Markers of liver function and inflammatory cytokines modulation by aerobic versus resisted exercise training for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a growing public health problem with no approved therapy; as cytokines and other pro-inflammatory mediators may each play a role in transition of steatosis to NASH which is projected to be the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States by 2020. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the impact of aerobic versus resisted exercise training on inflammatory cytokines and markers of liver function in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Material and Methods: Fifty patients with NASH were included in the study and divided into two subgroups. Participants were included into 2 equal groups; the first group (A) received aerobic exercise training. The second group (B) received resisted exercise training three times a week for 3 months. Results: The mean values of TNF-alpha, IL6, IL8, ALT and AST were significantly decreased in group (A) and group (B). Also; there was a significant difference between both groups after treatment. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training modulates inflammatory cytokine levels and markers of liver function in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.