Iranian Journal of

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Background: This review aims to investigate and analyze recent studies related to the effects of various exercise training on adipokines secreted from adipose tissue in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Search in Persian and Latin databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Magiran, and SID with the keywords aerobic exercise, resistance training, High-intensity interval training, diabetes, Adipokine, Leptin, Adiponectin, and Resistin, resistance training, intense interval training, aerobic exercise, combined exercise, adipokine, leptin, adiponectin and resistin were performed to retrieve articles published in the period from 2010 to 2023.
Results: The results obtained from the study showed that aerobic exercise with moderate intensity (60 to 80%) reduces the leptin levels of diabetic patients, however, the effect of combined exercises (aerobic and resistance) is much greater than other types of exercises. In addition, aerobic exercises with moderate intensity (50 to 70%) lead to an increase in adiponectin levels in diabetic patients, however, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) had a greater effect in increasing adiponectin levels than other exercises. Also, studies showed that all three types of activities, aerobic exercise (50-70% intensity), intense intermittent exercise, and resistance exercise (30-70% 1RM) have the same effects in reducing the resistance levels of diabetic patients.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercises with medium and high intensity and especially combined exercises (aerobic and resistance) while improving adipokines, decreasing leptin and resistin levels, and also increasing adiponectin in diabetic patients.

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Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of circuit resistance training and saffron supplement on visfatin serum levels and insulin resistance in overweight men.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 obese and overweight students were randomly divided into 4 groups: exercise, exercise+supplement, supplement and control (10 people in each group). The exercise groups performed circular resistance exercises for eight weeks and three sessions each week for 90 minutes in the evening. The supplement and exercise+supplement groups used saffron tablets with a dose of 30 mg per day as a supplement. Blood samples were collected in two phases of the pre-test and 48 hours after the last training session. The data were analyzed using covariance and paired t test at a significant level of P≤0.05.
Results: Correlated t results showed a significant decrease in visfatin and insulin resistance in the post-test of the training, training+supplement and supplement groups compared to the pre-test (P<0.05). The results of the analysis of covariance showed that visfatin increased and the insulin resistance index decreased significantly in the exercise, exercise+supplement and supplement groups compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that eight weeks of circuit resistance training and the addition of saffron help on visfatin serum levels and insulin resistance can lead to the reduction of these two variables in overweight men. The saffron plant can play a protective role due to the presence of flavonoids and by stimulating the secretion of Visfatin.

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Background: Diabetes is a global epidemic and the most common metabolic disorder caused by impaired insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training on serum levels of asprosin and insulin resistance index in diabetic rats.
Methods: The statistical population of this research included 40 10-week-old mice with an initial weight of 250 ± 20 grams, which were randomly divided into four groups (10 mice in each group): diabetic-exercise group (DT), diabetic group - Control (DC), healthy-training group (HT) and healthy-control group (HC) were divided. The program of aerobic exercises was performed for 8 weeks (5 sessions per week) in the form of running on a treadmill. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test were used to compare the groups. All data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS-25 software.
Results: The results of the present study showed that streptozotocin injection induced diabetes in mice (P= 0.001). Induction of diabetes caused a significant increase in the serum levels of asprosin and insulin resistance in mice (P= 0.048 and P= 0.012, respectively). Eight weeks of aerobic training decreased the serum levels of asprosin and decreased insulin resistance in diabetic rats (P= 0.001 and P= 0.036, respectively).
Conclusion: Induced diabetes causes insulin resistance and increase in serum levels of asprosine, which can be improved by performing aerobic exercises.

