Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations

Comparing the Relationship Between BDNF, VEGF and Body Composition Factors in Obese and Normal Weight Men

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

3 Master of Sport Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Aims: The background of most metabolic diseases is obesity and overweight. The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and body composition factors in obese and normal-weight men.
Method: In this semi-experimental study, 12 obese (Age:33.50±1.44, Weight: 98.66±4.75, BMI: 32.96±1.71) and 11 normal-weight (Age; 32.45±1.75, Weight: 74.81±6.16, BMI: 23.82±0.55) men participated in this study. At first, anthropometrical (weight, height, and body composition factors [(body fat percentage (BF%), body fat weight (BFW), and lean body weight (LBW)] data were measured. Then, saliva samples were collected via unstimulated passive drool over five minutes. The analysis of BDNF and VEGF was performed using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: A significant difference was observed for a mean of BDNF, VEGF, weight, BF%, BFW, and LBW between the two groups (P<0.05). Correlation analyses in obese and normal weight groups between saliva VEGF levels and BMI were positive significant (r = .63; P = 0.03). In normal weight group, there were negative significant correlation between BDNF and BMI (r = -.65; P = 0.02).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that the difference between the saliva levels of BDNF and VEGF of obese and normal-weight beginner aerobics men is partly due to body composition factors and lower BDNF and higher VEGF in obese men might be due to their body composition and weight.

Keywords

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Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations
Volume 2, Issue 4
March 2026
Pages 1-13