Iranian Journal of

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Background: Peroxisome Proliferators- Activated Receptor-Gamma2 (PPAR- γ2) is a nuclear receptor that regulates adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism at the PPAR- γ2 gene in Iranian population with obesity.
Methods: The genomic DNAs of the 156 subjects including obese and healthy isolated from EDTA whole blood. Pro12Ala polymorphism detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
Results: In the obese group , one sample (1.3%) was as homozygote Ala/Ala genotype , 24 samples (30.8%) were Pro/Ala heterozygote and 53 samples (67.9%)as Pro/Pro genotype were identified . in the control group , one sample (1.3%) was as Ala/Ala genotype , 12 samples (15.4%) were Pro/Ala genotype and 65 samples (83.3%) were Pro/Pro genotype. allele frequencies of Ala in obese subjects (qAla=%16.7)were significantly different from those in control subjects (qAla=%8.9).
Conclusion: Our results revealed that Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPAR- γ2 gene associated with obesity in the Iranian population and presence Ala allele cause to significantly higher BMI and lower fasting blood sugar.

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Background: The adipokines omentin-1, vaspin, and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4) are mediators of body composition and adipose tissue that contribute to metabolic changes caused by obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the association between serum levels of these adipokines with body composition indices and metabolic status in different phenotypes of body size.
Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, a total of 350 women, including 127 metabolically healthy (MH) subjects and 223 metabolically unhealthy (MUH) subjects participated. The subjects were considered as MH in the presence of at least 4 of the five following metabolic indices: TG ≤ 1.70  mmol/L, LDL-C≤ 2.60 mmol /L, TC≤ 5.20 mmol /L, HDL-C≥1.30, and HOMA-IR≤ 1.95; otherwise subjects were considered as MUH.
Results: The results showed that serum levels of omentin-1 have a significant positive association with MHS (OR = 1.04, p <0.0001). Even after controlling the confounding factors of age, sex and weight, this relationship was still significant. Plasma levels of vaspin and RBP-4 were not significantly related to MHS. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between omentin-1 and body mass index (r = 0.31, p = 0.02) and body fat percentage (r = 0.32, P = 0.02) in MH subjects. In the healthy group, serum levels of RBP-4 were positively correlated with fat percentage (r = 0.68, p <0.0001) and body fat mass (r = 0.74, P <0.0001) and were negatively correlated with fat-free mass (r = -0.74, P <0.0001) and total body water (r = -0.76, P <0.0001). There was no statistically significant correlation between serum vaspin levels and body composition indices in both groups.
Conclusion: Serum levels of adipokines may be an appropriate predictor for metabolically healthy status. Further studies in this field can reveal possible mechanisms.

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Background: mTOR and CREB proteins are two important factors in cellular pathways and regulating fat tissue metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this research is the effect of endurance training on the amount of mTOR and CREB proteins in the adipose tissue of type 2 diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 18 rats 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean weight of 270±20g were selected. 12 rats became type 2 diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin solutions. These rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: diabetic training and diabetic control (6 heads per group); A healthy control group (6 heads) was also considered. The training group practiced endurance training 4 days a week for 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.
Results: mTOR protein content showed a significant change after 6 weeks of endurance training (P=0.0001); Tukey's post hoc test showed that this change was significant between the pairs of diabetic training groups to healthy controls (P=0.004) and diabetic control groups to healthy controls (P=0.0001). CREB protein content showed a significant change (P=0.0001); this change was significant between the pairs of diabetic training to diabetic control groups (P=0.02), diabetic training to healthy control (P=0.0001), and diabetic control to healthy control groups (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: mTOR and CREB proteins decreased after Endurance Training, which can be effective in regulating adipose tissue metabolism; however, more training conditions should be considered.

