# Effects of Two Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Prescriptions on Inflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Obese Hispanic Females

## TL;DR

This study found that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves inflammation and oxidative stress in obese Hispanic women, with some biomarkers responding better to higher intensity.

## Contribution

The study compares two moderate-intensity exercise regimens and their effects on biomarkers in a specific demographic.

## Key findings

- Both exercise intensities reduced TNF-α and increased TAS, with HT showing additional improvements in adiponectin and CRP.
- Higher intensity exercise (HT) led to significant decreases in CRP and 8-OHdG, suggesting greater biomarker responsiveness.
- Exercise reduced body fat and visceral adipose tissue in both exercise groups but not in the control group.

## Abstract

This study examined effects of two moderate-intensity aerobic exercise prescriptions on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers in middle-aged obese Hispanic females. Fifty-four subjects were randomly assigned to a lower-moderate intensity group (55% VO2max, LT, n = 18), an upper-moderate intensity group (70% VO2max, HT, n = 19), or a non-exercise control group (CON, n = 17). Blood samples collected before and after a 12-week intervention were analyzed for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Body fat percentage (%BF) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. TNF-α significantly decreased in both LT (p = 0.004) and HT (p < 0.001). Significant increases in adiponectin (p = 0.001) and reductions in CRP (p < 0.001) were observed within the HT, whereas these changes were not significant within the LT. TAS significantly increased in both exercise groups (p < 0.001), and 8-OHdG significantly decreased in the HT (p < 0.001) and LT (p = 0.002). Both LT and HT demonstrated significant reductions in %BF (p < 0.001) and VAT (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in CON. Results indicate that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improves inflammatory and oxidative stress profiles when total exercise volume is matched, regardless of differences in exercise intensity within the moderate range. Although post-intervention differences between groups were not statistically significant, the observation that CRP, adiponectin, and 8-OHdG changed significantly only within HT suggests that exercise intensity may influence biomarker responsiveness and warrants further investigation.