins, and the spectrophotometric method was used to measure liver enzymes (ALT and AST). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test (P<0.05) were used to determine the difference between groups.
Results: After eight weeks of combined high-intensity interval training, there was no significant difference in intrahepatic FNDC5 protein levels between the groups (P=0.125). Intrahepatic irisin protein levels significantly increased in the training-healthy group compared to the control-healthy group (P=0.046). Additionally, there was a significant increase in the training-patient group compared to the control-patient group (P=0.036) and a significant increase in the training-healthy group compared to the control-patient group (P=0.011).
Conclusion: In general, combined high-intensity interval training (aquatic + land) can increase intrahepatic irisin. Thus, this type of training can be considered one of the potential non-pharmacological options for treating NAS. However, more research is needed to reach definitive results.
Samaneh Heidarzadeh, Seyedehsamira Ashrafmansouri,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common neoplasm and the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. Incidence rates vary widely and depend on risk factors, epidemiological factors, and carcinogenesis patterns. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Previous studies have reported that fascin overexpression, an actin-binding protein, promotes cell motility and invasion in cancers by bundling actin filaments. Therefore, inhibiting this protein can be a major step in treatment.
Methods: In this prospective study, the protein structure of fascin was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Using the HyperChem 7.0 software, the chemical structure of cytochalasin H as a small molecule inhibitor was designed. Rigid docking studies between cytochalasin H and fascin protein were performed using the AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 software, and the obtained results were analyzed using LigPlot+ v.1.4.5, Discovery Studio 4.5, and PyMOL v.1.9 software.
Results: According to the analyses and the obtained results, cytochalasin H and fascin protein have an effective interaction with an optimal energy level.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that cytochalasin H may be developed into a potential chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of gastric cancer by inhibiting fascin. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism.
Farnaz Seifi, Mojdeh Khajehlandi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: The use of complementary medicine in healthcare is increasing rapidly. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training with quercetin supplementation on the gene expression of FOXO1 and ATG5 in the liver of diabetic obese rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were considered research samples at eight weeks. Rats were induced with diabetes after eight weeks of a high-fat diet and familiarization with a laboratory environment and treadmill. Rats were divided into seven groups, and six rats were placed in each group (n=6): healthy control group, diabetes control group, diabetic quercetin group, high-intensity interval training with diabetes group, moderate-intensity continuous training with diabetes group, diabetic high-intensity interval training with quercetin group, and diabetic moderate-intensity continuous training with quercetin group. For one training group, eight weeks of high-intensity interval training, and for the other group, eight weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training on the treadmill were performed. Seventy-two hours after the last training session, liver tissues were isolated to check the gene expression of FOXO1 and ATG5. One-way analysis of variance test was used to check the difference between groups by SPSS version 26 software.
Results: Findings showed that by inducing type 2 diabetes, gene expression of FOXO1 increased (3.14 unit) (P<0.001) and ATG5 gene expression decreased (0.71 unit) (P<0.001). After eight weeks of training investigation, gene expression of FOXO1 and ATG5 decreased (P<0.001) and increased (P<0.001), respectively, in all training groups compared to the diabetic control group. There was no significant difference between the four training groups (P>0/05).
Conclusion: Both exercises with and without quercetin had a modulating effect on the gene expression of indicators related to the process of autophagy and blood glucose levels in the liver of diabetic obese rats.
Hossein Eidizadeh, Seyed Mohsen Avandi, Abdosalleh Zar, Hamid Reza Sadeghipour,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Background: Resistance training and protein supplementation are known to increase protein synthesis and hypertrophy, primarily through the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway. However, mTORC1 activation in the kidneys can potentially lead to kidney disease. This study investigates the effects of eight weeks of resistance training combined with Spirulina platensis supplementation on the RAGs/Rheb/mTOR/S6K pathway in male rat kidneys.
Methods: In this study, 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (Co; n = 8), Spirulina platensis (SP; n = 8), resistance training (RE; n = 8), and Spirulina platensis + resistance training (SP+RE; n = 8). The resistance training group engaged in five sessions per week over eight weeks. Spirulina was administered at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day to the supplement and SP+RE groups. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR following the last training session.
Results: The mTOR gene expression significantly increased in the SP group (p = 0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the RE and SP+RE groups. Rheb gene expression did not show significant changes across any groups. Significant changes were noted in the RAGs gene in the SP group (p = 0.001), RE group (p = 0.047), and SP+RE group (p = 0.025). The S6K gene showed significant changes in the SP group (p = 0.01) but not in the other groups.
Conclusion: Spirulina supplementation may activate the mTORC1 signaling pathway in the kidneys, potentially contributing to kidney disease progression. However, combined resistance training and Spirulina supplementation did not show changes in mTORC1 expression, suggesting that this combination might prevent further kidney tissue damage in athletes.
