Haufe S, Hupa-Breier KL, Bayerle P, Boeck HT, Rolff S, Sundermeier T, Kerling A, Eigendorf J, Kück M, Hanke AA, Ensslen R, Nachbar L, Lauenstein D, Böthig D, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Stiesch M, Terkamp C, Wedemeyer H, Haverich A, Tegtbur U. Telemonitoring-Supported Exercise Training in Employees With Metabolic Syndrome Improves Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis.
Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021;
12:e00371. [PMID:
34140456 PMCID:
PMC8216678 DOI:
10.14309/ctg.0000000000000371]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health problem worldwide and the main risk factor for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Established treatment options are lifestyle interventions facilitating dietary change and increased physical activity. Here, we tested the effect of a telemonitoring-supported intervention on liver parameter of inflammation and fibrosis in individuals with MetS.
METHODS
This was a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, and assessor-blind study performed in workers of the main Volkswagen factory (Wolfsburg, Germany). Volunteers with diagnosed MetS were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 6-month lifestyle intervention focusing on supervised, activity-tracker-guided exercise or to a waiting-list control group. This secondary analysis assessed the effect of the intervention on liver enzymes and MAFLD-related parameters.
RESULTS
We screened 543 individuals between October 10, 2017, and February 27, 2018, of whom 314 were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 160) or control group (n = 154). Liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase significantly decreased after 6 months in the intervention group compared with the CG. Furthermore, an aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index score as a marker for liver fibrosis significantly decreased in the intervention group. These improvements were associated with changes in obesity and exercise capacity.
DISCUSSION
A 6-month lifestyle intervention based on exercise training with individualized telemonitoring-based supervision led to improvements of liver inflammation and fibrosis in employees with MetS. Therefore, this intervention shows therapeutic potential for individuals at high risk of MAFLD (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03293264).
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