Resistance training enhances insulin-mediated glucose disposal with minimal effect on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha system in older hypertensives

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine if the improvement in insulin sensitivity after resistance training (RT) is associated with a decline in plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), soluble TNF-α receptor 1 (sTNF R1), and soluble TNF receptor 2 (sTNF R2). Eleven older hypertensives (5 men/6 women, 67 ± 2 years) participated in a 4-month RT program. Following RT there was a significant increase in upper body ( P = .029) and lower body strength ( P = .001), assessed by the bench press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and leg press 1RM, respectively. The RT program produced a significant increase in lean body mass (LBM) ( P = .029), a trend for a decline in percent body fat ( P = .083), and no change in total body mass ( P = .958). Insulin-mediated glucose disposal, assessed by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp procedure, significantly increased following RT ( P = .026). Despite the increase in insulin action, plasma levels of TNF-α, sTNF R1, and sTNF R2 were not significantly altered by RT (TNF-α: P = .118, sTNF R1: P = .184, sTNF R2: P = .168). In conclusion, a 4-month RT program significantly increased insulin-mediated glucose disposal and LBM without a significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF-α, sTNF R1, and sTNF R2 in older hypertensive subjects.