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Background: Type 2 diabetes and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases is one of the concerns of today's society. Although the favorable role of aerobic exercise and gymnema sylvester supplement consumption in diabetic patients has been reported, the effect of aerobic exercise and gymnema sylvester supplement consumption on heart tissue is not well known. Therefore, the purpose of this research is Comparison of the effect of aerobic exercise and gymnema sylvestre supplement on some markers related to cardiomyopathy in type 2 diabetic mice.
Methods: The present research was experimental. The statistical samples included 40 male C57BL/6 mice (with an average age of 8 to 10 weeks and a weight of 20 to 25 gr). who became diabetic after 20 weeks of feeding with a high-fat diet. Then randomly divided into five eight groups including: diabetes + exercise (TDM), diabetes + gymnema sylvester (GSDM), diabetes + exercise + gymnema sylvester (TGSDM), diabetes (DM) and healthy control (CN). The aerobic exercise program consisted of exercises at a speed of 10 m/min for six weeks and five training sessions per week on a treadmill. Daily consumption of gymnema sylvester at the rate of 0.1 g/kg orally alone and also with training intervention was done for six weeks. Serum glucose concentration was measured by enzymatic method, insulin level by ELISA method, insulin resistance by HOMA-IR method and expression of CASPASE-1 and NLRP3 genes by RT-PCR method. Data evaluation was calculated using covariance statistical test and Bonferroni's post hoc test, the significance level was considered as P≤ 0.05.
Results: The findings showed that aerobic exercise and gymnema sylvestre supplement alone caused a significant decrease in the levels of glucose, insulin, insulin resistance and the expression of CASPASE-1 and NLRP3 genes in the heart tissue (P≤ 0.05), the largest decrease in the dependent variables related to the aerobic exercise group with Gymnema Sylvester supplement (P≤0.05). Also, there is no significant difference between the dependent variables of the diabetes group and aerobic exercise and the diabetes group and Gymnema Sylvester supplement (P≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Six weeks of aerobic exercise, gymnema sylvester supplement and aerobic exercise combined with gymnema sylvester supplement improves blood variables by reducing glucose, insulin and insulin resistance, as well as improving markers related to cardiomyopathy by reducing the expression of caspase-1 and NLRP3 genes in the heart tissue in type 2 diabetic mice.

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Background: Clinical studies have demonstrated that diabetes, as a metabolic disorder, can significantly impact the quality of life of individuals affected by the condition. Physical activity has been identified as a potentially effective therapeutic intervention for managing diabetes in these individuals. This study examined the correlation between serum levels of GLP-1 and the hormones thyroxine, TSH, insulin, glucose, HbA1c, VO2max, as well as various anthropometric indicators after eight weeks of calisthenics exercises.
Methods: This semi-experimental study involved 14 sedentary children with type 1 diabetes, averaging 12.42±1.28 years, selected through non-random sampling. The participants performed calisthenics exercises for eight weeks (three sessions per week). Physiological assessments and blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the training period. The relationship was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test, and intra-group changes were assessed using paired t-tests.
Results: The findings demonstrated a positive and significant correlation between GLP-1 and insulin both before (r= 0.703, P= 0.005) and after the exercise intervention (r= 0.668, P= 0.009). Additionally, an inverse and significant correlation was observed between GLP-1 and waist circumference (WC) levels before (r= 0.633, P= 0.019) and after exercise (r= 0.575, P= 0.043), as well as between GLP-1 and body fat percentage after exercise (r= 0.676, P= 0.007). In terms of intra-group changes, the results indicated a significant increase in GLP-1, insulin, and VO2max, along with a significant decrease in WC.

Conclusion: The findings of this study show that engaging in calisthenics exercises can be effective in reducing the negative effects of type 1 diabetes and increasing the health of diabetic children.

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Background: Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia). This increase results from a defect in insulin secretion, resistance to its function, or a combination of both. In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar regulation is disrupted due to decreased cell sensitivity to insulin or reduced secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This disease is a major cause of complications such as liver damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of licorice plant extract and swimming exercises on histopathological changes and liver enzymes in rats with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 55 male Wistar rats, 8 weeks old, with an approximate weight of 200 ± 30 grams. Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 55 mg/kg. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: diabetic control, swimming exercise, licorice extract, combined group (swimming exercise + licorice extract), and healthy control. The exercise program included swimming for 8 weeks. Two groups of diabetic rats received licorice extract orally, and two groups participated in the exercise program. After the research period, liver samples were collected for histopathological examinations and measurement of liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP. Descriptive statistics used mean and standard deviation, and mean comparisons were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to determine differences between groups.
Results: The results showed that swimming exercise, licorice extract consumption, and their combination significantly reduced the levels of AST and ALP enzymes (P< 0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on ALT enzyme levels. Additionally, groups receiving licorice supplements and swimming exercises showed a notable reduction in liver fibrosis compared to the diabetic control group.
Conclusion: This research provides evidence that both independently and in combination, swimming exercise and licorice extract consumption can help improve liver parameters and reduce diabetes-related damage. These findings suggest that physical activity and herbal interventions like licorice consumption can be considered complementary strategies in diabetes management and its complications, particularly in improving liver function.

