---

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess antioxidant status in elite alpine ski racers during six weeks intensive training. Materials and Methods: Subjects included 12 male alpine ski racers (205 years) who underwent 6 weeks of intensive training. For red blood cells glutathione content, plasma uric acid and total anti oxidant determination, blood samples were collected before and just after training. Results: Plasma Uric acid concentration (6.51.4 mg/dL, 8.31.7 mg/dL) and total antioxidant capacity after six weeks intensive training showed statistically significant increases (2.10.2 mM, 2.70.3 mM). Red blood cell glutathione content also increased after period of training (5.40.7 and 6.10.9 nmol/mg Hb). Conclusion: Intensive alpine ski training after six weeks can increase total antioxidant capacity of plasma probably by increasing through uric acid and RBC glutathione content.

---

Abstract

Introduction: Ghrelin is a gut hormone predominantly produced by the stomach and, to a lesser extent, by other regions of the gastrointestinal tract. Ghrelin circulates in the bloodstream in two different forms: acylated (or n-octanoylated) and unacylated (or des-octanoylated or des-acylated). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 12 weeks training on plasma acylated ghrelin concentrations and gastrocnemius muscle mRNA expression in male rats. Materials & Methods: Twenty adult Wistar male rats (8 weeks old, 280±20 g) were used. Animals were randomly divided into experimental (EX, n = 10, V=34m/min) and control (n=10) groups. Training groups were given exercise on a motor-driven treadmill (0% grade, 60min, and 5 days/week for 12 weeks). Gastrocnemius was excised and frozen in liquid nitrogen for extraction of ghrelin mRNA and plasma acylated ghrelin, were measured. Results: Plasma acylated ghrelin was significantly (P<0.01) higher in high intensity trained rats. Also muscle mRNA expression was higher in trained rats compared to control rats. Conclusion: Data indicate that higher ghrelin mRNA expression in muscle and higher plasma acylated ghrelin levels could be attributed to metabolic changes (muscle glycogen and ATP depletion are less in endurance trained species). A higher plasma acylated ghrelin in the present study might be attributed to liver and skeletal muscle glycogen and ATP deficiency and incomplete energy sources recovery after the last exercise session along with overnight fast. Lower muscle glycogen levels, as we observed in the present study, might be considered as stimuli for this elevated plasma acylated ghrelin in trained rats.

---

Abstract Introduction: Improvement of abdominal obesity indices in middle-aged obese women by of exercise training has significant importance. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of rhythmic endurance training on abdominal obesity indices (waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, waist to high ratio, body fat %) in working women. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on, middle-aged women, aged >35 years, with abdominal obesity, regular menstrual cycle, without regular exercising, registered nurses & midwives, medicine, rehabilitation, para clinic, health sciences university and all administrative departments of the Iran university of Medical Sciences. Volunteer participants (n=31) were randomly separated into cases (n=17) and controls (n=14). The case group has rhythmic endurance training for 8 weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, in addition to completion of questionnaires, anthropometrical data, VO2 Max determined by tape, calipers and a chronometer. Results: The results obtained showed that endurance training had no significant effect on waist-to-hip ratio in the cases, but significant positive changes on waist circumference, waist-to-high ratio and body fat percentage were seen. Conclusion: Decrease in waist to hip ratio was not significant after endurance training, probably due to short duration of exercise (8 weeks) and also may be related to lack of diet control.

---

Abstract

Introduction: Data available reports that the novel biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases have more sensitivity and accuracy in anticipating cardiovascular disease. Hence, considering the significant role of physical activity in decreasing and preventing these diseases, determining the type of physical activity, its duration and intensity, and appropriate pattern significantly promotes the individual's health. In this study, effects of two training methods, the aerobic and anaerobic, on some pre-inflammatory cytokines in adult male rats were compared. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, 54 male wistar rats (3 months), were kept in a controlled condition, randomly divided into three groups, the control, aerobic and anaerobic groups. The training program was conducted for a period of 12 weeks - 3 sessions per week, specified durations and intensity. To assess the influence of one session of an aerobic and anaerobic, training program,  following the program, the first blood sample was taken. After the 24th and 36th sessions, the second and the third blood samples were obtained. Blood samplings were done after 14 hours of fasting and 24 hours after the final training session. Data were analyzed with Kolmogrov-Smirnov, One Way ANOVA, Repeated Measurement and the LSD post hoc tests, at the level of α ≤ 0. 05. Results: Aerobic training causes a significant decrease in quantities of sICAM-1(p<0. 001), inflammatory mediators of IL-1β (p<0. 01), and TNF-α (p<0. 05), whereas anaerobic training leads to a significant increase in quantities of sICAM-1(p<0. 01), IL-1β (p<0. 05) and TNF-α (p<0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the regular aerobic training (55-85% Vo2max) causes a significant decrease in novel biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases, whereas intensive anaerobic training (100 and over 100%Vo2max) causes a significant increase in these, and exposes the body to the risk of inflammatory impairment. Therefore, it is possible that decrease in the novel anticipating factors of cardiovascular diseases after regular aerobic training could be due to reduction of the atherogenesis process, whereas anaerobic training could have the opposite effect.

