Comparative effects of 12-week interval and continuous trainings on some vasodilation and vasoconstriction factors in patients with type 2 diabetes

Atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes is characterized by endothelial dysfunction that is associated with increases of assymetric dimethyargenin and nitric oxide reduction. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on plasma levels of vaspin, assymetric dimethyargenin (ADMA), and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) on type 2 diabetes.

The statistical population of the present study included patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 45-60 years old, from Tehran. The sample included 48 type 2 diabetic patients who were randomly assigned into three groups: HIIT (n= 16), MICT (n= 16), and control (n=16). The HIIT group intervention was 12 intervals at 85-90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) and 2 min at 55-60% Hrmax and the MICT group intervention was performed based on ergometer cycle for 42 min of exercise at 70% HRmax for 3 sessions per week during 12 weeks. The blood sample was collected 48-h before and 48-h after the last sessions of exercise training. The vaspin and ADMA were measured using ELISA, and NOx was measured using Griess assay. Data were analyzed using mixed-liner ANOVA in SPPS, version 18.

The results showed that VO2peak and plasama levels of vaspin (P= 0.028) and NOx (P= 0.016) increased significantly in HIIT as compared with those in the MICT group. Insulin resistance (P= 0.041), plasma levels of insulin (P= 0.039), glucose (P= 0.026), and ADMA (P= 0.018) decreased significantly in HIIT as compared with those of the MICT group (p < 0.05).

According to the results, HIIT via increase of vaspin led to a decrease in ADMA which eventually increased plasma levels of NOx in patients with type 2 diabetes.