ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Hemoglobinopathies are characterized by defects in the synthesis of globin chains of hemoglobin (Hb). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate mutations associated with thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies in Masjed Soleiman County, Iran.
             Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 456 individuals suspected of having hemoglobinopathies who were referred to health centers of the Masjed Soleiman Country in 2015-2017. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes. Complete blood count test was performed and red blood cell indices were determined. Level of Hb variants was measured using capillary electrophoresis. Reverse dot-blot, gap-polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were carried out to detect mutations. 
             Results: We found that 17.7% of the subjects were heterozygous for β-thalassemia. Frequency of mutations 36/37 (–T), IVS-II-1 (G>A) and IVS-I-110 (G>A) in the β-globin gene was 26.7%, 22% and 16.27%, respectively. In addition, 9.5% of the subjects contained Hb S, Hb D and Hb C, while 1.1% of the subjects showed co-inheritance of an Hb variant and β-thalassemia. In subjects with α-thalassemia, the -α3.7 (57.1%), -- ^MED–(17.4%), -α^4.2 (3.1%) and -α^20.5 (1.5%) deletions were found as the most prevalent mutations.
             Conclusion: In addition to the high prevalence of β-thalassemia and HBB gene mutations, we detected variants Hb S, Hb D, Hb C and co-inheritance of an Hb variants and β-thalassemia in individuals living in the Masjed Soleiman Country. We also identified four mutations in the α-globin gene. These results can be useful for genetic counseling in this population.

3148047270.              : Hemoglobinopathies, β-Thalassemia, α-Thalassemia, mutation, HB variant.

ABSTRACT
            Background and objectives: Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of conjunctival tissue that can extend onto the corneal surface. The presence of some oncogenic viruses in pterygium and the neoplastic nature of these lesions led us to the postulated involvement of the viruses in the etiology of pterygium. Given the association of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) with ocular diseases, we aimed to investigate presence of this virus in pterygium.
            Methods: Fifty tissue specimens were collected from patients with pterygium who underwent pterygium surgery between February 2013 and May 2015. The specimens were tested by real-time PCR using Maxima SYBR Green/ROX qPCR Master Mix (2X) kit. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
            Results: Six (12 %) specimens were positive for HHV-6 DNA. There was no statistically significant correlation between pterygium and presence of HHV-6.
            Conclusion: Based on the results, a direct association between HHV-6 and development of pterygium seems less probable, which suggests that other etiologic agents must be involved in the multistep process of the disease.
            Keywords: Human Herpesvirus 6; pterygium; Real-time PCR.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Apolipoprotein M (APOM) is a novel high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated protein involved in the production of pre-beta HDL and cholesterol efflux to HDL. The present study examined effect of 12 weeks of aerobic interval training on HDL-associated APOM levels.
             Methods: Study population included 20 healthy men aged 20 to 24 years. The subjects were randomly and equally divided into a training group and a control group. Each training session included 10 minutes of warm-up, 35 minutes of aerobic training (5 combined cycles each including four minutes of running at intensity of 85-95% and an active resting period of treadmill running at 65-75% of maximum heart rate for 3 minutes) and 10 minutes of cool-down. Blood samples (10 mL) were taken every four weeks. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test were used to compare the groups. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
             Results: At the end of the 12^th week, HDL-associated APOM levels increased in the training group and decreased in the control group. However, these changes were not statistically significant (P>0.05). 
             Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the 12-week aerobic interval training does not significantly affect HDL-associated APOM levels. However, it is recommended to monitor subjects’ diet throughout the study period to reach a more comprehensive conclusion. 
             Keywords: Aerobic interval training, Apolipoprotein M, Young men.

