Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC) license
Authors
1 MSc in Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
2 Professor of Exercise Physiology, Department of Sport Sciences Faculty of Human Sciences,Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
3 Assistance Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, The University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
Abstract
Objective: Metabolic syndrome in women is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and central obesity, significantly increasing cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of eight weeks of resistance training and antioxidant silymarin supplementation on inflammatory markers (hs-CRP and IL-6) and body composition in women with metabolic syndrome.
Methodology: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 women with metabolic syndrome (mean age 42 ± 4.5 years) were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups (n=10): 1) Resistance training + placebo, 2) Silymarin supplementation (420 mg/day), 3) Combined (Training + Silymarin), and 4) Control. The circuit resistance training protocol (8 exercises) was performed with progressive intensity (60-80% of 1RM), three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of P≤0.05.
Results: The results indicated that experimental interventions led to a significant reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) compared to the control group (P<0.05). The greatest reduction in hs-CRP and WHR was observed in the combined group, suggesting a synergistic effect. However, changes in serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were not significantly different from the control group in any of the experimental groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of resistance training and silymarin supplementation, by simultaneously targeting visceral adipose tissue and hepatic inflammatory pathways, is a more efficient strategy than single interventions for suppressing systemic inflammation (reducing CRP) and improving body composition in women, although modulation of cytokines such as IL-6 may require longer intervention periods.
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