Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract Physical inactivity is a major global determinant of non-communicable diseases, particularly in industrial and occupational environments where structural and environmental barriers limit regular engagement in physical activity. Although the health benefits of aerobic exercise are well established, less attention has been given to the physiological specificity of exercise intensity and its translation into feasible health promotion strategies in real world settings. Current evidence indicates that moderate intensity running (approximately 50–70% heart rate reserve, 46–63% VO₂max, or Borg RPE 12–14) induces coordinated multisystem signaling responses that support metabolic regulation and inflammatory balance. These responses include favorable modulation of myokines, adipokines, neurotrophic factors, and immunoregulatory mediators involved in metabolic homeostasis. Particular attention is given to the context dependent role of interleukin 6, highlighting the distinction between its transient exercises induced signaling effects and the chronic elevations associated with metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In addition to mechanistic insights, this review discusses translational considerations such as adherence, safety, and long term sustainability of moderate intensity running programs in occupational populations. The HamGhadam (Step for Good) initiative implemented by Gol Gohar Mining and Industrial Company is presented as a descriptive workplace case example illustrating how structured physical activity programs can be incorporated into corporate wellness initiatives. The manuscript does not claim empirical validation of the program’s effectiveness but highlights its potential as a practical model for workplace health promotion. Overall, smart running is framed as a biologically efficient and potentially scalable strategy that conceptually bridges molecular exercise biology with population level physical activity promotion.

Abstract Rapid industrial expansion in Sirjan has reshaped occupational routines in ways that constrain daily movement and heighten metabolic vulnerability. While the health benefits of physical activity are well established, this narrative review advances the argument that the more fundamental deficit in such environments is the erosion of movement literacy—the cognitive, physiological, and behavioral capacity to understand, interpret, and intentionally engage in health sustaining physical activity. Drawing on evidence from exercise physiology, metabolic science, and occupational health, we conceptualize movement literacy as a multidimensional construct comprising awareness of exercise induced mechanisms, interpretation of bodily cues, and the ability to apply this knowledge to everyday behavior. Using the Gol Gohar industrial community as an illustrative case, we describe how limited literacy in these domains contributes to sedentary patterns among workers and outline how the Gol Gohar Sports Club operationalizes a literacy oriented model through targeted public education initiatives, coach led instructional programs, and awareness based practices such as “smart running.” By synthesizing mechanistic pathways—including glucose regulation, inflammatory modulation, neuroendocrine adaptation, and myokine signaling—the review positions movement literacy as a missing but necessary dimension in industrial health policy. We argue that enhancing this form of literacy may serve as a scalable strategy to mitigate metabolic risk and integrate exercise knowledge into routine occupational life.

Abstract Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer posing a high risk for women. Immunotherapy has shown efficacy, and exercise is recognized for its role in cancer management. Combining both may enhance therapeutic outcomes. This study examined 30 female BALB/c mice (average weight: 17.76g), divided into five groups (n=6 each). After treadmill acclimation, they underwent two 6-week training protocols and a 4-week protocol post-cancer induction. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed significant differences in body weight among the EIEA and EIA groups compared to the control group. Similarly, in the heart weight analysis, both EIEA and EIA groups showed significant differences compared to the control (p<0.05). Notably, the combination of exercise and anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment effectively prevented weight loss in both body mass and heart weight. This protective effect may be attributed to the mitigation of cachexia, a common complication in cancer that leads to severe weight loss and muscle wasting. These results suggest that integrating physical activity with immunotherapy could serve as a potential strategy to counteract cancer-induced weight deterioration.

