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Background High intensity and endurance exercises lead to exercise-induced oxidative stress (EIOS), exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and inflammation, which are the influencing factors on muscle soreness, localized swelling, and sports performance decrease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Tribulus terrestris (TT) as an herbal supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status, as well as the sports performance of recreational runners. Methods/design This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which will be conducted among recreational runners of Tabriz stadiums, Iran. Thirty-four recreational runners will be selected, and participants will be assigned randomly to two groups: to receive 500 mg TT supplement or placebo capsules twice daily for 2 weeks. Both groups will do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts during the study. Baseline and post-intervention body composition, muscle pain, and aerobic and anaerobic performance will be assessed. In addition, assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid (UA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), protein carbonyl (PC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (MYO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) irisin, cortisol, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be done during three blood samplings. Changes in oxidative stress, anti/inflammatory biomarkers, and sports performance will be assessed as primary outcomes. Discussion This study will be the first to assess the potential effects of TT on recreational runners. Our results will contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding TT supplementation on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status and sports performance in recreational runners. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ) (ID: IRCT20150205020965N8 ). Registration date: 13 February 2021.

Background Athletes have a large extent of oxidant agent production. In the current study, we aimed to determine the influence of thyme extract on the endurance exercise performance, mitochondrial biogenesis, and antioxidant status in rats. Methods Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups receiving either normal drinking water (non-supplemented group, n  = 10) or thyme extract, 400 mg/kg, (supplemented group, n  = 10). Rats in both groups were subjected to endurance treadmill training (27 m/min, 10% grade, 60 min, and 5 days/week for 8 weeks). Finally, to determine the endurance capacity, time to exhaustion treadmill running at 36 m/min speed was assessed. At the end of the endurance capacity test, serum and soleus muscle samples were collected and their superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured. Protein expression of PGC-1α, as a marker of mitochondrial biogenesis, was also determined in the soleus muscle tissue by immunoblotting assay. Results Findings revealed that the exhaustive running time in the treatment group was significantly ( p  < 0.05) prolonged. Both serum and soleus muscle MDA levels, as an index of lipid peroxidation, had a threefold increase in the thyme extract supplemented group (t 18  = 8.11, p  < 0.01; t 18  = 4.98, p  < 0.01 respectively). The activities of SOD and GPx of the soleus muscle were significantly ( p  < 0.05) higher in the non-supplemented group, while there was no significant difference in serum SOD, GPx activities, and total antioxidant capacity between groups. Furthermore, thyme supplementation significantly ( p  < 0.05) decreased PGC-1α expression. Conclusions Thyme extract supplementation increased endurance exercise tolerance in intact animals, although decrease of oxidative stress and regulation of the PGC-1α protein expression are not considered as underlying molecular mechanisms.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an efficient method to improve vascular function, maximal oxygen consumption, and muscle mitochondrial capacity. However, acute HIIT overstresses the oxidative system and causes muscle soreness and damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of date seeds on exercise-induced oxidative stress and aerobic and anaerobic performance following HIIT sessions. Thirty-six physically active men and women aged 18–35 years were assigned to take 26 g/d of date seed powder (DSP, n 18) or wheat bran powder (placebo, n 18) before and after HIIT workouts for 14 d. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-iso-PGF2α were determined at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and 24-h post-intervention. We used the Cooper and running-based anaerobic sprint test to assess aerobic and anaerobic performance at the study’s beginning and end. Independent-samples Student’s t tests, ANCOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA were used to compare the quantitative variables. Positive changes were observed in TAC, TOS, OSI, GPx, MDA and visual analogue scale after intervention and at 24-h post-exercise (P < 0·05). Likewise, peak power and fatigue index were significantly improved in DSP in comparison with the placebo group. Levels of SOD, uric acid, 8-iso-PGF2α, VO2 max and average power were not changed after training. Our results showed that date seed supplementation in active participants performing HIIT bouts ameliorated oxidative stress and improved performance parameters.

