RESUMEN
AIM: The purpose of presented study was to verify the influence of aerobic physical activity program on the serum insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations in overweight and obese postmenopausal women. METHODS: Somatic parameters and serum concentrations of insulin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were measured in 21 overweight and obese women, before and after 8-week cycloergometer physical workout and 16 age-matched, controls. Age of all studied women ranged from 54 to 78 years. RESULTS: The comparative analysis of biochemical indices measured before and after the training program showed that the systematic exercise cause the significant decrease in insulin (P<0.05) and IGF-1 concentrations (P<0.05). There were no differences in these parameters in controls over the studied period. The level of IGFBP-3 was not significantly changed in both investigated groups. In women participating in the training program the positive correlation (P<0.05) between changes in IGF-1 levels (Δ) and changes in insulin concentrations (Δ) within two terms of the study were found. The magnitude of changes (Δ) in insulin and IGF-1 levels over the study period correlated with their concentrations measured before the training program (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Results of the present study indicate that regular aerobic physical activity decreases serum insulin and IGF-1 levels in postmenopausal women. The magnitude of insulin and IGF-1 concentration changes depend on their initial levels. Changes of IGF-1 levels are associated with insulin concentration modifications.