Different intensity circuit resistance training effect on the plasma level of the inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α in postmenopausal women

Introduction: Obesity related inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, exercise training can decrease insulin resistance by modulating inflammation. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks different intensity circuit resistance training on the levels of the inflammatory mediators, IL-6 and TNF-α in obese postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: In the study, 44 postmenopausal women with average age of 56.07 ± 3.18 years old were selected and randomly assigned in four group including the control, low (L-RT), moderate (M-RT) and high intensity circuit resistance training (H-RT) groups. Circuit resistance training for L-RT, M-RT and H-RT groups, respectively, was conducted with 40, 60 and 80 percent of one repetition maximum. Blood sampling prepared in the pre and post-test stages and the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by an immunoassay method. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups under study for TNF-α levels (P = 0.097), but inter group difference indicated that a significant decrease in the level of TNF-α in H-RT group (P = 0.004). The IL-6 levels showed a significant between-groups difference (P = 0.013) and also a significant decrease in the levels of IL-6 in H-RT group compared to L-RT group were observed (P = 0.049). Moreover, inter group analysis indicated significant decrease in the level of IL-6 only in H-RT group (P = 0.002). Conclusion: It seems that, the highest intensity circuit resistance training is more effective in downregulation of inflammatory mediators, and, in turn, the modulation of inflammation is associated with the decreased insulin resistance