Variations in leptin, nesfatin-1 and irisin levels induced by aerobic exercise in young trained and untrained male subjects

Exercise training mode effects on myokine expression in healthy adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefits of exercise are well known; however, many of the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Skeletal muscle secretes myokines, which mediate muscle-organ crosstalk. Myokines regulate satellite-cell proliferation and migration, inflammatory cascade, insulin secretion, angiogenesis, fatty oxidation, and cancer suppression. To date, the effects of different exercise modes (namely, aerobic and resistance exercise) on myokine response remain to be elucidated. This is crucial considering the clinical implementation of exercise to enhance general health and wellbeing and as a medical treatment.

METHODS

A systematic search was undertaken in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science in April 2023. Eligible studies examining the effects of a single bout of exercise on interleukin15 (IL-15), irisin, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), oncostatin M (OSM), and decorin were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was also undertaken to quantify the magnitude of change.

RESULTS

Sixty-two studies were included (n = 1193). Overall, exercise appeared to induce small to large increases in myokine expression, with effects observed immediately after to 60 min post-exercise, although these were mostly not statistically significant. Both aerobic and resistance exercise resulted in changes in myokine levels, without any significant difference between training modes, and with the magnitude of change differing across myokines. Myokine levels returned to baseline levels within 180 min to 24 h post-exercise. However, owing to potential sources of heterogeneity, most changes were not statistically significant, indicating that precise conclusions cannot be drawn.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge is limited but expanding with respect to the impact of overall and specific effects of exercise on myokine expression at different time points in the systemic circulation. Further research is required to investigate the effects of different exercise modes at multiple time points on myokine response.

Evaluating the impact of metabolic and cognitive stress on ghrelin and nesfatin-1 hormones in patients with diabetes and diabetic depression

Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin, initially recognised as hormones involved in regulating energy, have emerged as crucial players with vital functions in various human body systems. In this study, we conducted a comparative assessment of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin responses in individuals experiencing metabolic stress due to diabetes, those with depressive diabetes characterised by both metabolic and mental stress, and healthy controls. We collected blood samples from a total of 90 participants, consisting of 30 people with type II diabetes mellitus (DM), 30 people with type II DM and major depressive disorders, and 30 healthy individuals. Diabetes was diagnosed based on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, while depression was assessed using DSM-V criteria. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and serum ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels were measured using ELISA kits. We observed statistically significant decreases in nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels in the diabetic group (p < 0.0001). However, in the depressive diabetic group, nesfatin-1 levels increased significantly, while ghrelin levels decreased further. The nesfatin-1 to ghrelin ratio decreased in the diabetic group but increased significantly in the depressive diabetic group (p < 0.0001). Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones exhibit parallel impacts in response to metabolic stress, but nesfatin-1 demonstrates contrasting actions compared to ghrelin when mental stress is added to metabolic stress. The findings of this study suggest that nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones may play active roles as protective, prognostic, and even etiological factors in various stress situations, particularly those involving mental stress, in addition to their known functions in regulating energy.

Effects of physical activity and exercise on Nucleobindin-2 gene expression and Nesfatin-1 concentration: A rapid review

The aim of this rapid review is to examine the research evidence that presents the effects of physical activity and exercise on Nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) gene expression and Nesfatin-1 concentration. Five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Google Scholar) were searched for eligible studies from the earliest available date to August 2023. In human studies, Nesfatin-1 concentration either remains unchanged or increases after exercise training. It appears that higher exercise intensity and longer duration of training accentuate the increase of blood Nesfatin-1 concentration. The few human studies that have examined the acute response of exercise on Nesfatin-1 concentration from blood draws show conflicting results. There is a severe lack of biopsy studies in humans which warrants attention. All published animal studies have used the mouse model. The majority show that regular exercise training increases tissue NUCB2/Nesfatin-1. In some animal studies, where the effects of exercise on tissue Nesfatin-1 concentration has been seen as significant, there has been no significant effect of exercise on plasma Nesfatin-1 concentration. All animal studies evaluated the effect of endurance training except one which used resistance training. No animal studies have investigated the effects of acute exercise, which warrants investigation. In conclusion, human and animal studies have shown that physical training can increase NUCB2/Nesfatin-1, but research evidence examining the effect of acute exercise is in its infancy. In addition, future comparative studies are needed to compare the effects of different training protocols on NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 in humans and animals.

