---

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between obesity and adipose tissue accumulation and the pathways involved in the development of muscle atrophy, where aberrant lipid accumulation in organs may affect peripheral insulin sensitivity and decrease muscle mass. Insulin resistance (IR) and muscle mass loss often occur concomitantly in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Most patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight, and it is well established that obesity and impaired lipid metabolism play an important role in the development of IR in these individuals. In particular, increased adipose tissue mass and dysfunction in adipose tissue lead to fat accumulation and systemic inflammation through altered adipose secretions and factors and cytokines. In addition, increased fatty acid flow from adipose tissue may lead to increased fat storage in the liver and skeletal muscle, thus resulting in altered hepatic secretions, mitochondrial function, and impaired insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. Therefore, obesity and adipose tissue disorders can lead to muscle atrophy, which causes IR and are two sides of the same coin with muscle atrophy. However, the exact relationship between lipid accumulation, T2D, and muscle atrophy is largely unknown and requires further investigation in this area.

---

Background : Depression is quite a common finding in patients suffering from chronic illness specially diabetics. The present study was carried out on diabetics referring to Akhavan hospital in Kashan to determine the prevalence of depression.

Materials and methods : 300 randomly selected diabetics entered this descriptive study. Initial data including sex, age, level of education, marital status, depression in family, type of diabetes, late complications of diabetes, blood sugar to be under control or not, level of triglyceride and cholesterol, blood pressure, and duration of diabetes were all recorded. Beck test was used to determine the depression and the score of 16 was set as the cut off point. The prevalence and severity of depression was determined and its related factors were analysed.

Results : The study population included 78 males and 222 females. Depression was observed in 53.3% of males and 57.7% of females (p<0.05). Depression was more common among individual aged more than 40 years (p<0.0001). Meanwhile, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher among the following subjects: illiterates, with insulin-dependant diabetes, with positive family history of depression, with late complications of diabetes, insulin that was not under control, hypertriglycemics, and hypertensive subjects (p<0.0001). During the interview it was revealed that 32% of male diabetics and 47.3% of female diabetics had major depression.

Conclusion : Depression, especially major depression is a common problem of diabetics. Psychological consultation is strongly suggested for at least diabetics with longer period of disease

---

Background: Type 2 diabetes is associated with elevated oxidative stress and decline in antioxidant defense. Vitamin E supplementation reduces oxidative stress level in diabetic patients. Also some studies showed that vitamin E enhances insulin sensitivity and improves lipid profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods: In this study 31 type 2 diabetic subject who referred to Yazd Diabetes Research Center with Fasting blood suger:140-200 mg/dl,2-hour postprandial BS <250 md/dl, Triglyceride <400mg/dl, Total Cholesterol ≤300 mg/dl and mild hypertension (systolic blood pressure: 140-160mmHg,diastolic BP:90-100mmHg) were selected. Subjects received vitamin E 800 IU/day for 3 months. At first and end of treatment period FBS, TC, TG, LDL, HDL, Glycated hemoglobin and fasting insulin level were measured.

Results: In this study 31 type 2 diabetic patients (19 female, 12 male) with mean age 53.03 ± 8.87 years and mean duration of diabetes 2.16 ± 0.89 years were studied. Vitamin E supplementation for 3 months had no positive effect on type 2 diabetic patients. As FBS, TG and fasting insulin decreased but this decline was not significant. Also TC levels, systolic and diastolic BP changes was not remarkable.

Conclusion: Results of this study showed that 800 IU vitamin E administration for 3 months could not improve blood glucose, lipids, HbA1C, fasting insulin, systolic and diastolic BP in type 2 diabetic patients.

---

Background: It has been reported that induction of diabetes mellitus is associated with increasing production of reactive oxygen species and depletion of the antioxidants defense systems. Grape seed has potent-free radical scavengers called proanthocyanidins and hence provide significant protection against oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to determine whether black grape seed (Shahani grape) plays any protective role against hyperglycemia and beta cells damages in the injected alloxan rats.

Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (200–220g) were purchased from the institute pastor animal house in Iran. Totally, 90 rats were used and divided into three groups: 1) control group (given 2 ml distilled water) 2) a test group given high dosage grape seed (2gr/kg.bw/day) group 3) another test group given low dosage grape seed (1gr/kg.bw/day). Rats in groups 2 and 3 were pretreated by aqueous grape seed’s suspension via oral gavage). Pretreatment continued for 4 days (once daily). Then alloxan was injected subcutaneously (70 mg/w). 24, 48 and 72 hours after alloxan injection, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. Their blood was collected and its serum glucose level (by commercially kit)¸ serum insulin level (by ELISA kit) and serum total antioxidant power (by FRAP assay) were measured.

