Journal of Eexercise & Organ Cross Talk
Keywords = NAFLD
Exercise and organ crosstalk in diseases

Impact of borage extract and 8-week aerobic training on liver autophagy genes Beclin-1 and Parkin in male Wistar rats with NAFLD

Volume 4, Issue 4, Autumn 2024, Pages 255-262

https://doi.org/10.22122/jeoct.2025.501185.1140

Atena Bakhshizadeh, Hossein Abed Natanzi, Mandana Gholami, Farshad Ghazalian

Abstract NAFLD is one of the chronic liver diseases closely related to metabolic disorders. Borage and physical activity improves oxidative indices. Also, Beclin-1 is a key gene in the autophagy process, and Parkin acts as a protective mechanism against liver damage. So, this study aims to investigate the effect of aerobic training and borage extract on the expression of Beclin-1 and Parkin genes in the liver cells in NAFLD. In this experimental study,40male Wistar rats weighing were divided into 4groups. (control, supplement, training), and training+supplement. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software. Training and borage extract had no significant effect on Beclin-1 expression (P=0.267), with fold changes of 1.05±0.07 for training, 1.07±0.06 for borage extract, and 1.12±0.08 for training+borage extract, compared to the control. However, Parkin expression increased significantly (P=0.006), with fold changes of 1.15±0.08 for Training, 1.18±0.09 for borage extract, and 1.20±0.10 for training+borage extract. Post hoc confirmed a significant increase in Parkin expression in the training+borage extract group compared to the control (P=0.035). This study showed that it is possible that the consumption of borage extract and aerobic training together and alone have an increasing the expression of Parkin. So, both borage extract and aerobic training have individual benefits for improving liver health by targeting Beclin-1 and PARKIN pathways, and their combination could provide a more robust approach to managing NAFLD by promoting effective autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondrial function. This dual intervention could reduce liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately improving metabolic outcomes in individuals suffering from NAFLD.

Cellular & Molecular Exercise Physiology

The relationship between NAFLD with diet and exercise: Current perspectives

Volume 2, Issue 4, Autumn 2022, Pages 161-167

https://doi.org/10.22034/jeoct.2022.375762.1056

Fariba Aghaei

Abstract NAFLD, a general term that describes several diseases caused by hepatic fat deposition such as hepatic steatosis (HS) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), includes the many conditions that are related to fat accumulation in the liver. Indeed, NAFLD is treated with a treatment plan consisting of weight loss, nutritional supplementation, and physical activity. Despite the lack of scientific research on diet and physical exercise, there is a paucity of evidence on NAFLD. The DASH and Mediterranean diets have been frequently used for treating cardiovascular metabolic risk factors, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, an in-depth assessment of existing dietary and physical activity methods, involving Brazilian and other country-specific recommendations was conducted to determine their effect on the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Exercise and organ crosstalk in diseases

Fatty liver disease, risks, strategies, and its relationship with COVID-19 with an emphasis on nutrition and exercise

Volume 1, Issue 1, Spring 2021, Pages 29-46

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22034/JEOCT.2021.290979.1009

Fariba Aghaei, Mehdi Zargani, Foad Feizollahi

Abstract The COVID-19 epidemic has caused lifestyle changes in people from all walks of life and has become a global threat to the health and well-being of all countries of the world. Considering changes caused by the prevalence of the disease and quarantine conditions, the increased likelihood of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in people is among these threats. On the other hand, patients with overweight and obesity, and consequently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a weaker immune system than other people with ideal weight, and as a result, are more likely to develop COVID-19. As there is currently no definitive treatment for COVID-19 and NAFLD, and because people with NAFLD are more likely to develop COVID-19 based on the research in this area, paying attention to this important issue is thus necessary. Considering a regular physical activity program and having a balanced diet are among the essential strategies and may help prevent NAFLD, and consequently, COVID-19. However, given the novelty of COVID-19 pathogen and the ambiguity of the exact cause of why people get NAFLD, further research is needed to be done on the type of effective diet, as well as the type, intensity, and volume of exercise for these people. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence on the pathology and epidemiology of NAFLDs and COVID-19, as well as the effect of NAFLD on COVID-19 in people. Given the existing risks, the nutrition and exercise strategies were investigated in this regard.