Effects of regular aerobic training accompanied by omega-3 supplementation on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and lipid profiles of obese elderly women

Cardiovascular disease is usually diagnosed by measuring lipid profiles; however، it is also observed in people with normal lipid profiles. This study examined more sensitive inflammatory markers، such as the soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and investigated the effect of 8 wk of regular aerobic training accompanied by omega-3 supplementation on sICAM-1 and lipid profiles of obese elderly women. In a double-blind study، 40 obese women (BMI ≥30) 55 to 65 years of age were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 subjects: exercise-supplementation، exercise-placebo، supplementation، and control. The exercise program comprised aerobic exercise to 45% to 55% maximum heart rate for 8 weeks; each session was sustained for 40 min and continued for 3 sessions per week. Subjects in the supplementation group consumed 2080 mg omega-3 daily and the placebo group consumed a 0. 02 dextrose solution as a placebo. Fasting blood samples were collected before and 48 h after the training period. Interaction effects for exercise and supplementation had a co-increment impact on the significant reduction in sICAM-1 and TG concentration and increased HDL-C for all groups. The effect of exercise، regardless of supplementation، on the reduction of LDL-C was significant and the interaction between exercise and supplementation was significant in reducing the indices (p < 0. 05). Only the effect of exercise was significant for cholesterol reduction. Regular aerobic exercise and omega-3 supplements are effective and moderating factors for reducing sICAM-1 and blood lipids and improving the health of elderly women.