Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background& Objectives: Nowadays, not only obesity but also a low body mass index (BMI) may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of circuit resistance training with and Medicago sativa supplement on interlukin-18 (IL-18) and interlukin-10 (IL-10) in young girls with low BMI.

Methods: In Quasi-experimental study, 30 sedentary young girls with low BMI were randomly divided in three groups: Exercise+supplement, supplement and control (n=10). Circuit resistance training consisted of 10 exercise movements at 60-80% of one repeated maximal in 8-12 repetition (in 3 circuits), 60 min per day and 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Medicago sativa supplement was consumed 3 ml kg^-1 body weight for 3 times a day. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after 4 weeks. IL-18 and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA method and data were analyzed by paired t and one-way analysis variance (ANOVA) tests.

Results: After 4 weeks, IL-10 levels was significantly increased in supplement and exercise+supplement groups in compared to the control group (p<0.05) whereas, IL-18 levels decreased in exercise+supplement group (p<0.05). In addition percent changes of the IL-10 and IL-18 levels of exercise+supplement group were higher compared to the supplement group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that resistance training associated with Medicago Sativa supplement intervention as an important non-pharmacological strategy may improve anti-inflammatory statute in individuals with low body mass index.