Background: Reduction of antioxidant enzymes can be related to the increased possibility of cardiovascular problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of aerobic training on paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, Arylesterase (ARE) and lipid profile in postmenopausal women.
Materials and methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 51 were randomly divided into control and aerobic training groups. Aerobic training program was performed with intensity of 65-70% of target heart rate for 45 minutes, three days a week for 16 weeks. Before and after 16 weeks of aerobic training, blood samples were collected after 12 to 14 hours of fasting. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test to determine within- group and between-group differences at α<0.05, respectively.
Results: The results showed that 16 weeks of aerobic training led to significant increase in levels of PON1 (p=0.032) and HDL (p=0.001) activity and significant decrease in cholesterol (p=0.032) and VLDL (p=0.020). ARE levels after 16 weeks of aerobic training increased, but this increase was not significant (p=0.081). Also, 16-week aerobic training had no significant effect on LDL, and TG levels (p>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems likely that regular and prolonged physical activities improves the antioxidant system of postmenopausal women via increasing PON1 and ARE activities. Also, it is likely that the effect of physical activity on PON1 activity be a result of increase in the density in HDL-c