ABSTRACT
              Background and Objectives: Prostate cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy with a high mortality rate in men. Many studies have investigated the diagnostic value of various genes involved in prostate cancer, but there is no data for Kallikrein 2 (KLK2) and Kallikrein 3 (KLK3) expression patterns among Iranian patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the expression of these two genes in Iranian patients with prostate cancer.
              Methods: In this case-control study, three groups consisting of healthy individuals, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and patients with prostate cancer were studied. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all subjects, mRNA was extracted after cell lysis, and cDNA was synthesized. Real-time PCR was performed to assess gene expression levels relative to a reference gene (18s rRNA gene).
              Results: The KLK2 gene was overexpressed in patients with prostate cancer. KLK2 expression differed significantly between the cancer patients and controls. Relative expression of the KLK3 gene in the BPH group was higher than that in the control and cancer groups. However, we observed no significant difference in the expression of KLK3 between the control and cancer subjects.
              Conclusion: We demonstrate that analysis of KLK2 expression is a favorable method of diagnosing prostate cancer and discriminating normal individuals from those with BPH or prostate cancer. We also found that the KLK3 gene is highly overexpressed in individuals with BPH, which might indicate that this gene is not cancer-specific.
              Keywords: Prostatic Neoplasm, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Kallikreins, Gene Expression.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Efflux-based systems may play a role in resistance to fluoroquinolones in Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Extracts of some medicinal plants contain molecules that can act as efflux pumps inhibitors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate antibacterial activities of ethanolic and chloroform extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and their possible synergistic activity with ciprofloxacin against some Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. We also analyzed the extracts for presence of efflux pump inhibitors against the examined bacteria.
             Methods:  Powdered dried leaves and branches of C. zeylanicum were extracted with ethanol (85%) and chloroform by the maceration method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts alone or combined with ciprofloxacin and phenylalanine-arginine β-naphthylamide (an efflux pump inhibitor) were determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter bummani, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis using the double serial microdilution method.
             Results: The extracts of C. zeylanicum inhibited the growth of all studied bacteria. Synergistic effects were noted between the extracts and ciprofloxacin against all tested bacteria other than P. aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin efflux pumps in E. coli, S. enteritiditis and A. baumannii were inhibited by the extracts of C. zeylanicum.
             Conclusion: The extracts of C. zeylanicum could be used as ciprofloxacin-potentiating agents against some Gram-negative pathogens.
             Keywords: Anti-bacterial agents, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Bacterial pathogens, Efflux pumps.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: In recent years, infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus have become a major health issue. It has been suggested that the extract or essential oil of cinnamon tree has antibacterial properties. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial effects of polyurethane-cinnamon nanofibers against clinical isolates of S. aureus.
             Methods: Polyurethane-Cinnamomum zeylanicum nanofiber scaffolds were synthesized. Polyurethane nanofiber and cinnamon polymers were also used to prepare the scaffold under the electrospinning process. Infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy and mechanical tensile test were utilized to assess the scaffolds. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the nanofiber against the bacteria was determined using the broth dilution method according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.
Results: The results of antibiogram test showed that all tested disks were susceptible to S. aureus. Diameter of growth inhibition zone for polyurethane-cinnamon 10% was 41 mm. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the nanofiber against S. aureus isolates was 0.02 μg/mL.
             Conclusion: We demonstrated that the polyurethane-cinnamon nanofiber has favorable antibacterial effects against clinical isolates of S. aureus. It is recommended to conduct further studies on the antibacterial effects of this nanofiber on other bacteria.
             Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Cinnamon, Nano fiber.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Nowadays, infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria are among the most important causes of mortality worldwide. This has attracted the attention of researchers to seek suitable alternatives for antibiotics. The venom of many toxic species such as arthropods has antibacterial properties. In this study, we investigated antibacterial effects of crude venom of Latrodectus dahli on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.
            Methods: Lyophilized crude venom of L. dahli was dissolved in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer. Protein concentration was determined by the Bradford assay. Then, the bacteria were exposed to different concentrations (31.25-250 ng/mL) of the crude venom. Inhibitory activity of the venom against the bacteria was determined by MTT assay and determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
            Results: Results of the MTT assay showed that the crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli (31.25 and 62.5 ng/mL), S. aureus (at 250 ng/mL) and B. subtilis (at 125 and 250 ng/mL). In the MIC experiment, the crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli (at concentrations of 31.25 and 62.5ng/mL), S. aureus (at concentrations of 31.25-250 ng/mL) and B. subtilis (at concentrations of 31.25-250ng/mL).
            Conclusion: The crude venom of L. dahli and its components showed relatively strong antibacterial effects.
            Keywords: Spider venoms, Black Widow Spider, Antibacterial agent, Drug-resistance.

