Effect of aquatic training on serum Fetuin-A, ANGPTL4 and FGF21 levels in type 2 diabetic obese women

Some hepatokines e.g. Fetuin-A, ANGPTL4 and FGF21 are considered as potential factors for type 2 diabetes disorders treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of 12 weeks of aquatic exercise on some serum fetuin-A, ANGPTL4 and FGF21 levels in obese women with type 2 diabetes.

For this purpose, 44 diabetic women aged 50-60 years with a body mass index higher than 25 kg / m2 were randomly divided into two groups of control (n = 22) and water exercise (n = 22). The training group performed underwater exercises for 12 weeks three sessions a week at 75-60% of MHR. The control group followed the normal process of daily activities. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, plasma hemoglobin, fetuin-A, angiopoietin-4, fibroblast growth factor-21, and lipid profile to calculate insulin resistance index. Data were analyzed using ANCOA test.

Serum levels of FBS, HbA1C, fetuin-A, ANGPTL4, fat percentage, insulin and insulin resistance in the experimental group decreased significantly after 12 weeks of water training compared to the control group (p<0.05). Also, exercise in water significantly increased FGF21 levels in the experimental group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Exercise in water significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL indices in the experimental group (p<0.05); But the increase in HDL was not significant (p = 0.21).

It seems that aquatic could reduce diabetes complications.