Background and Objective: Metabolic syndrome is associated with impaired insulin response, increased inflammatory factors, and alterations in adaptins. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can produce improvements in insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a combination of resveratrol and HIIT for eight weeks on insulin resistance index, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and omentin-1 levels in men with metabolic syndrome.
Methods: 54 men aged 20-50 years with metabolic syndrome were randomly divided into four groups after homogenization: placebo, resveratrol, high-intensity interval training, and resveratrol + high-intensity interval training. The interval training program consisted of walking and running, and the resveratrol group consumed one 250 mg capsule daily. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and after the protocol. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare between groups, and Tukey's post hoc test was used to determine the differences between groups.
Results: Statistical analysis showed that eight weeks of simultaneous intervention of high-intensity interval training and resveratrol caused a significant decrease in the values of insulin resistance indices and MCP-1 and a significant increase in omentin-1. Also, in the exercise group, the values of omentin-1 increased and MCP-1 decreased significantly (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the other groups (P≤0.05).
Conclusions: It seems likely that a combination of resveratrol and high-intensity interval training could be an effective strategy for improving insulin resistance and modulate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in men with metabolic syndrome.