Effect of Resistance Training on Cellular Adhesion Molecules and Lipid Profile in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Patients: A Clinical Trial Study

Almasi  Javad; Ahmad  Fili; Ranjbar  Kamal

doi:10.18502/ssu.v34i3.21722

Almasi Javad Department of Exercise Physiology, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
Ahmad Fili Department of Exercise Physiology, Ha.C., Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
Ranjbar Kamal Department of Exercise Physiology, BA.C., Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v34i3.21722

Keywords: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Resistance Training, Inflammation, Cell adhesion molecules.

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders characterized by inflammation processes. Within the underlying mechanisms, cellular adhesion molecules specifically ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are essential for leukocyte migration and the progression of hepatic inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance training on serum levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and lipid profile in men with NAFLD.

Methods: In this study, a total of 30 young male subjects (age range: 30–40 years) suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were randomly assigned to either a training group or a control group. The intervention group participated in eight weeks of resistance training, whereas the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Anthropometric indices, as well as lipid profile parameters, serum levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and hs-CRP were measured at baseline and after the intervention using the ELISA method. To compare mean values between groups, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied via SPSS, Version 20.

Results: Resistance training led to decreases of 38% in total cholesterol, a 31% decrease in triglycerides, and a 22% drop in LDL, along with an 8% increase in HDL compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, serum levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and hs-CRP were reduced by 6%, 4%, and 29%, respectively, following the training intervention (p ≤ 0.001). Post-intervention comparisons showed that the Total Cholesterol, TG, LDL and serum concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and hs-CRP were significantly lower in the training group than in the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, after the intervention, the training group exhibited significantly higher serum HDL levels compared to the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Resistance training, by improving body composition and lipid profile as well as reducing levels of cellular adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers, plays a significant role in modulating systemic inflammation. These findings suggest that resistance training may serve as a targeted non-pharmacological intervention at the cellular level, offering an effective approach for slowing the progression of NAFLD.