Effects of an Eight-Week Aerobic Training Program on Plasma cPLA2 Levels in Sedentary Elderly Men

Saeideh  Mehdipouryan; Mehdi  Bostani

doi:10.18502/ehj.v11i2.20706

Saeideh Mehdipouryan Department of Physical Education, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Mehdi Bostani Department of Physical Education, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v11i2.20706

Keywords: Exercise, Phospholipase A2, Aging, Aerobic Training

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is a gradual, time-dependent process marked by a decline in physiological functions, reduced organ performance, and increased susceptibility to disease. Adopting an active lifestyle can substantially influence both the trajectory and pace of aging. Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is an enzyme involved in cell signaling and inflammation through the release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an eight-week aerobic training program on plasma cPLA2 levels in sedentary elderly men.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twenty elderly men aged 60–74 years were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an aerobic training group or a control group. The training group completed an eight-week aerobic exercise program consisting of three sessions per week at 50–75% of heart rate reserve, following the principle of progressive overload. The control group did not engage in any structured physical activity. Blood samples were collected from both groups 48 hours before and after the intervention. Plasma cPLA2 levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Analysis of covariance was used to compare outcomes between groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Eight weeks of aerobic training resulted in a significant reduction in plasma cPLA2 levels compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise may reduce inflammatory markers such as cPLA2 in elderly individuals and may contribute to the management of inflammation-related conditions in older age.