The Effect of Aerobic Exercises Combined with Selen Plus Supplementation on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Women with Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity and related diseases are associated with oxidative stress and vascular endothelial disorder. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of aerobic training combined with selen plus consumption on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in obese women with metabolic syndrome.

For this purpose, 48 inactive obese women with metabolic syndrome aged between 30-45 years were randomly divided into four groups: control (without intervention); Selen plus (1000 grams/daily), exercise (aerobic training) and combined group (aerobic training + selen plus) . The intervention lasted 8 weeks. Fasting levels of TAC and VEGF and anthropometric indices were measured before and 48 hours after the last training session in each group. ANCOVA statistical test was used to compare the data, and paired t test was used to determine intra-group changes (p<0.05).

Compared to the control group, the serum level of VEGF in the exercise group (p<0.001) and TAC in the selen plus group (p<0.01) increased significantly. On the other hand, the levels of both TAC and VEGF increased significantly in the combined group compared to other groups (p<0.001).

The findings of the present study indicated more antioxidant and cardiovascular effects of Selen Plus consumption during aerobic training compared to each of them alone. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms responsible for the effect of Selen Plus during exercise on cardiovascular function.