The Influence of Exercise Training on Endothelial Function, Serum Irisin and Inflammatory Markers in the Elderly with Metabolic Syndrome.

Background Although exercise has beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome (Mets), the effects of exercise training on endothelial function and irisin level in the elderly with MetS remain controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of exercise training on endothelial function and serum irisin level in the elderly with MetS. Methods Volunteers with MetS were recruited (n = 30). After 8 consecutive weeks of exercise training, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), colony-forming units (CFU) of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC), and serum irisin level were determined. Body mass index (BMI), Homeostasis Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and inflammatory markers were detected. Results Exercise training program improved endothelial function, increased EPC-CFU, decreased HOMA-IR and inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, exercise training had no influence on the serum irisin level. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that change of EPC-CFU and HOMA-IR were independent prognostic risk factors for change of FMD. Conclusions Exercise training improved endothelial function, alleviated insulin resistance and inflammation in the elderly with MetS. The findings suggest that exercise training program is an effective means for the treatment of MetS in the elderly.