Moderate-intensity exercise might be a competitive protocol to prevent obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases

To determine effects of exercise intensity on expression levels of cytokines and neurotransmitters beneficial for the prevention and improvement of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. Expression levels of irisin, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), adiponectin, free fatty acid (FFA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) levels after moderate-intensity (50% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)) and high-intensity treadmill running (80% VO2max) for 30 min in 20 healthy men were compared. Blood samples were collected at three time points: before treadmill running (pre-EX), immediately after treadmill running (post-EX), and at 60 min after treadmill running (60 min post-EX). Expression levels of irisin, FGF21, adiponectin, FFA, DA, and 5-HT were increased after 30 min of treadmill running exercise regardless of exercise intensity. Their levels were increased at 60 min post-EX. They showed no significant difference immediately after exercise regardless of exercise intensity. Only irisin, FGF21, FFA, and DA levels showed significant differences between moderate-intensity (50% VO2max) group and high-intensity group (80% VO2max) at 60 min post-EX. Considering that FFA level at 80% VO2max was significantly lower than that at 50% VO2max during post-EX and side effects of high-intensity exercise, moderate-intensity exercise would be a more competitive method compared to high-intensity for the prevention and improvement of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.