مجله زیست شناسی جانوری
سال هفدهم شماره 1 (پاییز 1403)

The aim of this study was to investigate the heavy metal contamination of native fish such as red mullet, Shabout and tilapia in the Khaneh Shavour River of Shush County and to assess the risk to consumers. To investigate the amount of heavy metals remaining in fish meat, samples were collected from several parts of the Shavour River of Shush County. The results of descriptive statistics showed that there was no significant relationship between the amount of residual elements in fish of the species of red mullet, red mullet and tilapia (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the concentration of heavy metals in summer and winter (p < 0.05). The comparison of the amount of heavy metals remaining in the meat of himri, shabout and tilapila with international standards showed that the concentration of all elements except lead and nickel were significantly lower than the permissible limit (p < 0.05), and the concentration of nickel was higher than the international standards, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The concentration of lead was significantly higher than the permissible limit (p < 0.05). The health risk assessment showed that according to the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) of heavy metals, the daily and continuous consumption of these products by different age groups (children and adults) of consumers is completely safe, except for lead, and there is no risk for them in this regard. Also, the estimation of daily intake and according to the MTDI values of all metals except lead showed that the consumption of himri, shabout and tilapila fish currently does not pose a risk to human health, however, to prevent possible contamination in the future in terms of management, more attention should be paid to these pollutants and their possible sources from a management perspective.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding diets containing quinoa seeds processed by hydrothermal, extrusion, and expansion methods on blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and liver enzyme activity in broiler chickens. This experiment was conducted using 225 commercial Ross 308 broiler chickens in 5 treatments, 3 replications, and 15 chickens per replication in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments included basal diet (without quinoa), diet containing 15% unprocessed quinoa seeds, diet containing 15% hydrothermally processed quinoa seeds, diet containing 15% extruded quinoa seeds, and diet containing 15% expanded quinoa seeds. The results indicated a significant decrease in serum concentration of cholesterol, total protein, ALP and ALT activity and a significant increase in serum concentration of uric acid of broilers fed raw quinoa seed (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in feed intake, triglyceride content and mineral elements calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, AST and LDH of blood serum among different treatments (p < 0.05). Also, replacing raw quinoa seeds caused a significantly decreased villi height and increased crypt depth (p < 0.05). Intestinal viscosity was increased by feeding processed quinoa seed, but this parameter was not affected by the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). The lowest villi height and the highest crypt depth were observed in the treatment fed with unprocessed quinoa. The experimental treatments did not have a significant effect on the viscosity of the ileum sample of the digestive tract (p < 0.05). However, by applying the extrusion method, the viscosity of the digestive contents of the intestine increased slightly. According to the results of this study, the use of thermal processes, especially the extrusion method, can eliminate many anti-nutritional compounds of quinoa seeds and thus quinoa seeds can be a suitable alternative in the diet of broiler chickens.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of lymphoma that accounts for approximately 25-35% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The standard treatment for DLBCL is the R-CHOP regimen, which increases the five-year overall survival of patients, but 30–50% of patients do not respond to this therapy. Recently, a novel combination of lenalidomide plus R-CHOP has been investigated for the treatment of DLBCL. Recent studies have pointed to the potential impact of epigenetic changes in the occurrence and development of most cancers, especially DLBCL. In this study, the expression changes of two lncRNAs in patients with DLBCL were bioinformatically investigated and the relationship between the lncRNAs HOXA Transcript at the Distal Tip and Plasmacytoma Variant Translocation 1 was examined, and their impact on related signaling pathways was carefully evaluated. Finally, we showed the proteins that interact with both lncRNAs using Venn diagrams. In this study, the expression level of lncRNA in patients with DLBCL was bioinformatically analyzed and the results showed that the HOXA Transcript At The Distal Tip and Plasmacytoma Variant Translocation 1 genes were upregulated. These results can be useful in gene expression research and molecular alterations.

