The Response of Apelin and overall metabolic risk to Aerobic Training in Middle-aged Female patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Background & Circulatory Apelin increases in metabolic disorders and its levels could be used as a specific index for insulin sensitivity and its etiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks aerobic training on serum Apelin and metabolic risk factors in women with metabolic syndrome.
24 women with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned into exercise (n=12) or control (n=12) groups. Subjects in exercise group carried out 20-40 min aerobic exercise program at 50-60% of heart rate reserve 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Body composition was assessed and blood samples were taken prior to the training program and 48 h after the last training session. Paired t-test was used for within-group comparison and independent t-test was used for between-group comparison, and Pearson's correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between variables.
Significant correlations were observed between Apelin levels and all the metabolic risk factors at the baseline where all subjects included in the analysis (p0.05). Body weight, Apelin, glucose, insulin resistance index, mean atrial pressure and waist circumference were significantly decreased (p
Aerobic training can reduce serum Apelin levels and improve insulin resistance and also some of the metabolic risk factors in women with metabolic syndrome. However, the decreased Apelin levels in accompany with an improved metabolic profile indicates on its mediatory role to induce metabolic improvements by physical exercise.