Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test–post-test design with a control group to investigate the effects of an eight-week sport metric training program on selected hematological indices and physical performance variables in adolescent male soccer players. Thirty participants (aged 13–16 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The experimental group performed sport metric training three sessions per week for eight weeks, in addition to their routine soccer training. The control group continued only their standard soccer sessions. Hematological indices (hemoglobin, hematocrit, and blood viscosity) were measured from venous blood samples, while physical performance was assessed using the 36-meter sprint test (for speed) and the Illinois agility test. Following the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels increased meaningfully (P ≤ 0.05), suggesting enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Blood viscosity decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), which may indicate improved blood flow and reduced circulatory resistance. In terms of physical performance, the experimental group exhibited substantial reductions in sprint time (36-meter sprint) and agility time (Illinois test), both reaching statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05) with large effect sizes. In conclusion, eight weeks of sport metric training produced favorable changes in hematological profiles and marked enhancements in speed and agility performance among adolescent male soccer players. The findings suggest that targeted, sport-specific training programs can serve as a valuable supplement to routine soccer training during adolescence, supporting both physiological development and on-field performance.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of two different resistance training protocols on TNF-α and adiponectin in young overweight men. Sixty healthy overweight men (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², age 20–30 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: Experimental Group 1 (EG1), Experimental Group 2 (EG2), and Control Group (CG). EG1 performed the DeLorme-Watkins protocol, consisting of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 50%, 75%, and 100% of 10RM, while EG2 performed HIPT, consisting of 3 sets (set 1: 6 repetitions at 70% of 1RM; set 2: 4 repetitions at 80% of 1RM; set 3: 2 repetitions at 90% of 1RM). Training lasted 8 weeks. TNF-α and adiponectin levels were measured pre- and post-intervention. One-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests and paired-samples t-tests were used to analyze inter- and intra-group differences (α≤0.05). TNF-α significantly decreased in EG1 (P = 0.04), while adiponectin levels significantly increased in both EG1 (P = 0.02) and EG2 (P = 0.03) at post-test compared to pre-test. Additionally, TNF-α levels were significantly lower in EG1 than in CG at post-test (P = 0.01). Both resistance training protocols exerted beneficial effects on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers, potentially contributing to cardiovascular disease prevention. However, the DeLorme-Watkins protocol resulted in a significantly greater reduction in TNF-α levels compared to HIPT, whereas no significant between-group difference was observed for adiponectin.

Abstract This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a multi-strain probiotic mixture, on the intestinal expression of FXR and PPAR-γ in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=8): Healthy Control (HC), Diabetic Control (DC), Diabetic+HIIT (DH), Diabetic+Probiotic (DP), and Diabetic+HIIT+Probiotic (DHP). T2DM was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (95 mg/kg) followed by streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg). The HIIT protocol was performed on a rodent treadmill for 8 weeks (5 sessions/week). The probiotic mixture (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri; 1×10¹⁰ CFU/mL each) was administered daily via oral gavage. Diabetes induction significantly downregulated the intestinal expression of both FXR and PPAR-γ compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). HIIT and probiotic interventions, individually, significantly increased the expression of both nuclear receptors compared to the diabetic control group (p<0.001). Notably, the combined HIIT and probiotic intervention (DHP) produced the highest expression levels of FXR and PPAR-γ, which were significantly greater than either intervention alone (p<0.01) and restored FXR expression to levels comparable to healthy controls. Both HIIT and multi-strain probiotic supplementation effectively upregulate the intestinal expression of FXR and PPAR-γ in diabetic rats, with the combination exerting a synergistic effect. These findings identify a novel mechanism by which lifestyle interventions may restore intestinal metabolic function and inter-organ communication in T2DM, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut through combined exercise and probiotic strategies.

