---

Introduction: Use of medicinal plants for decreasing blood glucose and lipids to normal level is clinically important. In this respect, Silybum marianum (SM) is a plant that can lower lipid peroxidation and lipids in an experimental model of hyperlipidemia. Therefore, the effect of chronic oral administration of this plant on serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL and LDL cholesterol level of diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, female rats (n=36) were randomly divided into 4 groups, including control, SM-treated control, diabetic, and SM-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food (6.25%) for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were determined before the intervention, and at 2nd and 4th weeks after the intervention. Data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA, One way ANOVA, student and pairt T and Tukey tests. Results: Serum glucose level in diabetic group was increased in seond and 4th weeks after the intervention as compared to one week before that (p<0.001) and SM treated diabetic rats only had a mild non-significant effect. In addition, triglyceride level in diabetic group increased 4 weeks after the intervention in comparison to related data one week before that (p<0.05) and there was a significant lower level of triglyceride in SM-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, a similar significant reduction was obtained for treated-diabetic group as compared to diabetic group regarding serum cholesterol level (p<0.05). On the other hand, HDL- and LDL- cholesterol levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) and lower (p<0.05) in SM-treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group respectively. Conclusion: Oral chronic administration of SM had no significant hypoglycemic effect and led to appropriate changes in blood lipid profile.

---

Introduction: Dehydroepiandrostrone (DHEA) and its sulfate form is an adrenal hormone and is the most common steroidal hormone in body and despite of other adrenal hormones increases with age, so it is called youth fountain. Recently, DHEA is noticed increasingly because of its multiple effects. Its effect on insulin sensitivity is controversial. In this study the relation between Dehydroepiandrostrone (DHEA) level and Insulin sensitivity is investigated. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, samples were selected among female relatives of diabetic patients referring to Isfahan Endocrine Research Center. They were divided into three groups including diabetic, impaired glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance, each 30 persons. In these groups blood sugar, lipid, CBC, Insulin and DHEA-S levels were evaluated and the rate of Insulin sensitivity was determined using Homeostatic Modle Assessment- Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and the relation between insulin sensitivity rate and DHEA in the three groups was compared. Data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and t-tests. Results: The mean of variables in the three groups of diabetic, impaired glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance for DHEA-S was 127, 113, 129 mcg/dl Insulin 7.7, 1.10, 8.3 mcg/ml HOMA-IR 1.6, 3.5, 1.8 and fasting blood sugar 86, 135, 89 mg/dl respectively. Comparison of mean of variables showed that the difference between DHEA-S in groups was not significant. Also there was no meaningful relationship between DHEA-S and blood sugar. In the group with normal glucose tolerance, DHEA-S with HOMA-IR and insulin had a partial meaningful relation (p<0.06). Conclusion: Overally DHEA has no meaningful relation with insulin sensitivity and HOMA-IR, but this relation is meaningful in the three groups and the relation between DHEA-S with HOMA-IR in the group with normal glucose tolerance is partially meaningful.

---

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on glucose and lactate concentrations, and aerobic capacity during sub-maximal exercise on ergometery cycle. Materials and Methods: In this double- blind clinical trail, 34 healthy noathlete male students at Saveh University were divided into experimental (L-carnitine usage) and placebo (lactose usage) groups and had one trial of cycling on ergometer (PWC170). This trial was done in two stages: 1) Exercise protocol without L-carnitine or placebo supplementation, 2) Exercise protocol with 3g L-carnitine (90 minute before exercise) and placebo supplementation in the experimental and placebo groups, respectively. Immediately after the physical exercise, blood sampling was taken for determining plasma glucose and lactate concentrations, and lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH). Through polar telemetry rest and sub-maximal heart rate, and also, VO2max were measured. Results: L-carnitine supplementation had no influence on plasma glucose and lactate concentrations. Otherwise, rest and sub-maximal heart rate, VO2max and LDH activity were equal in pretest and posttests. All variables remained with no change in control group. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of L-carnitine usage on performance of endurance exercises, the findings are still vague and controversial. Our findings indicated that ingestion of 3g L-carnitine 90 minutes before exercise did not affect the dependent variables. Further investigation is required to determine the direct effect of such supplementations on substrate utilization, fat-carbohydrate metabolism and performance on exercise.

