Manuscript title: The effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on visfatin and HS-CRP levels in postmenopausal women with NAFLD

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with changes in fat metabolism. Changes in fat metabolism increase inflammatory factors such as visfatin and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Recent studies have reported an association between visfatin and fatty liver. The inflammatory factors such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is known to be associated with inflammation in the liver. Visfatin is a new obesity-related adipokine that is isolated from the visceral adipose tissue. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, vistafin, and hs-CRP levels in postmenopausal women with NAFLD. Methods: In this study, forty postmenopausal women with NAFLD were randomly divided into two groups: 1) exercise group (n=20) and control group (n=20). The training program consisted of 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, and each session consisted of one hour of HIIT training with an intensity of 75-90% of the maximum heart rate (MHR). The control group did not exercise. Data were analyzed using independent t-test at the significant level of p<0.05. Results: The results showed that the serum vistafin concentration (p<0.01) and hs-CRP (p<0.05) in the trained group were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Also, fat percentage after 8 weeks of exercise training was significantly reduced compared to the control group (p<0.01) Conclusion: In conclusion, 60-minute high-intensity interval training (three times/week) reduces inflammatory factors such as vistafin concentration, and level of hs-CRP and improve body composition in postmenopausal women with NAFLD. Also, exercise can improve the efficiency of weight-loss program in the reduction of body fat.