ABSTRACT
              Background and Objectives: Coronary heart disease has a direct correlation with plasma levels of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and an inverse relationship with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. This study aimed at comparing effect of eight weeks of aerobic training with and without green coffee supplementation on serum ApoB level and atherogenic indices of overweight men.
              Methods: Thirty overweight men were randomly divided into two groups: training + green coffee supplementation (T+G; n=15) and training + placebo (T+P; n=15). Participants in both groups performed aerobic training, three sessions per week for eight weeks. Initial exercise intensity was set at 50% of maximum heart rate but gradually increased to 75% of maximum heart rate in the last two weeks. In a single-blind design, the subjects in the T+G group received a 400 mg capsule of green coffee bean extract one hour before each exercise session. The T+P group received placebo at the same time. Paired sample t-test and independent t-test were used to compare intra-group and inter-group variations, respectively. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22) at significance level of 0.05.
              Results: ApoB, LDL/HDL and total cholesterol/HDL decreased significantly in both groups. However, the changes were more notable in the T+G group compared to the T+P group.
              Conclusion: The eight-week training program along with green coffee supplementation has positive effects on serum ApoB and atherogenic indices of overweight, inactive men. Therefore, it can be suggested as a non-pharmacological method of preventing cardiovascular disease.
              Keywords: Aerobic exercise, green coffee, Overweight, Apolipoprotein b.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Medicinal and aromatic plants are sources of natural antimicrobial compounds that could be useful replacements for antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess antimicrobial activity of Crocus sativus stigma and Cinnamomum cassia extracts against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
            Methods: Antimicrobial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the plants was tested against clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus using the microdilution method. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of each extract against the mentioned bacteria were also determined.
            Results: The MIC of the methanolic extract of C. cassia was 80 µg/ml against Enterococcus, K. pneumonia and E. coli. The MIC of the methanolic extract of C. sativus was 160 µg/ml against Enterococcus and S. aureus. The minimum bactericidal concentration of the methanolic extracts of C. sativus and C. cassia was 320 µg/ml against K. pneumonia and 160 µg/ml against Enterococcus.
            Conclusion: The extracts of C. sativus and C. cassia exhibit promising antibacterial activities against clinical isolates of the tested bacteria. Our results suggest that the extract of these plants can be further exploited as potential antibacterial agents against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
            Keywords: Cinnamomum aromaticum, Crocus, Anti-Bacterial Agents.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Schiff base ligands are prepared via the condensation reaction of 1, 10- dimethyl–phenantroline aldehyde derivative with some nitrogen donor ligands, such as benzene ring that have different functional groups (-OH, -SH, -OCH₃,-CH₂OH, -Br) in acetonitrile. Recent studies suggest that Schiff bases might have antibacterial activity. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize new Schiff base complexes and evaluate their antibacterial activity against a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
            Methods: Schiff base ligands and their complexes were characterized by mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the Schiff base ligands and metal ions against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the broth dilution method.
            Results: All synthesized Schiff bases exhibited favorable antibacterial activity against the tested microorganism, but the antibacterial effect of compounds 3OH and 3SH was more significant than that of other compounds.
            Conclusion: Compound 3EOH has favorable antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria.
            Keywords: Schiff bases, antibacterial effect, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is well established that low level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is a strong and independent risk factor for CAD. Apolipoprotein M (apoM) is a component of HDL, which is involved in pre-β-HDL formation and cholesterol efflux to HDL. It is believed that resistance and aerobic exercise can significantly reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, especially by increasing serum levels of HDL-C. However, little is known about effects of these activities on HDL-apoM levels. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of circuit resistance training at different intensities on HDL-associated apoM levels in young untrained men.
            Methods: Forty-five age- and weight-matched healthy untrained men were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10) and four training groups: 20% 1-repetition maximum (1RM) (n=9), 40% 1RM (n=8), 60% 1RM (n=7) and 80% 1RM (n=8). The subjects performed circuit resistance training consisting of barbell bench press, underarm flab, seated barbell curl, triceps exercise with chains, lying leg curl, squats, hyperextension, abs workout, sit-ups and quadriceps workouts (30 seconds each) in three bouts without rest between stations and with active rest (3 minutes) between sets or bouts. The training protocol was carried out for 45 minutes per session, three sessions a week, for five weeks. Venous blood samples were taken 48 hours before the first exercise session and 48 hours after the last training session. After separating plasma, HDL-associated apoM was measured using commercial ELISA kits. SPSS 16 was used for analysis of data using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at significant level of 0.05.
            Results: After the training intervention, the exercise groups had higher apoM levels in total HDL and HDL-2 compared to the control group (P>0.05). However, no significant difference in HDL-associated apoM level was observed between the study groups.
            Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that various intensities of circuit resistance training can alter HDL-associated apoM levels. The decreased HDL-3-associated apoM level could indicate increased rate of apoM transfer to HDL-2, which could potentially prevent development of atherosclerosis and CAD by enhancing the antioxidant effects of HDL.
            Keywords: Circuit Resistance Training, Total HDL-M, HDL3-M, HDL2-M.

