The effects of physical activity on adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan: A narrative review

Abstract

Summary This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the effects of physical activity (PA) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight and obesity. Approximately 90 investigations including randomized control, cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies that reported on the effects of a single session of PA (acute) or long‐term PA (chronic) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity were reviewed. The findings support the notion that there is consensus on the benefits of chronic exercise training—regardless of the mode (resistance vs. aerobic), intensity and cohort (healthy vs. diabetes)—on adipokine levels (such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, adiponectin, visfatin, omentin‐1 and leptin). However, several confounding factors (frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise) can alter the magnitude of the effects of an acute exercise session. Available evidence suggests that PA, as a part of routine lifestyle behaviour, improves obesity complications by modulating adipokine levels. However, additional research is needed to help identify the most effective interventions to elicit the most beneficial changes in adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity.

Changes in Lipoinflammation Markers in People with Obesity after a Concurrent Training Program: A Comparison between Men and Women

“…The results support the benefits of exercise regardless of the mode (resistance vs. aerobic), intensity, and cohort (healthy vs. diabetes) on adipokines levels. However, several confounding factors (frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise) can alter the magnitude of these effects [ 57 ].…”

High-intensity Interval Training Improves Lipocalin-2 and Omentin-1 Levels in Men with Obesity

“…A methodological limitation in Nakai et al's study was that they did not use a robust intervention like HIIT or combined aerobic + resistance exercise training in their study [19]. Since it has been shown that high-intensity exercise is highly likely to improve adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity and with type 2 diabetes; therefore, it could be recognized that the modifications in lcn2 might be more susceptible to exercise intensity than other exercise components [7].…”

“…Additionally, omentin-1 (also known as intelectin-1) is another novel adipokine (34 kDa) that is mainly expressed in visceral fat [6]. Omentin-1 has anti-inflammatory effects in obesityrelated cardiometabolic disorders [7,8], and plasma levels of omentin-1 and the adipose tissue gene expression levels are decreased in individuals with obesity [6,8]. In fact, omentin-1 levels are negatively associated with obesity markers such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) [7,8] The decreased omentin-1 expression is implicated in several chronic inflammatory diseases [8] and also in obesity-induced insulin resistance development [9].…”

“…Omentin-1 has anti-inflammatory effects in obesityrelated cardiometabolic disorders [7,8], and plasma levels of omentin-1 and the adipose tissue gene expression levels are decreased in individuals with obesity [6,8]. In fact, omentin-1 levels are negatively associated with obesity markers such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) [7,8] The decreased omentin-1 expression is implicated in several chronic inflammatory diseases [8] and also in obesity-induced insulin resistance development [9]. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an alternative to traditional exercise programs with higher adherence rates in adults with overweight/obesity [10].…”

The Effects of Aerobic-Resistance Training and Broccoli Supplementation on Plasma Dectin-1 and Insulin Resistance in Males with Type 2 Diabetes

“…Sulforaphane also decreases markers of muscle damage, such as creatinine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase [15]. Although exercise can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver, kidney, and intestine [16,17], sulforaphane induces phase 2 enzymes through Nrf2 activation to reduce oxidative insults [16]. In addition, dietary supplementation with broccoli extract reduces exercise-induced muscle soreness and oxidative stress markers in T2D patients [18].…”