---

Background: Morphine is one of the derivations of opium alkaloids. Contradictory reports exist on hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects of morphine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of opioid receptors involved in blood glucose changes in morphine-treated Balb/c mice. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 8 groups of male Balb/c mice (n=6), including group1(morphine), group 2 (naloxone (morphine antagonist) + morphine), group 3 (naltrindole ( receptor antagonist) + morphine), group 4 (norbinaltorphimine ( receptor antagonist) + morphine), group 5 (CTOP ( receptor antagonist) + morphine), group 6 (saline), group 7 (saline + saline), and group 8 (saline + morphine). Blood samples were obtained from retro-orbital sinus at 0, 1, 2, and 3 hours after injection. Blood glucose level was measured by enzymatic technique. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The application of morphine resulted in significant hypoglycemia in comparison with the control group which was significantly compensated by naloxone compared to the morphine group. The application of naltrindole could significantly inhibit hypoglycemia induced by morphine compared to the control group, whereas norbinaltorphimine and CTOP failed to do so. Conclusion: Since naltrindole could compensate for hypoglycemia due to morphine, hypoglycemia caused by morphine is likely to be mediated by opioid receptors

---

Background: Different studies have shown that vitamin D may play a functional role in insulin secretion and sensitivity. This study evaluates the effect of vitamin D on insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was done on 100 patients with type II diabetes mellitus that aged 30-70 years. The patients were randomly selected and different examinations were done on them. They received 50000 units of oral vitamin D daily for four weeks. Insulin resistance was measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was done by paired t-test and Wilcoxon test using SPSS software version 17. Results: The participants consisted of 70 women and 30 men. Mean vitamin D was 43.03±19.28 ng/ml and 24% of the participants were vitamin D deficient based on the cut-off 25(OH) D <20 ng/ml. At the beginning and the end of the study, the mean levels for FPG, insulin, HOMA-IR were 138.48±36.74 and 131.02±39 mg/dl (P=0.05), 10.76±9.46 and 8.6±8.25 µIu/ml (P= 0.02), and 3.57±3.18 and 2.89±3.28 (P= 0.008), respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that vitamin D causes significant improvements in FPG, insulin, and insulin resistance, that was evaluated by HOMA-IR. It was also indicated that adding vitamin D supplements can improve glucose control in type II diabetes mellitus.

---

Background: Derived hormones from Adipokines include leptin, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, omentin.The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks aerobic exercise on plasma levels of Apelin, Omentin and glucose in obese older women with diabetes type 2.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 obese older women were chosen. They were also divided in to two groups: control (n=15 Age: 53.3+5.88 BMI: 28.7+2.2) and experimental (n=15 Age: 52.6+ 7.12: BMI: 30.03+3.6) according to their fat percentage and BMI. The training program included aerobic exercises which were conducted increasingly, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken before starting the exercise training and also 24 hours after the last training session. U Mann-Whitney Test was used to evaluate the data and in order to compare each group's pretest and posttest, Wilcoxon test was used at the significance level of p&le 0.05.

Results: There were significant changes in apelin and glucose plasma levels in the training group (p=0.001 and p=0.006 respectively). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between each group's omentin levels.

Conclusion: It was finally concluded that exercise training can facilitate the process of glucose entrance into a cell because of the continuous muscle contractions and also decrease the plasma glucose. Also each adipokine response might be depend on the intensity and duration of exercise training, separately.

