Exercise training-induced triglyceride lowering negatively correlates with DHEA levels in men with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of an exercise training program on lipid profile in correlation with DHEA level and body weight and body composition in type 2 diabetic men.

Design: Longitudinal, controlled clinical intervention study with exercise training consisting of an 8 week supervised program of aerobic exercise (75% VO(2) peak, 45 min), twice a week and intermittent exercise, once a week, on a bicycle ergometer.

Subjects: Sixteen men (age 45.4+/-7.2 y (mean+/-s.d.), HbA1c 8.15+/-1.7%, body mass index (BMI) 29.6+/-4.6 kg/m(2)) were randomly divided into two groups: trained group (n=8) and control group (n=8).

Measurements: Lipid, apo- and lipoprotein and DHEA concentrations. Cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and mid-thigh muscle by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results: Training decreased visceral (153.25+/-38.55 vs 84.20+/-21.30 cm(2), P<0.001), subcutaneous (241.55+/-49.55 vs 198.00+/-39.99 cm(2), P<0.001) adipose tissue area and triglyceride levels (2.59+/-1.90 vs 1.79+/-1.08 nmol/l, P<0.05) and increased mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area (148.30+/-36.10 vs 184.35+/-35.85 cm(2), P<0.001), and DHEA levels (11.00+/-3.10 vs 14.25+/-4.10 nmol/l, P<0.05) with no modification in body weight. Changes in triglycerides were negatively correlated with changes in DHEA (r=-0.81, P=0.03). This correlation was independent of changes in abdominal fat distribution.

Conclusion: Training decreases abdominal fat depots, improves muscular mass and affects favourably triglyceride and DHEA levels. Changes in triglycerides and DHEA were inversely related.