The effect of an endurance training program on serum levels of leptin and chemerin adipokines in inactive lean men

Leptin as an adipokine via its direct metabolic effects on peripheral tissues responses to various endocrine paths and regulates them. Chemerin is also a newly known adipokine that regulates the adipogenesis and metabolism of adipocytes. This study aimed to examine the effect of endurance training (ET) on leptin and chemerin adipokines in inactive lean men. In a semi-experimental study, 20 inactive lean men were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. General characteristics of the subjects, serum levels of leptin and chemerin (using ELISA method) were assessed before and after the training. Blood sampling was performed after the twelve-hours fasting, at 8 A.M. An ET protocol consisted of twelve weeks pedaling on cycle ergometer (3 sessions per week, intensity 60-70% of the reserved heart rate, duration of each session 20-40 min). After an ET period, no significant changes were found in body weight, BMI, and body fat percent (P>0.05), while maximal oxygen uptake was improved (P=0.004). Moreover, the ET had no significant effects on serum concentrations of chemerin and leptin (P>0.05). Performing a twelve-week ET has no significant effect on serum concentrations of leptin and chemerin in inactive lean men. It seems that this lack of change is likely the result of consistency of weight and fat mass following the training period. Obviously, cardio-respiratory function of the subjects was improved following the twelve-week endurance training.