Effect of a Supervised Aerobic Exercise Training Program and Ginkgo biloba Extract on Metabolic Parameters and Functional Capacity in HIV-Infected Subjects

Background: A remarkable increase in metabolic comorbidities occur in people living with HIV infection (PLWH). Supervised physical activity provides significant health benefits. Ginkgo biloba (GKB) extract has been reported to have a wide range of metabolic advantages. This study aimed to examine the effects of an exercise training (ET) program and a GKB extract on PLWH. Methods: This was a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Twenty-eight PLWH were assigned to receive a placebo (n=10), GKB extract (n=10), or statins (n=8). All patients underwent a supervised ET program 3-5 times per week. Anthropometric measurements, functional capacity, and metabolic parameters were assessed in all participants at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow-up. Results: After the 12-week intervention, body fat decreased significantly by 2-3% in all groups relative to their baseline values (p<0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-c were significantly decreased in the ET+statin group (p= 0.04, and p= 0.007, respectively) compared to baseline values, while HbA1c and the HOMA-IR index were significantly decreased in the ET+GKB group (p= 0.03 and p= 0.02, respectively) compared to baseline values, and a significant increase in CD4+ T cell mean was observed in the ET+placebo group (p=0.005) compared to baseline values. A significant increase in cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2 max) from their baseline values was observed in all groups (p<0.001) after 12-weeks of intervention from their baseline values. Conclusions: Body fat and cardiorespiratory fitness significantly improved after a 12-week supervised ET program. GKB extract significantly decreased insulin resistance. Future studies with larger sample sizes are required.