The Effect of CLA Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training on Plasma Neuregulin 4, Interleukin 6, and TNF-a in Obese Men

Background Despite extensive research, the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation in treating obesity are still unclear and equivocal. Adipokines play an important regulatory role in the activation of adipose tissue function. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the efficacy of CLA supplementation during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma neuregulin 4 (NRG-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) in obese men. Methodology Forty-four nonactive, obese males (age = 26.29 ± 0.97 y, body mass index [BMI] = 32.29 ± 1.27 kg/m 2 ) participated in this research. Participants were randomly divided into four groups: control, without training or CLA supplementation; supplement, CLA supplementation without training; exercise, HIIT without CLA supplementation; supplement + exercise, HIIT with CLA supplementation. HIIT was performed for 12 weeks, three sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 60 to 75% of the Vo2 max on a treadmill. Subjects in the CLA supplement groups consumed two 1-g CLA capsules daily in two meals with breakfast and dinner. The amount of plasma NRG-4, IL-6, and TNF-a was measured using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Various variables were collected at two time points (pretest and posttest). Results The study found that both the HIIT and HIIT + CLA groups showed greater improvements in weight and BMI compared with the other groups. Notably, posttest levels of NRG-4 were significantly higher in the CLA, HIIT, and HIIT + CLA groups compared with the control group ( p < 0.001). Additionally, following the intervention period, IL-6 levels in the HIIT + CLA group and TNF-a levels in the HIIT and HIIT + CLA groups were significantly lower than in the control group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion CLA supplementation, in conjunction with HIIT, emerges as a highly effective approach and more benefits on the amount of adipokines secreted from fat tissue in obese people than either of them separately.