The effect of interval training on FOXO1 expression in pancreas tissue of diabetes rats with high fat diet and STZ

The synthesis and secretion of insulin from the pancreas and insulin function in target tissues are one of the most important causes of the prevalence or severity of type 2 diabetes. In present study, the aim is to determine the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) training on FOXO1 expression in pancreas tissue of type 2 diabetes rats (T2D).

T2D induced by high fat diet and intraperitoneal STZ injection in 14 male Wistar rats and randomly divided into test (n = 7) or control (n = 7) groups. The test subjects were completed 6 weeks HIIT (5 days/weekly) in the form of running on a treadmill and control remained with no exercise in this period. FOXO1 expression in pancreas tissue, fasting glucose and serum insulin were determined after training program of 2 groups. Independent t-test was used at a significant level of less than 5% for comparing variables between groups.

HIIT resulted in significant increase in FOXO1 relative expression in pancreas tissue (p= 0.017). Compared to control group, fasting insulin decreased by HIIT (p= 0.007). Fasting glucose was also decreased in exercise than control group (p<0.0001).

Based on this data, improve serum insulin in test rats could be attributed to increased FOXO1 expression in pancreas tissue by HIIT. However, more studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underling the effects of exercise on the synthesis and secretion of insulin.