Aims/Introduction Defective insulin signaling in the brain may disrupt hippocampal neuroplasticity resulting in learning and memory impairments. Thus, this study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise training on cognitive function and synaptic protein markers in diabetic rats. Materials and methods Twenty male Wistar rats (200–250 g), were fed on high-fat diet and received a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p) to induce type 2 diabetes. Then diabetic animals were randomly divided into sedentary and training groups. The exercise training program was treadmill running at 27 m/min for 60 min/day for 8 weeks. One day after the last training session, Morris Water Maze (MWM) task was performed to evaluate spatial learning and memory. Then, the hippocamp and prefrontal cortex tissues were instantly dissected for immunoblotting assay of BDNF, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, P38, p-P38, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, heat shock protein-27 (HSP27), SNAP-25, synaptophysin, and PSD-95. Independent t-test analysis and two-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences under significance level of 0.05 using the 26th version of IBM SPSS statistical software. Results The results showed that aerobic exercise improved memory as assessed in the MWM task. Moreover, aerobic exercise up-regulated HSP27 and BDNF protein levels in the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus coincided with robust elevations in SNAP25 and PSD-95 levels. Moreover, exercise reduced phosphorylated P38, while increased p-ERK1/2 and p-GSK-3β (p). Conclusion Our findings suggest that aerobic exercise may debilitate the harmful effects of diabetes on the cognitive function possibly through enhancing synaptic protein markers.

Purpose Physical exercise is necessary in the handling DM, but it is not distinct which kind of physical exercise can improve cardiac autonomic modulation in T2DM. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different modalities of exercise (aerobic, resistant, and combined) on cardiac autonomic modulation as measured by HRV in patients with type 2 diabetic neuropathy.MethodsThe participants were 45 men (age: 55.24 ± 8.11 years, weight: 89.5 ± 13.4 kg, height: 171.85 ± 6.98 cm, duration of diabetes: 12.51 ± 6.46 years) with type 2 diabetic neuropathy who were clinically free from signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: aerobic-training (n = 11), dynamic resistant-training (n = 11), Combined-training (n = 11), or a non-exercise control group (n = 12). The exercise groups performed aerobic and resistant exercise for 25–45 min per day, 3–5 times per week for 12 weeks. Anthropometrics, biochemical markers (FBS, HbA1c, Lipid Profile, and Insulin), and heart rate variability in the exercise laboratory and under ambulatory conditions by 3-channel ECG digital Holter recorder were examined.Results All time and frequency-domain HRV parameters (except LF power) were significantly improved in the exercise groups, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). SDNN, rMSSD, and HF power were boosted, LF power was not different, and the LF/HF ratio decreased after versus before exercise training, independent of exercise modality. HbA1c in aerobic and resistant-training groups, and insulin and LDL in the resistant-training group were decreased after exercise training (p < 0.05).ConclusionsExercise training, independent of modality, in patients with type 2 diabetic neuropathy who were clinically free of the cardiovascular disease cause to significant progress in cardiovascular autonomic function assessed by HRV via enhancing cardio-vagal and reducing cardio-sympathetic tone.

Background Athletes have a large extent of oxidant agent production. In the current study, we aimed to determine the influence of thyme extract on the endurance exercise performance, mitochondrial biogenesis, and antioxidant status in rats. Methods Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups receiving either normal drinking water (non-supplemented group, n = 10) or thyme extract, 400 mg/kg, (supplemented group, n = 10). Rats in both groups were subjected to endurance treadmill training (27 m/min, 10% grade, 60 min, and 5 days/week for 8 weeks). Finally, to determine the endurance capacity, time to exhaustion treadmill running at 36 m/min speed was assessed. At the end of the endurance capacity test, serum and soleus muscle samples were collected and their superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured. Protein expression of PGC-1α, as a marker of mitochondrial biogenesis, was also determined in the soleus muscle tissue by immunoblotting assay. Results Findings revealed that the exhaustive running time in the treatment group was significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged. Both serum and soleus muscle MDA levels, as an index of lipid peroxidation, had a threefold increase in the thyme extract supplemented group (t18 = 8.11, p < 0.01; t18 = 4.98, p < 0.01 respectively). The activities of SOD and GPx of the soleus muscle were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the non-supplemented group, while there was no significant difference in serum SOD, GPx activities, and total antioxidant capacity between groups. Furthermore, thyme supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) decreased PGC-1α expression. Conclusions Thyme extract supplementation increased endurance exercise tolerance in intact animals, although decrease of oxidative stress and regulation of the PGC-1α protein expression are not considered as underlying molecular mechanisms.

