Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise and nano-curcumin supplementation on cardiac TGF-β1/TRAF6 and CTGF pathways in rat with brain tumors. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8 in each) of healthy control, brain tumor, tumor + aerobic exercise (AE), tumor + nanocurcumin (N-CUR) and tumor+AE+N-CUR. Glioblastoma was injected into the rats in the frontal cortex. Nano curcumin supplement at the dose of 80 mg/kg was gavage for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. The training groups performed aerobic exercises on the treadmill for 4 weeks, 3 days a week at a speed of 18 meters per minute, for 25-40 minutes. At the end, the rats were sacrificed and TGF-β1, TRAF6, CTGF were analyzed from the myocardium by Real-time PCR method. Compared to the healthy control group, Tumor group significantly increased TGF-β1 mRNA and TRAF6 mRNA in the myocardium (p<0.05). Also, compared to the healthy control group, all tumor groups showed a significant increase in CTGF mRNA expression (p<0.05). In contrast to the Tumor group, the Tumor+AE and Tumor+AE+N-CUR groups showed a significant decrease in TGF-β1 mRNA at myocardium (p=0.0010 and p=0.0002, respectively). It seems that aerobic exercise or exercise with nano-curcumin supplement has better protective effects on the heart of tumor rats with downregulation of TGF-β1. It is suggested that different doses and various exercise modalities should be investigated to control cardiac fibrosis from the TGF-β1/TRAF6 and CTGF pathways.

Abstract Intense and high-speed intermittent training is recognized as an effective method for achieving rapid and extensive physiological and functional adaptations. However, it is important to consider that a single session of such exercises can exert significant physiological stress, potentially leading to adverse effects. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a repeated sprint training (RSA) session on serum adropin, inflammatory, and blood coagulation factors. Ten healthy young men (age: 23.60 ± 2.01 years, weight: 68.60 ± 7.21 kg, body mass index: 22.00 ± 2.10 kg/m2) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 20 minutes following the exercise protocol for measuring of adropin protein, fibrinogen, CRP, WBC, RBC, Hgb, and Hct levels. The exercise protocol consisted of 20 repetitions of different running speeds in a distance of 20 meters, with a 20-second rest period after each repetition (20*20*20). A significant increase in adropin, fibrinogen, WBCs, RBC, Hgb and, Hct levels was observed immediately after the exercise (p < 0.05). But only Adropin levels remained significantly higher than before the exercise after 20 minutes following the exercise. Therefore, even after exercise, adropin levels can remain elevated, allowing for the continuation of its positive effects. However, it is important to note that the increase in fibrinogen levels may require further investigation, particularly in relation to the use of anticoagulant agents. Therefore, when considering the implementation of these intense activities for inactive individuals, it is crucial to exercise caution and carefully assess the potential risks involved.

Abstract In Diabetes (Di) exercise training especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT) reduce blood lipids and improve anti-inflammatory status. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of high-intensity interval training on ASC inflammasome, lipid profile, and their correlation in diabetic rat models. Twenty rats were divided into four groups, including a control group, HIIT, Di, and Di+HIIT (n=5 in each group). Diabetes was induced using a combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) and STZ. Wistar rats in the exercise groups were subjected to high-intensity interval training for eight weeks. After sample collection, liver tissue was removed and weighed. Serum levels of lipid profile were measured by special kit. Protein expression of the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC) in liver tissue was determined by Western blot. The results of the present study showed that diabetes induction significantly increased LDL, cholesterol, triglyceride and ASC levels and decreased HDL levels (p<0.05), whereas HIIT exercise training with diabetes somewhat adjusted the lipid profile and decreased the ASC inflammasome levels (p<0.05). In the correlation analysis, only the correlation between ASC and triglycerides was confirmed in the Di+HIIT group (p=0.043, r=0.997). Diabetes induction adversely affects lipid profiles and increases ASC inflammasome levels. However, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) appears to mitigate these effects by improving the lipid profile and reducing ASC levels. Notably, a significant positive correlation between ASC and triglycerides was observed in the diabetic rats undergoing HIIT, suggesting a link between inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the USRPT system combined with beta-alanine supplementation on the physical performance of elite young soccer players. Forty-four young soccer players were purposefully selected and divided into four groups of 11 players: Exercise-only (placebo), Exercise with a supplementation, supplementation-only, and a control group. After a 10-minute warm-up, subjects performed the 25-minute USRPT protocol in three weekly sessions, followed by regular team training. The supplementation group consumed 4 grams of beta-alanine daily for six weeks, split into two doses 60 minutes before and after each training session. Body composition, aerobic fitness (Half-time test), anaerobic power (RAST test), 20-meter sprint, muscle endurance, and Borg's Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were measured in the pre-test and post-test. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in aerobic power, anaerobic power, muscular endurance, and fatigue drag index between the exercise-placebo and exercise-plus-supplementation groups after 40 days (P=0.001). No significant differences were found between the supplementation and control groups in other variables (P>0.05). This research found that the USRPT system effectively improves aerobic and anaerobic power in soccer players. It also suggests that when combined with USRPT, beta-alanine supplementation reduces fatigue and enhances performance. Beta-alanine boosts sports performance by increasing Carnosine in muscle cells and offering antioxidant benefits. Coaches and athletes aiming to improve physical performance may consider using beta-alanine alongside targeted training.