Fndc5/irisin is regulated by myogenesis stage, irisin, muscle type and training

OBJECTIVES

Irisin, a novel myokine that responds to exercise, was initially identified as a regulator of fat tissue metabolism. We aimed to investigate fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (Fndc5)/irisin, auto/para-crine role in different muscle fibers, different activities, and muscle cell differentiation.

METHODS

Using in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo muscle models, Fndc5 was studied at the physiological and molecular levels.

RESULTS

Following training, C57BL/6 mice (n=10) were subject to fast and slow-twitch muscles dissection and molecular analysis. Isolated mice (C57BL/6, n=14) slow and fast-twitch muscles were subject to electrical aerobic and anaerobic pulses stimulation (EPS). L6 muscle cells differentiation was characterized by Fndc5 differentiation-depended expression pattern parallel with significant hypertrophy, Myogenin elevation, and overlapping Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (Pgc-1α) expression pattern. Exogenous irisin significantly altered Fndc5 expression; augmented at early differentiation (3-4-fold, P<0.05) and decreased (2-fold, P<0.05) at late differentiation. Training induced a significant elevation in Fndc5/irisin and Pgc-1α expression levels in all muscle types compared to the sedentary state, where soleus muscle (slow) Fndc5 expression levels were significantly higher compared to levels in all other fast muscles (3-140-fold, P<0.001). Similarly, following EPS, Fndc5 expression levels were significantly augmented in the soleus slow muscle following both aerobic and anaerobic activity (3-3.5-fold, P<0.05) compared to extensor digitorum longus (fast) muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle cell's Fndc5 expression has a differentiation-depended pattern paralleling Pgc-1α expression and hypertrophy. Irisin autocrinally and significantly regulate Fndc5 and Pgc-1α in a differentiation-depended manner. Muscle Fndc5 expression levels are dependent on fiber type and activity type.

Aerobic Versus Resistance Training: Leptin and Metabolic Parameters Improvement in Type 2 Diabetes Obese Men

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to determine the changes in metabolic parameters, leptin, and irisin levels after aerobic and resistance training in type-2 diabetes obese men. Methods: Forty-five participants in the age range of 17-25 years were randomized into three groups: aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), and control (CO). All training sessions were fulfilled 4 days per week for two months. The aerobic training began with intensity of 65% of the maximum aerobic power and finished with 90%. The resistance program started with 50% of one-repetition maximum and reached 70% in the 8th week. Results: Factorial analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed significant decreases in leptin (p = .043), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (p = .023), insulin (p = .001), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = .022) in AT compared with CO and insulin (p = .006) in AT compared with RT. The change of percent body fat (PBF) was positively correlated only with change of HOMA-IR in AT group (p = .032) at p < .05. Conclusion: The result suggests that, compared to resistance training, aerobic training can control metabolic situations such as insulin resistance through the leptin hormone function, and not irisin in type-2 diabetes obese men.

The molecular signaling of exercise and obesity in the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Obesity is one of the major pandemics of the 21st century. Due to its multifactorial etiology, its treatment requires several actions, including dietary intervention and physical exercise. Excessive fat accumulation leads to several health problems involving alteration in the gut-microbiota-brain axis. This axis is characterized by multiple biological systems generating a network that allows bidirectional communication between intestinal bacteria and brain. This mutual communication maintains the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal, central nervous and microbial systems of animals. Moreover, this axis involves inflammatory, neural, and endocrine mechanisms, contributes to obesity pathogenesis. The axis also acts in appetite and satiety control and synthesizing hormones that participate in gastrointestinal functions. Exercise is a nonpharmacologic agent commonly used to prevent and treat obesity and other chronic degenerative diseases. Besides increasing energy expenditure, exercise induces the synthesis and liberation of several muscle-derived myokines and neuroendocrine peptides such as neuropeptide Y, peptide YY, ghrelin, and leptin, which act directly on the gut-microbiota-brain axis. Thus, exercise may serve as a rebalancing agent of the gut-microbiota-brain axis under the stimulus of chronic low-grade inflammation induced by obesity. So far, there is little evidence of modification of the gut-brain axis as a whole, and this narrative review aims to address the molecular pathways through which exercise may act in the context of disorders of the gut-brain axis due to obesity.