Mojdeh Khajehlandi, Lotfali Bolboli,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Mitochondrial function is an integral part of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and is a hallmark feature of cardiovascular disease. It may contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), combined with quercetin supplementation (eight weeks), on mitochondrial gene expression in the diabetic heart.
Methods: In this study, 35 adult male rats were equally divided into seven groups (n=5): healthy sedentary, diabetic sedentary, diabetic quercetin sedentary, diabetic HIIT (DHIIT), diabetic MICT (DMICT), DHIIT with quercetin, and DMICT with quercetin. The rats were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks and subsequently treated with a single low dose of streptozotocin to create a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Eight weeks (five times a week) of HIIT and MICT, with and without quercetin, were conducted for the training groups, and quercetin was injected over eight weeks at a dose of 15 mg/kg.
Results: Eight weeks of quercetin supplementation, HIIT, and MICT, with and without quercetin, significantly decreased blood glucose levels (P=0.001). Eight weeks of HIIT and MICT training increased nuclear respiratory factor-2 (NRF2) (P=0.001) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) (P=0.001) expression and decreased perilipin 2 (PLIN2) gene expression (P=0.001).
Conclusion: The training groups alone improved the gene expression of NRF2, ATGL, and PLIN2. Both training protocols, combined with quercetin, controlled blood glucose levels and improved antioxidant capacity. Thus, the reduction in blood glucose through quercetin supplementation appears to be a promising approach for managing T2DM.
Khadijeh Haghighat , Fariba Mahmoudi , Homayoun Khazali,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Chrysin is a natural bioactive compound belonging to the flavonoid group. The pain-relieving effects of chrysin have been reported in several studies; however, the molecular mechanism underlying its analgesic properties remains unknown. In the present study, the analgesic effect of chrysin was investigated on the hypothalamic Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and Tachykinin 1 (Tac1) gene expression in a formalin-induced pain model.
Methods: Twenty male rats weighing 200 ± 10 g were divided into four groups. Pain was induced by injecting 50 μl of formalin into the hind paw. The control and formalin groups received saline. In addition, 20 or 40 µg of chrysin was injected into pain-induced rats via the third cerebral ventricle. After 30 minutes, a behavioral test was conducted. Hypothalamus samples were then dissected, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to measure gene expression.
Results: The mRNA levels of CGRP and Tac1 significantly increased in the formalin-treated rats compared to the control group. In contrast, the mRNA levels of CGRP and Tac1 were significantly reduced in the chrysin-treated groups compared to the formalin group. Furthermore, the pain score was significantly lower in the chrysin-treated groups compared to the formalin group.
Conclusion: The pain-relieving effects of chrysin were mediated through the downregulation of hypothalamic CGRP and Tac1 in the pain model rats.
Farah Nameni , Maryam Motevasseli ,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Regular physical activity helps maintain health and improves the performance of various body systems. It is also recommended for managing many diseases and disorders, even after surgery. In this regard, the use of supplements may effectively synergize these benefits and promote faster recovery and cell repair. This study investigated the response of liver enzymes and serum indices to whey protein and jogging after bariatric surgery in women.
Methods: The statistical population included all women aged 30 to 45 who underwent bariatric surgery. From this population, 30 individuals were selected as a statistical sample based on entry and exit criteria, using a simple random method without replacement. After providing necessary explanations, written consent was obtained from all participants. Before surgery, body composition assessment, fibroscan, and blood liver enzyme tests were performed. Following the surgery, the research sample participated in an 8-week jogging program and consumed Iso whey supplement. The training protocol was incremental, and the participants consumed 20 grams of Iso whey supplement twice daily, as a suspended solution in water, 30 minutes before and immediately after training. At the end of the research protocol, re-evaluations of body composition, fibroscan, and blood liver enzyme tests were conducted. To compare data, the mean, standard deviation, and Levine's test were used. Shapiro-Wilk test, dependent t-test, and analysis of variance with repeated measurements were employed to assess differences.
Results: The research showed that alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme levels decreased significantly. In addition, bone density, calcium levels, and muscle mass increased, while fat percentage and liver fibrosis decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Iso whey protein and jogging appear to have synergistic effects in stimulating growth, increasing muscle size and strength, and improving performance through protein building blocks and amino acids. These factors may also enhance the release of anabolic hormones. The decrease in liver enzymes was likely due to improved fat metabolism, increased energy and oxygen consumption, and enhanced cardiovascular activity.
Farah Nameni , Elham Jebraiili ,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Background: Adaptation to hypoxia can improve cardiac function and reduce cardiac complications of diabetes. This study aimed to determine the effect of HIIT on the expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1α in the hearts of diabetic rats.
