Effect of Exercise on Inflammatory Cytokines, Lipid Profile and Glycemic Control in Normal and Obese Rats, MOUSTAFA H. ABD EL-SALAM
Abstract
Background: Obesity is becoming more and more linked to a subacute inflammatory state that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Different types of physical activities are believed to affect both obesity and inflammatory conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible role of acute and chronic swimming training on plasma levels of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Methods: Wistar rats were divided into two main groups: Normal Weight control group (NW), and Obese group (OB). Each of the two groups was further subdivided into three subgroups (Sedentary, S; Acute Exercise, AE and Chronic Exercise, CE). Acute exercise rats performed a single bout of exercise while chronic exercise rats performed swimming exercise for one hour/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. At the end of the study period, all animals were decapitated to obtain blood samples. Blood samples were tested for insulin, glucose, Total Cholesterol (TC), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TGs), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor Necrosis Factor-a (TNF-a), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and adiponectin levels. Also, Homeostatic Models for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and B cell function (HOMA-B) were calculated.
Results: Single session of acute exercise in normal-weight animals significantly increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels with no effect on other parameters. While in obese animals it induced a significant reduction in insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, levels and a significant increase in adiponectin level.
Chronic exercise for 8 weeks in normal weight animals significantly decreased insulin, HOMA-B, HOMA-IR, TNF-a and significantly increased IL-6, IL-10, and adiponectin. While in obese animals it induced a significant reduction in all glycemic and lipid profiles. Moreover, it significantly decreased IL-6, TNF-a, and significantly increased adiponectin levels.
Conclusion: Chronic and acute exercise has a significant effect on inflammatory mediators and this effect that is more profound with chronic exercise and in obese more than normal weight animals.