Background Regarding the psychosocial aspect of treating those with substance use, it is crucial for them to exhibit a capacity for personal transformation, fully utilize their remaining capabilities, and eradicate societal discrimination. We aimed to assess the efficacy of educational instruction grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in enhancing adherence to medication regimens, fostering hope, and improving marital quality among people with substance use disorders. Methods This study was conducted at the Rapid Addiction Closure Center in Fasa city, Iran, involving a sample of 140 patients undergoing addiction treatment with methadone and buprenorphine in 2021–2022. Subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 15 weekly educational sessions, each lasting 50 to 55 min, covering topics such as quitting strategies, social support, problem solving, communication skills, and coping mechanisms. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, TPB construct questionnaires, Miller’s Hope Survey, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Results The study included 140 individuals receiving treatment for addiction. No differences were seen among the two groups in education, occupation, marital status, and living conditions before the intervention. However, six months later, the intervention group showed improvements in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality compared to controls. Conclusion The results indicate that family-based educational interventions grounded in TPB are effective in improving medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality among patients with substance use disorders. Significant increases in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention positively impacted medication regimen adherence in these patients.

Background One of the important indices for the efficacy of pre-hospital emergency services is telephone triage. The dispatching team members are faced with many challenges in telephone triage which can adversely affect their performance. This study was conducted in the south of Iran to determine the challenges to telephone triage in pre-hospital emergency services. Method The present study is qualitative-descriptive where the sample was selected purposefully. Data were collected through 18 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 18 dispatching team members in pre-hospital emergency care. The collected qualitative data were analyzed using the content analysis approach recommended by Graneheim and Lundman. Results Analysis of the data resulted in the emergence of three themes and ten sub-themes. The three main themes extracted from the data included inefficient interaction, insufficient and unreal information, and professional challenges. Conclusion The dispatching unit personnel in pre-hospital emergency care are confronted with various interactional, organizational, and professional issues. Accordingly, the senior managers in emergency departments should take effective measures to remove the existing barriers toward improving the efficacy of telephone triage and, by extension, the quality of pre-hospital emergency care services.

Background. Injection risk behavior is a major predictor of HIV infection. The present study was conducted to survey the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on changing high-risk behaviors (the high-risk behaviors of injecting and behaviors of transmitting blood diseases to others) of injecting drug users under the coverage of addiction harm reduction centers. Methods. This study is an experimental research on 120 drug addicts in 2021-2022. Two addiction harm reduction centers in Fasa City, Iran, were chosen randomly (one as the test group and the other as the control group). The data collection tool is made up of two parts. The first part is a questionnaire on demographics. The second part is a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, which was made using information from different sources and studies. The training program was set up based on the pretest results and the theory of planned behavior for the test group. Before and six months after the educational intervention, the experimental and control groups filled out the questionnaire. With a significance level of 0.05, the independent t, chi-square, and paired t statistical tests were used to examine the data using the SPSS 22 program. Results. In the test group, the average age of addicts was 37.42 ± 10.55 years, while in the control group, the average age was 38.36 ± 10.09 years (p=0.244). Six months after the educational intervention, all TPB theory’s constructs (knowledge, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior of injecting drug users) were higher in the test group than in the control group (p=0.001). Conclusion. The results show the effect of this educational intervention in reducing high-risk behaviors related to injection in injection drug addicts, so it is suggested as a useful method to reduce high-risk injection behaviors in these people.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and its high mortality has become one of the biggest health problems globally. Several studies have reported an association between breast cancer and ATM gene variants. This study aimed to demonstrate and analyze the relationship between ATM gene polymorphisms and breast cancer prevalence rate. A systematic literature review was undertaken using the following databases: Medline (PubMed), Web of sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, Ovid, and CINHAL to retrieve all cross-sectional studies between January 1990 and January 2020, which had reported the frequency of ATM variants in patients with breast cancer. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval. The pooled prevalence of ATM variants in patients with breast cancer was 7% (95% CI: 5−8%). Also, the pooled estimate based on type of variants was 6% (95% CI: 4−8%; I square: 94%; P: 0.00) for total variants¸ 0% (95% CI: 0−1%; I square: 0%; P: 0.59) for deletion variants, 12% (95% CI: 7−18%; I square: 99%; P: 0.00) for substitution variants, and 2% (95% CI: 4−9%; I square: 67%; P: 0.08) for insertion variants. This meta-analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between ATM variants in breast cancer patients. Further studies are required to determine which of the variants of the ATM gene are associated with BRCA mutations.