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Background: Control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is influenced by lifestyle. The aim of this research was to determine the predictors of treatment adherence behaviors among T2DM based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT).
Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was done among 500 T2DM patients in Tehran during 2021. Simple random sampling was performed among patients based their medical records in the Diabetes Control Clinic of Tehran's District Five. The data collection tools were written questionnaire based on the SCT determinants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and analytical statistics (Pearson's correlation and linear regression) in SPSS software version 16. Results: The mean score of treatment adherence behaviors was 56.34 [SD: 10.41], ranged from 16 to 80. The outcome expectations, perceived self-efficacy, and social support accounted for 43% of the variation in the outcome measure of the treatment adherence behaviors. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor (Beta = 0.430 and P<0.001). Increasing age (ß= -0.126 and P= 0.004), insulin treatment (ß= -0.250 and P<0.001) and smoking (ß= -0.146 and P= 0.001) conversely and having health insurance (ß= 0.181 and P<0.001) were positively predictive of treatment adherence behaviors.
Conclusion: The development, implementation and evaluation of educational interventions based on SCT with emphasis on promoting perceived self-efficacy can lead to useful findings in promoting treatment adherence behaviors among T2DM patients.

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Background: Adipose tissue fibrosis is involved in glucose metabolism disorder and insulin resistance in obesity, but the effect of exercise on the progression of adipose tissue fibrosis is still unknown.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) simultaneously with high-fat diet on TGF-β1, MMP-9 and MMP-2 in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of male rats.
Methods: 24 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), Normal diet + high intensity interval training (ND+HIIT), high fat diet+ high intensity interval training (HFD+HIIT). The HIIT protocol includes 8 bouts of intense activity at 90% of maximum running capacity (MRC) for 2.5 minutes, with active rest periods at 50% of maximum running capacity for 2.5 minutes for 12 weeks (5 sessions per week). 48 hours after the last training session, blood was taken, and subcutaneous fat was removed. Western blot method was used evaluate the TGF-β1 and ELISA method was used to measure levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, insulin.
Results: Induction of obesity was associated with a significant increase in TGF-β1, MMP-9 and MMP-2 and insulin resistance (P˂ 0.0001). In contrast, high-intensity interval with high fat diet compared to the high fat diet group causes a significant decrease in the amount of TGF-β1, MMP-9, MMP-2, and insulin resistance (P˂ 0.0001).
Conclusion: In conclusion, our data indicate that High-intensity interval training may weaken the progression of adipose tissue fibrosis and have a preventive effect on the increase in glucose metabolism disorders caused by a high-fat diet.

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Background: Adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism, and its dysregulation is associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this research is the effect of moderate intensity interval training (MIIT) on the total and phosphorylated content of AMPKα1/2 protein in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 12 two-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats with an average weight of 280±30 grams were selected. Diabetes was induced to rats through intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin solution (with a dose of 65 mg per kg of body weight). These rats were randomly divided into two groups, diabetic training and diabetic control; The training group performed MIIT for 6 weeks at an intensity equal to 55-75% of maximum speed. Data analysis was done through independent t-test in GraphPad Prism version 10 software. The significance level of the current research is P≤ 0.05.
Results: Total intracellular content of AMPKα1/2 protein did not show significant changes in the training group compared to the control group in the soleus skeletal muscle (P= 0.96). In contrast, the phosphorylated intracellular content (P= 0.0001) and the ratio of phosphorylated to total form (P= 0.002) of AMPKα1/2 protein showed a significant increase.
Conclusion: MIIT increased the protein content of AMPKα1/2 in soleus muscle tissue of diabetic rats, and this could lead to increased energy production and consumption and improved glucose levels in diabetic subjects.

Keywords: Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Kinase (AMPKα1/2), Moderate Intensity Interval Training, Soleus Muscle, Diabetes
 

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Background: Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose absorption. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated quarantines led to significant lifestyle changes, including reduced physical activity among diabetic individuals. This study investigates the patterns of physical activity and perceptions among diabetic individuals in post-COVID Iran.
Methods: An online questionnaire was created using the "Pors Online" platform and shared via social media. Among 435 participants from 35 Iranian cities, 400 responses (200 diabetics and 200 healthy individuals) were deemed complete and valid for analysis. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test, with a significance level set at P< 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the physical activity level of diabetic individuals was significantly lower than that of non-diabetic individuals P< 0.05. Additionally, their preferred types of physical activities differed; both groups showed the most interest in walking and the least interest in traditional games. The primary motivation for exercise among diabetic individuals was disease prevention, but financial barriers had the greatest impact on reducing their physical activity P< 0.05. Their main sources of information about physical activity were magazines and books.
Conclusion: Improving access to sports facilities and tailored equipment for diabetics, coupled with awareness campaigns on the benefits of exercise, is essential. Developing customized sports programs suited to the health conditions of diabetics can enhance their participation and overall well-being.