Abstract While COVID-19 vaccines have reduced the prevalence of new viral strains, they are associated with side effects, including optic neuritis (ON). Developing effective management strategies, particularly non-pharmacological interventions, may improve outcomes for affected patients. This case study evaluated the effects of 8 weeks of yoga therapy in two male patients, aged 58 and 43, who developed ON two weeks post-vaccination. Assessments included visual field and color perception tests, the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Results from the yoga therapy patient were compared to a control case. The yoga therapy patient showed marked improvements: visual field enhancements of 48% (left eye) and 42% (right eye), a 53% increase in color perception, and a 31-turn improvement in the 6-Minute Walk Test. BESS errors reduced, heart rate recovery improved by 22 beats per minute, NEI VFQ-25 scores rose, and BDI-II scores declined. The control patient experienced no changes. Yoga therapy may complement pharmacological treatments for ON, offering benefits through anti-inflammatory effects, HPA axis modulation, and neuroprotective mechanisms that support remyelination. The integration of exercise and medication, termed "MedXercise," shows potential for managing vaccine-related side effects. Further research should explore varied exercise regimens to confirm these findings.

Abstract Programmed cell death is a critical element of the body’s defense system. Exercise represents a physiological stressor that triggers an adaptive response within the body. It has been suggested that various forms of programmed cell death are essential for the adaptation process associated with exercise. During physical activity, mechanisms such as apoptosis and autophagy are activated to mitigate tissue damage, restore cellular integrity, resolve inflammatory responses, and facilitate direct signals that promote adaptation. The induction of programmed cell death is mediated by specific factors, including reactive oxygen species, cytokines, and hormones. These cell death pathways are initiated by the presence of altered proteins and organelles, with the objective of conserving and recycling cellular resources. In scenarios where cells accumulate damaged molecules and repair mechanisms become overwhelmed, programmed cell death is triggered. In this review article, we have examined the types of programmed death and the effect of aerobic training on these deaths.

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 Dear Editor-in-Chief
We are writing to highlight the significant benefits of organ crosstalk during exercise, a phenomenon that refers to the biochemical interactions among various tissues stimulated by different factors, with exercise being a prominent trigger (Sabaratnam et al., 2022). This phenomenon is increasingly acknowledged for its crucial role in sustaining metabolic health and staving off chronic diseases (Sabaratnam et al., 2022).
Typically, mechanisms of organ crosstalk encompass myokines, exerkines and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Acting as an endocrine organ, skeletal muscle releases myokines (both cytokines and peptides) into the circulation during exercise. These myokines enhance interactions between muscles and other vital organs like the liver, adipose tissue and brain, thus modulating metabolism and promoting overall health (Sabaratnam et al., 2022; Severinsen & Pedersen, 2020). The term "exerkines" collectively refers to exercise-induced signaling molecules released from various organs, including myokines from muscles, hepatokines from the liver and adipokines from fat tissue. These molecules are pivotal in mediating the beneficial effects of exercise on systemic health (Jaworska et al., 2024). Additionally, exercise prompts the release of extracellular vesicles that carry bioactive molecules, boosting organ communication. These vesicles transport proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which play significant roles in intercellular communication and influence metabolic functions across different tissues (Severinsen & Pedersen, 2020; Verboven & Vechetti, 2023).
Current research highlights several key benefits of organ crosstalk during exercise, such as metabolic regulation, neuroprotective effects and adaptation to exercise. The interactions between myokines and other organ-derived factors are essential for regulating glucose and lipid metabolism as well as reducing inflammation, thus lowering the risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and obesity (Sabaratnam et al., 2022; Severinsen & Pedersen, 2020). Some myokines are known to cross the blood-brain barrier, fostering neurogenesis and enhancing cognitive functions. For instance, myokines like irisin can affect levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is vital for maintaining brain health (Severinsen & Pedersen, 2020; Verboven & Vechetti, 2023). Moreover, regular exercise modifies the concentration of circulating exerkines associated with various health conditions, a necessary adaptation for enhancing cardiovascular health and promoting muscle regeneration (Jaworska et al., 2024).
In summary, understanding the mechanisms behind organ crosstalk during exercise is fundamental for developing targeted interventions aimed at preventing chronic diseases. The dynamic interaction between skeletal muscle and other organs highlights the critical role of physical activity in fostering holistic health through complex biochemical signaling pathways. Continued research in this area may lead to novel therapeutic strategies that leverage these interactions for improved health outcomes.