Effects of Aerobic Training and Garlic Extract Consumption on Serum ANP and NT-Pro BNP Levels in Obese Hypertensive Patients

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of an eight-week aerobic exercise program and use of garlic extract on serum atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in obese hypertensive patients. Methods: A total of 50 male obese hypertensive patients with a mean age of 53±7.6 years were recruited in this study. They were randomly assigned to five groups, including aerobic exercise, garlic extract, aerobic exercise + garlic extract, placebo, and control. The experimental groups were subjected to eight weeks of aerobic exercise (three sessions per week, each session for 35 - 60 min with a maximum heart rate of 50% - 70%) and/or garlic extract supplement (6 g daily). Blood samples were collected before interventions and 48 h after the last exercise session. Statistical analysis of data was performed by dependent t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and NT-pro BNP in aerobic exercise, garlic extract, and garlic extract + aerobic exercise reduced significantly compared to control group (P ≤ 0.05). Body weight, BMI, and ANP decreased significantly in aerobic and aerobic + garlic extract groups compared to garlic group (P≤0.001). Moreover, ANP reduced more significantly in aerobic exercise + garlic extract group than in aerobic exercise group (P≤0.05). In addition, NT-pro BNP decreased more significantly in aerobic exercise + garlic extract group than in garlic extract group (P≤0.01). Conclusions: It seems that both aerobic exercise and garlic extract are able to decrease obesity and hypertension. However, their simultaneous use has no additional effects on hypertension control although it influences the body composition and natriuretic peptides.