Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology

Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology

The effect of combined training and Yohimbine supplementation on serum leukemia inhibitory factor levels in overweight men

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seyed Shervin Shahshahani
Sadegh Amani Shalamzari
Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
10.48308/joeppa.2025.241201.1390
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Obesity and overweight have been recognized as major public health concerns in recent years, and their management requires multidimensional approaches. Regular physical activity not only improves body composition but also influences metabolic and inflammatory processes through the secretion of myokines. Among these, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) is an exercise-induced myokine that plays a crucial role in glucose uptake, energy metabolism, and the modulation of inflammatory responses. On the other hand, yohimbine, an α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist, acts as a lipolysis-stimulating supplement that affects metabolic pathways. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of concurrent training combined with high and low doses of yohimbine on plasma LIF concentrations in overweight men.


Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twenty-four overweight men (Mean±SD; age, 24±3 years; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to three groups: concurrent training + high-dose yohimbine (40 mg), concurrent training + low-dose yohimbine (20 mg), and control. The exercise training lasted for four weeks, three sessions per week, consisted of resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Supplements were administered in two daily doses during the four weeks. Body composition indices, aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and serum LIF levels were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).


Results: Both experimental groups showed significant reductions in body weight (p
Keywords
Aerobic fitness
Concurrent training
Body composition
Physical performance
Myokine
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 23 August 2025
  • Revise Date 04 November 2025
  • Accept Date 22 November 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 November 2025
  • Publish Date 22 June 2026