Effects of Exercise on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46858/VIMSJPT/2026/v8.i1/11-19Keywords:
C-reactive Protein, Cytokines, Exercise, Inflammation, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical ActivityAbstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterised by central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. Chronic low-grade inflammation plays a central role in its pathogenesis, with elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Exercise is considered a cornerstone intervention for MetS management; however, its effects on inflammatory biomarkers remain incompletely understood. Objective: To systematically review the evidence regarding the effects of exercise interventions on inflammatory biomarkers in adults with metabolic syndrome. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, were searched from inception to June 2026. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials evaluating exercise interventions in adults diagnosed with MetS and reporting inflammatory biomarkers were included. Primary outcomes were changes in CRP, TNF-α, IL- 6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-18. Results: Twenty studies involving approximately 1,500 participants met the eligibility criteria. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and combined exercise programs demonstrated significant reductions in CRP, TNF-α, and IL-8 levels, while anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased following training interventions. Evidence regarding IL-6 and IL-18 was inconsistent. Combined aerobic and resistance exercise showed the most consistent anti-inflammatory benefits. Conclusions: Exercise training exerts beneficial antiinflammatory effects in adults with MetS, particularly by reducing CRP and TNF-α concentrations. Regular moderate-to-vigorous aerobic or combined exercise should be recommended as a non-pharmacological strategy for reducing systemic inflammation in this population.
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