Abstract Research indicates that a sedentary lifestyle significantly contributes to the development of post-COVID syndrome (PCS), characterized by persistent symptoms following acute COVID-19 infection. Engaging in regular physical activity is essential not only for mitigating these risks but also for enhancing recovery from COVID-19. Studies have shown that individuals who maintained high levels of PA before and after infection experienced fewer and less severe symptoms associated with PCS. Specifically, exercise training has been identified as a critical intervention for improving muscle function and modulating adipokine levels—signaling proteins released by adipose tissue that play a role in inflammation and metabolic regulation. Given the complex pathogenesis of PCS, which involves various physiological and psychological factors, it is imperative to incorporate structured exercise regimens into rehabilitation programs for affected individuals. Aerobic endurance training has demonstrated significant benefits in improving exercise capacity, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall quality of life in PCS patients. Furthermore, high levels of PA are associated with improved immune function and lower rates of reinfection. In conclusion, promoting mandatory physical activity during and after pandemic conditions is vital for reducing the burden of post-COVID syndrome and enhancing public health outcomes. This review underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to advocate for exercise as a primary strategy in managing post-COVID symptoms and preventing future chronic diseases linked to sedentary behavior during different pandemics.

Abstract Cancer is now the leading global cause of death, with breast cancer being particularly deadly for women. This study investigates how physical activity combined with anti-PD-L1 antibody administration affects tumor weight and lifespan in mice with breast cancer. In this study, 30 male and female BALB/c mice, averaging 17.76 grams in weight, were selected and divided into the following groups: PCG (n=6), EIC (n=6), EIE (n=6), EIA (n=6), and EIE+A (n=6). Following an acclimation period on the treadmill, mice underwent two initial 4-week training protocols, followed by a 2-week protocol after cancer induction. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze the research variables. Statistical analysis showed no significant changes in survival time or tumor weight in the PCG, EIC, and EIE groups of breast cancer mice. However, the EIA and EIE+A groups demonstrated significant improvements in both survival and tumor weight reduction (p<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that the combination of physical activity and anti-PDL-1 antibody administration may lead to tumor apoptosis by enhancing positive immunological effects, which could be effective for better cancer management. However, it is recommended that future studies investigate the immunological and physiological effects of the tumor microenvironment with the combination of physical activity and anti-PDL-1 antibody administration.

Abstract This research paper delves into the intricate interplay between the heart and liver within the realm of metabolic regulation, focusing on the impact of exercise as a pivotal modulator of this dynamic relationship. Through a comprehensive review of pertinent literature, encompassing peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and meta-analyses sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, this paper analyzes the existing understanding of how exercise influences the metabolic crosstalk between the heart and liver. The findings underscore the positive influence of regular physical activity on the metabolic interplay between these vital organs, ultimately contributing to enhanced overall metabolic health. Emphasizing both physiological and molecular aspects, the review provides a succinct overview of its content, highlighting the significance of exercise in modulating metabolic processes. In exploring human studies, animal models, and molecular techniques, this review aims to not only consolidate current knowledge but also to identify research gaps, fostering a foundation for future investigations. The potential therapeutic implications of exercise in mitigating metabolic disorders through the modulation of heart-liver crosstalk are discussed. By addressing inclusion criteria such as studies published within the last decade, written in English, and focusing on human or animal models, this paper contributes to the evolving understanding of the intricate relationship between exercise, heart health, and liver function.

Abstract The purpose of this research is to survey the effect of eight weeks of sub-maximal training on the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in elderly males. The subjects of the research consisted of 21 elderly males between 50-80 years old, divided into two groups (one experimental group and one control group), with VO_2Peak values of 51.14±2.7, 51.92±3.17, and 43.61±1.85 (based on the 1-mile (1609 meters) Track Jog test). The experimental group carried out Balke-Ware sub-maximal aerobic exercise 5 sessions a week for 8 weeks, while the control group did not participate in the training program. The results of the research showed that the average CRP levels decreased in the experimental group, while they increased in the control group. However, these differences were not statistically significant according to the paired sample T-Test results. On the other hand, a significant difference in Vo2 Peak was observed between the two groups (p<0.039 and p<0.001), with the experimental group showing higher values compared to the control group. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in HS-CRP levels between the subjects (experimental group 1, experimental group 2, and control group) before and after the training period. In general, it seems that a longer duration is required to observe better markers of inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of these variables. The pre-study hypothesis of cardiorespiratory fitness on CRP response confirms that assessing control and inflammatory markers of cardiorespiratory fitness in the elderly requires more time.

