Effects of increased physical activity and/or weight loss diet on serum myokine and adipokine levels in overweight adults with impaired glucose metabolism

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in serum irisin, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), visfatin, follistatin like protein-1 (FSTL1), and meteorin-like protein (Metrnl) levels in response to increased physical activity and/or diet interventions in overweight subjects with impaired glucose metabolism (IGM).

METHODS

A total of 60 subjects (BMI > 25.0 kg/m²) with IGM were recruited in this single-centered interventional study. Twelve subjects dropped out during the study and the study was completed with 48 patients. Patients were divided into two groups as diet only (DI, n = 24) and diet and physical activity intervention (DPA, n = 24). Patients in DI group received a diet program while DPA group received a diet combined with a physical activity intervention for 12 weeks. Additional 24 healthy subjects were recruited to compare the baseline levels of proteins. Serum protein levels, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Irisin, FGF21, visfatin, and FSTL1 levels significantly decreased in both groups after 12-week intervention (p < 0.001). However, there were no differences in protein levels between DI and DPA groups (p > 0.05). Likewise, the total change in weight was similar in both DI (-4.35 kg) and DPA (-4.85 kg) groups (p > 0.05). A 5% reduction in initial body weight with DPA therapy resulted in a stronger correlation between the changes in irisin, visfatin, and FSTL1 levels and fasting glucose and HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that serum irisin, FGF21, visfatin, and FSTL1 levels decreased in response to weight loss interventions. Weight loss induced by DI or DPA therapies had similar lowering effects on these proteins in subjects with IGM, and these myokines might be related to glucose metabolism biomarkers.

A 4-week diet with exercise intervention had a better effect on blood glucose levels compared to diet only intervention in obese individuals with insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

The majority of prediabetic people are overweight and weight loss is still the most effective treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of short-term exercise and/or diet on weight loss and clinical parameters in subjects with insulin resistance (IR).

METHODS

A total of 60 subjects (BMI≥25.0 kg/m²) were included in the study. Subjects divided into two groups as follows: diet only (DI, N.=27) and diet and exercise (DEI, N.=27). DI group received an energy restricted diet program, while DEI group received a diet combined with an exercise program for four weeks. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end.

RESULTS

Total body weight (BW) loss was 2.3 kg (2.5%) in DI group and 3.0 kg (3.2%) in DEI group at the end of four weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels decreased significantly in DEI group (P=0.021). However, the reductions in FBG levels were mild and not statistically significant in DI group (P>0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-c levels reduced in both groups, while triglyceride levels significantly decreased only in DI group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term lifestyle interventions have beneficial effects on weight loss and clinical parameters associated with glucose control and lipid profile in subjects with IR. Even small changes in BW (loss of <5% of initial BW) have a positive impact on clinical parameters.

Assessment of Corneal Parameters in Patients with Constitutional Thinness Using Scheimpflug Imaging

PURPOSE

To assess corneal parameters in constitutional thinness (CT) subjects and to compare them with those of healthy individuals.

METHODS

Twenty-four CT subjects (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) and 24 healthy subjects (BMI: 18.5-25 kg/m2) were enrolled in this observational cross-sectional study. All participants were screened for age, gender, and medical history, then underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination. Corneal parameters were evaluated by Scheimpflug imaging. Height and weight of all subjects were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean corneal thicknesses at the apex point, the center of pupil, the thinnest point, and the mean corneal volume were significantly lower in CT patients than those of controls. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly lower in CTs than in controls. There was a significant correlation between BMI and IOP, and BMI was significantly correlated with all pachymetric measurements and corneal volume.

CONCLUSION

Corneal thicknesses were significantly thinner in CT subjects compared to those in control subjects. The impact of constitutional thinness on corneal parameters should be further investigated.