LAUSR

Abstract Objectives There appears to be a relationship between obesity, overweight and inflammation and many diseases. In addition, the effects of regular exercise and licorice extract on improvement of inflammation have been confirmed separately. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of eight weeks of aerobic training and licorice extract consumption on inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in overweight women. Methods Forty participants were randomly and equally divided into four groups of ten subjects, including: (1) aerobic training (AT), (2) licorice consumption (L), (3) aerobic training + licorice consumption (AT+L) and (4) control (C). Aerobic training consisted of three sessions per week (65-80 % MHR-16-30 min). After the preparation of the extract, the desired amount was poured in the similar capsules (150 mg/kg daily). The blood samples were obtained before and after the interventions in order to measure the inflammatory factors (IL-1β، TNF-α, CRP), the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX) as well as the oxidative stress index (MDA). Results A significant increase in SOD and a decrease in TNF-α، IL-1β، CRP and MDA levels were observed in the intervention groups (P=0.01) after the interventions. These changes were more significant in the AT + L group (P=0.01). A decrease in weight and BMI in the intervention groups was observed (P=0.03), however there was not a significant change in GPX (P=0.069). Conclusions Because adipose tissue is the source of some inflammatory factors, the aerobic training and licorice extract consumption, might modify inflammation and oxidative stress through improvement in redox signaling, weight and BMI as well as exercise adaptation.