---

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic mellitus disease can negatively influence the physical functioning, emotional state, and individual, family and social relationships of patients with diabetes and, in general, their health and feeling of wellness. Caloric restriction and oral hypoglycemic agents also have undesirable effects on the mental health of these patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise training on mental and physical health, anxiety, insomnia, social functioning and depression in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, fifty-three patients with type 2 diabetes, age range 45.15±6.11 years, with average of 5±3 years of disease were chosen purposively and were randomly assigned into 2 groups, the 8 week aerobic exercise training (n=27) and the non-training (n=26) group. The aerobic exercise training group participated in an aerobic training program, intensity 60-70% heart rate reserve, frequency 3 days/week, duration 45-60 min/session. Mental health was evaluated using a general health questionnaire (GHQ) in the two groups before and after the study. The independent t-test was used for data analysis. Results: The 8 week aerobic exercise training had a significant effect on mental health, subscales of physical symptoms, anxiety & insomnia (p<0/05). However no significant effect on subscales of social functioning and depression was observed (p>0/05). Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training, as part of a health promotion program, can be effective on the mental health of patients with type 2 diabetes.

---

Abstract

Introduction: The risk of acute cardiovascular and thrombotic events increases after menopause. Changes in hormones, body composition and especially abnormalities in endogenous coagulation and the fibrinolysis system may play important roles in the risk of an acute cardiovascular event. Physical activity and physical fitness have consistently been linked to lower CVD rates in women. In this study we evaluated the effect of short-term aerobic training on the fibrinolytic and coagulative factors, anthropometric parameters and fat profiles in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy postmenopausal women, aged between 48-55 years, were randomly divided into two groups, the training (n=10), and control groups (n=10). Training consisted of 10 sessions of sub-maximal aerobic cycling, 35 minutes for a 3 weeks period, 3 times a week (5 min warm up, 25 min aerobic training, and 5 min active and 15 min passive recovery). Changes in specific coagulation, fibrinolytic factors and fat profiles were assessed, both before the first, and again and before and after the 10th session of the aerobic program. Results: At the end of the training we found no statistically differences in weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) between the two groups lean body mass however increased (p=0.01) and percentage of fat decreased in the training group (p=0.05). Rest heart rate (p=0.000), systolic (p=0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.006) also decreased after training. Although after training PAI-1-Ac decreased before (p=0.05) and after (p=0.004) the 10th session, tPA-Ac showed a significant increase only after the 10th session (p=0.002). Also fibrinogen (p=0.04) and vWF-Ag, (Von Willebrand Factor), showed significant reduction before and after the 10th session (p=0.004). After training, total cholesterol (p=0.006), triglycerides (p=0.05) and LDL (p=0.03) decreased, whereas HDL (p=0.007) increased. Conclusion: In postmenopausal women aerobic training increased activity levels of fibrinolytic factors and decreased acute and permanent effects of coagulative factors. These changes in the coagulative factors and fat profiles suggest that regular sub-maximal aerobic training in postmenopausal women may prevent cardiovascular diseases.

