Background: Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and change in lifestyle represents a successful strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the present study investigated the combined effects of regulae Pilates training and Apium Graveolens seed supplement on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sedentary women.

Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 28 healthy sedentary woman with age average 31±5.5 years old are selected in a convenience sampling way and randomely divided into and control, exercise, supplement and exercise+supplement groups. Pilates exercise was consisted of exercise movements at 50% to 80% maximal heart rate in, 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Supplement and exercise+supplement groups consumed 1.3 gr Apium Graveolens seed capsule three times a day after meals. Fasting blood samples were collected before and 48 hours after the last interventions. MCP-1 and CRP levels were measured by ELISA method.

Results: Eight weeks of Pilates exercise, supplementation and the combined intervention were associated with a significant increase in MCP-1 and CRP levels (p<0.05). Furthermore Pilates exercise and combined intervention were associated with significantly greater increases in percent changes of the MCP-1 and CRP compared to supplement group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the protective effect of Pilates exercise and Apium Graveolens seed supplementation non-drug interventions might in part be due to suppression of the inflammatory processes.