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Improvement in histological endpoints of MAFLD following a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention
Author(s) -
O’Gorman Philip,
Naimimohasses Sara,
Monaghan Ann,
Kennedy Megan,
Melo Ashanty M.,
Ní Fhloinn Deirdre,
Doherty Derek G.,
Beddy Peter,
Finn Stephen P.,
Moore J. Bernadette,
Gormley John,
Norris Suzanne
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/apt.15989
Subject(s) - medicine , aerobic exercise , cardiorespiratory fitness , steatosis , fatty liver , vo2 max , anthropometry , physical therapy , gastroenterology , disease , blood pressure , heart rate
Summary Background Lifestyle interventions are the primary treatment for metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, the histological and cardiometabolic effects of aerobic exercise in MAFLD remain unclear. Aims To assess the effects of a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention on histological and cardiometabolic endpoints in MAFLD. Methods Patients with biopsy‐confirmed MAFLD participated in a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention. Liver histology, cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated V̇O 2max ), physical activity, anthropometry and biochemical markers were assessed at baseline, intervention completion, and 12 and 52 weeks after intervention completion. Results Twenty‐four patients completed the exercise intervention (exercise group n = 16, control group n = 8). In the exercise group, 12 weeks of aerobic exercise reduced fibrosis and hepatocyte ballooning by one stage in 58% ( P = 0.034) and 67% ( P = 0.020) of patients, with no changes in steatosis ( P = 1.000), lobular inflammation ( P = 0.739) or NAFLD activity score ( P = 0.172). Estimated V̇O 2max increased by 17% compared to the control group ( P = 0.027) but this level of improvement was not maintained at 12 or 52 weeks after the intervention. Patients with fibrosis and ballooning improvement increased estimated V̇O 2max by 25% ( P = 0.020) and 26% ( P = 0.010), respectively. Anthropometric reductions including body mass ( P = 0.038), waist circumference ( P = 0.015) and fat mass ( P = 0.007) were also observed, but no patient achieved 7%‐10% weight loss. Conclusion This study highlights the potential benefits of a 12‐week aerobic exercise intervention in improving histological endpoints of MAFLD. The development of strategies to ensure continued engagement in aerobic exercise in MAFLD are needed.