Effects of non-linear resistance training and curcumin supplementation on the liver biochemical markers levels and structure in older women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: With increasing age, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is very common among women with low levels of physical activity. Nonlinear resistance training is one of the new methods to help patients who have low levels of physical activity. Curcumin is an herbal supplement that has anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to examine the effects of nonlinear resistance training and curcumin supplementation on the liver structure and biochemical markers in obese older women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: Forty-five obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were randomly assigned into resistance training (RT), curcumin supplement (C), resistance training with curcumin supplement (RTC), and placebo (P) groups. The RT and RTC groups received 12-weeks of nonlinear resistance training while the C and P groups had a normal sedentary lifestyle. Daily, the C and RTC groups received a curcumin capsule while the P and RT groups were given a placebo capsule. Blood sampling and ultrasonography were taken before and after the protocol. Results: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels significantly decreased in the RT and RTC groups (P <= 0.05) but not in the C and P groups (P > 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) levels, platelet counts (PLT), and liver structure did not significantly change in all groups (P > 0.05). Resistance training alone and with curcumin supplementation could significantly improve liver function while taking curcumin alone did not have any significant effect on it. Conclusion: 12-week non-linear resistance training has beneficial effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in older obese women. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.