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 VO2peak) and resistance (6-10 RM) training performed three times per week, 60 min per session for 24 weeks. The anthropometric measurements, cardiorespiratory test (VO2peak), 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 VO2peak (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.

Time-course of health-related adaptations in response to combined training in hypertensive elderly: immune and autonomic modulation interactions

This article is a methodological description of a randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov U1111-1181-4455) aiming to evaluate the time-course (monthly) and associations between blood pressure changes and other health-related adaptations in response to exercise training in hypertensive elderly. Methods: The patients will be randomized to a control or combined training group interventions (aerobic and resistance exercise), with monthly assessments in four months. Although, the changes in baseline blood pressure is the primary clinical outcome, the secondary outcomes include: body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, arterial stiffness, baroreceptor sensitivity, cardiovascular autonomic modulation, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, growth factors, tissue remodeling markers, metabolic profile, renal function, cognitive function and quality of life. Results: To support the understanding of the blood pressure changes in hypertensive elderly, a time-course of exercise-induced adaptations including cardiovascular and immunological adaptations are fundamental for research in this field. Conclusion: To investigate the time-course of combined training-induced adaptations including all the diverse aspects of health in hypertensive elderly a well-controlled protocol design is necessary, mainly to clarify the relationship between cardiovascular and immunological exercise-induced adaptations.(AU)