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease associated with neurodegeneration and impaired neurotrophic support. Neuromuscular training, through integrated activation of the nervous and muscular systems, may positively influence these neurotrophic factors. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of eight weeks of neuromuscular training on serum BDNF and GDNF levels in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Thirty women with multiple sclerosis were purposively selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The experimental group completed an eight-week neuromuscular training program (three sessions per week), consisting of core stability, resistance, balance, and agility exercises with progressive overload, while exercise intensity was controlled using the Borg perceived exertion scale., while the control group continued their usual daily activities. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after the final training session, and the obtained serum was used to measure BDNF and GDNF levels. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.05, employing SPSS software (version 27). The results demonstrated that neuromuscular training induced significant increases in serum BDNF (p = 0.001, η² = 0.80) and GDNF (p = 0.001, η² = 0.79) levels in the experimental group compared with the control group. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that eight weeks of neuromuscular training elicit significant increases in serum BDNF and GDNF levels in women with multiple sclerosis. These findings indicate an enhanced neurotrophic environment that may support neural plasticity and neuroprotective mechanisms..

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes in older adults is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, with elevated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity playing central roles in disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the independent and combined effects of eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and NBS superfood supplementation on serum IL-1β and SOD levels in elderly men with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Forty older men (aged 60–75 years) with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated using stratified block randomization to four groups (n=10 each): control, exercise-only (TR), supplement-only (SUP), and exercise + supplement (TR+SUP). The exercise groups performed supervised cycling at 60–70% Wmax, 30 min/session, 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks. The supplementation groups received 10 g/day NBS superfood. Fasting serum IL-1β and SOD were measured before and 48 hours after the intervention using ELISA.
Results: Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant time × group interactions for both IL-1β (p < 0.001, η²p = 0.372) and SOD (p < 0.001, η²p = 0.892). Post-hoc tests showed the greatest reductions in IL-1β and largest increases in SOD occurred in the TR+SUP group compared to all other groups (p < 0.001), indicating a synergistic effect.
Conclusion: Eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with NBS superfood supplementation exerts potent synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in older men with type 2 diabetes, suggesting a promising non-pharmacological strategy for managing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

Abstract This study was designed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of Iranian research on the effects of various resistance training protocols on muscle hypertrophy. The analysis examined temporal publication trends, prolific authors, leading research institutions, and prominent journals in this field. All relevant articles published up to the year 1403 (2024) were retrieved from the MagIran database. Inclusion criteria were limited to original peer-reviewed research articles published in Persian, while conference abstracts and other non-journal sources were excluded. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer software to perform co-authorship and keyword co-occurrence analyses. Between 1390 and 1403 (2011–2024), a total of 31 articles were published in this domain. Most publications were authored by faculty members of public (state) universities. Approximately 65% of the articles appeared in journals affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, whereas 35% were published in medical sciences journals. Keyword analysis indicated that “resistance training” and “muscle hypertrophy” were the most frequent and central terms, with clustering results demonstrating strong interconnections among core research topics. Overall, the findings of this bibliometric analysis provide a structured overview of the research landscape and offer a roadmap for identifying research gaps, publication patterns, and future research priorities in the Iranian context.

Abstract Type 3 diabetes (T3D), defined by the concurrence of type 2 diabetes and age-related cognitive impairment, is linked to progressive deterioration in both cognitive and physical function. Emerging evidence suggests that functional exercise training prescribed in relation to individualized lactate thresholds may enhance neurocognitive and physical adaptations by matching exercise intensity to individual metabolic capacity and systemic organ cross-talk. Randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of long-term, lactate-threshold–based functional training on cognitive and physical function in older adults with T3D, highlighting the role of exercise intensity in optimizing outcomes. Sixty-six adults aged 60–80 years with Type 3 diabetes and cognitive impairment, assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, will be recruited from the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Diabetes Association and randomly assigned to three groups. The intervention group will undertake a six-month, individualized high-intensity functional training program combining supervised and home-based sessions. Primary outcomes include changes in cognitive performance and physical function assessed using validated and standardized measures. It is hypothesized that lactate-threshold–guided functional exercise at tailored intensities will lead to significant improvements in both cognitive and physical function, emphasizing the critical role of exercise intensity in modulating neurocognitive and functional adaptations in elderly individuals with type 3 diabetes. This study aims to provide robust evidence for intensity-specific, lactate-threshold–based exercise prescriptions in this population.

