BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in developed countries. Fibrinogen and resistin are two inflammatory markers used for atherosclerosis risk prediction. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of eight weeks of aerobic exercise on the concentrations of fibrinogen and resistin in healthy overweight middle-aged men. METHODS: Thirty inactive middle-aged men with a body mass index of 25 to 30 were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The participants in the experimental group, accomplished eight weeks (3 sessions per week, of aerobic exercise with an intensity of 50 to 70% of their maximum heart rate while the control group remained sedentary. Weight, body fat percentage, fibrinogen and resistin levels of the participants were measured 48 hours before the first and after the last training sessions. The obtained data were analyzed using Independent Samples T-tests. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and fibrinogen and a significant elevation in resistin concentration in the experimental group (p < 0.05) upon the exercises relative to the control group. CONCLUSION: It seems that eight weeks of regular aerobic exercise could reduce risks of myocardial infarction and improve the health status of overweight middle-aged men through reduction of weight, body fat and fibrinogen and elevation of resistin concentrations. Elevation of resistin concentration can be a sign of increased antioxidant defense mechanism.

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