---

Abstract

Introduction:The aim of this study was to assess the effect of concurrent training on salivary IgA, cortisol, DHEA concentration and DHEA:cortisol ratio in untrained female. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine untrained volunteer female students (aged 24±2.5 yr, height 161 ± 8.2 cm, weight 56.8±14.61 kg) were selected objectively and were randomly divided into four groups: Control (C n=9), Endurance (E n=10), Resistance (S n=10) and the Concurrent (SE n=10) groups. E training consisted of running 65% MHR for 16 minutes during the first week, reaching 80% MHR for 30 minutes during the 8th week. S training consisted of four leg-press, bench-press, pull down curls, and legs curls. During the first week, the intensity of training was at 50% 1RM in two sets with 10 repetitions, and was the increased to 80% 1RM in 3 sets and 6 repetitions, during the 8th week. The SE training included a combination of two S and E trainings in the same manner for each respective group. Before and after 4 and 8 weeks of trainings, at 8 o’clock in the morning unstimulated saliva samples were collected and measured by ELISA. Results: ANOVA for repeated measures showed, that the S group, compared to other groups, had significant difference in IgA,DHEA and DHEA: cortisol ratio (p≤0.05). There were no alterations in the cortisol concentrations of groups and no significant correlation was found between IgA and cortisol (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Findings indicated that resistance training caused increase in salivary IgA as one of the immune indexes and increase in DHEA and the DHEA: cortisol ratio as one of the body anabolic status indexes. Endurance training however, performed after resistance training suppressed some of the positive adaptation of resistance training per se.

---

Abstract

Introduction: Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), a 37-amino acid peptide generated by alternative processing of primary transcripts from calcitonin gene, is broadly distributed in the peripheral and central nervous systems of vertebrate and invertebrate species. CGRP plays a main role in the neuromuscular junction. This paper investigates the effects of endurance and resistance training on the content of CGRP in the slow and fast twitch muscles. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two male Wistar rats, (age 10 mo, weight 220± 20 gr, Pasteur Institute) were randomly divided to three groups. (Control (n=7), Endurance training (n=7), and Resistance training (n=8)) and underwent 12 weeks training according to protocols. Animals of the resistance training group were housed in a metal cage with a wire-mesh tower endurance training included treadmil running), 5 days a week, 60 min/day, 30 m/min speed, for animals in this group. Forty-eight hours after last session of protocols, animals were anaesthetized. The right soleus and anterior tibialis were removed, and, tissues were immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and kept at -70 ° C for use later. CGRP content was measured by the ELISA method. Results: For data analyses, one-way ANOVA was used. There was no significant difference between control and endurance training groups in the CGRP of slow and fast twitch muscles. However, the content of CGRP in both fast and slow twitch muscles was significantly different in the resistance training group as compared to the control group.Conclusion: That training can be a main factor for CGRP release in muscles. In addition, the type and intensity of activity probably contribute to increase in CGRP content.

---

Abstract

Introduction: The high-molecular weight (HMW) form of adiponectin is reported to be the most active form of this hormone and current data reveals decreased plasma HMW adiponectin levels to be associated with insulin resistance. This study was intended to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on plasma HMW adiponectin concentrations. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two eight week-old male Wistar rats (185±50 g) were randomly assigned to one of four groups as follows: High intensity (HI: 34m/min ~%80-%85 VO2max), moderate intensity (MI: 28m/min ~ %70-%75 VO2max), low intensity (LI: 20m/min ~%50-%55 VO2max), and the sedentary control (SED) groups. All experimental groups performed a 12 week exercise program, including treadmill running on a 0˚ slope for 1 hr/day, 5 days/week. Fasting levels of circulating HMW adiponectin, testosterone, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were measured after the exercise program and, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with Pearson's correlation was used to identify any possible relationship among the assessed variables. Results: HMW adiponectin plasma concentrations increased significantly in the HI and MI exercise training groups (p<0.05). HMW adiponectin was also found to be inversely related to HOMA-IR (r = -0.37, p=0.003), insulin (r= -0.46, p=0.008) and testosterone (r = -0.38, p=0. 03). Conclusion: It can be concluded that exercise intensity appears to be an important parameter in increasing plasma HMW adiponectin levels in healthy male rats.

 

---

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease with undesirable complications. In addition to physical complications, some psychological problems, especially stress and depression are prevalent among people with diabetes. The aim of present study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management training on glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 40 members of the Isfahan Diabetes charity, with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected through voluntary accessible sampling. Participants were randomized to the cognitive-behavioral (n=20) and the control groups (n=20). The case group participated in two-hour sessions of cognitive-behavior stress management training for 12 weeks. To evaluate the effects of intervention, the glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA­1c) test was administered before and 3 months after interventions and the depression subscale of the DASS scale was administered before, after, and again 3 months following intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Results: After intervention, the mean of HbA1c in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (p< 0/001). Also the mean for depression in the experimental group was significantly lower than in controls (p< 0/001), a finding that remained as such at the 3 month follow-up assessment. Conclusion: Stress management training can improve glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is recommended that such trainings programs be intergrated into comprehensive treatment of diabetes mellitus.