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Background: Diabetes can disrupt the balance of cell death through different cell pathways, and exercise or consumption supplements can be effective in maintaining the balance of cell death types; Therefore, the purpose of this research is the effect of magnesium supplementation and exercise training on the content of CREB2 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the left ventricle of the heart of type 2 diabetic rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 24 2-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with an average weight of 280±20 grams were selected. Type 2 diabetes was induced by injecting nicotinamide and streptozotocin solutions. The rats were randomly divided into four groups, 1) control, 2) supplement, 3) training and 4) training+supplement; Resistance training consisted of 8 weeks and 3 weekly sessions of climbing a ladder. Magnesium supplement was given to rats once a day. To analyze the data, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were used in SPSS version 29.
Results: Eight weeks of magnesium supplementation and resistance training led to a significant change in the content of CREB2 and CHOP proteins between groups in the left ventricle of the heart (P= 0.001). A significant decrease was observed in the groups of resistance training + magnesium supplement and magnesium supplement compared to the control group (P≥ 0.05); But the resistance training group had increased compared to the control group (P≥ 0.05).
Conclusion: The increase and decrease of CREB2 and CHOP proteins in the left ventricle of the heart can lead to improvement and physiological adaptation, like a bilateral mechanism.

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Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two types of interval and continuous training on apolipoprotein M, TNF-α and IL-6 of visceral fat in rats fed a high-fat diet.
Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including standard diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet with moderate intensity continuous exercise (HFD+MICT), high-fat diet with high intensity interval training (HFD+HIIT). The HIIT and MICT groups performed their group specific training for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week. The HIIT protocol consisted of 6 bouts of 4-minute exercise at 85-90% of the maximum speed, which had a 2-minute active rest, and the MICT protocol performed at 65-70% of the maximum speed. Protein levels of apolipoprotein M, TNF-α and IL-6 in visceral fat were measured using western blot method.
Results: Eight weeks of HFD increased the protein levels of apolipoprotein M, TNF-α, and IL-6 in visceral fat compared to the ND group (P< 0.05). In contrast, both HIIT and MICT protocols led to a significant reduction of visceral fat IL-6 compared to the HFD group (P= 0.001). Also, MICT caused a significant decrease protein levels apolipoprotein M compared to the HFD group (P= 0.04). However, both exercise protocols had no significant effect on TNF-α (P< 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between training groups (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Exercise training improves adipose tissue inflammatory markers in high-fat diet-fed rats, and moderate-intensity continuous training may be a more appropriate approach.



 

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Background: Physical activity and green tea are one of the recommended ways to control obesity and its complications such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and liver inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of exercise training and green tea on lipid profile in adults with overweight and obesity.
Methods: A systematic search of English and Persian articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, Civilica, and Magiran databases was conducted until June 2024.
Results: A total of 14 studies with 390 adults with overweight and obesity, of which 198 subjects were in the combined exercise and green tea group with an average age of 34 years old and BMI with an average of 30 kg.m2, of which 192 subjects in the control group with an average age of 34 years old and BMI with an average of 31 kg.m2 entered the present meta-analysis. The results showed that the combination of exercise training and green tea caused a significant decrease in TC [WMD=-22.923 mg/dL, P=0.001], TG [WMD=-9.946 mg/dL, P=0.001], LDL [WMD=-11.675 mg/dL, P=0.001] and significant increase in HDL [WMD=8.888 mg/dL, P=0.017] in adults with overweight and obesity, compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis showed that the combination of exercise training and green tea in overweight and obese adults decreases TC, TG, LDL and increases HDL. Therefore, exercise and green tea can be suggested to to adults with overweight and obesity as a non-medicinal and practical solution to improve lipid profile.

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Background: The purpose of the research was to compare the effect of two types of aerobic exercise—with and without incline—on the modulation of oxidative stress and kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) mice.
Methods: A total of 24 two-month-old female C57b16 mice weighing 25±26.1 grams, were randomly divided into four groups: healthy control, CKD-affected mice, CKD mice undergoing aerobic exercise without incline, and CKD mice undergoing aerobic exercise with incline. To induce CKD, they received adenine powder at a concentration of 0.2% mg/kg for four weeks. The training groups performed eight weeks of treadmill training (five sessions per week), whit one group exercising on a 20-degree incline and the other on a zero-degree incline. After the last training session, blood samples were collected to measure blood urea nitrogen, urea and glutathione concentration using the ELISA method. The expression levels of the SIRT1, NRF1 and TNF-α genes were measured using qPCR (Real-Time PCR) technique. For statistical analysis, a one-way ANOVA test and Tukey's post hoc test were employed, with a significance level set at P≤ 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the induction of CKD caused a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen and a significant decrease in glutathione concentration compared to the healthy control group (P< 0.05). Conversely, in the exercise groups, there was a significant increase in glutathione concentration and a significant decrease in blood urea nitrogen (P< 0.05). The expression level of SIRT1 and NRF1 in the slope training group increased significantly, while the expression level of TNF-α decreased significantly (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Exercises performed on an incline moderates oxidative stress through the TNFα/SIRT1/NRF1 signaling pathway, improving glutathione concentration and blood urea nitrogen levels in mice with chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, the effects of incline exercise were found to be superior to those of exercise without incline.
 

