Improved insulin sensitivity and adiponectin level after exercise training in obese Korean youth

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association among adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] and adiponectin and to study the effects of exercise training on adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers among obese male Korean adolescents. Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty-six obese and 14 lean age-matched male adolescents were studied. We divided the obese subjects into two groups: obese exercise group (N = 14) and obese control group (N = 12). The obese exercise group underwent 6 weeks of jump rope exercise training (40 min/d, 5 d/wk). Adiposity, insulin resistance, lipid profile, hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and adiponectin were measured before and after the completion of exercise training. Results: The current study demonstrated higher insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-C levels, triglyceride, and inflammatory markers and lower adiponectin and HDL-C in obese Korean male adolescents. Six weeks of increased physical activity improved body composition, insulin sensitivity, and adiponectin levels in obese Korean male adolescents without changes in TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP. Discussion: Obese Korean male adolescents showed reduced adiponectin levels and increased inflammatory cytokines. Six weeks of jump rope exercise improved triglyceride and insulin sensitivity and increased adiponectin levels.