Obesity and related diseases are associated with cardiovascular. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of aerobic exercise and milk Thistle extract on serum nitric oxide (NO) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in obese women with metabolic syndrome. In this quasi-experimental research, 48 obese women with metabolic syndrome, aged 35-40 years, were randomly divided into control (no intervention); milk thistle extract (280 mg /daily); exercise (aerobic exercise /every other day) and combined group (aerobic exercise + Milk thistle). Aerobic exercise and milk Thistle intake lasted for 8 weeks. Fasting NO and EMPs levels and anthropometric indices were measured before and after the intervention in all groups. Data were compared by ANCOVA between groups (p < 0.05). Compared to control group, serum NO significantly increased in the exercise and combined groups (p < 0.001). In combined group, serum NO and EMPs were significantly increased and decreased respectively in compared to other groups. The consumption of milk thistle extract during aerobic exercise is associated with more cardiovascular and endothelial effects than the application of each of them alone. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these changes requires further studies in this field.
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Diazepam, from the benzodiazepine family, has been widely used in recent years due to its sedative and pain-relieving effects. On the other hand, simultaneously with the use of such drugs, many disorders are seen in the process of spermatogenesis, so the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of diazepam drug use on the number of primary spermatocytes and spermatids in male rats. In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 grams were selected and randomly divided into 5 groups of 6. The rats in the control group received physiological serum and the rats in the treatment groups received diazepam at doses of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/ml of body weight intraperitoneally for 14 days. After anesthetizing the animals, samples were taken from the testicles and a slide was prepared, and the number of primary spermatocytes, Sertoli spermatids and spermatogonia were counted. The data were analyzed using Anova statistical analysis at a significant level (p < 0.05). The results showed that the number of cells examined in the treatment group with a dose of 3 mg/ml compared to the control group decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Probably, the use of diazepam has reduced the proliferation and division of testicular cells by inhibiting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Chronic wounds, including diabetic wounds, have poor healing, long-duration healing, and weak collagen deposition. Fabrication nanofiber scaffolds can have a higher surface-to-volume ratio for cell penetration and proliferation. Also, the addition of positively charged oxidized antibacterial agents can better penetration into the cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of collagen nanofibers along with zinc oxide Nano-particle and stem cells on diabetic wound. Collagen characterization was done using the FTIR test. Collagen/ZnO NP nanofibers were characterized by SEM, FTIR, swelling test, MTT, and cell adhesion techniques. The diameter of nanofibers was 05 ± 79 nm. Also, MTT and SEM images showed that cells on nanofibrous scaffolds combined with zinc oxide Nano-particle have better cell growth, proliferation, and adhesion. The results obtained from the animal and immunohistochemistry study also showed that the speed of wound healing and collagen production was better in the group with collagen, zinc oxide, and mesenchymal cells. Therefore, it can be said that the zinc oxide Nano-particle can be considered a new Nano-particle in electrospun fibers that increase cell viability and proliferation.

Safflower forage can be considered as a cost-effective alternative to corn silage because as a seasonal plant, it can be cultivated in winter or summer and it can grow in different environmental and soil conditions. Evaluation of the chemical composition and aspect characteristics of silage is necessary to adjust the formulation of rations and also to diagnose problems related to the quality of silage. Research has shown that safflower forage has a range of appropriate nutritional values and can be used as an alternative to other forage sources in ruminant diets. Studies conducted in horses, sheep, lambs, heifers, beef, and dairy cows showed that replacing safflower silage with corn silage maintained production performance. 600 Holstein calves were used for 90 days in a completely randomized design with two treatments and 300 replications for each treatment. The experimental groups included 1-basal diet containing corn silage, and 2- basal diet containing safflower silage. In this research, the amount of nutrients in safflower silage and then the performance of the animals were evaluated. No significant difference was observed in average daily gain, average final weight, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between calves fed with safflower silage diet compared to corn silage diet. In general, the results of this research showed that safflower is a forage containing valuable nutrients and if it is replaced with corn silage in the diet of bull calves, maximum growth potential can be achieved.

