Effect of aerobic training on levels of Interleukin-18 and C-reactive protein in elderly men

The increasing trend of elderly population, inactivity and the increasing risk of cardio vascular diseases are parts of problems of current society. Interleukin-18 and C-reactive protein are two risk factors of cardiovascular risk factors that have been presented in recent years and represented the risk of atherosclerosis independently. The aim of this study was to examine the effects in 12 weeks of aerobic training on Interleukin-18 and C-reactive protein levels in non-athletic elderly men. In clinical trials with pre-test and post-test design, 20 non athletic men were selected and divided into experimental group (n=10) and control group (n=10) randomly. Weight and BMI of subjects were measured and blood samples were taken in 24 hours before beginning exercises to measure subjects Interleukin-18 and C-reactive protein. Experimental group began the aerobic exercise with reserve heart rate 40% and increased into reserve heart rate 75% during 12 weeks. All variables were again measured with the same condition after 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using statistical correlated t-test and independent t-test. Aerobic training caused a significant decrease in the level of Interleukin-18 (P=0.01) in the aerobic group, But it had no significant effect on weight (P=0.38), BMI (P=0.07) and C-reactive protein (P=0.09). Based on the results of this study, aerobic training decreased Interleukin-18 level and inflammation in elderly men. Thus, it is possible training crates a benefit in the prevention and a decrease of atherosclerosis of non-athletic old men.