Effects of combined training on total ghrelin and tumor necrosis factor-α in obese middle-aged men

Abstract

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of combined training (CT) on total ghrelin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in obese middle-aged individuals.

METHODS

Twenty two obese middle-aged men (49.32 ± 5.74 years; Body mass index: 30.88 ± 1.64 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to a combined training group (CTG, n = 12) or a control group (CG, n = 10). The CT consisted of aerobic (50-85% of VO_2peak) and resistance (6-10 RM) training performed three times per week, 60 min per session for 24 weeks. The anthropometric measurements, cardiorespiratory test (VO_2peak), maximal strength assessment (1RM) and plasma concentrations of total ghrelin and TNF-α were determined before (Pre) and after 24 weeks (Post) of the experimental period.

RESULTS

Decreases were found in body fat percentage (Δ% -19.8) and waist circumference (Δ% -2.8) for CTG at the Post moment as compared to the Pre moment. In addition, the CTG demonstrated increases for VO_2peak (Δ% 13.4) and for 1-RM of bench press (Δ% 78.1), leg press (Δ% 22.3) and arm curl (Δ% 19.3) at the Post moment as compared to the Pre moment. However, total ghrelin levels remained unchanged for CTG and CG after the experimental period, while TNF-α levels increased for CG (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

the CT protocol performed was not effective in repairing total ghrelin levels and was not correlated with changes in the TNF-α; however, the exercise training was able to improve body composition and functional capabilities and contained the worsening of systemic inflammation associated to obesity.

Keywords:
Obesity; Exercise training; Ghrelin; Tumor necrosis factor-α; Inflammation