---

Introduction: The Reverse Cholesterol Transport (RCT) process consists of removing excess cholesterol and phospholipids from peripheral cells to liver to exert as bile. This process consists of removing excess cholesterol by ABCA1 transporter to the Apolipoprotein A-I to form PreBeta HDL, which is then converted to spherical HDL by the action of LCAT enzyme. Previously we have shown that six weeks of endurance training has positive effects on expression of ABCA1. In the present study, we investigate the effect of short term endurance training on ABCA1 expression and other factors in RCT such as Apolipoprotein A-I, Prebeta HDL, LCAT activity and HDL-C concentration. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male wistar rats were subjected to endurance training treadmill running for 3 weeks, 5 days a week, 90 min with 26 m/min during each training session. Results: Expression of hepatic ABCA1 was clearly evident following the 3 weeks of endurance training. The concentration of Apo A-I did not change because of endurance training but the results showed significant increases in PreBeta HDL (P=0/01), LCAT activity (P=0/04) and HDL-C concentration (P=0/004). Conclusions: The results of this study clearly show that 3 weeks of endurance training with moderate intensity can improve the RCT process and has a positive effect in prevention of arteriosclerosis.

---

Introduction: Supramaximal sprint interval training is an efficient means of improving physical fitness within a short period of time. However the effects of this type of training which cause hormonal and physiological adaptations to increase enhanced aerobic and anaerobic performances, are not well known. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of four weeks of supramaximal sprint interval training on some hormonal and physiological variables. Materials and Methods: Fifteen trained wrestlers were randomly assigned into two groups, the experimental (EXP=8) and controls (CON=7) groups. Before and after training, subjects performed (a) a graded exercise test and (b) four consecutive Wingate tests with 4-min recovery intervals between each. Resting blood samples were collected before and after training. Both groups followed the same wrestling training program for 4 weeks additionally, the EXP group performed a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) as a supramaximal sprint interval training protocol for 4 weeks, two sessions per week. Results: The EXP group showed improvements in VO2max (+5.4%), Peak power output (34.9%) and Mean Power Output (29.3%) after the training (P<0.05), along with significant increases in total testosterone, total testosterone/cortisol ratio (TCR) and free testosterone/cortisol (FTCR) ratio in the EXP group, but there were no significant differences between groups. Cortisol was tended to decrease in both groups (P>0.05), but none of the variables were changed in the CON group after the training. Conclusion: The current findings suggest that the supramaximal sprint interval training program with short recovery can increase both aerobic and anaerobic performances. The changes observed in FTCR and TCR suggest exercise training-induced anabolic adaptations.

---

Introduction: The use of creatine (Cr) as a nutritional supplement to aid athletic performance has gained widespread popularity among athletes. However, concerns have recently been expressed over the potentially harmful effects of short and long term Cr supplementation on health. Materials and Methods: Therefore this study was conducted to determine effect of creatine monohydrate (CrM) ingestion and resistance training on serum Alanin Aminotransferase (ALT) & Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) changes in non-athlete males. Twenty non-athlete males (age 22.25±2.02yr, weight 71.55±4.72Kg and height 171.92±5.98 Cm) were selected and studied in two groups, the training-creatine (TC): n=10, and the training-placebo (TP): n=10, in a double-blind trial. Both groups participated in resistance training and completed two months of weight training (75% one repeat maximum). The TC group consumed a 250 ml CrM solution supplement (0.07 g/kg/day, creatine) during the training protocol, while the control group just placebos (0.07 g/kg/day, wheat flour). Venous blood samples were obtained before and 48h after the last session and serum ALT and AST activities were measured using the auto-analyzer system. Data was statistically analyzed by dependent and independed t-test, with a 0.05 significance level. Results: There were no significant differences in serum ALT and AST activity between the TC (ALT, P≤0.102 AST, P≤0.086) and TP groups (ALT, P≤0.265 AST, P≤0.009). Nor were any significant differences observed in mean and changes range for ALT and AST activities between the TC and TP groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that two months resistance training and CrM ingestion had no adverse effects on hepatic cellular damage indices. However, more research is needed to identify the side effects of acute and chronic CrM ingestion and resistance training.

