نسترن زارع زاده

Purpose: Aging is accompanied by progressive mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress, particularly within the hippocampus, a brain region highly vulnerable to metabolic impairment and redox imbalance. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a time-efficient exercise modality known to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, may offer complementary neuroprotective benefits. This study examined the synergistic effects of curcumin supplementation and HIIT on mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus of aged rats. Method: Thirty-two male Wistar rats (22–24 months) were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, Curcumin (100 mg/kg/day), HIIT, and Curcumin + HIIT. The 8-week HIIT protocol consisted of treadmill-based intervals performed five days per week, while hippocampal mitochondrial fractions were analyzed for superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH), were also quantified. Results: Both curcumin and HIIT independently increased SOD2, CAT, and GPx activities (p < 0.01), but the combined intervention produced significantly greater enhancements across all enzyme systems (p < 0.001). ROS and MDA levels were markedly reduced in the Curcumin + HIIT group compared with all other groups (p < 0.001), while GSH content increased by more than 100% relative to controls. Effect sizes were large for all mitochondrial and oxidative stress outcomes, indicating robust physiological adaptation. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that curcumin supplementation synergistically enhances the mitochondrial antioxidant and redox benefits of HIIT in the aging hippocampus. Integrating targeted nutraceuticals with structured high-intensity exercise may represent a promising strategy for mitigating age-related oxidative dysfunction and supporting long-term brain health.

Purpose: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important metabolic disorders that different societies are facing with increasing prevalence. Aerobic exercises are a common type of exercise that reduces the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins and regulates blood pressure. The purpose of the research is to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise on fasting glucose and several serum indicators of cardiovascular disease, in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In 2023, 20 women who referred to the Hamadan Diabetes Association voluntarily participated as subjects in this research and were randomly assigned to aerobic (10 people) and control (10 people) groups. The exercise program of the aerobic group included 3 running sessions per week with an intensity of 60-70% of the maximum heart rate for 12 weeks. In order to measure fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile [low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), High-density lipoprotein (HDL-c)], blood sampling was done before and after 12 weeks of exercise program. SPSS software and Kologrov Smirnov and Student's t test were used to check and analyze the data. Results: The results indicated that after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise, HbA1c (P=0/027), LDL-c (P=0/012) and fasting blood glucose (P=0/043) decreased significantly in the aerobic group. But no significant changes were observed in HDL-c and BMI. Conclusion: The results of this research showed that performing aerobic exercises leads to a decrease in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and improvement in lipid profile, so it can probably be a useful way of treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetic patients.

Background and objective: this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity of retired male teachers of Samen city. Materials and methods: The statistical population of this study included the retired male teachers of Samen city. From the statistical population Using random sampling method, 55 retired teachers were selected as sample. The physical activity level of the subjects was done through the Beck questionnaire. The research measurements included determining body weight, height, body mass index, and determining some risk factors for coronary heart disease, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBG). For data analysis, appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics methods including Kolmogorov Smirnov test and Pearson correlation were used at a significance level of 0.05. Result: After examination, the results of this study showed that there was a negative and significant correlation between the level of physical activity with FBG, TC, LDL and a positive and significant correlation with HDL. While, there was no significant relationship between physical activity level and triglyceride level. Conclusion: Considering the unfavorable situation of cardiovascular risk factors in elderly men, and considering the positive effect of physical activity and exercise in reducing these factors, it is necessary to take measures to emphasize regular exercise programs and improve their health.