Effects of Eight Weeks of Aerobic Exercise and Green Tea Supplementation on ABCA1 mRNA Expression and Related Lipid Markers in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of Overweight Women

Abstract

Background: Obesity-associated dyslipidemia and impaired lipid transport are major cardiovascular risk factors in women. Modifiable lifestyle interventions, particularly aerobic exercise and nutritional supplementation, have been proposed as strategies to improve lipid metabolism. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a key membrane transporter that mediates cholesterol efflux from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and is closely linked to obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Objectives: This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise and green tea supplementation (TS), alone and in combination, on ABCA1 mRNA expression and lipid markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of overweight women. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, sixty overweight women (BMI > 25 kg/m²) were allocated to four groups: Aerobic training, green TS, combined intervention, or placebo, for eight weeks. Venous blood samples were collected before and after the intervention, and PBMCs were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 mRNA expression in PBMCs was quantified by real-time PCR, and plasma HDL-C, LDL-C, and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were determined enzymatically. Results: The combined intervention group showed a statistically significant increase in ABCA1 mRNA expression, along with higher HDL-C and lower LDL-C levels compared with the placebo group. Aerobic training alone significantly increased HDL-C and ABCA1 mRNA expression, whereas green TS alone significantly reduced LDL-C but did not significantly change HDL-C. All intervention groups improved the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, with the greatest effect observed in the combined group, while no significant pre–post changes were observed in the placebo group. Conclusions: In conclusion, the combination of eight weeks of aerobic exercise and green TS significantly enhances ABCA1 mRNA expression and improves lipid profiles in overweight women.