Aerobic exercise training improves insulin sensitivity independent of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in older female hypertensives.

The purpose of the present study was to determine if the improvement in insulin sensitivity following aerobic exercise training (AEX) is associated with a decline in plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. Fourteen older hypertensive females (age, 62 +/- 2 years) participated in a 6-month AEX program. Following AEX there was a significant increase in maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2)max) (P =.0001), and a significant decline in systolic (P =.01) and diastolic (P =.006) blood pressure. In addition, following AEX there was a significant decline in total body fat mass (P =.005), abdominal fat mass (P =.048), and percent body fat (P =.006). Insulin sensitivity, as assessed by the insulin-assisted frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT), increased significantly following AEX (P =.007). Despite the increase in insulin sensitivity and the decline in body fat, plasma TNF-alpha levels were not altered by AEX (P =.223). No significant relationship existed among the changes in TNF-alpha levels and the changes insulin sensitivity or any measure of body composition following AEX. In conclusion, in this population of older hypertensive females, AEX improved insulin sensitivity and lowered blood pressure without a reduction in plasma TNF-alpha levels.