Aims: Physical exercise has anti-inflammatory effects. Interleukin-18 is an inflammatory cytokine and C-reactive protein is an acute phase protein. The purpose of this study was to determine the response of circulating levels of Interleukin-18 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to endurance and resistance training in inactive lean men.

Materials & Methods: In a semi-expetrimental trial study in 2011 in Boukan and Saghez Cities, Iran, 28 sedentary lean men were purposefully chosen and randomly placed at 3 groups endurance training, resistance training and control. Height, weight, body mass index, body fat percent, maximal oxygen consumption, serum levels of Interleukin-18, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (after12h fasting) were assessed prior to and after the training. Endurance training and resistance training were accomplished for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey ad hoc tests.

Findings: Serum levels of Interleukin-18 (p=0.098) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.11) were similar in three groups before the training. Also, no significant differences were observed in serum levels of Interleukin-18 (p=0.159) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.19) among the groups after the training.

Conclusion: The circulating levels of Interleukin-18 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein do not change following 12 weeks of endurance and resistance training in inactive lean men.