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Background: The current study aimed to ascertain the impact of pulsed magnetic therapy, multicomponent exercise, and a combination of both modalities on bone markers type 2 diabetic patients with osteoporotic.
Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial study, 56 older patients with type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (age: 68.18±3.67 yr; weight: 78.13±7.65 kg, body mass index: 28.40±1.76 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either the multicomponent exercise + Full-body pulsed electromagnetic field (MCEx+PEMF, n= 18) multicomponent exercise + placebo full-body PEMF (MCEx+PPEMF, n=17) and a full-body PEMF alone (PEMF, n= 21). PEMF was applied for the whole body using a full-body mat three times per week, 60 minutes for 12 weeks, with a multicomponent exercise protocol that includes flexibility, aerobic exercise, strengthening, weight-bearing, and balance exercises followed by whole-body vibration (WBV) training. The body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism markers (phosphorus, calcium, sclerostin, osteocalcin, Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP)) before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the dependent t test and the two-way repeated measures ANOVA at the level of less than 0.05.
Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, there is a significant difference in the serum levels of bone mineral density and bone metabolism markers (phosphorus, calcium, sclerostin, BALP) between the groups (P< 0.05). However, the bonferoni post-test showed an increase in serum levels of BMD, phosphorus, sclerostin, BALP with a significant decrease in calcium in the MCEx+PEMF group in compared to alone PEMF group.
Conclusion: The findings showed that the PEMF rehabilitation method combined with multicomponent exercise is more effective and safer than exercise or PEMF only for improving BMD and bone metabolism markers in the type 2 diabetic population with osteoporosis. Therefore, exercise rehabilitation clinics should be encouraged to consider exercise rehabilitation as a treatment method for type 2 diabetic patients with osteoporosis. More studies with long-term follow-up should be considered to confirm these findings.
 

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Background: Considering the negative effects of inactivity and increasing fat mass in inactive people, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of six weeks of aerobic exercise along with the consumption of fenugreek seeds supplementation on C-reactive protein and some blood parameters in inactive women.
Methods: 40 subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups: exercise and fenugreek (n=10), exercise and placebo (n=10), fenugreek (n=10), placebo (n=10). Two exercise groups participated in the aerobic exercise program for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week, and each session lasted from 20 to 30 minutes. Subjects consumed 500 mg of fenugreek seeds or placebo (starch) daily after breakfast. The blood samples of the subjects were collected from the vein of the right hand of the subjects in a sitting position. In order to analyze the data, Shapiro-Wilk test, correlated t-test, and Benferroni's post hoc analysis of covariance test were used for natural data at the significance level of p<0.05.
Result: The results showed that aerobic exercise combined with fenugreek seeds supplementation had a decreasing effect (p=0.001) on the response of C-reactive protein (CRP) in inactive women, and an increasing effect on the amount of platelets in inactive women (p=0.003). It had an increasing effect on the amount of red blood cells in inactive women (p=0.003) and a decreasing effect on the amount of white blood cells (p=0.03).
Conclusion: Aerobic training with fenugreek seeds leads to a decrease in C-reactive protein and a decrease in white blood cells and an increase in platelets and red blood cells. These changes reduce the inflammatory condition and increase the immune system and better oxygen supply to the tissues and optimal metabolism of inactive women.
 

