Iranian Journal of

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Background: Glucose transporter4 (GLUT4) is the main glucose transporter in skeletal muscle. Impaired GLUT4 expression plays a role in the disorders of glycemic homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the combined effects of aerobic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on Glut4 protein levels and insulin resistance in the soleus muscle of diabetic rats with STZ and high-fat diet.
Methods: In 40 male Wistar rats type 2 diabetes was induced by 6 weeks high-fat diet followed by streptozotocin injection. Then rats were randomly divided into five groups: Healthy control (HC), Diabetic control (DC). Diabetes+Aerobic training (DAT), Diabetes+Vitamin D3 (DVD) and Diabetes+Aerobic training+ Vitamin D3 (DVDAT). The rats underwent eight weeks of aerobic training and vitamin D3 supplementation. 24h after last session of training and, the rats were anesthetized and soleus muscle was isolated for measurement of Glut4 protein concentrations and serum levels of insulin, glucose, vitamin D3 index were measured.
Results: One-way ANOVA showed that GLUT4 protein levels in DC group was significantly lower than HC group (P<0.001), but in DVDAT group was significantly higher than DC group (P<0.04) and DVD group (P<0.005). Also in DAT group was significantly higher than DVD (P<0.018). The HOMA-IR index also in DVDAT, DAT and DVD groups was significantly lower than DC group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that Eight weeks of aerobic training with vitamin D3 supplementation improves glucose metabolism in diabetic rats via increasing Glut4 protein levels and improving insulin resistance index.

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Background: Despite advances in diabetes-related treatments, the effects of the disease have not yet been adequately reversed or prevented in patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective medication-assisted treatments in this field.
Methods: In this study, type 1 diabetes mice models was established using multiple low-dose alloxan, and the diabetic mice were treated with three doses of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) i.e low, medium, and high viz. 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, respectively for a period of 21 days. Then, specific test were done to evaluate blood biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory genes expression, and histopathological changes in the mice kidney and liver.
Results: The obtained results showed remarkably improved anti-diabetic, hepato-renal-protective, and oxidative stress indexes of DMF in alloxan-induced diabetic mice (P< 0.001). Treated mice with DMF demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in blood glucose levels when compared with diabetic group (P< 0.001). Diabetic liver and kidney tissues showed marked dilation of bile ducts, tubules, infiltration, and inflammation. On the contrary, the histological features of the treated mice with DMF improve as shown by normal size of glomerular capillaries along with decrease in less dilatation of ducts in comparison with diabetic mice. The real-time quantitative PCR results indicated that DMF injection decreased the alloxan-induced increase of significant elevations in mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in both kidney and liver tissues. Meanwhile, mice treated with DMF showed an increase in Sirt1 and Nrf2 expression in comparison to diabetic group.
Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be concluded that DMF treatment provides hepato-renal protective effects on alloxan-induced diabetic mice model by attenuating ROS inflammatory pathways.
 

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Background: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease and a complex disorder with several micro and macro vascular complications in different parts of the body, which is associated with cardiac fibrosis. On the other hand, endurance training seems to prevent the development of cardiac fibrosis in diabetes by reducing fasting glucose levels and increasing antioxidant indices.
Methods: 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: healthy control (NC, n=8), diabetes control (DC, n=8) and exercise diabetes (DT, n=8) after familiarization with the laboratory environment. Diabetes was induced to diabetic animals through streptozotocin injection. Training groups, performed 8 weeks of intermittent endurance training on a treadmill. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining were used to check the level of fibrosis and cell disorder. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by thiobarbituric acid spectrophotometry. Also, total serum antioxidants were measured by FRAP method.
Results: Compared to the diabetic control group, rats in the training group showed a decrease in fibrosis, fasting glucose, and also a decrease in triglyceride and total cholesterol (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems that Endurance training in diabetic Rats prevents the development of cardiac fibrosis caused by diabetes by reducing fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and increasing total antioxidants. However, more studies are needed.
 

