The Effect of High-Intensity Functional Training with Thylakoid Supplementation on Anti-Inflammatory Indicators in Obese Men

Background: Obesity is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state related with vascular dysfunction, thrombotic disorders, multiple organ damages, and metabolic dysfunction. To date, no study has examined the effects of different exercise protocols on the profile of inflammatory factors in the body and the use of dietary supplements. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) with and without thylakoid supplementation on IL-10 and semaphorin-3E levels in obese people. Methods: 44 obese men were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (C), thylakoid supplementation (T), high-intensity functional training (H), and a combination of supplementation and exercise (HT). The exercise program was performed according to the HIFT protocol for 12 weeks. The thylakoid supplement was extracted from spinach leaves and administered to individuals in the supplement groups. Body mass index (BMI) and biomarkers related to inflammation were measured in the participants' blood samples at the before and after the intervention. Results: In these three groups, H, T, and HT, the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-10, and Semaphorin-3E were compared. In all the three groups, the levels of the anti-inflammatory factor Semaphorin-3E and IL-10 changed significantly (P<0.001 vs. C). The level of Semaphorin-3E exhibited a statistically significant decline in the blood of the H and HT groups who underwent exercise in comparison to the C group (P<0.01) and a significant difference was observed between the exercise training groups, H and HT, and T group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that HIFT exercise protocol and the use of thylakoid supplements can reduce systemic inflammatory indicators in obese men. This reduction was observed through a synergistic effect. Consequently, the combination of HIFT exercise and thylakoid supplements represents an effective approach to reducing inflammation in individuals with obesity.