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Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disease whose incidence and burden on societies around the world is increasing. Sexual performance in these patients is an important aspect that is often ignored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a period of endurance training along with electrical stimulation on the gene expression of some sex markers in testicular tissue of fasted obese rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, with a control group of 40 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, weighing 200±19 grams), after induction of obesity and weight gain, randomly divided into 5 groups of 8: control, fasting-obese, fasting-endurance exercise, fasting-electrical stimulation and Fasting-endurance training-electrical stimulation were divided. Intervention groups for a period of 4 weeks under endurance sports activity (with a speed of 10 to 20 m/min and duration of 20 to 40 minutes), electrical stimulation (foot shock device for 0.5 mA and 20 minutes) and fasting (8 to 16 hours) were placed. After exercise and anesthesia, tissue sampling was done and after molecular processes, gene expression was measured using Real time-PCR machine. For data analysis, two-way analysis of variance test was used at a significance level of P< 0.05 and GraphPad software.
Results: The results showed that endurance training led to a significant increase in the expression of 5αR and aromatase genes in fasting obese rats compared to the obese group (P= 0.0001). Also, electrical stimulation and its combination with endurance training led to a significant increase in the expression of 5αR gene (P= 0.0001), but this increase was not significant in Aromatase gene (P= 0.377).
Conclusion: It seems that endurance training and electrical stimulation during fasting by increasing the expression of 5-alpha reductase and aromatase genes in obese samples is effective in their sexual health and leads to its improvement. Also, a combination of electrical stimulation and exercise can have positive effects on this process, but more studies are needed.

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Background: This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval games and high intensity interval training on body composition indicators, aerobic capacity and lipid profiles of obese and overweight girls aged 10 to 12 years.
Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 30 girls (average height 149.26 ± 5.32 m, weight 67.41 ± 7.65 kg, and body mass index 30.14 ± 2.3 kg/m2) with overweight and obesity participated and were randomly divided into the groups of high intensity interval training (10), high intensity interval game (10) and the control (10). Training programs for eight weeks(3d/w), (90-85% of maximum heart rate) and 3-minute recovery (65-75% of maximum heart rate) with 4 times Repetition was done, which was done in the form of running in high intensity interval training and in the form of playing in high intensity interval game. Blood samples were taken to measure the serum levels of lipid profiles (48 hours before and after the intervention period).
Results: The two training groups compared to the control group, increased aerobic capacity and High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and body fat percentage, Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P< 0.010) showed a significant decrease and between the two training groups in TG, LDL and HDL (P< 0.01) was a significant difference, with a greater increase in HDL and a greater decrease in TG and LDL was accompanied in the high intensity game group.
Conclusion: High intensity interval games can be suggested as a more suitable solution to improve the lipid profile of obese and overweight girls.

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Background: Inflammatory protein C3 and IL-1β are significantly involved in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, examining the importance of aerobic exercise timing (light vs. dark phase) can provide a better understanding of how exercise timing affects inflammatory markers associated with neurological diseases in older adult women with T2D. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise timing on C3 and IL-1β levels in older adults’ women with T2D.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 45 women with T2D with an average age of 60 ± 5.07 years were divided into training groups (light and dark phase) and control (15 people in each group). Aerobic exercise was performed for 12 weeks at a moderate intensity (60-70% of heart rate reserve). Protein levels (C3 and IL-1β) were measured before and after the intervention using the ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS27 software and ANOVA with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Complement C3 was significantly lower in the dark phase exercise group compared to the control group (P= 0.0083). Additionally, the results showed that dark phase aerobic exercise significantly decreased C3 (P= 0.0028) and IL-1β (P= 0.0045) levels compared to baseline.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise performed during the dark phase effectively reduced inflammatory protein levels of C3 and IL-1β in older adult women with T2D, suggesting it could be considered as a crucial strategy in managing this disease.

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Background: Exercise training represents an effective approach that contributes substantially to lowering chemerin and vaspin levels, enhancing body composition, and preventing complications related to overweight and obesity. In this context, the present study sought to examine the effects of exercise training on chemerin, vaspin, and body composition in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on various outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive search for English and Persian articles published up to )January 4, 2025( was performed across the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, IranDoc, Magiran, Noormags, and SID (Scientific Information Database). Fifteen studies, including 19 exercise interventions and 440 participants with type 2 diabetes, were included. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and the mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated through visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s test.
Results: A total of 15 studies (with 19 exercise interventions) involving 440 participants with type 2 diabetes were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that exercise interventions led to non-significant changes in c-Merlin [SMD= −0.967, 95% CI: −2.453 to 0.518, P= 0.202], body mass index (BMI) [SMD= −0.228, 95% CI: −0.470 to 0.013, P= 0.064], waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) [SMD= −0.038, 95% CI: −0.773 to 0.007, P= 0.054], and body fat percentage [SMD= 0.080, 95% CI: −0.524 to 0.685, P= 0.795] compared with the control group in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that exercise training significantly reduces vaspin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, while it has no significant effect on chemerin, body composition, or body composition indices (including body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio). It appears that physical exercise may play an effective role in improving the metabolic status of patients with type 2 diabetes through the modulation of vaspin levels.

