Effect of High Intensity Interval Training on FTO Gene Expression in Subcutaneous Fatty Tissue of Diabetic Wistar Rats

Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is directly associated with increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on FTO expression of subcutaneous fat tissue in T2DM rats.

In this experimental study, twelve males Wistar rats (220±10 g) with T2DM induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide injection were randomly divided into exercise (n=6) and control (n=6) groups. The training group performed the HIIT protocol on a treadmill for 12 weeks and 5 days per week. FTO expression in subcutaneous fatty tissue, blood glucose level, insulin and insulin resistance were measured 48 hours after the last training session. Data were analyzed by independent T test at P< 0.05.

Blood glucose level, insulin resistance and FTO expression in fat tissue decreased significantly in training groups compared to control group after the exercise intervention (P˂0.05). Serum insulin increased significantly in training groups compared to control group (P˂0.05).

It seems that HIIT can decrease glucose, insulin resistance and FTO expression of fat tissue of T2DM rats. Improved glycemic control in diabetic rats might be attributed to reduced FTO expression in response to HIIT.