Effects of Green Tea Extract on Ox-LDL and Homocysteine Levels after Resistance Exercise in Obese Men

Introduction: Green tea is a well-known source of polyphenol catechins, which possess strong antioxidant properties. However, the impact of green tea polyphenol catechins on biological markers of atherosclerosis, namely oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and homocysteine (Hcy), following resistance exercise (RE), has not been studied in obese individuals. Methods: In this study, ten obese untrained men (age ۴۳-۴۵ y, BMI ۳۲-۳۳) participated voluntarily. They were randomly assigned to receive either green tea extract (GTE) capsules (two capsules of ۵۰۰ mg per day) or placebo (PL) capsules (two capsules of ۵۰۰ mg per day maltodextrin) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. The supplementation period lasted for two weeks, followed by a two-week washout period. Afterward, the participants performed a RE protocol at ۷۵% of their one-repetition maximum (۱RM). Blood samples were collected before and after the RE session to measure the serum concentrations of Hcy and ox-LDL. Results: In the placebo condition, there was a significant increase in serum Hcy and ox-LDL levels from pre- to post-RE. However, GTE supplementation mitigated the exercise-induced rise in serum Hcy and ox-LDL concentrations in obese men. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a two-week supplementation of GTE may offer protection against exercise-induced elevation of Hcy and ox-LDL levels in obese men.

Keywords:

Hcy , Polyphenol catechins , Obesity , Ox-LDL , Resistance exercise