Background and Purpose: Fetuins, as liver-secreted proteins, play a significant role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to determine the effect of CrossFit training on liver fat content, insulin sensitivity, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Fetuin-A, and Fetuin-B in middle-aged men with NAFLD.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 24 men with NAFLD were purposively selected and randomly assigned to exercise (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The exercise group performed CrossFit training for 12 weeks, three sessions per week, at an intensity of 80 to 90% heart rate reserve (HRR). Blood samples were collected before and 72 hours after the last training session. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.
Results: After the intervention period, the exercise group showed significant reductions in CRP (33.6%), Fetuin-A (12.3%), Fetuin-B (5.5%), and liver fat grade (54.2%), and a significant increase in insulin sensitivity (4.8%) compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The reduction in liver fat content and serum CRP levels appears to result from improved hepatic insulin sensitivity and decreased systemic inflammation. Additionally, decreased Fetuin-A and Fetuin-B indicate modulation of inflammatory responses and improved liver function, which play important roles in the clinical improvement of this disease. These changes may serve as an effective non-pharmacological intervention to slow NAFLD progression and enhance metabolic health in middle-aged patients.