Effect of regular exercise on serum levels of homocysteine and lipid profile in obese female

Abstract

Background: Increased levels of homocysteine (HCY) is known as a novel cardiovascular biomarker that the rising its concentration leads to increased cardiovascular disease. Due importance of physical activity in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of regular exercise on serum levels of homocysteine and lipid profile in obese female. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 40 obese female were selected from among volunteers and randomly divided into experimental (n=20) and control (n=20) group. Experimental group is performed 8 weeks (3 sessions per week) aerobic exercise with 75-65 percent of maximum heart rate. HCY and lipid profile levels in the fasting state before and after the protocol was observed in both groups. Analysis of data at the level of 5% alpha error and was conducted using SPSS version 18. Results: 8 weeks aerobic exercise, significantly decreased in all parameters (weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio, LDL-c, TG, TC and homocysteine levels) (p≤0.05). HDL cholesterol was increase post exercise, but there was no significant difference in compared with within and between group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Regular physical activity is possible reduces plasma levels of cardiovascular risk factors in obese females, this reduced can be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease.