The effect of eight weeks combined training with omega-3 supplementation on the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in older women

Abstract

Elevated levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, the regulatory roles of physical activity and omega-3 supplementation in these factors have been reported. The primary aim of the present research was to investigate the impact of an eight-week combined (resistance-endurance) accompanied by omega-3 supplementation on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels in elderly women. Forty elderly women, averaging 66.7±4.13 years, were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo, omega-3 supplement, training, and training+omega-3. The combined exercise training program was implemented for eight weeks, three sessions per week. Aerobic training included 20min of running at 60-70% of the reserve heart rate, while resistance training involved exercises at 70% of 1RM with 10 repetitions per exercise for two sets. The omega-3 and training+omega-3 groups consumed 2000mg of omega-3 daily. Blood samples were collected 48h after the last combined exercise training or omega-3 consumption, and the measured variables were analyzed using analysis of covariance test and SPSS-24 software. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels significantly decreased in the training and training+omega-3 groups (p<0.001). The decrease in ICAM-1 within the training+omega-3 group was also significant compared to the training group (p=0.024). Additionally, a significant reduction in insulin resistance and body fat percentage was observed in both the training and training+omega-3 groups (p<0.001). The present study's results indicate that omega-3 supplementation can enhance the effectiveness of combined training in regulating cardiovascular risk factors.