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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 characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and can lead to heart disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of MIIT on the S6K1 pathway in the myocardium, which is related to the control of cell growth and proliferation.
Methods: In this study, 12 two-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats with an average weight of 280±30 grams participated. To induce diabetes, nicotinamide and streptozotocin solutions were injected with a dose of 110 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg, respectively. The blood sugar of rats was determined between 126-260 mg/dL as an indicator of type 2 diabetes. After the induction of diabetes, the rats were randomly divided into diabetic training group (6 heads) and diabetic control group (6 heads). The diabetic training group trained for 4 weeks and 4 sessions every week. 24 hours after the last training session, the left ventricle of heart was isolated and the amount of protein was measured by western blotting method. Variables were analyzed through independent t-tests. The significance level of study was considered P≤0.05.
Results: Data analysis showed that the intracellular content of total (P=0.62), phosphorylated (P=0.85), and total to phosphorylated (P=0.77) S6K1 protein did not show significant changes after 4 weeks of MIIT.
Conclusion: It seems that after 4 weeks of MIIT, S6K1 protein does not change significantly, so it seems that the duration and intensity of training and nutritional conditions to increase S6K1 phosphorylation should be considered in future research

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Background: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and leads to impaired protein synthesis and ultimately muscle breakdown and reduction in muscle function. Therefore, this research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on the amount of 4EBP1 in the biceps muscle of type 1 diabetic rats.
Methods: The present study is of experimental-fundamental type in which 12 2-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats with an average weight of 280±30 grams participated. To induce type 1 diabetes, streptozotocin (STZ) solution was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 65 mg/kg. 3 days after the injection, blood sugar above 300 mg/dl was considered as an indicator of type 1 diabetes. After the induction of diabetes, the rats were randomly divided into 2 diabetic training groups (6 heads) and diabetic control groups (6 heads). The continuous training program (32 minutes with an intensity of 50-70% of maximum speed) was 8 weeks and 3 sessions every week. Data analysis was done through independent t-tests. Data analysis was done using GraphPad Prism software version 10.2.2. The significance level of the present study was considered P≤0.05.
Results: In the training group after 8 weeks of MICT, the intracellular content of phosphorylated (P=0.0001), total (P=0.0001) and the ratio of phosphorylated to total (P=0.002) protein 4EBP1 showed a significant change compared to the control group in the twin muscle tissue.
Conclusion: 4EBP1 protein seems to increase through 8 weeks of MICT and this mechanism can increase muscle synthesis in muscle tissue.

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Background: Type 2 diabetes is the most common endocrine disease that occurs due to glucose intolerance due to imbalance between insulin demand and reserves. Glucose transport to the muscle fiber is carried out by glucose transporter proteins (GLUTs). GLUT4 is the most important glucose transporter isoform in skeletal muscles. Insulin and exercise stimulate the fast and intense transfer of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane and cause the absorption of glucose in muscle and fat tissue. The aim of the present study was to study the changes in GLUT4 gene expression in soleus muscle tissue and insulin resistance index after HIIT and royal jelly in type 2 diabetic obese rats.
Methods: The statistical subject consisted of wistar rats became diabetic after a 20 weeks high-fat diet by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg STZ. Rats with fasting glucose between 150 and 400 mg / dL were considered to have type 2 diabetes. HIIT protocol and gavage performed for eight weeks, five sessions per week with 2-minute alternation of 2 and 8 intervals with 80 to 90% vo2max and a one-minute rest cycle with 50 to 56% vo2max. Royal Jelly was given by gavage at a dose of 100 mg / kg 5 days a week.
Results: Data analysis using two-way analysis of variance test showed that in comparison with the control group, HIIT led to a significant reduction in glucose and insulin resistance index.so data shown that a significant increase in soleuse mascle GLUT4 gene expression compared to the control group and HIIT and royal jelly (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: HIIT and royal jelly were effective in reducing insulin resistance index and expression of genes effective in glucose consumption in soleus muscle. Also, HIIT and royal jelly led to an increase in GLUT4 gene expression in the soleus muscle compared to the control group, which is important in glucose consumption in diabetics.

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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.

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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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Background: The present study investigated the effects of curcumin supplementation along with a weight loss diet on the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut of metabolically healthy obese men.
Methods: In the present double-blinded controlled clinical trial, sixty metabolically healthy obese men (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) participated. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving curcumin supplementation (500 mg, twice daily) or placebo. The duration of the intervention was eight weeks. The samples were matched for age and dietary intake before the study. Stool samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study and the relative abundance of bacteria was measured after DNA extraction.
Results: The relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in men undergoing placebo intervention decreased after 8 weeks (P= 0.04) and was significantly lower than that in the curcumin intervention group (P= 0.003). The mean changes in faecalibacterium prausnitzii increased in the curcumin while they decreased in the placebo group (P= 0.03). In addition, the mean changes in Roseburia intestinalis increased in the curcumin and decreased in the placebo group (P= 0.009).
Conclusion: Weight loss diet leads to a decrease in the relative abundance of butyrogenic bacteria in the gut of obese men, while curcumin supplementation can lead to an increase in the population of these bacteria, as one of the methods of treating obesity.