Effects of an Eight-Week Combined Exercise Training Program with Zataria multiflora Supplementation on Levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in Inactive Obese Men: A Clinical Trial

Exercise training and Zataria multiflora have a positive effect on health and can modulate cardiovascular risk factors. Adipose tissue-derived factors such as ANGPTL8 and adhesive molecules play an important role in exerting the pathological effects of obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance-endurance exercise training combined with Zataria multiflora ingestion on the levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in sedentary overweight and obese men.

In this clinical trial study, 40 sedentary overweight and obese men (with an average body mass index of 28.41±1.75 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to four groups with 10 subjects each. The groups included placebo, Zataria multiflora, training, and training + Zataria multiflora. The exercise training was combined training consisting of resistance-endurance exercise, conducted three times per week over eight weeks. Zataria multiflora supplement consumption was set at 500 mg daily. Blood sampling was conducted before and after the eight-week intervention, and the levels of ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured using the ELISA method.

A significant decrease in serum levels of ANGPTL8 was observed in the training and training + Zataria multiflora groups compared to the placebo and Zataria multiflora groups (P<0.05). A decrease in serum ICAM-1 levels was significant in the training + Zataria multiflora group compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). Statistically significant decreases in serum VCAM-1 levels were observed in the training and training + Zataria multiflora groups compared to the placebo and training + Zataria multiflora groups (P<0.05).

Zataria multiflora consumption, along with combined training, can have a synergistic effect in decreasing ANGPTL8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 levels.