Exercise training-induced triglyceride lowering negatively correlates with DHEA levels in men with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of an exercise training program on lipid profile in correlation with DHEA level and body weight and body composition in type 2 diabetic men. DESIGN: Longitudinal, controlled clinical intervention study with exercise training consisting of an 8 week supervised program of aerobic exercise (75% VO2 peak, 45 min), twice a week and intermittent exercise, once a week, on a bicyle ergometer. SUBJECTS: Sixteen men (age 45.4 +/- 7.2 y (mean +/- s.d.), HbA1c 8.15 +/- 1.7%, body mass index (BMI) 29.6 +/- 4.6 kg/m(2)) were randomly divided into two groups: trained group (n = 8) and control group (n = 8). MEASUREMENTS: Lipid, apo- and lipoprotein and DHEA concentrations. Cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and mid-thigh muscle by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Training decreased visceral (153.25 +/- 38.55 vs 84.20 +/- 21.30cm(2), P < 0.001), subcutaneous (241.55 +/- 49.55 vs 198.00 +/- 39.99 cm(2) P < 0.001) adipose tissue area and triglyceride levels (2.59 +/- 1.90 vs 1.79 +/- 1.08 nmol/l, P < 0.05) and increased mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area (148.30 +/- 36.10 vs 184.35 +/- 35.85 cm(2), P < 0.001), and DHEA Levels (11.00 +/- 3.10 vs 14.25 +/- 4.10 nmol/l, P < 0.05) with no modification in body weight. Changes in triglycerides were negatively correlated with changes in DHEA (r= -0.81, P=0.03). This correlation was independent of changes in abdominal fat distribution. CONCLUSION: Training decreases abdominal fat depots, improves muscular mass and affects favourably triglyceride and DHEA levels. Changes in triglycerides and DHEA were inversely related.