Iranian Journal of

---

Background: Adipulin is a hormone secretd by fat cells that acts as a metabolic regulator with anti-inflammatory properties and is reduced through obesity, diabetes and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of high and moderate intensity aerobic exercise on serum adipolin levels and some indicators of metabolic syndrome in obese women.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 36 people were randomly divided into three groups of 12 people (2 experimental groups and one control group). Aerobic exercise group with an intensity of 85-95% of maximum heart rate performed intermittent walking and running on the treadmill for 33 minutes per session and exercise group with an intensity of 50-70% of maximum heart rate walked continuously for 41 minutes. (Training duration for 2 groups was 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week, The control group was not active during this period). One-way analysis of variance statistical and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used at the significant level (P> 0.05).
Results: High intensity aerobic exercise significantly increased serum adipolin levels (P= 0.001) and decreased total cholesterol (P= 0.020), triglyceride (P= 0.021) and insulin resistance (P= 0.001). The results also showed no significant differences in the levels of high-density lipoprotein (P= 0.615), low-density lipoprotein (P= 0.604), and blood pressure (P= 0.269) in the three groups. Medium-intensity aerobic exercise had no effect on serum adipoline levels (P= 0.192), only glucose, (P= 0.025), triglycerides (P= 0.010), systolic blood pressure (P= 0.028) and insulin (P= 0.043) decreased and the levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein did not change significantly.
Conclusion: In the end, it can be said that it seems that individuals can use high-intensity aerobic exercise to increase the amount of adipolin as an indicator of improving insulin sensitivity and also improving the indicators of metabolic syndrome.

---

Background: The aging process is usually accompanied by a decrease in the function of the body's systems and physiological capacity, along with an increase in susceptibility to diseases, especially metabolic syndrome. This study looked at the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on levels of Irisin, IL-15, CRP, and Cholesterol in elderly men with metabolic syndrome.
Methods: The statistical population was elderly men in Khorramabad, of whom 18 were selected and randomly divided into two experimental groups and control (65/2±2/2, 65/4±2/1). The exercise program included leg presses, chest presses, row movements, bending the knees, head, back of the arm, opening of the knees and front of the arm. The above program started with 30% of a maximum repetition and reached 50% of a maximum repetition at the end of the eighth week. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the training sessions. Correlated t-test and independent t-test were used to examine the research data. The level of significance was also considered (P<0.05).
Results: Eight weeks’ resistance exercise significant increase in Irisin (P=0.01) and interleukin-15 (P=0.007), as well as a significantly decreased levels of CRP (P=0.007) and total cholesterol(P=0.02) in elderly men with metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion: Finding non-pharmacological solutions to improve metabolic indicators is very important. Based on the results of research, doing resistance exercises is recommended as a low-cost and non-pharmacological solution for the treatment of metabolic syndrome in elderly men.

---

Background: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions such as abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and low levels of healthy fat. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of endurance training on PGC1α protein content, glycosylated hemoglobin and metabolic syndrome indices in obese rats with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats with an average weight of 200±20 g were selected and placed on a high-fat diet for four weeks. Then 12 rats were randomly selected and induced type 2 diabetes by injecting nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) solutions. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups of training and control patients. The samples of the training group performed endurance training on the treadmill for 8 weeks and 5 sessions every week with an intensity of about 50 to 70% of the maximum speed. 48 hours after the last training session, mice were sacrificed and variables were measured. To analyze the data, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were performed in SPSS software version 29.
Results: Endurance training led to a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar levels, HbA1c and triglyceride levels (P= 0.0001). On the other hand, it did not show any effect on HDL levels (P= 0.087). On the contrary, it led to an increase in the intracellular amount of PGC-1α (P= 0.0001).
Conclusion: The results show that endurance training can be considered as an adjuvant drug by regulating the factors related to metabolic syndrome.

---

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.

 

---

Background: Dietary acid load is thought to contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome through effects on acid–base balance with evidence being inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the associations between dietary acid load indices, Dietary Acid Load (DAL), Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL), and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP) and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in an Iranian adult cohort.
Methods: 6,482 adults aged 35-65 years were enrolled from the Mashhad Stroke and Atherosclerosis Study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and dietary acid load indices were calculated. Participants were followed for nearly 10 years. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations of DAL, PRAL, and NEAP with the incidence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, adjusting for major confounders.
Results: Following adjustment, no significant associations were found between DAL indices and the incidence of metabolic syndrome or its components. DAL odds ratio (OR) for the highest versus lowest tertile was 0.984 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.815–1.188; p= 0.868]. For PRAL, the OR was 1.024 (95% CI: 0.865–1.212; p= 0.782), and for NEAP, the OR was 0.902 (95% CI: 0.763–1.066; p= 0.227). None of the indices were significantly related to new cases of diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia (all p> 0.05).
Conclusion: In this Iranian adult cohort, DAL indices were not associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome or its components. Further studies in populations with different dietary habits are needed to clarify potential threshold effects or effect modifiers.

 

---

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and brain structural alterations, yet the specific contributions of its components and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Methods: This narrative review integrates findings from neuroimaging, clinical, and molecular studies to provide a conceptual understanding of how MetS affects cognition. A non-systematic and targeted search was conducted up to June 2025 using terms such as metabolic syndrome, cognition, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Studies were selected based on their relevance and conceptual contribution.
Results: Evidence converges on inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular injury, and insulin resistance as key mechanisms linking MetS to gray and white matter changes and cognitive impairment. Structural and functional MRI studies demonstrate disrupted brain connectivity and reduced hippocampal volume in individuals with MetS. Gender and genetic differences may also influence the strength of this association. The coexistence of metabolic syndrome and cognitive dysfunction is linked to reduced health-related quality of life.
Conclusion: The narrative synthesis highlights how metabolic and vascular factors jointly drive neurocognitive decline and underscores the need for longitudinal and mechanistic research.