---

Background: Glucose-6- phosphate Dehydrogenase enzyme (G6PD) is an enzyme deficiency that is transported inheritably. The lack of this enzyme decreases the energy revival of red blood cells and leads to Hemolysis which is the cause of severe neonatal jaundice. This study aims to investigating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hyperbilirubinemia, and blood incompatibility in newborn babies in larestan city, located in south of Fars province, following the newborn screening national plan.

Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional and descriptive study on 12079 newborns in larestan city that referred to the screeing center from the start of 2010 to the end of 2012. The blood samples were taken from the newborns' heels and were evaluated through G6PD tluorescent spot test. They were examined regarding their blood group, hematocrit, hemoglobin, Coombs test, reticulocyte count and bilirubin levels as well as demographic information.

Results: In this research, among the 12079 screened newborns, 2345 ones showed G6PD deficiency with a prevalence of 19.41 which is a high percentage in comparison to those of other cities in Iran. The prevalence of O+ blood group among sick babies and their mothers was significantly higher than of other blood groups. (60% and 56%, respectively). The Hyperbilirubinemia and the indirect coombs tests were positive in 52% and 12% of the sick babies, respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence percentage of lack of this enzyme in girls of Larestan city is a little higher than in boys, even though since this disease depends on X, it should be more prevalent in boys.

---

Abstract

Background: The adipocytokine visfatin is secreted by the adipose tissue and is associated with plasma glucose level and can affect diabetes. Furthermore, aloe vera is used in traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic drug. The current study aimed to determine the effects of swimming along with taking aloe vera extract on visfatin serum level, glucose level, and the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoproteins in diabetic male rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 diabetic male rats were chosen and placed in four groups of 1) control, 2) swimming, 3) aloe vera extract and 4) swimming along with aloe vera. The swimming program began with 6 minutes in the first week and increased to 36 minutes in the sixth week. Groups 3 and 4 received 300 mg/kg of aloe vera extract per day. Control group didn’t performe any regular exercise and also didn’t receive any extract. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test.

Results: In all the three groups (swimming group, extract group and swimming along with extract group), there was a significant reduction in blood glucose, ratio of triglycerides to high density lipoproteins and the visfatin level compared to the control group (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: Results indicated that swimming together with aloe vera extract reduce the ratio of triglycerides to high density lipoproteins and glucose and increase visfatin receptors' sensitivity, and thus reduce visfatin serum levels in diabetic male rats.  

---

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder that leads to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Royal jelly is as a bee-collected natural product has diverse biological properties and that is rich in natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly on serum glucose and lipids profile in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups(8 in each): control, diabetic rats, Glibenclamide, and two groups of royal jelly- treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the rats by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally. The royal jelly was gavaged at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg after streptozotocin injection for30 days. At the end of this period, levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL in serum were measured.

Results: Royal jelly and Glibenclamide significantly decreased the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL in diabetic rats (p<0.01). In addition, significant increase (p<0.01) in HDL level was observed in royal jelly-treating rats in comparison to the diabetic rats.

Conclusion: The results indicated that royal jelly may be used effectively in controlling and attenuating the complications of diabetes. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of royal jelly may be due to the presence of antioxidants.

---

Background and Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the GLUT4 gene expression in skeletal muscle of obese male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats with 150 ± 25 grams body weight were divided into base control (n = 6), obese control (n = 6), MICT (n = 8), and (n = 8) HIIT groups as study sample. At the beginning of the study, base control group rats were sacrificed. In other groups, rats underwent high fat regime diet for 8 weeks. After one week of familiarization, rats in training groups run on treadmill for 8 weeks and 5 days per week. Forty-eight hours after the last session, the rats were scarified and gastrocnemius muscle tissue sample were removed. GLUT4 gene expression was measured by Real-Time PCR methods. Findings: Results indicated that high fat diet for 8 weeks significantly increased rats body weight (p= 0.001), whereas both of MICT and HIIT training significantly decreased body weight (p= 0.001). Moreover, the MICT and HIIT had significant increase in GLUT4 gene expression in gastrocnemius muscle of obese rats (p = 0.001). Although, there were no differences between two experimental groups (p = 0.99). Conclusion: According to the results, the MICT and HIIT increase gene expression of GLUT4 in mixed muscle fibers in obese rats.

