Moderate-intensity functional training improves mitochondrial capability and redox state in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of metabolic syndrome women

Purpose Evidence exists that both oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a pivotal role in the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and also, likely then extent for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Despite knowledge of the beneficial effects of physical exercises, studies about the modality of functional training (FT) on remodeling in mitochondrial metabolism and redox states, especially at PBMCs from patients with MetS, are rare and still controversial. Thus, this study intends to examine how FT can influence PBMCs metabolism, mitochondrial capability, and redox state in women with MetS. Methods Untrained women over 45-years-old were classified as having three or more pre-defined components of MetS. The participants ( n = 10) completed three training sessions, and each session lasted about 60-min sessions per week for 12-weeks. We performed baseline and posttest measures in PBMCs, which were obtained before training (baseline) and 72 h after the end of the training protocol to avoid acute exercise effects. Adherence was defined as completing 85% of exercise sessions. Results FT produced an increase of 96.6% in lactate dehydrogenase activity ( p = 0.002) of PBMCs, while citrate synthase activity ( p = 0.49) remained unaltered. The training protocol also demonstrated an increase of 39.7% DCF levels ( p = 0.0039) exercise-induced formation, as well as antioxidant system adaptation (CAT activity) (78.5%; p = 0.005). Electron transfer capability from CI (112.7%; p = 0.002), CII (89.1%; p = 0.046) and CIII (26.8%; p = 0.046) increased after training, however, no changes in CIV ( p = 0.72) were observed. No significant changes in BMI or body weight were found, but the training protocol resulted in a significant increase in VO 2 max of 18% at posttest ( p = 0.0035). Conclusion We provided novel evidence that a 12-week FT program modifies mitochondrial capability and redox state in PBMCs, it seems to be some extent women’s aerobic fitness improvement. Therefore, our data suggest that PBMCs could be used to detect and assess changes in cellular profiles from unhealthy patients, as well as biomarkers source for physical exercise control and quality.