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Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of resistance, swimming, and combined training patterns on L5 vertebral mineral density in osteoporotic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 female Wistar rats, each weighing between 170-190 grams, were selected as samples. To verify the induction of osteoporosis, 12 rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and alcohol-injected (6 rats). Osteoporosis induction was induced through intraperitoneal injection of a saline solution combined with ethanol over a period of 3 weeks. 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 rats): 1. Resistance training, 2. Swimming training, 3. Combined training, and 4. Control. Swimming training (90 minutes per day, 5 days in 12 weeks) and resistance protocol (5 days in 12 weeks, each session 8 sets with 8-12 repetitions of climbing the ladder) and the combined group performed resistance training in 4 sets with 8-12 repetitions of climbing the ladder and swimming training with half the duration of the swimming group. After 12 weeks, samples were collected from the spine and the density of L5 was evaluated using a DEXA machine. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test with a significance threshold of less than 0.05 in SPSS-16 (P

Background and Aim: The increase in inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of six weeks of total body resistance training (TRX) and oral consumption of aqueous extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica) on serum TNF-α level and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese non-athletic men. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 48 overweight and obese non-athletes aged 20 to 25 years were randomly assigned to four groups: control, mango leaf extract, exercise + placebo, and exercise + extract. For six weeks (three sessions per week), participants engaged in total body resistance training (TRX) and consumed aqueous mango leaf extract (two capsules of 500 mg per day). Serum TNF-α level were measured 24 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last training session using the ELISA method. Additionally, measurements for weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. Results: After six weeks of intervention, serum TNF-α levels significantly decreased in the exercise + placebo, exercise + extract, and mango leaf extract groups compared to pre-test values (P = 0.0001). In the post-test, both the exercise + extract and exercise + placebo groups, along with the mango leaf extract group, demonstrated a significant reduction in TNF-α levels compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, body weight, BMI, and WHR were significantly reduced in the exercise + placebo and exercise + extract groups compared to the mango leaf extract and control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Six weeks of TRX training combined with the consumption of mango leaf extract may effectively reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, as well as decrease BMI and WHR in young overweight and obese non-athletes. These findings suggest valuable insights for implementing effective exercise programs aimed at addressing obesity in young men.

Background and aims: The α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene plays a key role in muscle signaling pathways and sarcomere contraction. Iranian weightlifters are among the most successful world and Olympic champions. Therefore, the present study was performed to compare the genetic profile of the single-nucleotide polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene in elite Iranian male weightlifters vs. non-athletes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was of a qualitative-quantitative type. Subjects included 30 volunteer elite male weightlifters, including all of Iran’s premier league, members of the national team, Olympic, world, and Asian champions of Isfahan province, with a mean age of 21.77±7.11, the height of 179.87±6.98, and the weight of 96.87±22.73 (Mean±SD) versus 30 volunteers available healthy non-athletes who were the same in age, height, and weight as weightlifters. After completing the consent form and physical health measurement questionnaire, participants’ saliva samples were collected, and DNA was extracted accordingly. Genotypes were determined after performing the polymerase chain reaction via the Tetra-Arms method and electrophoresis. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 20) and the chi-square test (P