An Investigation into Irisin Levels: Acute and Chronic Effects of Combined Training and Its Association with Anthropometric Variables in Overweight Men

Irisin, a novel myokine secreted from skeletal muscles, has an important relationship with physical activity and health. However, it has been reported as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to measure both acute and chronic effects of combined training on serum Irisin levels and the relationship between Irisin and anthropometric variables such as weight, body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage in overweight young men. İn 2016 in Gonbnad City, Golestan Privince, northern Iran, 20 overweight men aging 20-25 yr with BMI of 25-30 were randomly selected and equally divided into control and experimental groups. Fasting blood samples were collected three times, before the start of training, after the first session of training (acute), and 48 h after the end of the eight-week training (chronic). Combined training (endurance and strength) was done 3 times/week for eight weeks, as training in first session started at 50% of intensity and it was progressively increased 5% each week. Serum Irisin levels increased significantly when its levels were compared before training and after the completion of combined training (P≤0.05). However, no significant correlation was observed between the concentration of serum Irisin levels and anthropometric characteristics of the subjects both before and after the training. Eight weeks of combined training could be an efficient exercise type in increasing serum Irisin levels in overweight men. Irisin may causes metabolic and physiological changes within the body and play a protective role against overweightness and obesity associated with inactivity.