Effects of resistance exercise training on acyl-ghrelin and obestatin levels in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) present altered levels of appetite hormones such as acyl-ghrelin (orexigenic) and obestatin (anorexigenic), which may contribute to anorexia. Physical exercise may affect these hormones and improve appetite in these patients. Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a resistance exercise program in appetite hormones, body composition, and nutritional status in HD patients. Design: Intervention study with the control group. Subjects: Fifty-two patients on regular HD program were enrolled into two groups: 37 patients performed exercises (56.7% male, 45 ± 12.8 years, 57 (9–192) months on HD) and 15 patients comprised the control group (66.7% men, 50 ± 10.6 years, 57 (11–153) months on HD). Measurements: Exercise program (performed with elastic bands and ankle cuffs in both lower limbs) was supervised three times a week during 6 months (72 sessions). Patients had their blood drawn in a regular HD day after overnight fasting, before and after 6 months of exercise program. Obestatin, acyl-ghrelin, routine biochemical parameters, quality of life, and anthropometric data were collected and analyzed before and after 6 months. Results: After 6 months of exercise, obestatin levels reduced [from 3.0 ng/mL (2.3–3.4) to 1.9 ng/mL (0.6–3.4)] and acyl-ghrelin levels increased [from 21.5 pg/mL (1.3–77.7) to 37.2 pg/mL (16.7–94.1)] and the control group presented no significant differences in both plasma levels of hormones. Body composition and physical functional assessed by SF-36 and albumin levels (3.7 ± 0.3 to 3.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.05) improved after exercises. Conclusion: Six months of resistance exercises contributed to changes in plasma appetite hormones, body composition, and nutritional status in hemodialysis patients.