OBJECTIVE: It is widely accepted that individuals with metabolic syndrome present a proinflammatory state that may finally result in an increased cardiovascular risk profile. This study was designed to determine the effect of regular exercise on serum c-reactive protein (CRP) in women with metabolic syndrome. METHOD: Sixty adult women with metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria volunteered for this study, of whom 45 were randomly included in the experimental intervention group. These women performed a 12-week aerobic training program, 3 days/week, consisting of warm-up (10 min), main part (20 to 35 min, increasing by 5 minutes each three weeks) at a work intensity of 60 to 75% of peak heart rate (increasing by 5% each three weeks) and cool-down (10 min). The control group of 15-age and BMI-matched women with metabolic syndrome did not perform any training program. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and the protocol was approved by an institutional ethics committee. Levels of serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) were assessed by immunonephelometric assay twice, 72 hours before starting the program (pre-intervention) and after its completion (post-intervention). Indices of body fat distribution were also calculated. RESULTS: When compared to the baseline, hs-CRP levels decreased significantly following the exercise program (5.2 +/- 0.9 versus 3.7 +/- 0.7 mg/L; p < 0.05). A moderate association was found between hs-CRP and waist circumference. No changes were reported in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week aerobic training program reduced serum hs-CRP levels in women with metabolic syndrome.

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