The Effect of Eight Weeks of Concurrent Training on Serum Levels of Paraxonase-1, Irisin, Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance in Men With Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Irisin is a myokine suggested to exert anti-obesity benefits. On the other hand, paraxonase-1 (PON 1) is one of the most important free radical scavenging enzymes and is among the main protectors of lipoproteins against oxidizing compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of concurrent training on serum levels of irisin, PON 1, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in men with metabolic syndrome. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 men with metabolic syndrome (aged 25-35 years and with body mass>25 kg.m-2) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of concurrent training (n=15) and control (n=15). Three sessions of the training program were held per week over an 8-week interval. Concurrent training included warm-up, resistance (20 minutes of resistance training), and endurance (25 minutes of activity on a stationary bike with an intensity of 50%-80% of maximum heart rate). Blood samples were collected before and 24 hours after exercise to measure serum levels of variables. Data were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. Results: At baseline, serum levels of PON 1, irisin, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were higher in the concurrent training group. The results of the study also indicated that 8 weeks of concurrent training significantly reduced the levels of insulin resistance, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), systolic, and diastolic blood pressure in men with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Eight weeks of concurrent training improves the levels of irisin, insulin resistance, PON 1, and lipid profile of men with metabolic syndrome.