Moderate to vigorous physical activity volume is an important factor for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A retrospective study

Abstract

Recently, the beneficial effects of increased physical activity (PA) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese subjects were reported. However, the optimal strength and volume of PA in lifestyle modification to improve NAFLD pathophysiology and be recommended as an appropriate management of this condition are unclear. The primary goal of this retrospective study was to estimate the beneficial effects of a varying volume of moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) on the improvement of NAFLD. A total of 169 obese, middle-aged men were enrolled in a 12-week weight reduction program through lifestyle modification consisting of dietary restrictions plus aerobic exercise. Among these obese subjects, 40 performed MVPA for <150 minÁwk 21 , 42 performed MVPA for 150-250 minÁwk 21 , and 87 performed MVPA for >250 minÁwk 21 . The subjects in the MVPA !250 minÁwk 21 group, in comparison with those in the MVPA <250 minÁwk 21 group, showed significantly attenuated levels of hepatic steatosis (231.8% versus 223.2%). This attenuation was likely independent of the detectable weight reduction. MVPA for !250 minÁwk 21 in comparison with that for <150 minÁwk 21 led to a significant decrease in the abdominal visceral adipose tissue severity (240.6% versus 212.9%), levels of ferritin (213.6% versus 11.5%), and lipid peroxidation (215.1% versus 22.8%), and a significant increase in the adiponectin levels (117.1% versus 15.6%). In association with these changes, the gene expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells also significantly decreased and increased, respectively. Conclusion: MVPA for !250 minÁwk 21 as part of lifestyle management improves NAFLD pathophysiology in obese men. The benefits seem to be acquired through reducing inflammation and oxidative stress levels and altering fatty acid metabolism. (HEPATOLOGY 2015;61:1205-1215

Biochemical markers and levels of physical activity related to the hepatic condition of patients infected by the hepatitis C virus

“…The present study demonstrated that inactive patients physically active obtained biochemical markers (LDL and glycemia) a hepatic transaminases and alkaline phosphatase in relation to the physically active ones, which can imply in a worse hepatic condition. In the insufficiently active group we can observe that the values found in the active group can be justified because the individuals in this age group are very involved with domestic and work activities that demand a higher level of intensity to be performed, even with some physiological decompensation within the menstrual cycle [16] among women, generating a significant calcium loss over the years [17]; however, because they are more physically active, they possibly present a lower burden of osteoarticular damage in relation to physically inactive women.…”

NAFLD therapy and monitoring disease progression

“…46,57 The volume of exercise is an important factor and it has been shown that 250 minutes of weekly exercise was more effective than 150 minutes. 61 Besides aerobic training, resistance training (which improves muscle strength through repetitive weight-based exercises), also improves NAFLD. 62,63 A combination of aerobic training and resistance training may give the maximum benefit though further studies are required to confirm the same.…”

Current management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…It is recommended to perform exercises for at least 250 minutes per week. 8 In general, 5 to 10% reduction in body weight in obese or overweight people over 6 to 12 months has been advocated through changes to eating habits and the practice of physical activity. This recommendation is based on short-term studies that showed an improvement in IR and in liver histology with gradual weight loss, as shown in Table 1.…”