Abstract Dear Editor-in-Chief
Lactate can be a key factor in cancer tumor progression
One of the clear indicators of cancerous tumors is an uneven distribution of oxygen, resulting in the presence of both hypoxic and normoxic areas within the tumor (Goodwin et al., 2015). Consequently, these conditions can contribute to the acidity of the tumor environment (Goodwin et al., 2015). The significant increase in lactate levels observed in cancerous tumors is primarily attributed to the heightened activity of the glycolysis cycle (Goodwin et al., 2015), a phenomenon identified by Otto Warburg in 1927, known as the Warburg effect (Pérez-Tomás & Pérez-Guillén, 2020). Despite the common misconception that lactate is a waste molecule, emerging evidence suggests that lactate may actually play a role in promoting cancer progression, particularly in support of cancer cells (Lavín-Pérez et al., 2023; Pérez-Tomás & Pérez-Guillén, 2020). Therefore, there is strong evidence to support the notion that lactate serves as the primary fuel to fulfill the anabolic requirements of cancer cells, potentially serving as a key factor in cancer growth (Lavín-Pérez et al., 2023; Pérez-Tomás & Pérez-Guillén, 2020). Given the complex physiological conditions associated with cancer, it raises the question of whether exercise is appropriate for cancer patients or not.
Lactate, exercise, and cancer
Considering these complex physiological conditions, whether exercise in cancer patients can be appropriate (Lavín-Pérez et al., 2023).  Several studies have investigated the effect of exercise during cancer with different mechanisms that have reported the positive effect of exercise to improve psychological or immunological effects (Lavín-Pérez et al., 2023). However, the special concentration of exercise, lactate, and its relationship with tumor growth has yet to be specifically  investigated. Physiologically, exercise with any intensity can increase lactate (Stallknecht et al., 1998). One of the factors that can have a significant effect on increasing lactate is the intensity of training (Stallknecht et al., 1998). According to Brooks et al., lactate is the largest myokine in concentration and dynamic range and the most diverse in metabolic and physiological regulation (Stallknecht et al., 1998). In the past, lactate was believed to be produced in anaerobic conditions. However, in recent years, the theory has been proposed that lactate is also produced in completely aerobic conditions (Stallknecht et al., 1998). Therefore, aerobic and anaerobic training will increase lactate (Stallknecht et al., 1998). As the intensity of training increases, the ratio of NAD+ to NADH increases. As a result, fat oxidation decreases, focuses on the glycolysis cycle, and increases lactate (A factor that can be harmful to cancer (Stallknecht et al., 1998). Also, common research supports the hypothesis that lactate increase during exercise can lead to angiogenesis and is one of the key factors of this process (Ahmadi Hekmatikar et al., 2019; Hubbard, 1973; Khoramipour et al., 2020). It seems that lactate can 1) through its effect on factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and 2) as an important cardiac fuel and metaboreflex regulation leading to greater cardiac output for angiogenesis. On the other hand, considering that there is hyperlactatemia in cancer and the long history of cancerous tumors absorbing lactate, researchers are looking to prevent lactate transport in tumors by blocking MCTs. Accordingly, the development of therapies that limit lactate exchange and signaling within and between cancer cells should be a priority in cancer research, contrary to the physiological effects of exercise.
Finally, the hypothesis that lactate could be suitable for cancer patients during cancer seems false, given the strong results. Both directly, as an energy source, and indirectly, as a gluconeogenic precursor, lactate plays a major role in the bioenergetics and self-sufficiency of cancer cells. Acutely and chronically, exercise has positive physiological effects that cannot be suitable for cancer patients. On the other hand, the tumor environment is such that lactate is one of its key fuels for aggressiveness and growth. On the other hand, lactate itself induces angiogenesis. Physiological changes that occur due to exercise can increase lactate, angiogenesis, and lactate transporters, which can benefit the tumor. Physiological changes that occur due to exercise can increase lactate, angiogenesis, and lactate transporters, which can benefit the tumor. However, this study suggests that researchers should focus on exercise and the effects of lactate on cancerous tumors in future studies.