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Background: Metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that exercise training may improve cardiometabolic health in this population. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of exercise on these risk factors in children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome., and behavioral outcomes in children and promoting awareness, self-care skills, and quality of life in families.
Methods: A systematic search of English and Persian articles was conducted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without time limits until May 2024. In data analysis, a random-effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Also, heterogeneity of studies was assessed with the I² test.
Results: The results of 6 studies involving 1,761 participants demonstrated that exercise training led to significant reductions in body weight [WMD = −6.32 kg, P=0.001], waist circumference [WMD = −9.11 cm, P=0.001], LDL [WMD = −0.52 mmol/L, P=0.001], TC [WMD = −0.65 mmol/L, P=0.001], serum TG [WMD = -0.56 mmol/L, P=0.001)], fasting glucose [WMD = −0.19 mmol/L, P=0.03], fasting insulin [SMD = −1.01, P=0.001], and HOMA-IR [WMD = −1.60, P=0.001] compared to the control group in obese children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion: Exercise interventions significantly reduce body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, while improving lipid profiles, including serum LDL, TC, and TG levels, in obese children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome. However, these interventions exhibited no significant impact on serum HDL concentrations. Consequently, to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and improve metabolic conditions, it is essential to implement long-term exercise interventions.

 

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Background: Obesity is one of the causes of diabetes. On the other hand, exercise along with cinnamon supplementation has been recommended as an important approach for controlling and preventing obesity and its related complications, such as diabetes and insulin resistance. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the combined effect of exercise training and cinnamon supplementation on glycemic indices in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A systematic search of English and Persian articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Google Scholar, NorMags, Irandoc, and SID databases was conducted up to January 2025. In data analysis, a random-effects model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Also, heterogeneity of studies was assessed with the I² test.
Results: In total, 11 studies involving 230 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were meta-analyzed. The results indicated that the combination of exercise training and cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced glucose (WMD = -13.317 [95% CI: -19.599 to -7.034]; P = 0.001) and insulin resistance (WMD = -1.098 [95% CI: -1.577 to -0.618]; P = 0.001) compared to the control group in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, insulin levels did not show a significant change (WMD = -2.123 [95% CI: -4.333 to 0.088]; P = 0.060).
Conclusion: The results of the present meta-analysis demonstrated that the combination of exercise training and cinnamon supplementation improves glucose and insulin resistance in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. These beneficial effects are not accompanied by changes in insulin levels.

 

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Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent, underdiagnosed, and impactful complication of type 2 diabetes in men, involving multiple physiological, psychological, and social dimensions. This narrative review aimed to comprehensively examine the current evidence regarding the role of exercise interventions in improving sexual function among men with type 2 diabetes through a multidimensional lens.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted based on a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Eligible studies included clinical trials, systematic reviews, and basic research focused on exercise and sexual function in men with diabetes. The analysis addressed physiological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, psychological factors, and research gaps.
Results: The evidence suggests that exercise improves sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes through multiple pathways, including enhanced insulin sensitivity, increased testosterone levels, improved penile vascular function, and psychological benefits such as reduced performance anxiety, depression, and improved body image. The type, intensity, and duration of exercise were found to be crucial in determining the outcomes. This review also identified significant research gaps, such as the lack of long-term trials and limited focus on neurohormonal mechanisms.
Conclusion: It seems that exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological, and effective intervention with substantial potential to improve sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes. The findings of this review can inform integrated therapeutic protocols and guide clinical practices aimed at enhancing sexual health in this population. A personalized exercise approach, supported by a multidisciplinary team, is recommended as part of formal care for diabetic men experiencing sexual dysfunction.
 

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Dear Editor-in-Chief of the Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism:

The aforementioned study aimed to investigate the concurrent effects of combined exercise training and grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative and antioxidant indices in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. The research, in terms of its design as a randomized clinical trial with independent group allocation, possesses a relatively appropriate structure, and its topic is noteworthy from the perspective of women's health and non-pharmacological interventions in diabetes. However, the following critiques concerning methodological, statistical, and interpretative dimensions are noteworthy