ABSTRACT
             Background and objectives: Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common type of cancer in the world. Considering the adverse effects of anticancer drugs and the emergence of chemotherapy resistance, plant-derived extracts and their constituents could be a valuable source of novel anticancer drugs. In this study, we investigated cytotoxic effects of Juniperus excelsa leaf extract on esophageal cancer cell line KYSE-30 and healthy fibroblast cells (HU02 cells).
             Methods: KYSE-30 cells and HU02 cells were cultured in DMEM medium. The cells were treated with different concentrations (1, 10, 100, 500 μg/ml) of the J. excelsa leaf extract for 24 and 48 hours. The cytotoxic effects of the extract were assessed using the MTT assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 19) and GraphPad Prism 5.
             Results: According to results of the MTT assay, the Juniperus excelsa’s leaf extract exerted significant cytotoxic effects on esophagus cancer cell line (KYSE-30) and healthy fibroblast cells (HU02) in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P<0.05).
             Conclusion: The J. excelsa leaf extract has cytotoxic effects against KYSE-30 esophageal cancer cells while causing lesser toxicity on healthy fibroblast cells. Our findings suggest that the potential anticancer effects of this extract should be further exploited in future studies.
             Keywords: Cytotoxic, MTT, Hu02, Kyse-30, Juniperus excelsa.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Aging is a multi-agent phenomenon due to prolonged inflammation and stress. CD33 or Siglec3 is a membrane receptor that acts against aging by inhibiting inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between CD33 copy number and lifespan of an Iranian population.
             Methods: The study included 50 individuals with cancer or Alzheimer's disease as the case group and 50 members of a family over 70 years old as the control group. Blood samples were collected and transferred to the laboratory. CD33 copy number was calculated using the QX100 Droplet Digital PCR system. A number of CD33 single-nucleotide polymorphisms including rs3865444, rs273634 and rs3852865 were genotyped using specific primers and the PCR method.
             Results: The mean number of CD33 copies among the case group (7.78) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than control group (12.72). In the case group, the mean number of CD33 copies was 7.83 among men and 7.73 among women. In the control group, the mean number of CD33 copies was 12.73 among men and 12.71 among women.
             Conclusion: CD33rSiglecs counteract random molecular damage, which is the main driver of aging. Therefore, the CD33rSiglec gene number may be correlated with longevity. Our results indicate that there may be a link between reduced CD33rSiglec copy number and development of diseases.
             Keywords: Gene Copy Number, Siglec-3, CD33 Antigens, Cancer.