Abstract Dear Editor-in-Chief The global epidemic of childhood obesity continues to challenge healthcare systems, with recent epidemiological data confirming a tenfold increase in prevalence over four decades. While the complications of pediatric obesity are well documented, the field of predictive medicine urgently requires reliable biomarkers that identify at-risk children before irreversible metabolic dysfunction develops. The Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk has consistently highlighted the importance of inter-organ communication in metabolic health. Herein, we propose that the brain-muscle-adipose tissue triad represents a pivotal axis for developing predictive strategies in childhood obesity. Recent evidence has substantially advanced our understanding of adipose tissue signaling in pediatric populations. A study of 104 children aged 7-18 years demonstrated that circulating spexin and adiponectin are significantly associated with insulin resistance in pediatric obesity. Notably, spexin exhibited a biphasic pattern characterized by an initial compensatory increase followed by a decompensated decrease, suggesting its potential as an early warning signal for metabolic deterioration. Adiponectin emerged as an independent determinant of HOMA-IR (β = −0.577, p = 0.005), reinforcing the central role of adipose-derived signals in systemic insulin sensitivity (Lian et al., 2026). These findings position adipokines as accessible biomarkers for stratifying risk in children with obesity. Expanding beyond adipose tissue, large-scale proteomic analyses have revealed multi-organ signatures of cardiometabolic risk. In a cross-sectional study of 4,024 children and adolescents, Stinson and colleagues identified protein signatures linking obesity to dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Using machine learning approaches, a three-protein panel (CDCP1, FGF21, HAOX1) combined with liver enzymes improved prediction of steatotic liver disease compared to enzymes alone (ROC-AUC = 0.83 vs. 0.77, p < 0.05). Importantly, reductions in adiposity during a one-year intervention were associated with decreased inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating the modifiable nature of these biomarkers (Stinson et al., 2026). This work underscores that circulating proteomic signatures reflect integrated signals from multiple organs, including liver, adipose tissue, and potentially skeletal muscle. The central nervous system's role in this crosstalk cannot be overlooked. A comprehensive Mendelian randomization study investigating the fat-brain axis revealed bidirectional causal relationships between body fat measures and brain phenotypes. Body fat composition showed negative genetic correlations with intelligence and cognitive performance, while positive correlations emerged with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, stroke, and depression. These genetic insights suggest that the brain is not merely a passive recipient of peripheral metabolic signals but actively participates in a bidirectional dialogue with adipose tissue. For predictive medicine, this implies that neurobehavioral assessments could complement biochemical markers in identifying children at greatest metabolic risk (Baranova et al., 2025). The convergence of these findings carries translational implications. First, the identification of early biomarkers such as spexin and adiponectin enables risk stratification before frank insulin resistance develops. Second, proteomic signatures incorporating multiple organ-derived proteins offer enhanced predictive accuracy for specific outcomes like steatotic liver disease. Third, genetic evidence linking brain phenotypes to body fat measures suggests that predictive models should incorporate both biochemical and neurobehavioral parameters. For JEOCT readers, these advances highlight opportunities for exercise-based interventions targeting inter-organ communication Physical activity potently modulates the secretome of skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and potentially the brain. Understanding how exercise-induced signals influence the brain-muscle-adipose triad could inform personalized exercise prescriptions for children with obesity. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies mapping the temporal dynamics of these biomarkers during childhood development and in response to lifestyle interventions. In conclusion, the brain-muscle-adipose tissue triad represents a conceptual framework for predictive medicine in childhood obesity. By integrating adipose-derived signals, multi-organ proteomic signatures, and brain-body genetic links, we can move toward early identification of at-risk children and targeted preventive strategies. The Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk is ideally positioned to advance this research agenda.  

