Archives of Medical Laboratory Sciences

Background and Aim: Clinical evidence highlights the critical role of transcription factors in insulin action within adipose and muscle tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training on FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, as well as on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in obese rats.

Methods: Obesity was induced in 21 male Wistar rats via a high-fat diet (HFD). The rats were then randomly assigned to three groups: HIIT group (8 weeks, 5 sessions/week; n=7); Resistance training group (8 weeks, 5 sessions/week; n=7); Control group (no training; n=7). At 48 hours after the final exercise session, the following parameters were measured: Fasting glucose, Serum insulin, Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for between-group comparisons.

Results: Both HIIT and resistance training led to significant reductions in: Fasting glucose (P = 0.001), Insulin resistance (P=0.001), FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P=0.001), Serum insulin levels (P= 0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The observed improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance following HIIT and resistance training may be attributed to the downregulation of FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue. These findings suggest that both exercise modalities could be effective strategies for metabolic regulation in obesity.

Laboratory Highlights & Technical Implications:

·        Both HIIT and resistance training significantly reduced fasting glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in obese rats.

·        Downregulation of FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue may be a key mechanism behind improved insulin sensitivity.

·        Both exercise modalities showed similar metabolic benefits, supporting their efficacy in obesity management.

·        These findings highlight structured exercise (HIIT or resistance training) as a non-pharmacological strategy for metabolic regulation.

·        Future research should explore long-term FTO modulation and combined training effects for clinical translation.

Keywords: Gene Expression; Glycemic Profile; Exercise; Obesity; Obesity Induction; Insulin Resistance; Interval Training; Resistance Training; FTO Gene Expression; Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue; Wistar Rats; Animal Model.

*Corresponding author: Mojtaba Eizadi; Email: mojtaba52izadi@iau.ac.ir, izadimojtaba2006@yahoo.com; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1989-692X

Please cite this article as: Ghofrani MH, Rahimi A, Eizadi M. The Effect of Interval and Resistance Training on Insulin Resistance with Emphasis on FTO Gene Expression in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Wistar Rats with Obesity Induction. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2025;11:1-7 (e1). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v11.44055

Background and Aim:

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DIT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition triggered by certain medications. This report aims to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of DIT in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) treated with a polypharmacy regimen.

Case Presentation:

A case study of a 39-year-old woman with MDD who developed bleeding following treatment with “aripiprazole”, “olanzapine”, “lorazepam”, and “sodium valproate” is presented.

Conclusion:

The patient’s condition improved significantly after medication changes and close collaboration between psychiatrists and hematologists. This highlights the need for proper care and correct prescription of medicines for patients with MDD.

Laboratory Highlights & Technical Implications:

This case report demonstrates the need for:

·        Enhanced CBC review protocols for patients receiving psychiatric care/treatment who are on polypharmacy;

·        Reflex testing algorithms for thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) workups;

·        Standardized communication channels between lab and mental health teams.

Keywords: Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia; Platelet; Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); CBC Monitoring; Antidepressants; Psychotropic Medications/Drugs; Lab-Clinic Collaboration.

*Corresponding author: Mohammad Khani-Eshratabadi; Email Addresses: khaniem@mums.ac.ir, lskhani@yahoo.com; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7592-0237

Please cite this article as: Khezri S, Younesi Moghaddam N, Mazarloo M, Bagheri N, Saberi Amarghan S, Khani-Eshratabadi M.  Early Diagnosis of Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Major Depressive Disorder: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges and Multidisciplinary Management. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2025;11:1-3 (e2). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v11.44682

Introduction/Background: Inflammatory diseases are among the most common chronic health conditions and are frequently linked to microbial dysbiosis and immune system dysfunction. Although corticosteroids remain a standard therapeutic option, their long-term use is associated with serious adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Probiotics, live beneficial microorganisms, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. They can restore gut microbial balance, enhance epithelial barrier function, and modulate host immune responses through pathways involving cytokine regulation and short-chain fatty acid production.

Purpose/Objectives: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms through which probiotics mitigate inflammation, with particular attention to their role in modulating mucosal immunity, suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling, and enhancing intestinal integrity.

Findings: Clinical studies support the use of probiotics in managing a variety of inflammation-related conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), respiratory tract infections, allergic responses, metabolic disorders, and neuroinflammation. However, strain specificity, formulation challenges, and host-related factors continue to influence clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: Overall, probiotics represent a promising, biologically based approach for managing inflammation and improving patient outcomes across a broad spectrum of chronic diseases. In addition, advanced diagnostic and laboratory techniques play a crucial role in elucidating the molecular and functional impacts of probiotics, enabling precise evaluation of their efficacy, strain-specific effects, and mechanisms of action in both experimental and clinical settings. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective probiotic strains, understanding host–microbe interactions, and conducting long-term studies to establish safety and efficacy.

^*Corresponding Author: Fatemeh Ahangari; Email: f_ahangari@pasteur.ac.ir, fatemehh.ahangari@gmail.com; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7253-6603

Please cite this article as: Haghighi M, Haghighi F, Hajiloo Z, Ahangari F. Probiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy for Inflammatory Diseases: A Review on Mechanistic, Diagnostic, and Laboratory Perspectives. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2025;11:1-15 (e3). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v9.48797