Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Both insulin resistance and oxidative stress are implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis or liver disease. Furthermore, the uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) is involved in induced thermogenesis, related to the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of aerobic exercise on the inflammatory profile in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: We designed an experimental prospective (before-after) study that included patients with chronic hepatitis C and insulin resistance but without associated metabolic syndrome. An individualized program of aerobic exercise (three sessions of 60-min/week) for 16 weeks was designed. Variables were determined (antioxidant markers and adipokines) before and after the intervention. Serum leptin and TNF-alpha concentrations were measured using commercial kits for ELISA (Immunotech, Coulter Corp., Westbrook, MA, USA). The catalase activity was inflammatory cytokines monitored with a commercial kit (Cayman Chemicals, Michigan USA).

Results: A total of 34 patients were included. The mean age was 46.8±5 years and 22 were male (65%). The mean baseline BMI was 25.7±3.5 kg/m² and excess weight of 6.17±6.67 kg. Adherence to the exercise program was 88%. After 16 weeks of the exercise program, a significant increase in catalase enzyme levels (20.37±1.32 vs 27.33±1.94 mmol/min⁻¹ per ml, P=0.005) and a decrease of leptin (14 500 vs 11 500 pg/ml, P<0.05) and TNFα (0.65 vs 0.05 pg/ml, P<0.05) levels were detected. On the other hand, the concentration of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) showed a statistically significant increase after exercise (305.2 vs 510.5, P<0.05).

Conclusion: In our series, the prescription of an individualized aerobic exercise program, controlled and monitored for 16 weeks, improved antioxidant status and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines in patients with chronic liver disease and insulin resistance.