ABSTRACT
              Background and Objectives: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damage in certain areas of the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to examine effects of exercise preconditioning on neuronal cell death and expression of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rat.
              Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats (weighing 250-300 g) were randomly divided into three groups (control+healthy, control+ischemia and exercise+ischemia). The rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill five sessions a week for eight weeks. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 45 minutes. Cresyl violet staining was performed to assess cell death, and real-time PCR was carried out to evaluate expression of NT-4 and TrkB.
              Results: Cerebral ischemia was associated with significant neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.05). Exercise significantly decreased the ischemia-induced cell death (P<0.05). NT-4 expression was significantly lower in the control+ischemia group and in the exercise+ischemia group compared to the control+healthy group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the control+ischemia group and the exercise+ischemia group in terms of NT-4 expression (P˃0.05). Moreover, TrkB expression did not differ significantly between the groups (P˃0.05).
              Conclusion: When used as a preconditioning stimulant before the induction of cerebral ischemia, exercise could have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-induced cell death, but it has no significant effect on NT-4 and TrkB expression.
              Keywords: Exercise Preconditioning, Ischemia/Reperfusion, NT-4, TrkB, Cell death.

ABSTRACT
              Background and Objectives: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damage in certain areas of the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to examine effects of exercise preconditioning on neuronal cell death and expression of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rat.
              Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats (weighing 250-300 g) were randomly divided into three groups (control+healthy, control+ischemia and exercise+ischemia). The rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill five sessions a week for eight weeks. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 45 minutes. Cresyl violet staining was performed to assess cell death, and real-time PCR was carried out to evaluate expression of NT-4 and TrkB.
              Results: Cerebral ischemia was associated with significant neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.05). Exercise significantly decreased the ischemia-induced cell death (P<0.05). NT-4 expression was significantly lower in the control+ischemia group and in the exercise+ischemia group compared to the control+healthy group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the control+ischemia group and the exercise+ischemia group in terms of NT-4 expression (P˃0.05). Moreover, TrkB expression did not differ significantly between the groups (P˃0.05).
              Conclusion: When used as a preconditioning stimulant before the induction of cerebral ischemia, exercise could have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-induced cell death, but it has no significant effect on NT-4 and TrkB expression.
              Keywords: Exercise Preconditioning, Ischemia/Reperfusion, NT-4, TrkB, Cell death.

ABSTRACT
             Background and objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) are considered as important factors contributing to knee osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Here, we compared therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), ozone and exercise training alone and combined on expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 in rats with knee OA.
            Methods: Knee OA was induced by a surgical method. Rats with OA were then randomly divided into several groups, including model, MSCs, ozone, exercise, MSCs + ozone, MSCs + exercise, ozone + exercise and MSCs + ozone + exercise groups. Expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 genes was evaluated using RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS software at significance of 0.05. 
            Results: Expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 differed significantly between the study groups (P<0.0001). Knee OA was significantly associated with overexpression of MMP-13 and ALK5 in the cartilage tissue of rats with knee OA. Combined therapy with MSCs, ozone and exercise significantly decreased the expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 in the cartilage of rats with OA (P<0.001). Although MSCs, ozone and exercise training were effective to mitigate expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 genes, ozone therapy was more effective compared to the other two therapies.
            Conclusion: Although ozone, MSCs and exercise training alone could decrease the expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 genes, combined therapy with MSC, ozone and exercise is more effective.  
            Keywords: Osteoarthritis, O3, MSCs, exercise, MMP-13, ALK5.