Abstract Omicron, a new type of SARS-CoV-2 was first reported by South Africa to the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24, 2021. Two days after Africa was reported to the World Health Organization, the Omicron was identified as a global threat. Omicron has many genetic mutations, the potential effects of which are more dangerous than other SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations. With the increase in vaccination in the world, the amount of physical activity to improve the functioning of the immune system decreased. Relying on vaccines alone cannot guarantee an improvement in the functioning of the immune system and the people of the world, given the lack of knowledge about the prevalence of omicron and its potential dangers, should look for ways to boost the immune system. In this study, we highlight the importance of increasing physical activity at the time of omicron outbreaks, along with the proposed protocols.

Abstract The immune system is one of the main defenders of human health. The immune system can fight off viruses in the body and kill them. Therefore, keeping the components of the immune system healthy is very important. With age, the immune system ages, and its function decreases. This decline in immune function can easily lead to viral infections in the elderly. Evidence is accumulated that the best solution to maintain and enhance the immune system in the elderly is physical activity. Regular physical activity can lead to healthy aging of the immune system. Therefore, in this review study, we have discussed the changes in the immune system during aging and physical activity suggestions for healthy aging of the immune system. Finally, future research needs are reported.

Abstract The purpose of this research was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of exercise training on neurotrophin levels in obese and overweight individuals. The research evaluated the effect of exercise training on neurotrophins in the databases of PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar with identified keywords among papers published from 2000 onwards. After preliminary screening, full-text studies as well as critical evaluation of the papers meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Finally, 12 studies entered systematic research, and 6 studies entered meta-analysis research. The results show that exercise training has an addictive effect on neurotrophin levels in obese individuals, but this addictive effect is not significant. The present meta-analyze shows that the brain -Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) response to exercise in obese individuals is increasing, but the increase is not significant (Difference in means = -0.42 pg/ml, P = 0.460). On the other hand, the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) response to exercise is also increasing which is significant (Z = 2.12, P = 0.034).  Thus, it can be concluded that exercise cannot increase neurotrophins in obese and overweight individuals; although, further studies are needed in this area.

Abstract Daily stair walking is a time-efficient everyday activity that improves cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and is associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality. However, more than one in three adult Europeans is physically inactive in their everyday life and the exemplary current rate of stair walking in Germany is not known. Therefore, 2,521 people were monitored climbing the stairs or using a parallel escalator over a period of one week in an underground train station in Munich, Germany (January 3rd to 9th, 2022). 53.4% were women and 46.6% men, 30.7% (N = 774) were classified as obviously overweight-obese. 9.1% (N = 229) of all people counted used the ascending stairs - these were slightly more male than female and a total of 19 persons who were obviously overweight-obese. On two observation days, the pedestrians' mode of descent (stairs/escalator) was also recorded on 457 people, of whom 28% (N = 128) were categorized as obviously overweight-obese. With an equal gender distribution, 27.8% (N = 127) of the people counted used the descending stairs, including 22 obviously overweight-obese people. A very small proportion of adults used the stairs in our exemplary sample (every eleventh chose the stairs for ascent and every fourth chose the stairs for descent), which confirms the high development potential for promoting short repetitive bouts of non-exercise physical activity in everyday life - also for overweight-obese people. Internalize the mantra: Stairs are good friends and not enemies!

