Hadi Goudarzi, Ali Heidarianpour, Maryam Keshvari,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder in industrialized societies. As an appetite inhibitory and energy balance regulator, nesfatin-1 plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related abnormalities. This study was conducted to determine the effects of 12 weeks of combined training (resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)) on the serum levels of nesfatin-1 and some liver enzymes in men with NAFLD.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 middle-aged men with NAFLD were randomly divided into two exercise and control groups. The exercise program included 12 weeks of combined training, featuring two sessions per week of resistance training and one session of HIIT. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), nesfatin-1 peptide, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), lipid profile, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and body fat percentage at the beginning and after 12-weeks were evaluated. Independent and dependent t-tests were analyzed to assess intra-group and inter-group differences, and the significance level was
P < 0.05.
Results: 12 weeks of combined resistance training and HIIT increased nesfatin-1 and decreased liver enzymes ALT, AST, and ALP in the exercise group compared to the control group and the pre-training stage (P < 0.05). We also observed an increase in VO2 max and a decrease in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and LDL in the exercise group compared to before starting the training protocol (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that performing combined exercise training for twelve weeks led to an increase in nesfatin-1 peptide levels and a decrease in liver enzymes. It was suggested that this could be a cost-effective therapeutic approach recommended for patients with NAFLD.