Comparative Impact of Various Exercises on Circulating Irisin in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Irisin is a myokine that is secreted from skeletal muscle during exercise and increases lipid metabolism, converting white adipose tissue to brown adipose tissue. Recent studies have shown conflicting results in relation to chronic and acute exercise and irisin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic and acute exercise training on circulating (plasma/serum) irisin level in healthy subjects. We conducted a search of Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI, Scopus, Embase, and Pedro up to September 2021. A random effects network meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled estimate of standardized mean difference (SMD) for acute and chronic exercise effects on irisin level, using Hedge's g statistic. Of the 16 studies included, six were acute exercise studies (175 participants). The aerobic (Hedge's g = 0.23; 95% CI: -0.58, 1.03) and the anaerobic exercises (Hedge's g = 0.12; 95% CI: -0.45, 0.70) were associated with the increased level of irisin, compared to the control. In the ten chronic exercise studies (433 participants), the resistance training was superior to anaerobic and aerobic training (P score = 0.632). However, comparing acute and chronic exercise studies, acute training showed the most excellent potential as the best treatment to improve the irisin level (P score = 0.721). This network meta-analysis showed that acute aerobic exercise has a more effect on irisin levels than acute anaerobic exercise. Also, chronic resistance training has the greatest additive effect on irisin levels compared to chronic aerobic and anaerobic training.

Combined Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Training and Ziziphus jujuba Extract on Tissue Nesfatin-1 in Rats

Nesfatin-1 is involved in metabolic/feeding regulation and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have shown that exercise and herb supplementation can influence nesfatin-1 concentration. The present study investigated the effects of high-intensity training (HIT) and Ziziphus jujuba (ZJ) extract on tissue nesfatin-1 in rats. Twenty-eight female rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups i.e. 1) Saline-Control (SC), 2) Saline-High Intensity Training (ST), 3) Ziziphus jujuba-Control (ZJC), and 4) Ziziphus jujuba-High Intensity Training (ZJT). Rats performed exercise on a treadmill and/or administered supplements intragastrically for 6 weeks, depending on group category. Seventy-two hours after the last training session, rats were anesthetized. Blood, hypothafi 2lamus tissue, heart and gastrocnemius muscles were sent to the laboratory for analyses. Significantly higher nesfatin-1 gene expression and concentration and ATP concentration were found in trained rat. HIT increased plasma High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and insulin concentration and reduced plasma Triglyceride (TG) and cortisol. ZJ increased tissue nesftain-1 gene expression and concentration while only increasing heart ATP. The combination of exercise and ZJ showed an additive effect compared to each intervention alone on hypothalamus, heart and gastrocnemius NUCB2 gene expression, heart and gastrocnemius nesfatin-1 concentration, plasma HDL and cortisol concentration. The authors recommend both interventions as a means to improve cardiovascular health in rats with further work needed to confirm similar findings in homo sapiens.