Abstract
           Background and Objectives: Liver is one of the vital organs of the human body. Antioxidants have been shown to play important roles in reducing liver injuries. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of gallic acid supplementation and resistance exercise on liver damage biomarkers in male rats intoxicated by steroid anabolic.
           Materials and Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: control, sham, steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg), steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg) + gallic acid supplementation (50 mg/kg), steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg) + resistance exercise, and steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg) + gallic acid supplementation (50 mg/kg) + resistance exercise. Except for control and sham groups, all groups received (injection) steroid anabolic at a dose of 5 mg / kg body weight once a week. The resistance exercise protocol was comprised of three weekly exercise sessions by 5 rep/3 set of climbing ladder for eight weeks. Data were analyzed via ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of P<0.05.
           Results:  The hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and bilirubin (total and direct), "In the gallic acid supplementation group (P<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.02, and p<0.05, respectively), resistance training group (p<0.02, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01, and p<0.05, respectively), and the gallic acid supplementation group with resistance exercise (P<0.02, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively)"  were significantly reduced compared to the anabolic steroid group.
           Conclusions: Gallic acid supplementation and resistance exercise significantly reduce liver damage biomarkers. However, the simultaneous use of resistance exercise and gallic acid supplementation has no increasing effects on these biomarkers.
           Keywords: Anabolic Agents, gallic acid, Resistance Training.

ABSTRACT
            Background and Objective: It is desirable for athletes, especially female soccer players, to consume beetroot beverage during training as a way of improving both health and performance ,. Therefore, the objective of this study was to  assess the effect of beetroot juice intake on lipid profile in female soccer players.
            Methods: Young and well-trained female soccer players (N=20) were  included in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study. They were categorized into two groups: experimental (beetroot beverage, n=10, age: 23.20±0.91 years, BMI: 22.57±1.54(kg/m²)) and control (placebo, n=10, age: 23±0.81 years, BMI: 23.13±0.58(kg/m²)). Subjects drank either 200 ml concentrated beetroot beverage or an equal amount of placebo 2 hours prior to their trainings for six weeks (18 session). Blood samples were taken 24 hours before and after trials. All data were compared in pretest and posttest  via paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. All statistical analyses were performed at (P≤0.05) by SPSS (version22).
            Results: Beetroot juice intake increased plasma high density lipoprotein (t= -60.88, P<0.05). Triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein were  reduced (P<0.05). Compared with placebo, beetroot  juice reduced the concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (P<0.05).
            Conclusion: Regular beetroot juice intake has significant effects on lipid profile in female soccer players, hence its suggestion for preventing diseases such as  hypercholesterolemia and  hypertension in female soccer players.
            Key words: Soccer, Training, Dietary Supplements, Lipids.

ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic hepatic disease characterized by fat accumulation inside hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of exercise training and resveratrol supplementation on activin A and follistatin levels in rats with NAFLD under a high-fat diet.
Methods: Fifty-six old (40-50 weeks) male Wistar rats were assigned to a healthy control group and seven experimental NAFLD groups: 1. high-fat diet, 2. saline, 3. resveratrol supplementation, 4. continuous exercise, 5. interval exercise, 6. continuous exercise+ resveratrol supplementation and 7. interval exercise+ resveratrol supplementation. Rats in the resveratrol supplementation groups were given 25 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneal injection of resveratrol daily. Exercises were performed five days a week for eight weeks. Data were analyzed with SPSS (version 21) using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test at significance of 0.05.
Results: Exercise training and resveratrol supplementation significantly decreased plasma activin A level and increased activin A expression (P<0.05). Plasma level of follistatin was significantly higher in rats under a high-fat diet compared to healthy control animals. All exercise and supplementation groups alone and combined lowered follistatin levels. However, follistatin mRNA expression increased significantly after resveratrol supplementation alone, continuous exercise+ resveratrol supplementation, and interval exercise+ resveratrol supplementation.
Conclusion: Resveratrol has a beneficial effect on activin A and follistatin levels in rats with NAFLD. In addition, resveratrol supplementation combined with exercise training may have greater health benefits for NAFLD patients compared to resveratrol supplementation or exercise training alone.
Keywords: Exercise, Resveratrol, Activin A, Follistatin, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.