Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract The present study aimed to compare the effects of three weeks black seed oil massage on serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, CRP, and CPK in elite male taekwondo athletes. Fifteen elite male taekwondo athletes participated in this quasi experimental study. Three intervention groups were included: massage, black seed oil, and massage combined with black seed oil. No true control group (receiving neither intervention) was included, which represents a major limitation of the study design. All interventions were administered once weekly for three consecutive weeks. Participants in the massage group received a 30 45 min Swedish massage; the black seed oil group underwent topical application of 5 10 mL of black seed oil; and in the combined intervention group, Swedish massage was performed using black seed oil as the massage medium. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant main effect of time for both IL-6 and IL-10(p≤0.001). A significant group×time interaction was observed for these two inflammatory markers(p≤0.007), although the overall between-group main effect was not statistically significant. Bonferroni revealed that at the first week post-test, serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the black seed oil group than in the massage plus black seed oil group (p≤0.05). Furthermore, within-group analyses showed that IL-6 and IL-10 levels significantly increased from baseline to all subsequent post-intervention measurements in all three groups (p≤0.05). The lower IL 6 and IL 10 response observed in the combined massage and black seed oil group during the first week is an isolated exploratory finding that may reflect Type I error or chance variation; it should not be interpreted as evidence of clinically relevant modulation. Given the absence of a true control group and the severely underpowered sample (N=12, 4 per group), these results should be considered preliminary and hypothesis generating.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of resistance training and pineapple extract consumption on intratumoral NF-κB and LIN28B gene expression and serum TNF-α levels in a murine C57 melanoma model. Twenty C57BL/6 mice were allocated into four groups (n=5/group): melanoma tumor control (MT), MT with resistance training (MT+RT), MT with pineapple extract (MT+PJ), and MT with combined intervention (MT+RT+PJ). The RT protocol and PJ administration (300 mg/kg/day via gavage) were conducted for six weeks’ post-tumor induction. Serum TNF-α was quantified by ELISA, and tumor gene expression of NF-κB and LIN28B was analyzed via RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. All three intervention groups exhibited a significant downregulation of NF-κB and LIN28B gene expression in tumor tissue compared to the MT control group (p<0.05). Conversely, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the intervention groups relative to the control (p<0.05). Resistance training and pineapple extract consumption, both individually and in combination, significantly modulated pro-tumorigenic pathways by suppressing intratumoral NF-κB and LIN28B expression, despite an observed increase in systemic TNF-α.

Abstract This study investigates the effect of home-based combined exercise on the transforming growth factor-β/Interleukin-17 ratio (TGF-β/IL-17) in maternal serum during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as in umbilical cord blood. Thirty overweight pregnant women were randomly allocated to control and training groups. Blood samples were collected during each trimester of pregnancy and from the umbilical cord at birth. Fitness-related indicators were assessed in the mother throughout pregnancy. Newborn health indicators were measured at birth. The levels of IL-17 and TGF-β were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and specialized kits. The exercise training significantly reduced TGF-β levels (p=0.011, effect size=1.22) and the TGF-β/IL-17 ratio (p=0.045, effect size=0.79) in the third trimester in mothers. Similarly, this ratio decreased in the fetus, accompanied by an increase in IL-17 levels (p = 0.038, effect size = 0.93). These immune changes were associated with improved maternal cardiovascular fitness and higher Apgar scores at 5 minutes for newborns (p<0.05). Obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy are linked to inflammatory responses and elevated cytokine levels, which may increase the risk of complications for the mother. This study highlights the long-term benefits of maternal exercise, evidenced by reduced inflammatory responses and improved neonatal health outcomes, as reflected in Apgar scores.

Abstract Dear Editor-in-Chief
New approaches to endocrinology have confirmed that every cell secretes hormones. These secreted substances are called cytokines. However, they are also named based on their origin. For example, the secretions of adipose and muscle tissue cells are called adipokines and myokines, respectively (Chait & den Hartigh, 2020).
The endocrine function of adipose tissue has been determined in some studies. It secretes substances called adipokines. Released adipokines (such as leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, omentin) act as autocrine/paracrine and endocrine (Landecho et al., 2019).
 Adipokines play an essential role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, nutritional behavior, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, the immune system, adipose tissue production, vascular function, coagulation, and other bodily functions (Chait & den Hartigh, 2020). Leptin, for example, regulates body fat mass and obesity (when it increases in the bloodstream) through appetite and satiety receptors (in the hypothalamus). Unlike leptin, adiponectin reduces body fat mass and regulates glucose and lipid homeostasis. The resistin can be thought of as a link between obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. The visfatin plays an essential role in inflammatory and infectious diseases through pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic ability. Omentin significantly reduces the acute phase protein in endothelial cells and can be considered an anti-inflammatory adipokine (Landecho et al., 2019). In general, adipokines act as a mediator in regulating the function of tissues and other organs such as the liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas, and cardiovascular system. Adipose tissue dysfunction plays a significant role in insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease (Balistreri, Caruso, & Candore, 2010).
Exercise promotes adaptation to skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and consequently prevents metabolic disorders. Physical activity causes these beneficial effects by altering myokines (skeletal muscle secretions) and adipokines. Adipokines and myokines play a role in facilitating tissue-to-tissue communication (tissue crosstalk) and work together to improve health. Studies show that skeletal muscle releasing myokines during a contraction may influence adipokines (Leal, Lopes, & Batista, 2018). Moreover, Shirvani et al. showed a significant positive correlation between plasma levels of irisin with the nesfatin-1 and a significant negative correlation with resistin. Therefore, physical activity could create metabolic crosstalk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (Shirvani & Rahmati-Ahmadabad, 2019). Doing crosstalk research by researchers is crucial to better understand the health-related molecular mechanisms (created by exercise).