Abstract

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of either a low intensity swim- exercise program or low soybean flour supplementation on the different components of metabolic syndrome in aged postmenopausal rats. Fifty five rats, weighing 260-350 gm, were randomly allocated into: Control group (C), Metabolic Syndrome group(MS), Metabolic syndrome 6-week - swim exercised group (MSE), and Metabolic syndrome 6 week -soybean flour supplemented group (MSS). All rats were followed weekly for assessment of body weight and arterial blood pressure which was found to be significantly increased in all metabolic syndrome groups (MS,MSE and MSS) compared to C group. At the end of the experimental period, all rats were subjected to measurement of arterial blood pressure. Biochemical analysis including plasma insulin and fibrinogen levels, and lipid profile was performed, then HOMA-IR and atherogenic index (AI) were calculated. MS rats exhibited significant increase in their body weight gain (BWG), visceral fat (VF), visceral fat/ body weight ratio (VF/BW Ratio), arterial blood pressure values (ABP), as well as, plasma triglyceride level (TG) and AI compared to their controls. MSE group exhibited significant decrease in their BWG, VF, VF/BW Ratio and AI compared to MS group. The MSS had significantly decreased BMI, VF and VF/BW Ratio, ABP values, plasma TG and AI compared to MS group. Plasma levels of insulin and total cholesterol were significantly higher in MSS group compared to the MS group. MSE group showed normalization of the values of their BWG, VF, VF/BW Ratio. MSS group showed normalization of their BMI, VF and VF/BW Ratio. When the (MSS) group was compared to the MSE group, a significant increase in plasma insulin level was observed in addition to significant decrease in ABP values. Conclusion: Low dietary intake of soybean flour or low intensity swim- exercise program for 6 weeks were equally effective in normalizing visceral adiposity, but were partially effective as regards hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension in metabolic syndrome aged rats.

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