The Effect of Eight Weeks of Combined Exercise on Retinol Binding Protein 4, Fatty Acid Binding Protein and Lipocalin-2 in Type 2 Diabetic Women (Clinical Trial)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that leads to elevated levels of adipokines. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of combined exercise on retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) and lipocalin-2 in diabetic women. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 18 diabetic women referred to the Bojnourd Diabetes Association were selected and divided into two groups of combined training and control. The combined training group performed resistance and endurance training for eight weeks, three sessions per week and each session for 60 minutes. The control group only had their daily routine. Before performing the pre-test and at the end of eight weeks, 5 cc of blood from the brachial vein of all the subjects was taken in fasting state. Data were analyzed by covariance, independent samples t-test and paired sample t-test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Eight weeks of combined training had a significant effect on reducing FABP (P = 0.02) and RBP4 (P = 0.01) in diabetic women. However, there was no significant effect on lipocalin-2 in diabetic women (P = 0.86). Conclusions: It seems to that diabetic women can implement eight weeks of combined resistance and endurance training to improve their serum levels of RBP4 and FABP.