The effects of spirulina under high-intensity interval training on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effects of spirulina under high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a randomized, quasi-experimental controlled, single-blind with a pre- and post-test design, in which twenty overweight and obese women (body mass index = 29.32 ± 3.01 kg/m², age = 21.55 ± 1.76 years), were randomly divided into the following groups: HIIT + spirulina (n = 10) and HIIT + placebo (n = 10). Running anaerobic sprint test was used for HIIT protocol consisting of six intervals at 35 m maximal speed runs, with a rest of 10 s in each trial (3 times/week, 4 weeks). HIIT + spirulina group received 500 mg of the spirulina pills twice daily for 4 weeks and the second group took placebo.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in serum levels of nesfatin-1 in HIIT + spirulina (P < 0.0001) but not in HIIT + placebo (P = 0.61) group. Furthermore, results indicated a significant difference between two groups with respect to serum levels of nesfatin-1 (P = 0.04). Serum levels of omentin-1 significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two groups (P = 0.49). In addition, results showed no significant inter- and intra-group differences in total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The spirulina under HIIT increased levels of nesfatin-1 and omentin-1 with no effects on the levels of lipid profiles in overweight and obese females.

Zoladz J, Brzozowski T. Effect of Acute Sprint Exercise on Myokines and Food Intake Hormones in Young Healthy Men

Physical exercise is known to influence hormonal mediators of appetite, but the effect of short-term maximal intensity exercise on plasma levels of appetite hormones and cytokines has been little studied. We investigated the effect of a 30 s Wingate Test, followed by a postprandial period, on appetite sensations, food intake, and appetite hormones. Twenty-six physically active young males rated their subjective feelings of hunger, prospective food consumption, and fatigue on visual analogue scales at baseline, after exercise was completed, and during the postprandial period. Blood samples were obtained for the measurement of nesfatin-1, ghrelin, leptin, insulin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), human growth factor (hGH) and cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), irisin and plasma lactate concentrations, at 30 min before exercise, immediately (210 s) after exercise, and 30 min following a meal and at corresponding times in control sedentary males without ad libitum meal intake, respectively. Appetite perceptions and food intake were decreased in response to exercise. Plasma levels of irisin, IL-6, lactate, nesfatin-1 and ghrelin was increased after exercise and then it was returned to postprandial/control period in both groups. A significant rise in plasma insulin, hGH and PP levels after exercise was observed while meal intake potentiated this response. In conclusion, an acute short-term fatiguing exercise can transiently suppress hunger sensations and food intake in humans. We postulate that this physiological response involves exercise-induced alterations in plasma hormones and the release of myokines such as irisin and IL-6, and supports the notion of existence of the skeletal muscle-brain-gut axis. Nevertheless, the detailed relationship between acute exercise releasing myokines, appetite sensations and impairment of this axis leading to several diseases should be further examined.

Irisin/FNDC5: A participant in camel metabolism

The quantification, localization, production, function, and regulation of irisin/FNDC5 in camel species have not been previously studied. The objective of this study was to detect the irisin content in Arabian camel blood and tissues and study the gene expression of FNDC5 and PGC-1α in camel skeletal muscles and white adipose tissue depots under basal conditions. To monitor if exercise influences blood and tissue irisin protein levels as well as FNDC5 and PGC-1α gene expression levels, we analyzed irisin concentrations in the serum, skeletal muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius), and white adipose tissues (hump, subcutaneous, visceral, epididymal, and perirenal) in both control (n = 6) and exercised group (n = 6) using ELISA and determined the cellular localization of irisin/FNDC5 and the mRNA levels of FNDC5 and PGC-1α in skeletal muscles and adipose tissues via immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively. The possible regulatory roles of exercise on some hormones and metabolites as well as the detection of links between serum irisin and other circulating hormones (insulin, leptin, and cortisol) and metabolites (glucose, free fatty acids, triglycerides, and ATP) were explored for the first time in camels. Our results indicated that exercise induces tissue-specific regulation of the camel irisin, FNDC5, and PGC-1α levels, which subsequently regulates the circulating irisin level. Significant associations were detected between the levels of irisin/FNDC5/PGC-1α in camels and the metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise. Our study suggested that irisin regulates, or is regulated by, glucose, FFA, insulin, leptin, and cortisol in camels. The novel results of the present study will serve as baseline data for camels.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of 12 Weeks of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Exercises Training on the Serum Levels of Nesfatin-1, Irisin-1 and HOMA-IR