Abstract Hepatic gene expression of inflammatory and growth factors such as IL-8 and bFGF2 may be modulated in melanoma metastasis. Non-pharmacological interventions like exercise and anti-inflammatory supplements represent potential complementary strategies for modification. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise, pineapple extract supplementation, and their combination on the hepatic expression of CXCL2/IL-8 HOMOLOG and bFGF2 genes in a murine melanoma model. Melanoma-bearing mice were allocated into four groups (n=5 per group): Control, Aerobic Exercise, Pineapple Extract Supplement, and Aerobic Exercise + Pineapple Extract. After the intervention period, liver tissue was analyzed for CXCL2/IL-8 HOMOLOG and bFGF2 gene expression via one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between the two genes. A significant difference was observed in CXCL2/IL-8 HOMOLOG gene expression between groups (F=4.211, p=0.0239). Post hoc analysis revealed that only the combined Aerobic Exercise + Pineapple Extract group showed a significant decrease in hepatic CXCL2/IL-8 HOMOLOG compared to the Cancer Control group (p=0.0251). In contrast, no significant difference was found in bFGF2 gene expression across groups (F=1.425, p=0.2745). Correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between CXCL2/IL-8 HOMOLOG and bFGF2 exclusively in the Cancer Control group (r = -0.948, p=0.013). The combination of aerobic exercise and pineapple extract supplementation significantly reduces hepatic CXCL2/IL-8 HOMOLOG expression in melanoma-bearing mice, suggesting a potential synergistic effect in modulating the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment. The distinct lack of effect on bFGF2 and the specific negative correlation in controls highlight pathway-selective responses.

Abstract Objective: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of combined mobile-based digital education ("DiabetiFit Pro") and aerobic-resistance exercise on treatment adherence, glycemic control, and tissue markers (lipotoxicity, sarcopenia, necrosis) among underserved type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods: In this 12-week RCT, 250 patients (mean age 54.3±10.7 years; HbA1c 9.2%) from underserved Iranian regions were randomized to intervention (n=125; 3 weekly sessions: 10-min app-based education + 35-50 min ACSM-guided exercise) or control (n=125; usual care). Primary outcomes were HbA1c and MMAS-8 adherence scores. Secondary outcomes included glycemic variability and tissue biomarkers. Analysis used ITT with ANCOVA, regression, and χ² (α=0.05).

Results: Intervention produced superior HbA1c reduction (-1.70% vs -0.70% control; between-group diff: -1.00%, η²=0.18, p<.001) and adherence gains (+1.30 vs +0.40 points; η²=0.16, p<.001). High adherence increased from 23.2% to 48.8% (χ²=22.45, p<.001). Dose-response: modules completed explained 11.5% HbA1c variance (β=-0.34); app hours predicted 16.8% adherence variance (β=0.41). Favorable lipotoxicity/sarcopenia improvements observed.

Conclusion: Combined digital education-exercise interventions significantly enhance adherence, glycemic control, and tissue health in underserved T2DM populations, demonstrating dose-response efficacy and clinical meaningfulness per ADA standards. Health systems should scale such integrated mHealth platforms.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, mHealth, aerobic-resistance exercise, treatment adherence, HbA1c, sarcopenia, underserved populations

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on Adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipR1) gene expression in breast tumor tissue and serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) in a murine model of breast cancer. Sixteen male BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma cells (5 × 10⁵ cells/mouse). One week post-inoculation, mice were randomly assigned to either a tumor-bearing control group (Tumor, n=8) or a tumor-bearing group subjected to HIIT (Tumor+HIIT, n=8). The HIIT protocol was performed on a motor-driven treadmill five days/week for four weeks, consisting of six 2-minute high-intensity intervals (18–25 m/min, 80–90% VO₂max) interspersed with 3-minute active recovery periods (5–9 m/min). Twenty-four hours after the final session, tumor tissues were excised for AdipR1 gene expression analysis via quantitative real-time PCR (2^-ΔΔCT method), and serum samples were collected for assessment of GPX and GR levels using ELISA.  HIIT significantly upregulated AdipR1 gene expression in breast tumor tissue compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Serum GPX levels were significantly decreased in the Tumor+HIIT group compared to the Tumor control group (p<0.0001). However, no significant difference was observed in serum GR levels between the two groups (p=0.7499). These findings suggest that HIIT may influence breast cancer progression through adiponectin-mediated pathways and oxidative stress regulation, providing a potential non-pharmacological adjunctive strategy for breast cancer management. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.