Results: The results indicated that only high dosage�of grape seeds significantly inhibited the increase of serum glucose level caused by alloxan (p<0.05). Also, high and low dosages grape seed caused a significant increase in serum insulin level on pretreated rats in 24, 48 and 72 hours after alloxan injection (p<0.05). While serum total antioxidant levels increased significantly (24 and 48 hours) in rats receiving low doses grape seed (p<0.05) it was not significant in other groups.

Conclusion: The study suggests that grape seed is effective in ameliorating the oxidative damage to pancreatic tissues in experimental diabetes mellitus. Such an effect may be related to their potent antioxidant properties among other factors. It seems that in addition to the existing proanthocyanidin factor in the grape seed, there also exist other related factors.

---

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is among the prevalent causes of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Here, we discuss the best diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the disease.

Materials and Methods: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, etiologies, natural course, differential diagnosis, treatment options, complications and follow up of the disease are reviewed in this paper.

Results: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease seems to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Liver function tests and sonography can be used as the appropriate screening tests for diagnosis. Weight loss and control of hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus might be the best therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may decrease mortality and morbidity rate associated to the cardiovascular complications of the metabolic syndrome.

---

Background: Zinc as an essential trace element has many biological roles in human and its deficiency can lead to many diseases. Different studies show a link between impaired Zinc homostasis and a pathophysiological role in diabetes due to catalytic, structural and regulatory effects of this element. So, to understand the role of Zinc in diabetes, we did a systematic review on the relationship of Zinc status and its effect on diabetes.

Materials and Methods : In order to study the association between the altered Zinc homeostasis and diabetes, we did a systematic search in Pubmed and Scopus database using the 'Zinc' and 'Diabetes' keywords.

Results: There is a relationship between the Zinc and the storage, secretion, and the action of insulin. Also, polymorphisms of Zinc transporter ZnT8 (a controller of insulin secretion) that located on insulin secretory granules membrane may play a role in diabetes and represents a new therapeutic target for this patients. Furthermore, there are biochemical and genetic evidences on the defect of Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), a Zn-dependent endopeptidase, in the pathogenesis of diabetes. In addition, some diabetic complications may be related to increased oxidants and free radicals due to decreases in Zn and in Zn-dependent antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusion: Assessing the Zinc status in diabetic patients and the treatment of possible Zinc deficiency by Zinc supplementation can have significant therapeutic effects. Also, molecular researches on ZnT8, as a novel autoantigen, can provide a strategy for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

---

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that appears by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion and pancreatic function. Considering the properties of the Launaea acanthodes, this study aimed to examine the effects of this plant on serum level of insulin and blood glucose and histomorphological changes of pancreas in diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 27 male rats were allocated into the equal groups of control, diabetic control and experimental diabetic. The diabetes in diabetic control and experimental diabetic groups was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. The experimental diabetic group received the aqueous extract of L. acanthodes (300 mg/kg, ip) in alternate days for one month. Sterile distilled water was injected to the animals of control and diabetic control groups. The serum levels of insulin and blood glucose were measured on days 1, 15 and 30. Histological studies were performed to determine the number and diameter of the pancreatic islets.
Results: On days 15 and 30 of the experiment, injection of the L. acanthodes extract caused a significant decrease and increase in the serum level of glucose and insulin, respectively compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean number and diameter of pancreatic islets were significantly increased in the diabetic experimental compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The extract of L. acanthodes can increase the serum insulin and the mean number and diameter of pancreatic islets and decrease the blood glucose in diabetic rats.

---

Background: Adipocytokine resistin is an inflammatory mediator and a biomarker of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the serum resistin concentration and blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid profile, white blood cell, and cardio respiratory function in obese and lean men.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, thirty-eight obese and lean men were selected. After 12 h fasting, blood samples were collected and general characteristics of the subjects were assessed.

Results: Serum resistin concentration was higher in obese than in lean men (P<0.01), and was positively correlated with the insulin resistance index (The Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance) only in obese men (r=0.40, P=0.002). The resistin level was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (obese: r=0.34, P=0.008, lean: r=0.31, P=0.004) and white blood cell (obese: r=0.19, P=0.001, lean: r=0.15, P=0.004), while negatively correlated with cardio respiratory function index (VO2max) (obese: r=-0.41, P=0.003, lean: r=-0.36, P=0.005). No significant correlation was observed between the serum resistin level and lipid profile and diastolic blood pressure in the obese and lean men. Only VO2max in lean men (P=0.005), and insulin resistance and VO2max in obese men (P=0.002, and P=0.009, respectively) were predictive of the resistin level.

