Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (Ex), vitamin D supplementation (VD), and their combination (VD+Ex) on insulin resistance (HOMA IR), glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting glucose), inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 [IL 6] and C reactive protein [CRP]), and anthropometric measures in men with T2DM. In this single blind randomized controlled trial, 40 men with T2DM (aged 40–55 years) were randomly allocated into four groups (n=10 each): placebo control (PI), vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU/day, VD), resistance training (three sessions/week, 60–70% of 1RM, progressive overload, Ex), and combined VD+Ex. All participants maintained their usual diet, lifestyle, and anti-diabetic medications. Fasting blood samples were collected pre and post intervention to measure serum glucose, insulin, 25 hydroxy vitamin D, IL 6, and CRP. HOMA IR was calculated. Post hoc analysis showed that the Ex group had significantly lower HOMA IR than the placebo group (p=0.002), and the VD+Ex group had significantly lower HOMA IR compared to both placebo (p<0.001) and VD alone (p=0.001). The comparison between VD+Ex and Ex was not statistically significant (p>0.05). No significant difference in HbA1c was observed (p=0.210). For body fat percentage, both Ex (p=0.043) and VD+Ex (p<0.001 vs. placebo;p=0.009 vs. VD) showed significant reductions. IL 6 levels were significantly lower in the Ex and VD+Ex groups compared to placebo and VD groups (p<0.001 for both). No significant changes were found in CRP levels (p=0.078). The combination of resistance training and vitamin D did not provide additional statistically significant benefits over resistance training alone for any outcome, including HOMA IR, body fat percentage, or IL 6.

Abstract Exercise and the use of anti-inflammatory supplements are effective in controlling inflammation and tissue damage in diabetes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of interval training and royal jelly on the expression of renal inflammatory genes and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet for 20 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared STZ solution in saline (25 mg/kg). Then the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Diabetes (DI), DI+ HIIT, DI+ royal jelly (RJ), and DI+ HIIT+ RJ. Royal jelly groups were given royal jelly at a dose of 100 mg/kg diluted in distilled water and gavage 5 days a week. The exercise program consisted of eight weeks of HIIT training, five sessions per week with a gradual increase in intensity intervals from 22 to 38 meters per minute (80 to 90% of Vo2max) and rest intervals at a speed of 16 to 22 meters per minute (50 to 56% of Vo2max). At the end of the research, rats were euthanized and kidney tissue was removed to measure the expression of TNF-α and NF-κB genes. The DI+HIIT (p=0.0006), DI+RJ (p=0.0011) and DI+HIIT+RJ (p<0.0001) groups showed a significant decrease in HOMA-IR compared to the diabetes control group. The DI+HIIT, DI+RJ and DI+HIIT+RJ groups showed a significant decrease in TNF-α and NF-κB gene expression in kidney tissue compared to the diabetes control group. In conclusion, 8 weeks of HIIT and/or royal jelly supplementation significantly ameliorated insulin resistance and suppressed renal pro-inflammatory gene expression (TNF-α, NF-κB) in diabetic rats, with the combined approach showing the greatest efficacy.

Abstract This study investigated the combined efficacy of interval training and thyme honey in attenuating the expression of inflammatory genes (TNF-α and TGF-β) in renal tissue and improving insulin resistance in diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 32 young male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: diabetes mellitus control (DM), diabetes and interval training (DM+HIIT), diabetes and thyme honey (DM+TH), and diabetes and interval training-thyme honey (DM+HIIT+TH). Animals in the training group underwent 40 sessions of training over two months with a gradual increase in the number of intense intervals from 2 to 8 intervals and an intensity of 80 to 95% of maximum running speed. At the same time, the samples in the TH groups received thyme honey at a rate of g/kg 3 and 5 days per week. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was performed using the formula. TNF- α  and TGF-β gene expression in kidney tissue was evaluated using Real-Time PCR. Based on the results of the present study, DM+HIIT significantly reduced HOMA-IR compared to the diabetes group (p<0.05). However, the DM+HIIT+TH group did not yield a greater improvement in HOMA-IR than the DM+HIIT group alone. Also, TNF-α and TGF-β genes in the DM+HIIT, DM+TH and DM+HIIT+TH groups showed a significant decrease compared to the diabetes group (p<0.05). In conclusion, our findings provide strong evidence that both interval training and thyme honey supplementation independently ameliorate diabetic nephropathy by downregulating key pro-fibrotic and inflammatory mediators. While the combination therapy was highly effective at suppressing inflammatory genes, it did not provide a synergistic benefit for insulin sensitivity compared to exercise alone. These results suggest that interval exercise is the primary driver of improved insulin sensitivity in this model.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) elevates thrombotic risk through dysregulated coagulation factors, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibrinogen, driven by visceral adiposity and metabolic dysfunction. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves cardiometabolic health, but its effects on hemostatic markers in MetS remain underexplored. Twenty-four men with MetS (ATP-III criteria; age 44.4 ± 5.4 years, BMI 31.7 ± 2.3 kg·m⁻²) were randomized to HIIT (n=12) or control (n=12). HIIT comprised 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (4 × 4-min intervals at 90% HRmax, interspersed with 3-min active recovery at 70% HRmax). Fasting plasma PAI-1, fibrinogen, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body composition, and lipid profiles were assessed pre/post-intervention. HIIT significantly reduced PAI-1 (−30.7%, p<0.001) and fibrinogen (−21.8%, p<0.001) versus controls. Concurrent improvements occurred in HOMA-IR (−20.6%, p<0.001), body fat (−3.8%, p<0.05), systolic/diastolic BP (−7.5%/−5.2%, p<0.05), LDL-c (−5.6%), triglycerides (−9.4%), and HDL-c (+3.0%; all p<0.05). Control group exhibited no significant changes. HIIT attenuates prothrombotic risk in MetS, evidenced by reductions in PAI-1 and fibrinogen. These hemostatic improvements are mechanistically linked to ameliorated metabolic dysfunction, highlighting HIIT’s role in modulating adipose tissue–vascular cross talk.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of aloe vera intake and eight weeks’ aerobic exercise on serum BDNF, glucose, and insulin levels in women with type 2 diabetes. In this experimental study, 32 women with type 2 diabetes were selected and randomly divided into four groups of control, supplement, exercise, exercise + supplement. The exercise program was performed 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks (40 min of exercise with 50-60% of heart rate reserve in the first four weeks and 60 min of exercise with 60-80% of heart rate reserve in the second four weeks). The supplement taking groups received 400 mg/kg of oral aloe Vera 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A significant increase was observed in BDNF levels, insulin sensitivity of patients in the supplement, exercise, and exercise + supplement groups (p=0.001). The glucose and insulin levels, insulin resistance, BMI, and body fat percentage significantly decreased in the supplement, exercise, and exercise + supplement groups (p=0.001). It seems aloe Vera intake and aerobic exercise to have protective effects against development of type 2 diabetes complications in women.