Due to the importance of this micronutrient in various diseases, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its adverse effects on women's health and especially its effect on the female reproductive system, the existence of basic studies on the role of vitamin D in the reproductive system and in particular the lack of sufficient studies on the biological role of vitamin D on menopause, the present study was conducted to determine the role of vitamin D deficiency in premature menopause because if the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and premature menopause is proven, premature menopause and its irreversible complications can be prevented in these individuals by prescribing adequate amounts of vitamin D and recommending adequate exposure to sunlight. We conducted a case-control study in Shahroud on women with premature menopause who were referred to gynecologists' offices. We selected 21 women who had premature menopause as a case group and 40 women who did not have premature menopause as a control group and measured vitamin D levels in all of these people. 64.1% of people with low vitamin D levels did not have premature menopause and 35.9% of people with low vitamin D levels had premature menopause. Also, 68.2% of women with normal vitamin D levels did not have premature menopause, and 31.8% of people who had premature menopause with normal levels of vitamin D. There was no significant relationship between premature menopause and vitamin D levels according to the t-test. There was also no significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and premature menopause in terms of age, education level, income level, and BMI. No significant relationship was observed between premature menopause and vitamin D levels. Due to the important role of vitamin D in the body and the importance of premature menopause and infertility, further study in this field is recommended.

Providing the nutritional needs of fish is one of the important elements in the success of the process of raising and keeping fish. Mentha longifolia plant is a well-known medicinal plant with various immune system stimulating, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of M. longifolia extract on growth performance, carcass quality, liver enzymes and blood parameters of rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss). For this purpose, the number of 240 rainbow trout with an average weight 10.17 ± 0.3 g were fed at 4 levels of 0 (control), 1, 2 and 3 g per kg of diet during 60 days. The results indicated that the highest ratio of WG, SGR and FCE and lowest FCR was observed in 1 g/kg extract concentration of M. longifolia (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the highest and lowest level of fat and protein was observed in 3 gr M. longifolia per kg diet and control respectively (p < 0.05). The lowest level of moister was observed in 3 gr M. longifolia per kg diet (p < 0.05). In terms of liver enzymes, no significant difference was observed between the treatments and the control (p > 0.05). In the results related to blood indices, the number of white blood cells and red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit values ​​in the treatments fed with oregano extract showed a significant increase compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In general, the results showed that the use of M. longifolia extract in the diet, especially at the level of 1 g/kg, has growth-enhancing effects, improving carcass composition and blood indices in rainbow trout.

The study of the genetic structure and diversity of the common pochard (Aythya ferina) in Iran was carried out using microsatellites. 30 pochards were sampled from the Caspian Sea and the Hor-al-Azim Wetland during 2019-2021. DNA extraction and amplification of microsatellite target genes were performed with the relevant primers and statistical analyses were performed with Gene Alex, GelAnalayzer, Arlequin, and MEGA software. The highest number of true alleles, 7 alleles, were observed at the Alp36 locus in the southern population, and the lowest number of true alleles, 2 alleles, were observed at the Alp36 locus in the northern population. The highest number of effective alleles with a frequency of 5.000 in the northern population was Smo11 and the lowest number of effective alleles in the northern and southern populations was 2.000 at the Alp2 and Alp36 loci. The range of heterozygosity observed in all loci of the populations was between 0.133 and 1.000, and the highest heterozygosity observed in Alp36 in the northern region and Sfiq4 in the southern region with a frequency of 1.000, and the lowest value in the northern region was observed in Mmo3 with a frequency of 0.133. The range of expected heterozygosity (He) between the sampling regions at the loci was between 0.491 and 0.800. The highest amount of expected heterozygosity in all regions was observed in the Smo11 locus in the north and the least amount of expected heterozygosity was observed in the Mmo3 locus in the south. Fst was calculated to be 0.25. According to the allele results, since Fst is less than 0.33 and all the studied loci showed significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (except for two loci sfiq4 and smo11 in the southern population which were not significant), it indicates low genetic differences between populations and high gene flow within Iranian populations. Also, the drawn phylogenetic tree shows high gene flow within populations.
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This study was conducted with the aim of fattening lambs with small fat-tail compared to lambs with large fat-tail on growth performance and carcass traits of lambs of the Lori breed. In order to carry out this project, 30 male lambs were selected based on the size of the tail. The lambs weighing about 30 kg and three months old of weaning were selected and divided into two groups of 15. The experimental group lambs included lambs whose fat-tail width was between 15.5-19.5 cm and fat-tail length 17-22 cm, and the control group included all lambs with tails with widths greater than 19.5 cm and tail length greater than 22 cm.. Finally, daily weight gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. At the end of the 90-day fattening phase, 8 lambs from each small-tailed and large-tailed group were weighed and slaughtered, and carcass traits were measured. The two groups were compared using an independent t-test.The results showed that the highest ADG in lambs with small fat-tail and 90 days of fattening was 210 grams per day and the lowest ADG was related to lambs with larger fat-tail of 182 g/d.The FCR was better in lambs with small fat-tail compared to lambs with larger fat-tail (7.21 vs. 8.35). The highest carcass  yield, cold and hot carcass weight, percentage of carcass parts, and percentage of lean meat were in small-tailed lambs. In terms of total carcass fat, there was a significant difference between the two groups and small tail lambs had the lowest total carcass fat with 17.29% and large tail lambs had the highest total carcass fat with 23.63%. There was a significant difference between small-tailed lambs and control lambs in terms of lean meat percentage (p < 0.05) and carcass length, bone percentage and rectus muscle cross-sectional area were not significant (p > 0.05). he results showed that the cost per kilogram of weight gain per feed consumed for small-tailed lambs was 13.65% cheaper than that of larger-tailed lambs, and in this respect, they had a higher economic value. Based on the results obtained, lambs with small tail size are recommended for fattening due to their appropriate feed conversion ratio, higher daily weight gain and more suitable carcass traits along with lower production cost per kilogram of weight gain and carcass.