---

Background and Aim: Diabetes is a chronic disease that physiological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social factors play a role in preventing, risk and regulating it. This research aimed to predict blood glucose control by the use of irrational health beliefs and health locus of control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The research population consisted of all type 2 diabetic patients referring to the two centers of Alzahra School of Charity Hospital and Diabetes Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences that 300 patients were chosen as sample by convenience sampling method. Data were gathered by using Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) and Irrational Health Belief Scale (IHBS) and analyzed by regression. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved in Research Ethics Committee of biomedical researches in Tehran Universiry with the code IR.ut.Rec.1395.030. Findings: There is a significant correlation between the predictive variables of irrational health beliefs (p <0.05), inner locus of control and others (p <0.05), and chance locus of control (p <0.01). The results also indicate that the health locus of control and Irrational beliefs predict significantly the changes in the amount of glucose (R=19, R2=0.037, F(4. 293)=2.80, p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we can say that by identifying the health locus of control and irrational health beliefs, it is possible that blood glucose level can be predicted in patients with type 2 diabetes and reduced the consequences of diabetes in people with it.

---

Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise timing on elevated postprandial glucose and after brief interval exercises in women with obesity.
Methods & Materials: Ten women with obesity (Mean±SD age = 40.41±3.97 years; weight = 86.66±7.26 kg; and BMI = 33.22±2.20 kg/m2) participated in a crossover design exercise intervention: 1) postprandial aerobic exercise, 2) pre-prandial aerobic exercise, 3) brief periodic exercise, and 4) control. Pre- and postprandial exercise included 30 min of moderate-intensity walking on the treadmill before and after each main meal (1 minute of exercise -30 seconds rest). The brief periodic exercise had three one-minute reps of activity every 30 min for 20 times during the day. Twelve-hour continuous glucose monitoring and two-hour postprandial glucose levels were calculated to examine changes in blood glucose levels.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Isfahan (Ethics Code: IR.UI.REC.1397.119) and conducted in agreement with the ethical principles for biomedical research involving human subjects outlined in the declaration of Helsinki.
Results: The findings of this study suggested that brief periodic exercise resulted in a significant decrease in continuous glucose monitoring levels and postprandial glucose compared to the control group as well as pre-prandial exercise (P˂0.05). However, pre- and postprandial exercise did not result in significant changes in continuous glucose monitoring (P˃0.05). In addition, postprandial exercise led to a significant decrease in postprandial glucose compared to the control group (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that brief periodic exercise can have more beneficial effects on postprandial glucose levels, probably due to improved glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle.

---

Abstract
Introduction: Insomnia and sleep disorders are related to a decrease in physical and mental health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on blood sugar, cortisol and insulin levels in athletes compared to non-athletes.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 14 healthy men participated in two groups of athletes (7 people) and non-athletes (7 people). One night of sleeplessness (8 hours) was applied to the subjects of both groups. According to the objectives of the research, blood samples were taken from all the subjects in two stages. The data were analyzed using the dependent t test for intra-group comparison and independent t test for inter-group comparison at a significance level of 5%. In conducting the research, the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, the general guidelines for ethics in research with human subjects and the regulations governing it were observed and the code of ethics was issued by the ethics committee of Lorestan University.
Findings: Insomnia did not lead to a significant difference between the blood sugar and insulin levels of athletes and non-athletes when faced with a (p≤0.05). Also, insomnia did not cause a significant difference in the amount of cortisol between two groups of athletes and non-athletes (p≤0.05). Conclusion: It seems that changes in blood sugar, cortisol and insulin are related to the duration of insomnia and are not affected in short-term and intermittent insomnia.

Keywords: Insomnia, blood sugar, cortisol, insulin, athlete, non-athlete