Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sedentary behavior and/or physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. Myokines are one of the mediators of physical activity health benefits. Relationship between regular physical activity (RPA) and baseline plasma Meteorin-Like Hormone (Metrnl) has not been explored in human. Hence, we compared baseline plasma Metrnl between sedentary individuals and ones with recreational physical activities, and role of Metrnl as a biological messenger between physical activity and insulin resistance and body composition was also explored. METHODS Forty healthy young men (aged: 21 ± 2.1 yrs; BMI: 23 ± 3.44 kg/m2) completed the study. Participants were equally assigned into two groups of control (sedentary) and case (recreational athletes). Baseline plasma Metrnl, glucose, insulin and body composition components and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were assessed under resting conditions. RESULTS Except for baseline blood glucose, baseline plasma Metrnl, insulin, HOMA-IR and body mass index and body fat percentage were similar between two groups (P > 0.05). However, after Metrnl correction for the degree of insulin resistance index (Metrnl/HOMA-IR), recreational athletes showed a significantly greater baseline compared to sedentary subjects (P < 0.05). Baseline blood glucose showed a negative and significant correlation with baseline plasma Metrnl (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Baseline plasma Metrnl is correlated with regular physical activity and insulin sensitivity, but not with body composition parameters. Metrnl may be one possible mediator of the beneficial effects of PA on insulin sensitivity in healthy humans. Hence, increasing awareness of the benefits of physical activity and incorporating physical activity into lifestyle are of great importance for people with non-communicable diseases.
