ABSTRACT Ghrelin and obestatin are orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides, respectively, which are believed to be important in energy homeostasis regulation and body weight control. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercises on ghrelin to obestatin ratio of plasma in healthy women. Twenty-four subjects were randomly divided into three groups: two experimental and one control group. Experimental group 1 performed circuit resistance exercises (CRE) (9 exercises, 25 seconds per exercise, at 60% of 1RM), experimental group 2 completed 1.5 miles running and the control group remained sedentary during this time. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after performing the exercise protocol. Plasma ghrelin, obestatin and GH levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The data were analysed by Leven, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Repeated measure.. Results showed a significant increase in the growth hormone, ghrelin, and ghrelin to obestatin ratio, following both exercise protocols, however no significant increase was observed in plasma obestatin levels. It seems that both aerobic and resistance exercise decrease energy reservoirs and increase ghrelin secretion and ghrelin to obestatin ratio, in response to energy deficit, in order to provide the required amount of energy in the most efficient way.

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