Combined Effects of Exercise and Cinnamon Supplementation on Liver Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Subject Areas : Exercise Physiology and Performance

Mahdieh Ghasemi ¹ , Ahmad Abdi ^{2 *} , Alireza Barari ³ , khosro jalali ⁴

1 - Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
2 - Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
3 - Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Am.C., Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
4 - Department of Sports Physiology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Received: 2025-02-26 Accepted : 2025-05-05 Published : 2025-05-15

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Exercise, Cinnamon, Liver Fibrosis,

Abstract :

Background: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effects of concurrent exercise and cinnamon supplementation on liver fibrosis (FIB-4 index) and oxidative stress in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Thirty women, aged 35-50 years, diagnosed with T2DM, were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups: 1) Control (C), 2) Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise + resistance exercise (RME), 3) Cinnamon supplementation (Ci), and 4) Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise + resistance exercise + cinnamon supplementation (RMECi). Participants in the exercise groups performed a combined aerobic and resistance training program five times a week, targeting 400 kcal expenditure per day, while the supplementation groups consumed 1000 mg of cinnamon per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the 8-week intervention to evaluate liver enzymes, FIB-4 index, and markers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GPx, CAT). Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and ANCOVA, were performed to determine the effects within and between groups.

Results: Results indicated significant reductions in FIB-4, MDA, ALT, and AST in the RME, Ci, and RMECi groups compared to the control group, with the RMECi group showing the most significant improvements. Additionally, antioxidant capacity, as indicated by SOD, GPx, and CAT levels, was enhanced in the intervention groups.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the combination of exercise and cinnamon supplementation may have synergistic effects on improving liver function and reducing oxidative stress in women with T2DM.

References:


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