Conclusion: The obese men have higher resistin levels compared to the lean men and this higher level is associated with higher insulin resistance. It seems that the insulin resistance and cardio respiratory function can be predictive of the resistin level.

---

Background: In children and adolescents, the anabolic effects of exercise are mediated through growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of combined endurance-resistance versus resistance-endurance exercises on GH and IGF-I in non-athlete prepubertal girls.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 16 prepubertal girls aged 9-11 years old, after homogenization, were randomly allocated into two equal groups (n=8): the endurance-resistance and resistance-endurance. Activities in both groups included combined endurance (20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise with 60%-70% of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) on a treadmill)-resistance (biceps, triceps, chest press, butterfly, knee extension and flexion, moderate leg press with 60% of 1-RM, and 1 set of 10 repetitions) and resistance-endurance training with different orders. Before, immediately after and 2 hours after the exercise, blood samples were taken and GH and IGF-1 levels were measured.

Results: Immediately after the training, in both group, GH levels (3.39 ng/ml vs 1.8 ng/ml) were significantly increased compared to the resting condition (0.77 ng/ml vs 0.72 ng/ml) (P=0.017). However, GH levels (0.97 ng/ml vs 0.18 ng/ml) were significantly decreased in both groups after 2 hours (P=0.012). The GH levels in the endurance-resistance group were higher compared to the resistance-endurance group. Changes in IGF-1 levels in both training groups before, immediately after and 2 hours after the training did not show significant differences.

Conclusion: It seems that combined endurance-resistance training is more appropriate option for non-athlete prepubertal girls.

---

Background: Physiological stress resulting from physical activity is one of the potential regulators of leptin secretion from adipose tissue. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week combined training (CT) program on serum leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in over weight men.
Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 sedentary men (20.97±1.9 years old, and body mass index (BMI) of 26.47±0.75 kg.m-2) were randomly allocated into the experimental (n=20) and control (n=10) groups. The experimental group performed a CT program (aerobic exercise: 60%-70% of their maximal oxygen uptake for 20 min and resistance exercise: 2 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of 1 repetition maximum). The control group did not perform the physical exercises. At the end of the CT, blood samples were collected from the experimental group. Dependent variables were measured before and 12 weeks after the CT program.
Results: At the end of the 12 weeks, there were a significant reduction in serum CRP (1.45±0.27 mg. l-1 versus 1.39±0.3 mg. l-1, P<0.05), leptin (7.27±0.68 ng.ml-1 versus 7.24±0.65 ng.ml-1, P<0.05) and insulin resistance index (1.6±0.14 versus 1.5±0.23, P<0.05).
Conclusion: A 12-week CT program can cause to decrease leptin, CRP and insulin resistance index in over weight men, and this improvement occurred in the presence of increased cardio respiratory fitness but is independent of measurable changes in weight and BMI.

---

Background: Adipolin (CTRP12) is a novel anti-inflammatory adipocytokine secreted from adipose tissue, which improves insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic training on serum adipolin levels and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in overweight men.

Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, which was conducted in one of the sport complexes of Khorramabad in spring 2014, 26 sedentary overweight men (body mass index (BMI)>25 Kg/m2, age range 35-50 years) were selected and randomly allocated into the experimental (n=13) and control (n=13) groups. Subjects in the experimental group participated in 10 weeks of aerobic training at 50%-70% of the maximal heart rate, 30-45 minutes per session and three sessions per week. Levels of adipolin, insulin and fasting glucose and anthropometric indices were measured before and 72 hours after the last training session.

Results: Serum levels of adipolin, insulin, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR did not significantly change following 10 weeks of aerobic training (P>0.05). However, weight (P=0.001), BMI (P=0.001) and fat percentage (P=0.001) were decreased significantly. Furthermore, changes in adipolin levels following 10 weeks of aerobic training were significantly correlated with changes in BMI (P=0.028, r=0.606).

Conclusion: A 10-week aerobic training program has no effects on serum levels of adipolin in sedentary overweight men and these findings are in accordance to insulin resistance changes.

