Effects of two different eight-week walking programs on insulin resistance and ER stress-related markers in pre-menopausal women

WOS: 000387205800003Objective: The relationship between exercise and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, insulin resistance, and obesity is a new field of research. To our knowledge, there are no studies examining the effects of walking exercises on ER stress related markers and insulin resistance in pre-menopausal women. To examine the effect of two different eight-week walking programs on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Fetuin-A (alpha 2 - Heremans Schmid glycoprotein), c-Jun N-terminal kinase-1 (JNK-1) and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), the related markers of ER stress and insulin resistance in pre-menopausal women. Methods: Exercise groups (moderate tempo walking group; MTWG; n=11; brisk walking group BWG; n= 12) walked five days a week, starting from 30 minutes, gradually increasing up to 51 minutes. BWG walked at similar to 70-75% and MTWG at similar to 50-55 of HRRmax. Body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%), VO2max, serum TNF-alpha, Fetuin-A, JNK-1, RPB-4, blood lipids, and insulin resistance levels were determined before and after the intervention. Results: VO2max increased in both exercise groups favoring BWG; RBP-4 decreased in both exercise groups (p<0.05). Serum TNF-alpha and, TG (p<0.05), BMI and percent body fat (p<0.01), and insulin levels reduced significantly in BWG (p