Abstract Irisin, a myokine cleaved from the membrane protein Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), has emerged as a critical exercise-induced hormone. It is implicated in the browning of white adipose tissue, enhanced metabolic rate, and potential anabolic processes. In bodybuilding, where precise manipulation of training variables—specifically repetitions (reps) and sets—is paramount, understanding how these variables influence irisin secretion could optimize both physique and health outcomes. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effects of resistance training protocols, with a focus on reps and sets, on irisin secretion. Furthermore, it explores the potential subsequent benefits of elevated irisin levels for bodybuilders, including its putative roles in fat metabolism, muscle remodeling, and overall metabolic health. Evidence suggests that high-volume resistance training protocols, characterized by multiple sets (≥3) and moderate repetitions (8-12 reps), may be potent stimulators of irisin release. This secretion is hypothesized to be mediated by muscle contraction-induced PGC-1α expression. Elevated irisin levels are often correlated with improved lipid oxidation, which could aid in cutting phases by promoting a leaner physique. Additionally, preclinical and some human studies suggest irisin may support muscle hypertrophy through enhanced nutrient partitioning and autocrine/paracrine signaling, though this mechanism requires further elucidation. Strategic manipulation of resistance training volume and intensity may represent a viable method for modulating irisin secretion. Incorporating protocols that could elevate this myokine might provide bodybuilders with a dual advantage: enhancing metabolic efficiency to reduce adipose tissue and potentially supporting muscle growth and recovery. However, the current evidence is not yet definitive, and more research is needed to confirm these links.

Abstract The integration of herbal supplementation with exercise training may offer a novel hybrid strategy that bridges traditional medicine and modern performance science to enhance recovery and physical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of cinnamon supplementation and Tabata-style high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic and performance outcomes in young male military cadets. Forty-eight healthy cadets were randomly assigned to four groups: Tabata training (T), cinnamon supplementation (S), Tabata + cinnamon (TS), and control (C). The intervention lasted six weeks, consisting of thrice-weekly Tabata sessions (87–100% HRmax) and daily oral cinnamon supplementation (1.5 g/day). Assessments conducted before and after the intervention included body composition, VO₂max, post-exercise blood lactate levels, and combat readiness scores based on the Army Combat Fitness Test. Statistical analysis employed paired t-tests and ANCOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05. Significant improvements were observed in the TS group compared to control: VO2max increased (p = 0.001), post-exercise lactate decreased (−1.93 mmol/L, p = 0.001), and combat readiness scores improved substantially (+63.6 points, p = 0.001). Comparable but less pronounced improvements were observed in the Tabata-only and cinnamon-only groups. No adverse effects were reported. The findings suggest that cinnamon—a time-honored medicinal spice—may potentiate the effects of high-intensity training by improving aerobic capacity, lactate clearance, and combat readiness. This study provides translational evidence supporting cinnamon as a safe, natural, and affordable traditional functional food that can enhance physical performance and metabolic resilience in tactical populations. The integration of traditional herbal supplementation with modern training paradigms offers a promising avenue in the evolving field of evidence-based traditional medicine.

Abstract Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high propensity for metastasis, particularly to the liver. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of resistance training (RT) and pineapple extract (PE) supplementation on primary melanoma tumor growth and the expression of hepatic apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2) in a murine model. C57BL/6 mice bearing subcutaneous B16F10 melanoma tumors were allocated to four groups: Tumor Control (TC), RT, PE, and Combined (RT+PE). The six-week intervention consisted of ladder-climbing RT and/or oral PE supplementation. Tumor volume was measured throughout the study. Upon completion, hepatic Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression was analyzed via qPCR. While RT and PE alone did not significantly affect tumor volume, the Combined (RT+PE) group showed a significant reduction compared to the TC group (p<0.05). In the liver, all intervention groups (RT, PE, and Combined) significantly decreased pro-apoptotic Bax expression and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression relative to the TC group (p<0.05). The combination of resistance training and pineapple extract exhibits a synergistic effect in reducing primary melanoma tumor growth. Furthermore, both interventions independently and collectively modulate systemic apoptotic markers in the liver, suggesting a potential role in influencing the hepatic microenvironment. This non-invasive combinatorial approach may represent a promising complementary strategy for managing melanoma progression and its systemic effects.