Abstract Dear Editor-in-Chief
 
Recently, telocytes (TCs) have been identified in various organs of the body, which are unique stromal cells (Manetti et al., 2019). Telopodes (very long and thin cytoplasmic projections) in TCs connect directly with other TCs and adjacent structures (including blood vessels, nerve endings, smooth muscles, glandular elements) through direct homo- and heterocellular junctions, or extracellular vesicles. Studies also show that TC damage and dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, especially aging, and may be considered as therapeutic agents in the future (Chaitow, 2017). On the other hand, the evidence suggests that sarcopenia and fertility-related aging syndromes, due to their complex etiology, make pharmacological or nutritional prescriptions ineffective in their prevention and treatment (Kwak & Kwon, 2019). Therefore, the use of multidimensional strategies such as exercise programs with nutritional interventions may be more effective in preventing these age-related diseases (Nascimento et al., 2019; Pascual-Fernández et al., 2020). Research suggests that TCs may play a critical role in such matters as cross-talk preservation, regenerative mechanisms, and support for localized stem cell differentiation. In 2021, Ravalli et al. examined the presence of TCs in the anterior tibialis muscle of healthy rats under the endurance training protocol compared with sedentary rats. TCs in this study included CD34/CD117 and CD34/vimentin, which were identified by double-positive immunofluorescence staining technique. They showed that TCs in sedentary rats decreased significantly after 16 weeks. In contrast, trained rats showed a constant number of TCs after 16 weeks. In short, it can be stated that the protective relationship between TCs and regular sports activity may present new opportunities in the field of regenerative medicine and supports the hypothesis that a possible adaptative stimulus for TCs in sarcopenia and other musculoskeletal disorders is the promotion of physical activity (Ravalli et al., 2021; Rocha et al., 2021).
In order to support the repair and reconstruction of skeletal muscle, studies performed by transmission electron microscopy also show that there is a close spatial relationship between TCs and satellite cells in adult skeletal muscle. This association is probably due to the intracellular signaling mechanism of endocrine and paracrine, and although their exact function in skeletal muscle regeneration has not yet been fully understood, TCs containing vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta has been discovered in the interstitial part of skeletal muscle. In this way, TCs play an important role in promoting satellite cell self-renewal, vascular stability, facilitating angiogenesis, and preventing fibrosis (Cretoiu & Popescu, 2014; Manetti et al., 2019; Yin et al., 2013).
It is important to note that as age increases, skeletal muscle mass and potential for post-injury regeneration decrease. However, the role of intrinsic changes in satellite cells in these reductions has been controversial because studies have documented a decrease in the number of satellite cells with increasing age in mice. On the other hand, some results indicate that there is not significant reduction in this case. Moreover, evidence suggests that the potential for innate regeneration of satellite cell pools is impaired with age. Although the number of satellite cells in old muscle decreases, the inherent myogenic potential and self-renewal capacity of satellite cells remain unchanged. Factors that can play a role in the activation and differentiation of satellite cells are: paired/homeodomain box transcription factors PAX3 and PAX7 and basic helix-loop-helix myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) such as MYF5, MRF4, MYOD (Myogenic determination gene number 1) and myogenin (Arpke et al., 2021; Mierzejewski et al., 2020).
Unlike satellite cells and fibroblasts, skeletal muscle TCs express the c-kit cell surface marker. TC-specific antigenic markers are not yet fully understood; however, CD34 is currently used as the most reliable marker to detect TCs at the site of light microscopy, also known as TCs/CD34 + stromal cells (Manetti et al., 2019; Yin et al., 2013). The positive effects of regular physical activity on the number of satellite cells have been expressed, at the same time, skeletal muscle that contracts and relaxes is likely to be affected by the mechanical support of TCs during exercise (Ceccarelli et al., 2017; Kondo & Kaestner, 2019). Studies have shown evidence and conclusions about TCs, although, little research has been done on TCs in mammalian skeletal muscle tissue. At present, there is no direct experimental evidence and results that conclusively support a TCs-satellite cells morpho-functional interaction following skeletal muscle injury (Manetti et al., 2019). However, due to the beneficial role of exercise on satellite cells and TCs in the prevention of age-related muscle disorders, there are still many issues that need to be addressed, including identifying TC-specific biomarkers and their role in sarcopenia. Therefore, the role of regular physical activity on new interstitial cells such as TCs will be a new treatment for age-related diseases such as sarcopenia, which requires further investigations (Ravalli et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2016).