April - June 2013, Volume 9, Issue 2

Mitu F, Dumitriu I.L., Schiriac C.E. , Vata L.G., Gurzu B

Effect of Supervised Lifestyle Changes on Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Inflammation

Acta Endo (Buc) 2013, 9 (2): 249-262
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2013.249

Background. Weight loss associated with long-term lifestyle changes has significant beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) features on obese patients; unfortunately, the weight recidivism rate is high and the weight fluctuations could increase the cardiovascular and metabolic risk. On the other hand, there are many data about the endocrine role of adipose tissue. Objective. Taking into account the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines secreted by adipose tissue on obese patients, this study assessed the effects of one month-long supervised lifestyle change (SLC) program without weight loss on the MetS-associated inflammatory status. Methods. The study included 29 obese adults with MetS. The SLC program included supervised moderate physical activities and diet for one month. The levels of adipocytokines, lipids and inflammatory markers were analyzed before and after one month SLC program, and 2 months later at follow-up. Results. At follow-up, the leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hsCRP levels decreased, whereas the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels increased from their baseline levels. So, an SLC program, even in the absence of weight loss, could have an extended antiinflammatory effect by decreasing the proinflammatory adipocytokines. Conclusion. Our data furthermore emphasize the importance of the adipocytokines gender-related variation for a more personalized evaluation protocol on obese patients.

Keywords: adipocytokines, inflammation, obesity, metabolic syndrome, gender differences.

Correspondence: Bogdan Gurzu MD, “Gr T Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Department of Functional Sciences, 16th Universitatii street, Iasi, 700115, Romania, E-mail: bgurzu@yahoo.com