Razi University

This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of chronic supplementation with L-Citrulline (LC) vs. L-Citrulline DL-malate (CM) on resistance training (RT) performance.

Thirty-three resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to ingest LC (8 g), CM (12 g), or Placebo (PL) daily, along with participation in a 6-week RT protocol. Muscular strength (1-repetition maximum [1RM] for hack squat [HS] and bench press [BP]), muscular endurance (repetitions to failure [RTF] for HS, leg extension [LE], BP, and incline press [IP]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood biomarkers (lactate, urea, and nitric oxide metabolites [NO_X]) were assessed before and after the intervention. This study was registered on irct.ir (IRCTID: IRCT20221128056642N1).

Comparing mean ∆ scores revealed a significant difference between LC and PL (p < 0.001) and between CM and PL (p = 0.026) for total upper body (the sum of BP and IP) RTF, but only a trend for difference between LC and PL (p = 0.070) for total lower body (the sum of HS and LE) RTF. A significant time effect for NO_X was detected only for LC (p = 0.014) and CM (p = 0.003). In addition, a significant difference between CM and PL (p = 0.009) and a marginally significant difference between LC and PL (p = 0.057) was detected regarding post-exercise NO_X values at post-intervention. There were no other between-group differences for any outcome measure.

Chronic citrulline supplementation seems to enhance upper body muscular endurance and post-exercise NO_X response to RT, but there is no apparent difference between LC and CM in these aspects.

Full-thickness excisional wounds were created on Sprague-Dawley rats and treated with topical Losartan (5 % or 10 %), base cream, or left untreated. Wound healing was assessed macroscopically and histologically at days 10, 20, and 30 post-injury. In addition to analyzing myeloperoxidase (MPO), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and hydroxyproline, further parameters such as wound closure rate, collagen fiber alignment, revascularization, and inflammatory cell infiltration were evaluated.

Losartan-treated wounds showed significantly accelerated closure, enhanced cytokeratin 14 (CK14) and improved epithelial regeneration, and reduced inflammatory infiltration. MPO activity was notably decreased, especially in early healing, and MCP-1 modulation followed the macrophage dynamics. Histological results demonstrated enhanced fibroblast maturation, revascularization, and organized collagen deposition. Elevated levels of hydroxyproline and GAGs confirmed improved extracellular matrix formation.

This study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of topically applied Losartan in promoting wound healing by modulating inflammation, enhancing matrix remodeling, and regulating CK14 expression. These findings support the therapeutic repositioning of Losartan as a novel topical agent and pave the way for its clinical development in the management of chronic wounds, including diabetic and ischemic ulcers.

Abdominal obesity is a prevalent characteristic of individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Effective weight management strategies that induce satiety play a crucial role in reducing the risk of obesity and, consequently, MetS. This study aimed to investigate the impact of sodium alginate supplementation in conjunction with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on the increment of Cholecystokinin (CCK) and Peptide YY (PYY) levels in men with MetS.

Forty men with MetS volunteered for this study and were randomly assigned to one of five groups: HIIT (high-intensity interval training), HIIT + S (high-intensity interval training + sodium alginate supplementation), MICT (moderate-intensity interval training), MICT + S (moderate-intensity interval training + sodium alginate supplementation), and control (C), which received no intervention. The HIIT groups performed four bouts of four minutes at 85-95% of their Peak Heart Rate (HR peak), with three minutes of active recovery at 50-70% HR peak, three sessions per week. The MICT groups engaged in 30 min of exercise at 60-70% HR peak, three sessions per week. The HIIT + S and MICT + S groups consumed 1.5 g of Sigma sodium alginate solution (manufactured in the USA) dissolved in 100 mg of sweet water (containing 7 g of fructose) 30 min before their three main meals, three days per week, for eight weeks.

After eight weeks of interventions, CCK and PYY levels significantly increased in all studied groups. The HIIT + S group exhibited a significantly greater increase compared to the other groups. Additionally, the MetS Z score significantly decreased in all studied groups, with the HIIT + S group demonstrating a significantly greater decrease compared to the other groups (P < 0.05).

The findings of this study indicate that both HIIT and MICT contribute to overall improvement in men with MetS. However, the combination of sodium alginate supplementation with exercise further enhances these improvements. These findings support integrating sodium alginate and exercise into MetS management to enhance satiety and improve metabolic profiles. Limitations include the short duration (8 weeks) and small sample size, which limit long-term conclusions.

The trial, with the reference number IR.KUMS.REC.1398.214, underwent approval by the Research Ethics Committees of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. The trial was subsequently registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Registration Center under the code IRCT20190916044788N1 on 03/12/2020.