 

---

Introduction: Elevated levels of serum biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine have been independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk. However, the prevalence of concurrent changes of these biomarkers after short term circuit resistance training in females is unknown, as is their association with cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to compare the effects of short term circuit resistance training on serum homocysteine and CRP concentrations in active and inactive females. Materials and Methods: Forty-Three healthy, female university students, mean age 22/74±3/9 y, weight 59/91±9/8 kg, height 165/9±0/04 cm, BMI 21/73±3/1 (kg/m2), PBF 26/47±5/01, and Vo2max 38/65±5/43 (ml/kg/min), were randomly assigned to four groups active experimental (AE, n=8) active control (AC, n=8) inactive experimental (NE, n=13) inactive control (NC, n=14). For 2 weeks subjects performed short term circuit resistance training, 5 times per week (10 sessions) the exercises include chest press, leg extention, sit-ups, lat. pull down, front row, foot raising, back extention, and leg curl with free weights and machines, During the first week the training was done at 40% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM ) for 15 repetitions and 3 sets, and during the second week the intensity of training was increased to 50% 1RM, , while other features of training remained constant. Both before and 48 hours after the last training session, fasting and resting blood samples were collected. Homocysteine using HPLC and CRP using the immunoturbidometric method were evaluated. Results: Comparison within groups showed that homocysteine concentration in all 4 groups was reduced and CRP showed increase in the active experimental group but did not change in the inactive group. In comparison between groups there were no significant differences in homocysteine and CRP levels. Conclusion: It seems that short term circuit resistance training can be used as a method of preventing cardiovascular disease in women, and it can be recommended as a lifestyle intervention to promote health.

---

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause is accompanied by hormonal variation and reduction in insulin sensitivity. Increase in body fat mass, which is followed by aging causes adiponectin decrement and higher insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was the evaluate of adiponectin and insulin resistance changes after a water training program in obese postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Twenty obese postmenopausal women (BMI>30 kg/m2), selected to participate in this study, were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed selective resistance and aerobic water training for 3 months at 65-75% of MHR 45 min per session, whereas the control group did not participate in any exercise program during the study period. Blood samples were collected for assay of research variables, before and after exercise regimen. Plasma adiponectin and insulin were analyzed using commercially available ELISA kits. FBS measured by the enzymatic calorimetric method and insulin resistance was calculated with the HOMA-IR equation. Results: Data analysis showed that water training enhanced adiponectin concentrations in the experimental group (P<0.05). Also there was significant decrease in glucose and insulin resistance in the experimental group, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the study results it seems that selective resistance and aerobic water training, due to involvement of greater muscle mass and exposure to dynamic pressure on the bones and muscles, leads to higher energy expenditure, higher levels of adiponectin concentration and decrease in insulin resistance in obese postmenopausal women.

---

Abstract Introduction: Most population based studies confirm that hypertension increases an individual’s risk of various cardiovascular consequences approximately two or three fold. The purpose of this study was to compare of the effect of aerobic training with diet and diet on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure in overweight and obese women with hypertension (stage one). Materials and Methods: Twenty-one female volunteers, with stage one hypertension were selected, and after completion of questionnaires, were randomly divided into two groups a) aerobic training with diet group (n=11) and b) diet group (n=10). The first group participated in weekly group sessions for instructions on just weight loss (low calorie diet) with exercise. The second group participated in weekly group sessions for instructions on weight loss (low calorie diet). Blood pressure, anthropometric characteristics, metabolic and hormonal profiles and VO2peak were measured in the first, 8th and 16th sessions. Data were analyzed by GLM-Repeated Measures at a significance level of P<0/05. Results: Both groups showed a significant reduction in weight, BMI, body fat percent, mean arterial and systolic blood pressure and an increase in VO2max. Only the first group (aerobic training with diet group) showed a significant decrease in waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol and an increase in renin levels. Conclusion: Results indicate the combined program (aerobic training with diet) is more effective in lowering blood pressure and provides cardiovascular improvements in overweight/obese women who have stage one hypertension.

