Metabotrophic effects of aerobic training in male patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

We investigated the integrated effects of an aerobic training program on circulatory levels of the metabotrophic factors (metabotrophins) nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and anabolic state (testosterone/cortisol ratio) in middle aged males with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thirty subjects (age: 58.23 ± 5.25 years, weight: 95.00 ± 8.26 kg, height: 173 ± 7.03 cm, VO2peak: 19.96 ± 4.18 ml kg.min-1) were randomized into exercise (n=16) and control, non-exercised (n=14) group. The exercise group participated in eight weeks of aerobic training program (3 sessions/week at 50%-60% of VO2 peak). Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after training and VO2 peak, insulin sensitivity and an overall metabolic syndrome Z score (Z MetS) were calculated. Aerobic training significantly increased insulin sensitivity, Vo2 peak, plasma HDL and serum levels of NFG, BDNF, IGF-1 and testosterone (P<0.05) as compared to control patients. Additionally, there were significant decreases in body weight, mean atrial pressure, waist circumference, plasma glucose and triglyceride and also serum cortisol levels (P<0.05) in training patients. Body weight, waist circumference, and NGF levels were recognized as the most important predictors for the 80% of variability in serum testosterone/cortisol ratio (P<0.05). An integrated metabotrophic and anabolic effect of aerobic training in patients with MetS was established. Early measurement of these variables may have prognostic benefits for at risk population who progress to the generalized stage of cardiometabolic abnormalities. Adipobiology 2015, 7: 21-29 Key words : exercise, metabolic syndrome, cardiometabolic risk, metabotrophic factors, NGF, BDNF, IGF-1, testosterone