We aimed to evaluate the effect of saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) treatment on endurance capacity, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, antioxidant, and metabolic biomarkers in Wistar rats. Forty male rats were allocated equally into four groups: Saffron, Exercise and Saffron, Exercise and Placebo, and Placebo. Endurance training was accomplished on a specified rodent motor‐driven treadmill. Running to fatigue test and also metabolic and molecular indices were measured after eight weeks of intervention. mtDNA copy number and NRF‐1 gene expression increased significantly in the Ex + S group compared to the exercised and control group (p < 0.05). Endurance capacity time increased in the Ex + S group compared to the Ex group (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde, CPK, AST, and IL‐6 decreased and antioxidant parameters including Glutathione peroxidase and Glutathione increased in the Ex + S group compared to exercised rats (p < 0.01). Saffron enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and modulated metabolic biomarkers in exercised rats. Practical applications The influence of potential nutrient factors on exercise performance has reached much attention in recent years. Athletes require an appropriate sport supplement to reimburse their fatigue and improve their resilience. Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) is a well‐known spice in the food trade which is quite popular around the world by giving a desirable taste to food. In an experimental study, we showed that saffron extract treatment during endurance training could improve endurance capacity by modulating several metabolic and genomic factors. Therefore, by relying on the results of this study and the positive effects of saffron published in previous studies, saffron could be added to sport beverages and supplements to enhance an athlete's performance.

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Senescence or programmed cell death is a process that interacts with many biochemical and physiological changes in living organism and is generally induced by aging. Many environmental stresses that accelerate the production of activated oxygen can also induce senescence artificially. One of the important aspects of senescence is possibly degradation of macromolecules such as DNA. It is believed that the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique is a good method to compare the DNA quality of juvenile and senescence samples in which oxidative stress is induced. In this study, juvenile, senescence and plant paraquat treated leaves from tomato, tobacco and rose, as well as juvenile and senescence human tissues were processed for DNA extraction followed by RAPD technique. We discovered that plant and human genomes are influenced by senescence and environmental stresses underwent genome diversity. Using some molecular markers proved that senescence and oxidative treated samples show different DNA pattern compare to the juvenile-un- treated samples. We also concluded that RAPD technique can be used as a useful tool in genomics study to provide researchers reliable information of DNA quality and can effectively help to resolve the environment condition.

AIM: To determine the effects of a structured, moderate-intensity, early cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on physical function and psychological wellbeing in patients following aortic root replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to either an 8-week (24 sessions) cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program, 4 to 6 weeks after aortic root replacement using the Bentall procedure, or to an age- and sex-matched control group undertaking no structured exercise. Physical function (via exercise treadmill test (ETT)) and psychological wellbeing (assessed via DASS-21 and SF36) were assessed before and following 8-weeks of CR. RESULTS: 30 patients (15 in the control (mean age: 37±10 years) and 15 in the intervention group (mean age: 38±11 years)) completed the 8-week CR programme and no adverse events were reported over the intervention period. In the CR group, all sub-components of the SF-36 and DASS-21 increased (all P <  0.05), showing an overall improvement in psychological wellbeing following the intervention. Distance walked on the ETT (improved significantly following 8-weeks of CR (490±167 m v 659±141 m; Λ improvement = 169 m; P <  0.05). There were no changes in physical function and psychological wellbeing in the controls (P >  0.05). A significant group-by-time interaction effect was evident for physical function and all sub-components of the SF-36 and DASS-21 (all P <  0.05) highlighting significant improvements in outcomes in the CR group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: This small sample, aerobic-based, moderate-intensity CR is safe and effective, and can be tolerated only 4–6 weeks after complex aortic root replacement surgery.