Background/objective: This study aimed to investigate the impacts of a 12-week training of the aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), and combined exercise (CE) on the serum levels of nesfatin-1, irisin-1 and some other metabolic and anthropometric indices in overweight women with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Sixty overweight women with metabolic syndrome were assigned equally into four groups: aerobic exercise (AE, n = 15), resistance exercise (RE, n = 15), combined exercise (CE, n = 15), and control (n = 15). All groups underwent 12 weeks of intervention. The study variables were measured before and 24 h after the intervention period. Results: Twelve weeks of training resulted in an increase of irisin-1 in the AE and CE groups and nesfatin-1 in all the intervention groups. As expected, all the trained groups exhibited a positive alteration in anthropometric indices and lipid profile in comparison with the control group. Besides, compared with the control group, insulin resistance (based on the homeostatic model assessment) in AE (p = 0.022), RE (p = 0.032), and CE (p < 0.001) groups were reduced significantly. According to the observed changes in the measured indices, serum irisin-1 was significantly correlated with body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR. However, with regard to nesfatin-1, only a negative correlation was observed with body fat percentage and LDL-cholesterol. Conclusions: The 12-week systematic training program changed circulating irisin-1 and nesfatin-1. Also, change in the serum irisin-1 and nesfatin-1 were correlated with the change in glycemic and anthropometric indices in addition to LDL-cholesterol. Also, exercise training significantly reduced fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in all the intervention groups. RCT Registration Code: IRCT20180806040721N2.

Assessment of acute aerobic exercise in the morning versus evening on asprosin, spexin, lipocalin-2, and insulin level in overweight/obese versus normal weight adult men

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of aerobic exercise when performed in the morning and evening on obesity-related hormones of asprosin, spexin, lipocalin-2, and insulin in normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW/OO) adults. A total of 20 adult male individuals (10 NW and 10 OW/OO) volunteered their participation. Both groups were subjected to an aerobic exercise protocol in moderate intensity (heart rate reserve of 55-59%) for 30 min at two different time periods of the day (morning: 08:00-10:00 h, evening: 20.00-22.00 h) at least 3 d apart. BeBis analysis revealed the OW/OO group consumed significantly less energy (1781.59 ± 410.71 kcal) as compared with NW group (2380.28 ± 445.50 kcal) before the evening exercise (about 3 d) (p <.05). As compared with the NW group, basal serum asprosin, insulin, and lipocalin-2 hormone levels were higher in the OW/OO group, and serum spexin level was lower in OW/OO group (p <.05). Body temperature significantly increased after morning and evening aerobic exercise in both groups. The increase in body temperature was significantly higher after the evening exercise in the OW/OO group compared to the NW group (p <.05). Significant decrease in serum asprosin lipocalin-2, and insulin levels was observed in both groups after exercise (p <.05). Evening aerobic exercise more greatly decreased serum asprosin, lipocalin-2, and insulin level in the OW/OO group as compared with the NW group (p <.05). In conclusion, it is thought that negative energy balance caused by psychological energy restriction and evening aerobic exercise, which leads to a further increase in body temperature, triggers greater decrease of orexigenic signals (suppression of appetite), and is more effective in the development of adipose tissue inflammation and insulin sensitivity, especially in OW/OO group.

