anthony c. hackney

Decreased physical activity is one of the main causes of the obesity epidemic. In the process of obesity, the secretion of some hepato-adipokines increases and causes metabolic disorders. Exercise plays an important role in improving the complications of obesity by regulating the levels of selected hepato-adipokine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three types of resistance training methods on selected hepato-adipokine and lipid profiles in men with obesity.

The sample of the study included 44 sedentary men with obesity divided into 4 groups of traditional resistance training (TRT), circuit resistance training (CRT), and interval resistance training (IRT) as well as one control group. Fetuin-A, Fetuin-B, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were measured using the ELISA method.

The results of the mixed model ANOVA analysis showed a significant interaction between the type of training used and time at the levels of Fetuin-A (F (1, 40) = 94273.16, P = 0.001, ES = 1.00) and Fetuin-B (F (1, 40) = 49697.67, P = 0.001, ES = 0.99. In addition, within-group comparisons showed that lipid profile improved in TRT and CRT groups compared to the pretest (P = 0.001), while in the IRT group this improvement was not significant (P > 0.05).

The result of the present study shows that three models of resistance training reduced the select hepato-adipokines level in comparison to the control group. However, IRT and CRT had the greatest effect on reducing Fetuin-A and Fetuin-B, respectively.

Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the world. Evidence supports increased physical activity and exercise are efficacious in controlling obesity, in part due to altering select adipocytokine levels. The present study aimed to compare the effect of 12 weeks of three resistance training methods (traditional, circular and interval) on the levels of the adipocytokine asprosin and body composition in sedentary men with obesity. Forty-four sedentary men with obesity, who were randomly divided into the 4 equal groups: traditional, circular, and interval resistance training as well as a control group. Results showed that there was a significant interaction between the type of training used and time on asprosin levels (F (1,40)= 13353.03, P= 0.001, ES= 0.99). All types of resistance training decreased asprosin levels and improved body composition parameters in comparison to the control group (F (3, 40) = 34.60, P = 0.001, ES= 0.77). Interval resistance training had the greatest effect on reducing asprosin levels and improving body composition related outcomes (body mass: P=0.001, ES=0.633, body mass index: P=0.001, ES=0.632, percent body fat: P=0.001, ES=0.647, waist to hip ratio: P=0.001, ES=0.786). The results of the present study support the benefits of resistance training as a non-pharmacological approach in reducing asprosin levels and improving body composition in individuals with obesity.

Coronavirus-disease 19 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a global public health issue, and there is a desperate need for strategies of prevention, reduction, and treatment to halt the epidemic. The coronavirus affects the immune system, and individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, are more susceptible to this virus. Lifestyle-related variables such as physical activity and nutritional supplements can decrease inflammatory markers, increase anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status, and improve the immune system. Lifestyle-related variables play preventive roles against various infectious diseases including COVID-19. This review highlights the effects of physical activity and nutrients supplements on the immune system and their possible benefits in combating the harms caused by infection with the COVID-19 virus.