Effects of Concurrent Training on Serum PCSK9 Levels in Adults With Overweight

Being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease. PCSK9 is a protein that helps regulate cholesterol levels in the blood. Exercise may affect PCSK9 levels, but previous studies have reported conflicting results. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a program combining aerobic exercise and resistance training changes blood PCSK9 levels in adults with overweight. The researchers will also examine changes in blood cholesterol levels and body composition. A total of 42 adults aged 18-40 years with overweight will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will participate in a supervised exercise program three days per week for eight weeks. Each session will last approximately 60 minutes and include aerobic exercise, resistance training, warm-up, and cool-down periods. The other group will continue their usual daily activities without participating in a structured exercise program provided by the study. Blood samples and body measurements will be collected before the program, after four weeks, and after eight weeks. Participants will also record their usual food intake and physical activity during the study. The researchers expect that the combined exercise program may reduce blood PCSK9 levels compared with maintaining usual daily activities. The findings may help improve understanding of how exercise affects cholesterol regulation in adults with overweight.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-40 years. * Body mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m². * No participation in a regular exercise program during the previous two months (3-5 days per week, totaling 150 minutes per week). Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or other chronic cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. * Acute or chronic inflammatory disease or active infection. * History of malignancy or active cancer. * Neurological, orthopedic, or musculoskeletal conditions that prevent participation in physical exercise. * Current use of antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, antidiabetic, systemic glucocorticoid, or other medications that may affect PCSK9 levels. * Current smoking or use of other tobacco products. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Loss of 5% or more of body weight during the previous three months or participation in a weight-loss diet. * Bariatric surgery or use of pharmacological weight-management treatment during the previous three months.