RESPONSES OF PLASMA ADIPOKINES TO HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Introduction Obesity is one of the major diseases of modern times. However, the explanation for its pathophysiology is recent and has not yet been fully elucidated. White adipose tissue synthesizes and secretes adipokines that affect several pathologies related to obesity. Excessive growth of this tissue results in increased levels of pro-inflammatory adipokines and a consequent decrease in anti-inflammatory adipokines. Nevertheless, most studies use moderate intensity training, limiting the understanding of high intensity interval training in these proteins. Objective To verify the latest information on the effects of HIIT in improving the profile of circulating adipokines. Methods A search was performed on the databases PUBMED, Lilacs, HighWire, BVS and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, with the following keywords: HIIT adipokines, HIIT leptin, HIIT adiponectin. Eleven studies were selected, published in English and Portuguese between 2013 and 2017. Results HIIT proved to be effective in increasing adiponectin in the adolescent population and in Olympic athletes, but this depended on a good prescription parameter and exercise intensity. However, maximum or supramaximal intensities were superior to low and moderate intensities. In turn, leptin presented a significant decrease in response to HIIT due to the reduction of adipose tissue, demonstrating a directly proportional relation. Other adipokines, such as omentin-1 and interleukin-10, also responded positively to HIIT, resulting in improved anti-inflammatory status. Conclusion HIIT proved to be an efficient method to reduce inflammation due to obesity, as well as inducing an improvement in sports performance. However, the effects depend on training volume, intensity and prescription method. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic study–Investigating the results of treatment.

Eccentric resistance training and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid affects muscle PGC-1α expression and serum irisin, nesfatin-1 and resistin in rats

The hypothalamus controls metabolism and feeding behaviour via several signals with other tissues. Exercise and supplements can change hypothalamic signalling pathways, so the present study investigated the influence of eccentric resistance training and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation on PGC-1α expression, serum irisin, nesfatin-1 and resistin concentrations. Thirty-two male rats (8 weeks old, 200±17 g body mass) were randomly allocated to control, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation (HMB), eccentric resistance training (ERT), and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation plus eccentric resistance training (HMB+ERT) groups. Training groups undertook eccentric resistance training (6 weeks, 3 times a week) and supplement groups consumed β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid (HMB-FA) orally (76 mg kg^-1 day^-1). Twenty-four hours after the last training session, serum and triceps brachii muscle samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Two-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation were employed (significance level: P<0.05). The results showed that eccentric resistance training increases skeletal muscle PGC-1α gene expression, as well as serum levels of irisin and nesfatin-1 (P=0.001). Eccentric resistance training decreased the serum concentration of resistin (P=0.001). HMB-FA supplementation increased skeletal muscle PGC-1α gene expression (P=0.002), as well as the serum concentration of irisin and nesfatin-1 (P=0.001), but decreased the serum concentration of resistin (P=0.001). Significant correlations were observed between PGC-1α gene expression and serum concentrations of irisin, nesfatin-1 and resistin. HMB-FA supplementation with eccentric resistance training may induce crosstalk between peptide release from other tissues and increases maximal muscle strength. The combination of the two interventions had a more substantial effect than each in isolation.

Effects of upper-body resistance exercise training on serum nesfatin-1 level, insulin resistance, and body composition in obese paraplegic men

BACKGROUND

As a recently discovered adipokine, nesfatin-1 is conducive to insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, energy balance, and probably obesity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of upper-body resistance exercise training (RET) on nesfatin-1 levels, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and body composition in obese paraplegic men.

METHODS

Twenty obese paraplegic men were randomly assigned into control and upper-body RET groups. Upper-body RET was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week at an intensity corresponding to 60-80% maximum amount of force that can be generated in one maximal contraction in 5 stations (bench press, seated rows, sitting lat pulldown, arm extension, and arm curls). Body fat percentage was determined according to 4-sites skinfold protocol of Durnin and Womersley and Siri equation. Obesity for spinal cord injury patients in the current study was set at BMI >22 kg/m². Data were statistically analyzed by paired and independent t-test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

We found significant improvements in serum levels of nesfatin-1 (21.13%), insulin sensitivity (8.95%), and high-density lipoprotein (10.87%). Other lipid profile markers, i.e. low-density lipoprotein (4.32%), cholesterol (8.20%), and triglyceride (15.10%) reduced significantly after upper-body RET. Moreover, upper-body RET led to a significant reduction in body mass index (2.36%), body fat percentage (2.79%), and waist-to-hip ratio (2.40%).

CONCLUSION

Upper-body RET improved insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and body composition in paraplegic men. Serum nefastin-1 may be a potential marker of success in weight management in this population.