Spexin and Asprosin as multifunctional peptides, play a role in glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the response of these two peptides to different intensities of interval training in women with type 2 diabetes. This study was a quasi-experimental type with a pre-test to post-test design. 30 women with type 2 diabetes, aged 30 to 40 years, were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=10) including; Control, moderate intensity interval training (MIIT), and high intensity interval training (HIIT). The training protocol consisted of 12 weeks, three sessions per week, and with intensities of 70-75% and 80-95% of maximum heart rate, respectively. Before and after exercise intervention, serum levels of spexin and asprosin were evaluated by ELISA method. Intragroup changes were analyzed using a paired t-test and intergroup changes were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance test with Tukey's post hoc test. The significant level was considered to be p≤0.05. The results indicated that in training groups, following 12 weeks of interval training, the serum levels of spexin increased significantly (p = 0.0001) and asprosin decreased significantly (p = 0.0001). Also, the insulin resistance index showed a significant decrease (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, it seems that HIIT and MIIT exercises can cause positive changes in the amount of spexin and asprosin, along with improving insulin resistance in women with type 2 diabetes. Based on the findings of the present study, HIIT exercises have better effects than MIIT training

To investigate growth and carcass characteristics in fattening conditions, 96 Lori sheep at the ages of 3.5, 6.5, 9.5, and 12.5 months were studied over two years after leaving the pasture and being fed. Fattening lambs were fed milk (plus clover ad libitum from one month of age). Lambs in the second group were fed pasture from 3.5 to 6.5 months of age with the addition of supplementary feed. Lambs at 9.5 and 12.5 months of age were fed only by hand feeding. Daily weight gain in males was 228, 143, 136, and 144 grams, and in females 192, 127, 103, and 101 grams, respectively (p < 0.01). Slaughter weight showed a significant difference between males and females and in different age groups (p < 0.01). The lowest carcass percentage was observed in 6.5-month-old male and female lambs, and the highest carcass percentage was observed in 12.5-month-old male lambs (p < 0.01). The highest percentage of carcass meat was 62.03% at the age of 9.5 months in the second year (p < 0.01). The highest percentage of carcass bone was 27.83% in 6.5-month-old females and the lowest was in 12.5-month-old females (p < 0.01). The highest carcass fat percentage was observed in 12.5-month-old males in the first year at 30.25% and the lowest was observed in 6.5-month-old males at 13.75% (p < 0.01). The internal fat weight, tail, head, skin, liver, heart, empty stomach, and intestines of the carcass showed a significant difference in both genders and age groups (p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between the live weight of the animal and meat percentage and bone percentage (p < 0.01). The best slaughter age of fattening lambs of Lary sheep was 9.5 months and in males. Continuing fattening increased carcass fat. If lambs are slaughtered immediately after leaving the pasture, the slaughter weight, carcass percentage, and meat are less than the ultimate limit of the real capacity of this breed