---

Abstract

Introduction: Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide secreted from stomach mucosa, affects feeding behavior and plays an important role in energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Ample evidence indicates that resistance exercise is a key component of exercise recommendations for weight control. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of resistance training (4 weeks) on resting levels of plasma ghrelin, glucose, insulin and estrogen. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven female college students, aged 22±1.54 years, height 162.66± 5.05 cm, BMI 20.76±1.86 kg/m² and fat percent 20.95±2.08% (means ± SE) were randomized into two, the experimental (40% and 80% 1RM) and the control groups. Subjects performed circuit-resistance exercise protocol with 40% and 80% 1RM, 4 d/wk for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after the training program. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that although no significant differences were observed in circulating levels of plasma total ghrelin (P=0.88), glucose (P=0.1) and insulin (P=0.66) in the experimental group when compared to the control group, a significant negative correlation (R=-0.4, P=0.05) was found between plasma estrogen and total ghrelin levels. Conclusion: It seems that because of a non significant increase in plasma ghrelin levels in the present study, there was no weight change of subjects during the training program and the short duration of the training program. However, the total ghrelin sub-fractions, acylated and non acylated, may have changed.

---

 

 Abstract

 Introduction: Inflammation plays an essential role in the insulin resistance process, and chemokines, such as chemerin, seem to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. In this study we examined the effects of 12 weeks strength training on serum chemerin, CRP and TNF-α level in association with cardiometabolic risk factors, (age: 45.25±4.3 yr, body mass index: 29.53±1.32 kg/m²) in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one subjects with the metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to strength training (n= 11) and control (n= 10) groups. Strength training was performed 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. Body composition (computed tomography), metabolic and inflammatory parameters were measured prior to and after the intervention. Results: After a 12 week strength training, fasting glucose, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and abdominal fat (visceral fat) were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Concurrently, chemerin and CRP concentrations were significantly decreased in response to strength training (p<0.05), but TNF-α remained unchanged (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 12 weeks of strength training caused an improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with the metabolic syndrome, and this improvement was associated with decreased chemerin and CRP levels (inflammatory markers).

  

---

Introduction: Previous studies showed that inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. IL-1β, IL-6, and HS-CRP are biomarkers with a predictive value in cardiovascular disease. Considering that the effects of resistance training at moderate and high intensity on inflammatory markers have not been studied, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise intensities on levels of IL-1β, IL-6, HS-CRP and fibrinogen. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy young male volunteer students were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 participants each. Groups I and II performed moderate (45-55% 1RM) and high intensity (80-90% 1RM) resistance exercise for 6 consecutive weeks (3 days/week) respectively. Group III, was the control group. Seven exercise stations were employed per session. The rest intervals between the sets of the protocols and stations were 1-2min and 3min respectively. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, HS-CRP and plasma level of fibrinogen were assessed before and after resistance training periods. Statistical analysis of data was accomplished using analysis of variance with repeated-measures design. Results: There were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 before and after the training period. HS-CRP was decreased in groups I and II, but this was not significant (p>0.05). Post test, however, HS-CRP in the two exercising groups was significantly lowered (p=0.008), compared to the control group. Plasma levels of fibrinogen decreased significantly in the high intensity resistance exercise group. Conclusion: In conclusion, short term resistance training can have beneficial effects on serum levels of some proinflammatory markers in healthy young males. In addition high intensity resistance training decreases plasma level of fibrinogen.

---

Introduction: Ghrelin and obestatin are orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides, respectively, which are believed to be important in the regulation of energy homeostasis and body weight control. The purpose of this study was to clarify the possible mechanisms of resistance training in energy homeostasis and weight control. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven female college students, age 22±1.54 yr, and body mass index 20.76±1.86 kg/m2 (mean±SE) were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Subjects performed circuit-resistance training protocol with 40% and 80% 1RM for 4 weeks. Circulating levels of total ghrelin, obestatin, ghrelin to obestatin ratio and glucose were measured before and after 4 weeks intervention for all subjects. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed a higher and significant(P<0.05) post- training change in circulating levels of ghrelin to obestatin ratio as well as plasma obestatin concentrations significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the 80% 1RM group. Conclusion: It seems that resistance training-induced energy deficit in the 80% 1RM group resulted that ghrelin precursor goes to the production of ghrelin. Thus, obestatin secretion is reduced and ghrelin to obestatin ratio is increased to stimulate food intake behavior, compensating for lost energy sources and eventually restoring the body’s energy balance.