Effect of the supplementation with chlorella vulgaris algae, HIIT exercises and their combination on serum levels of PGC-1α, FGF-21, SIRT1, nutritional status, body composition and aerobic power in young women with overweight and obesity

Abstract

Abstract Background Chlorella vulgaris (CV) as a dietary supplement is known with vitamins and minerals. High intensity interval training (HIIT), is now very popular because of its effectiveness in a short duration in comparison with traditional exercise protocols. It is possible that CV consumption along with high-intensity interval training can effect on mitochondria function, which plays a key role in cellular homeostasis and metabolism regulation and represents a therapeutic target to improve health and prevent metabolic disorders. Mechanistic studies suggested beneficial effects of High intensity interval training (HIIT) and Chlorella vulgaris (CV) on mitochondrial biogenesis. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of CV and/or HIIT on serum levels of PGC-1α, FGF-21, SIRT-1, nutritional status, body composition and aerobic power in young women with overweight and obesity. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 46 overweight/obese women were assigned to four groups. These four groups were including; CV, HIIT+placebo, CV+HIIT, and placebo. Exercise was done 3 days in a week and CV supplementation in 900 mg/day TID. Dietary intake, anthropometric assays, body composition and fasting blood samples were taken then biochemical assessments on serum samples. Bruce test for exercise performance assessment and body composition were obtained at the beginning and end of 8-week intervention. Results: After 8 weeks intervention, waist circumference (WC) significantly reduced in CV+HIIT group in comparison with placebo group. Significant decreases in triglycerides