The aim of the current research is to investigate the effect of climate change on the milk production curve and fat percentage and fat percentage and the rate of milk changes of Holstein cows in different climates from seven provinces. For this purpose, 70,000 test day records related to 22,471 Holstein cows were collected during the years 2001 to 2016. Using data from the nearest synoptic station, the climate temperature humidity index was calculated and compared using temperature and relative humidity. Due to the possibility of greater impact of longer periods of heat stress compared to shorter periods, the average of 1, 2 and 3 day were also calculated. In general, the changes caused by different climates were calculated through artificial networking using Neurosolution software. In general, the changes caused by different climates were calculated through artificial networking using Neurosolution software. The goodness of fit was determined using the coefficient of explanation r and the mean square error of the MSE model. Based on the results, the temperature humidity index (THI) was determined as the best criterion to investigate the climatic conditions of the studied area. Based on the results, the humidity and temperature index was determined as the best criterion to investigate the climatic conditions of the studied area. It has also been observed that the average temperature and relative humidity 2 days before recording can explain a greater share of the changes in production performance than on the day of recording alone. The results of this study showed that increasing the THI value reduced milk production and increased milk fat percentage.

Male infertility is a complex multifactorial problem that affects approximately 7% of men and 15% of couples worldwide with multifactorial pathology such as environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. In general, abnormal methylation of imprinted genes in sperm DNA is associated with poor semen parameters. In this study, the DNA methylation status of the imprinting Gene trap locus 2 (GTL2) gene at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) was assessed in the semen samples of infertile men. Sperm DNA was extracted from 30 infertile, and 15 healthy fertile men. Following the modification of DNA by sodium bisulfite treatment the methylation status of the GTL2 gene at MDRs was evaluated by qMS-PCR. A negative correlation between GTL2 methylation and sperm count (p = 0.020; p = -0.345) and sperm concentration (r = -0.361; p = 0.015) was observed in all patients. Taken together, the abnormal DNA methylation status of GTL2-DMRs may be an epigenetic diagnostic marker of male infertility. Further research is needed to pursue other mechanisms affecting methylation in semen samples and their impact on human infertility.

The role of fats as a source of energy at low and moderate intensities is well known. Physical activity can affect non-triglyceride metabolism such as sphingolipids. Considering the spread of metabolic diseases and the role of sphingolipid metabolites and enzymes related to them, investigating the effect of sports activities on the production of sphingolipids can be a special treatment strategy for these complications. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of two different intensities of circuit resistance training on plasma S1P, red blood cell, and platelet and HDL levels in young men. The statistical population of the present study were young male students aged 19-22, non-athletes. The one-session activity instruction included three consecutive rounds of circuit resistance training at 10 stations. Considering the effect of intensity and duration of activity on the amount of stimulation and duration of release of sphingolipids from production sources, especially red blood cells, the variables were measured in 3 time intervals: before, immediately after, and 24 hours after training. HPLC method was used to measure the samples. Normal data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test for repeated measures at the significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that the interaction between training groups and measurement times was not statistically significant. The amount of erythrocyte s1p changed significantly during the measurement times (p = 0.018). S1p levels in platelets, erythrocytes, and HDL did not show any significant effect at the measurement times. In both training groups, platelet s1p levels increased after training. In the 20% training group, the amount of s1p HDL increased after training. This increasing trend continued until 24 hours after training. Circuit-type resistance training will be effective in changing the levels of sphingolipids in plasma and their production sources.

Today, sports activity and the consumption of plants with antioxidant properties are considered as modulators of aging inflammation for the prevention and treatment of inflammation-related diseases. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training and frankincense (Boswellia) supplementation on the level of inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampal tissue of aged rats. The statistical sample of the study included 28 aged male Wistar rats who were divided into four groups: interval training + placebo, interval training + Boswellia supplement, Boswellia supplement and sham. High intensity interval training on a treadmill was performed five days a week for six weeks. Supplemental groups received 50 mg frankincense solution (per kilogram of body weight) by gavage during the intervention period. After anesthesia, a necropsy was performed and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and BDNF in the hippocampal tissue were measured. The results showed that according to the Kruskal-Wallis analysis, the difference between the ranks of the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and BDNF in the hippocampus tissue of aged male rats was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). As a result, it seems that high intensity interval training and Boswellia supplement cannot cause a significant difference on the levels of inflammatory cytokines and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus tissue.

