Physiological Effects of Yoga and Pranayama on Serum Adipokines, Lipoprotein (a), Thyrotropin Levels, and Blood Pressure among Obese Hypothyroid Patients with Hypertension.

Background: The trio of obesity, hypothyroidism, and hypertension can act as a strong synergistic risk factor through

parameters, like elevated serum leptin and lipoprotein (a) and decreased adiponectin levels, for the development of

atherosclerotic diseases. Very few studies have focused on the effects of yoga/pranayama on these parameters among

obese hypothyroid patients with hypertension. Hence, the present research work was carried out to evaluate the

effects of 6 months of yoga and pranayama practices on these parameters.

Materials and Methods: The present interventional study was conducted involving 20 obese hypothyroid patients

with hypertension, their baseline values of serum adipokines, lipoprotein (a), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

levels, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI) were recorded and they were subjected to 6 months of yoga/

pranayama and the same were recorded at the end of 6 months, and data were statistically analyzed.

Results: There was a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01) between baseline versus after 6 months in

parameters such as serum leptin (23.94 ± 12.96 vs. 11.88 ± 10.32 ng/mL); serum lipoprotein (a) (28.45 ± 3.12 vs.

12.98 ± 3.56 mg/dL); BMI (29.42 ± 3.01vs. 25.36 ± 2.41 kg/m2

); and significant improvement (P < 0.01) in serum

adiponectin (3.44 ± 2.32 vs. 8.86 ± 4.88 ug/mL); systolic BP (147.24 ± 7.39 vs. 126.88 ± 6.34 mmHg); diastolic BP

(95.76 ± 6.32 vs. 82.04 ± 4.56 mmHg); and TSH (13.41 ± 3.34 vs. 2.83± 2.62 mIU/L).

Conclusion: Yoga and pranayama practice for 6 months resulted in beneficial effects such as reduction of serum

leptin, lipoprotein (a) levels, BMI, BP, and improved adiponectin levels and thyroid functions among obese

hypothyroid patients with hypertension.

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