Methods: Male Wistar rats (weighing 200–250 g and eight weeks old) were used in this study. Rats in the training group warmed up for 5 minutes, then performed a HIIT swimming protocol (14 repetitions of 20 seconds with 10 seconds of rest; eight weeks, three sessions per week). An external load equivalent to 7% of body weight was attached to the base of the tail in the first week and gradually increased by 1% in the following weeks (eighth week: load equivalent to 14% of body weight). Twenty-two rats were made diabetic by subcutaneous injection of streptozotocin. Seven days after injection, rats with blood sugar levels above 300 mg/dL were selected as diabetic samples. Eleven rats were placed in the healthy control group. After eight weeks, the rats were anesthetized and their hearts were removed for sampling. Gene expression was examined using real-time PCR. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation; one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used.
Results: VEGF-A mRNA expression in the HIIT group increased by 60% compared to the diabetic group (p < 0.06). In the diabetic group, VEGF-A mRNA expression showed a 47% decrease compared to the control group (p < 0.001). HIF-1α mRNA expression in the HIIT group increased by about 27% compared to the diabetic group (p < 0.001). HIF-1α mRNA expression in the diabetic group decreased by about 25% compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Diabetes impairs the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A, and HIIT increases the expression of these genes in heart tissue.
Delara Omrani , Saeed Mohammadi , Yaghoub Yazdani ,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Macrophages are central effectors of innate immunity and exhibit remarkable functional plasticity in response to environmental stimuli. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a critical role in regulating macrophage function, immune homeostasis, and xenobiotic metabolism. Two well-characterized AhR ligands, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a dietary phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables, and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a persistent environmental pollutant, exert divergent biological effects despite engaging the same receptor. However, their differential cytotoxic impact on macrophages and the extent to which they activate downstream AhR target genes remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of I3C and TCDD on THP-1-derived macrophages and to assess the consequent transcriptional regulation of three canonical AhR target genes: CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and AhRR.
Methods: THP-1 human monocytic cells were differentiated into macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). Differentiated macrophages were treated with I3C (10 ng/µL) or TCDD (100 nM), each dissolved separately in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), for 24 and 48 hours. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL) was used as a positive control. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay. Gene expression of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and AhRR was quantified by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) using SYBR Green chemistry, with GAPDH as the reference gene. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test; significance was set at P-Value < 0.05.
Results: TCDD demonstrated pronounced cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability by 25% at 24 hours (P-Value < 0.05) and by 40% at 48 hours (P-Value < 0.01) compared to untreated controls. I3C induced significantly milder cytotoxicity, with viability reductions of 10% and 15% at 24 and 48 hours, respectively (P-Value < 0.05). DMSO vehicle control did not significantly affect cell viability. Real-time qRT-PCR analysis revealed that both ligands significantly upregulated CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and AhRR. TCDD induced greater upregulation of CYP1A1 (5.5-fold at 48 h) and CYP1B1 (4.8-fold at 48 h) compared to I3C (3.2-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively; P-Value < 0.05 for all between-group comparisons). AhRR was upregulated to a similar extent by both ligands (~2.1-fold).
Conclusion: TCDD exhibited markedly higher cytotoxicity than I3C in THP-1-derived macrophages, consistent with potent and sustained AhR activation. I3C induced comparatively milder cytotoxic and transcriptional responses, suggesting more controlled AhR engagement. These results provide mechanistic insights into ligand-dependent AhR signaling in macrophages and underscore the immunotoxicological risks of TCDD exposure, while highlighting I3C as a candidate for future anti-inflammatory research.
Ali Rajabi , Mojdeh Khajehlandi , Raha Mohammadi ,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Autophagy is associated with the degradation of intracellular organelles and, as a regulator of cellular homeostasis, can affect muscle atrophy. Therefore, this study aimed to examine ATG5, ATG7, and Beclin1 gene expression in the soleus muscle of an animal model of Parkinson following eight weeks of endurance training with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation.
Methods: In this study, 25 male Wistar rats (weight = 180-200 g and age = 12 weeks) were used. First, the rats were divided into five groups (n = 5): healthy control, Parkinson control, Parkinson + training, Parkinson + BCAA, and Parkinson + training + BCAA. Eight weeks of moderate-intensity endurance training were performed. After anesthetizing the rats, the soleus muscles were isolated; then, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and real-time PCR were used for gene expression analysis. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post-hoc test was used to analyze the data (P ≤ 0.05).
Results: ATG5, ATG7, and Beclin1 gene expression in the soleus muscle of rats significantly increased after Parkinson's induction (P-Value = 0.001). After both interventions, there was a significant decrease in the gene expression of ATG5, ATG7, and Beclin1 (P-Value = 0.001), observed only in the endurance training with BCAA supplementation group.
Conclusion: Although endurance training and BCAA supplementation alone did not significantly affect ATG5, ATG7, and Beclin1 gene expression, combining both interventions caused a significant decrease, indicating the significant effect of using endurance training with BCAA supplementation for Parkinson's disease in rats.
