Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2
Faculty of engineering,ShohadayeHoveizeh Campus of Technology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, DashteAzadegan, Iran
3
- Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
4
m s c of Sport Physiology Department, Faculty of Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objective: Metabolic syndrome is recognized as one of the major public health challenges in the 21st century, which is associated with a set of risk factors including abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, lipid disorders (increased triglycerides, decreased HDL), and insulin resistance. Recent studies have focused on the role of biomolecules such as ceramides in causing insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation. Ceramides, which are part of sphingolipid lipids, play an important role in regulating insulin signaling pathways, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this regard, non-pharmacological strategies such as regular aerobic exercise and supplementation with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, have been proposed as strategies to improve metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the separate and combined effects of aerobic exercise and vitamin C intake on insulin resistance, lipid profile, and serum ceramide levels in men with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 men with metabolic syndrome were randomly divided into four groups of 10, including the aerobic exercise group, the vitamin C supplement group, the combination group (aerobic exercise with supplement intake), and the control group. The exercise program included running at an intensity of 50 to 70 percent of heart rate reserve in three non-consecutive sessions per week for eight weeks. Vitamin C supplement was also taken daily in the amount of two 500 mg tablets. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before and 48 hours after the end of the intervention in a fasting state. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and analysis of covariance. Results: The results showed that after eight weeks of intervention, a significant decrease in the HOMA-IR index was observed in the three aerobic exercise, vitamin C, and combination groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). The greatest decrease was recorded in the combination group, which was also statistically significantly different from the other groups (P<0.01). A significant improvement was also observed in lipid indices; Triglyceride, LDL, and total cholesterol levels decreased and HDL increased, especially in the combination group. Also, serum ceramide levels decreased significantly in the aerobic and combination exercise groups, while no significant change was observed in the vitamin C group. The effect of aerobic exercise alone was also significant, but the combined effect of exercise and vitamin C showed the greatest improvement in all indices.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that both aerobic exercise interventions and vitamin C intake are independently effective in improving metabolic indices, but their simultaneous use has a synergistic effect and leads to a more significant improvement in insulin resistance, lipid profile, and reduction in serum ceramide levels. These findings indicate the high potential of these non-invasive and low-cost interventions in the management of metabolic syndrome and the prevention of cardiovascular complications associated with it.
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