Relationship between Ghrelin, Obestatin and Some of Body Composition Variables in 50-70 Years Old Athletes and Non-Athletes Men

Aging is associated with appetite decline، weight loss، reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass. Ghrelin and Obestatin are two peptides that effect appetite. According to importance of physical activity in energy balance and some body composition variables the aim of this study is investigate the amount of ghrelin، obestatin and some body composition variables and their relationship in athletes and non-athletes 50 -70 year old men. This is an analytical study. Thirty athletes and thirty non-athletes 50-70 years old men took part in this research. Ghrelin، obestatin and some body composition variables include weight، muscle mass، fat mass، present boy fat and body mass index were measured. The result of this study showed that muscle mass significantly (P<0. 01) and ghrelin insignificantly (P=0. 16) were higher in athlete group. In addition percent body fat was lower in athletes group insignificantly (P=0. 13). There was negative significant relationship between ghrelin and obestatin with muscle mass and positive significant relationship between ghrelin and obestatin with percent body fat in non-athletes group. There was strong relation between ghrelin and obestatin in both groups. Regular participating in basketball training can increase muscle mass in 50- 70 years old men. It seems that exercise training can delay aging effects on body composition by increasing some anabolic hormones such as ghrelin and growth hormone and it can change relationship between ghrelin، obestatin and some body composition variables.