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Clinical Study

Effects of resistance exercise training on acyl-ghrelin and obestatin levels in hemodialysis patients

, , , , , , , & show all
Pages 851-857 | Received 09 Dec 2014, Accepted 18 Mar 2015, Published online: 21 Apr 2015
 

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) present altered levels of appetite hormones such as acyl-ghrelin (orexigenic) and obestatin (anorexigenic), which may contribute to anorexia. Physical exercise may affect these hormones and improve appetite in these patients. Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a resistance exercise program in appetite hormones, body composition, and nutritional status in HD patients. Design: Intervention study with the control group. Subjects: Fifty-two patients on regular HD program were enrolled into two groups: 37 patients performed exercises (56.7% male, 45 ± 12.8 years, 57 (9–192) months on HD) and 15 patients comprised the control group (66.7% men, 50 ± 10.6 years, 57 (11–153) months on HD). Measurements: Exercise program (performed with elastic bands and ankle cuffs in both lower limbs) was supervised three times a week during 6 months (72 sessions). Patients had their blood drawn in a regular HD day after overnight fasting, before and after 6 months of exercise program. Obestatin, acyl-ghrelin, routine biochemical parameters, quality of life, and anthropometric data were collected and analyzed before and after 6 months. Results: After 6 months of exercise, obestatin levels reduced [from 3.0 ng/mL (2.3–3.4) to 1.9 ng/mL (0.6–3.4)] and acyl-ghrelin levels increased [from 21.5 pg/mL (1.3–77.7) to 37.2 pg/mL (16.7–94.1)] and the control group presented no significant differences in both plasma levels of hormones. Body composition and physical functional assessed by SF-36 and albumin levels (3.7 ± 0.3 to 3.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.05) improved after exercises. Conclusion: Six months of resistance exercises contributed to changes in plasma appetite hormones, body composition, and nutritional status in hemodialysis patients.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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