---

Background: Beta-amyloid is increased in the brain of diabetic patients. Considering different effects of   electromagnetic field on biological processes, this study was performed   to investigate the concomitant effects of aqueous extract of Holothuria arenicola and low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) on the serum insulin, glucose and amyloid beta level in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 male rats were divided into 7 equal groups: control and diabetic control (distilled water); diabetic 1(100 mg/kg of extract); diabetic 2 (100 mg/kg of extract + EMF 10 gauss); diabetic 3 (100 mg/kg of extract + EMF400); diabetic 4 (EMF10); diabetic 5 (EMF400). Diabetes was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of Alloxan. Diabetic groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 had daily exposure to the EMF for 60 minutes. The serum levels of insulin, blood glucose and beta-amyloid protein were measured at first, fifteenth and thirtieth days.

Results: The serum glucose, insulin and beta-amyloid level for diabetic samples 1 and 2 at first, fifteenth and thirtieth days were significant compared to the diabetic control. At fifteenth and thirtieth days, glucose and insulin level for diabetic 3 and 4 samples were significant compared to the diabetic control (P<0.05). The beta-amyloid for diabetic 4 samples  was significant at thirtieth day. At fifteenth and thirtieth days, a significant increase and decrease in glucose, insulin and beta-amyloid was seen, respectively in diabetic 5 compared to diabetic control (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Injecting Holothuria arenicola extract to the diabetic  rats results in a decrease and increase in  glucose, insulin and beta-amyloid, respectively.  These effects were augmented with the simultaneous use of 10 gauss electromagnetic field.

---

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often induces reduced ovulation, infertility and hyperandrogenism. Many PCOS cases manifest different degrees of obesity. The increased body mass index (BMI) may interfere with a successful reproduction. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of increasing BMI on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) gene expression in granulosa cells and also biochemical factors among PCOS cases.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 80 patients (mean age 20-35 y with PCOS or other non-PCOS infertility disorders) referred to Tabriz-Alzahra Fertility Center.  Based on obesity degree and its signs, the cases were divided to four groups. In the same day of isolating oocytes, granulosa cells and serum were taken for gene expression   and the analysis of biochemistry factors, respectively.  

Results: AMH gene expression level were higher in PCOS compared to normal cases (P<0.05). While increasing BMI in the patients didn’t show a significant decrease of AMH gene expression (r=-0.07), a significant positive correlation was observed between AMH and insulin resistance (r= 0.34, P<0.05).

Conclusion: AMH gene expression in PCOS cases is affected by the disease phenotype. Insulin resistance plays an important role in increasing serum AMH.

---

Background: During recent decades exercise has emerged as a key adjuvant tool in the control of many diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). In addition, studies have demonstrated that different training protocols were effective in reducing the prevalence of the disorder and improving some liver metabolic functions. The purpose of this review was to summarize and analyze articles about the effects of aerobic and resistance training on insulin resistance and some biomarkers in NAFLD.

Materials and Methods: The PubMed, Medline, Irandoc, SID, Google Scholar and Magiran databases were searched for the physiological effects of two types of training) aerobic and resistance( on NAFLD. Totally, among the 300 articles reviewed, 107 ones were selected for later consideration.

Results: Although through different mechanisms, the non-alcoholic fatty liver patients can benefit from both types of aerobic and resistance training.

Conclusion: Regardless of the type of training, on engaging in regular physical activity the non-alcoholic fatty liver patients may effectively control and improve the emerging inflammatory processes, obesity and insulin resistance.

---

---

---

Results: The results showed that the insulin levels and insulin resistance index increased and resistin decreased significantly in the experimental groups (P<0.001). Fasting glucose increased in the training group, but decreased in the supplementation and training+ supplementation groups (P>0.05).

---

Background: Glaucium flavum Crantz (Yellow Horned Poppy, YPH) is used to reduce complications of diabetes in Iranian folk medicine. This study was conducted to compare the effect of aqua-ethanolic extract of Yellow Horned Poppy and Glibenclamide on serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and insulin in diabetic rats induced by alloxan.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight: healthy control, healthy treated with 500mg/kg body weight (BW) of the YPH extract (healthy+YPH), diabetic control, diabetic treated with 500mg/kg BW of the extract (diabetic+YPH), diabetic treated with 5μg/kg BW of Glibenclamide (diabetic+ medicine). Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan. After a month, blood samples were collected and serum levels of liver enzymes and insulin were also measured. Finally, the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test.
Results: The activity of AST and ALP enzymes in the diabetic+YPH group was significantly higher than that in the diabetic+drug group (P=0.04). Also, ALT activity and insulin concentration in diabetic+YPH group significantly increased compared to diabetic control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that oral administration of the YHP extract in addition to its hepatoprotective activity against diabetes-induced stress, can enhance serum insulin level.

---

---