Abstract Sciatic nerve injury results in significant functional impairment and is associated with neuroinflammatory responses. While lithium and exercise have shown independent neuroprotective potential, their combined effects remain less explored. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of lithium, resistance training, and their combination on functional recovery and neuroinflammatory markers in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. Twenty-five rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham, Model (sciatic nerve injury), Model+Lithium, Model+Resistance training, and Model+Lithium+Resistance training. Lithium carbonate (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for 5 days, and resistance training was conducted for 6 weeks, with both interventions starting 24 hours’ post-injury. Functional recovery was assessed using the beam walk test. Neuroinflammation was evaluated by measuring the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in the cerebrospinal fluid at the end of the 6-week intervention period. Sciatic nerve injury (Model group) induced a significant deficit in beam test performance compared to the Sham group (p < 0.001). All treatment groups (Lithium, Resistance training, and Combined) showed significant improvement in functional scores compared to the Model group, with the Combined treatment group showing significantly greater recovery than either monotherapy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Model group exhibited a significant increase in MPO and NO levels. Resistance training alone and in combination with lithium significantly attenuated this increase (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, lithium monotherapy did not reduce the elevated neuroinflammatory markers. Our findings demonstrate that resistance training alone effectively reduces neuroinflammation and improves functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury. The combination of lithium and resistance training yields a synergistic effect, resulting in the most significant functional improvement, suggesting a promising combined therapeutic strategy for peripheral nerve injury.

Abstract Crosstalk between muscle and adipose tissue via myokines and adipokines has critical implications for the metabolic regulation of type 2 diabetes. Irisin and adipolin are key secretory proteins involved in glucose homeostasis and anti-inflammatory pathways, yet the combined impact of pharmacological and physical interventions on their metabolism remains insufficiently characterized. This experimental study investigated the effects of metformin therapy and structured exercise on serum levels of irisin and adipolin, as well as related metabolic parameters, in male diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats (fasting glucose >250 mg/dl), while the healthy control group maintained normal glucose levels (~95 mg/dl). Animals were randomly assigned to control, metformin, or exercise (combined aerobic and resistance training) groups. Over eight weeks, interventions were administered and serum irisin, adipolin, and fasting blood glucose were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests. Results showed that both metformin and exercise significantly increased adipolin levels (p<0.01). As expected, irisin levels were higher in the non-diabetic control group compared to diabetic groups (p<0.05), consistent with the known reduction of irisin in diabetes. Fasting glucose improved most notably in the exercise group. These findings indicate that metformin and exercise exert distinct yet complementary effects on key metabolic regulators—adipolin and irisin—highlighting the benefits of integrating pharmacological and lifestyle approaches in type 2 diabetes management. Future research should explore underlying molecular mechanisms and translational potential in human populations.

Abstract Aerobic exercise has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to modulate inflammatory gene expression, yet the molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise intervention on the mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related genes (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of overweight individuals. Forty-five overweight adults (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group (n=30) or a sedentary control group (n=15). The exercise protocol consisted of supervised moderate-intensity aerobic training (60-75% HRmax) for 45-60 minutes, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected pre- and post- intervention for gene expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR and protein quantification via ELISA. Following the 12-week intervention, the exercise group demonstrated significant reductions in TNF-α mRNA expression (−52.3%, p<0.001) and IL-6 expression (−47.8%, p<0.001) compared to baseline. Conversely, IL-10 expression increased significantly (+68.4%, p<0.001). Plasma protein concentrations paralleled these changes, with TNF-α decreasing from 8.6±2.1 to 4.9±1.3 pg/mL (p<0.001), IL-6 from 5.8±1.7 to 3.2±0.9 pg/mL (p<0.001), and IL-10 increasing from 3.1±0.8 to 5.6±1.2 pg/mL (p<0.001). Body mass index decreased significantly in the exercise group (−2.3 kg/m², p<0.001) with concurrent improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂max increased by 18.7%, p<0.001). Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise effectively modulates the inflammatory gene expression profile in overweight individuals by downregulating pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α and IL-6) and upregulating the anti- inflammatory gene (IL-10). These molecular adaptations may contribute to reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health in this population.

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.