One of the possible reasons for the decrease in cognitive abilities and spatial memory in offspring is the decrease in leptin receptor gene expression in the hippocampus. In the present study, pregnant NMRI rats were divieded into four groups of eight: 1- male control group: male offspring of mothers who did not receive electric shock during pregnancy 2- Female control group: female offspring of mothers who did not receive electric shock during pregnancy 3- Male stress group: female offspring of mothers who received electric shock during pregnancy, and 4- female stress group: female offspring of mothers who received electric shock during pregnancy. To evaluate the effect of stress on intrinsic anxiety, the open field device was used, and for induced anxiety, an elevated plus maze was used. Leptin plasma concentration and leptin receptor gene expression in the hippocampus were measured. The results showed that plantar electric shock stress in the first half of pregnancy can reduce leptin plasma levels in offspring. The incidence of anxiety-like behaviors in male and female offspring of mothers who received shocks increased significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Also, the studies showed that male and female offspring of stressed mothers traveled more time and distance to reach the target chamber in the Barnes Maze (memory test). Prenatal stress will reduce the plasma concentration of leptin and hippocampal leptin in male and female offspring. Leptin receptor gene expression in the hippocampus of male and female offspring of stressed mothers was significantly lower than that of control group offspring. Exposure of pregnant mothers to electric shock led to a decrease in leptin hormone levels in offspring, which was associated with anxiety-like behaviors and impaired memory and spatial learning. Considering the existence of various types of environmental stress in today's life, leptin measurement and evaluation may play a decisive role in predicting the treatment of patients with anxiety and cognitive disorders.
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Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder worldwide and leads to testicular damage, reduced spermatogenesis, and reduced male sexual activity. Carob plant plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of complications caused by oxidative stress due to its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of carob fruit hydroalcoholic extract on testicular damage caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. In this study, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The control group (healthy), the diabetic group (via intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin), the first experimental group (diabetic + 50 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of carob) and the second experimental group (diabetic + 100 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of carob) which received the extract intraperitoneally for five weeks after becoming diabetic for two months. At the end of the fifth week, blood samples were taken from the samples and hormonal factors were measured and testicular tissue sections were evaluated using hematotoxin-eosin staining. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's supplementary test were used for statistical analysis. Diabetes led to testicular damage, decreased spermatogenesis and Sertoli cells, decreased insulin and testosterone, and a significant decrease in the diameter and number of germ cells of the seminiferous tubule. In the experimental groups, the levels of insulin and testosterone hormones increased significantly and were associated with an increase in germ cells and the diameter of the germ layer. Consumption of carob hydroalcoholic extract significantly reduced testicular damage in diabetic rats and could play an important role in its improvement.

Lipocalin-2 has been introduced as one of the most important inflammatory mediators related to obesity and effective in glucose homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of resistance training on lipocalin 2 gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue as well as glycemic profile in obese diabetic rats. 14 male Wistar rats were divided into control and resistance training groups after induction of type 2 diabetes by high-fat diet and STZ injection. Resistance exercises were performed for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week, in the form of climbing a step ladder by the rats of the resistance group. 48 hours after the last training session, all rats were dissected. Lipocalin 2 gene expression, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin resistance were measured and compared between two groups by independent t-test. Compared to the control group, resistance training resulted in a significant decrease in glucose (P = 0.001), glycosylated hemoglobin (P = 0.016), insulin resistance (P = 0.001) and lipocalin 2 gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue (P = 0.003) and as well as a significant increase in serum insulin (P = 0.042). Based on these findings, the improvement of the glycemic profile in the studied rats may be attributed to the decrease in the expression of lipocalin-2 and insulin resistance following resistance training. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms responsible for these changes.