The effect of 5 weeks of high-intensity interval training on the serum levels of resistin and adiponectin in Wistar rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver

The goal of the study was to investigate the effect of 5 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the levels of resistin and adiponectin and liver enzymes in Wistar rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver.

To do this basic research, 24 Wistar male rats were purchased and transferred to Baqiyatallah University then, they were allocated randomly into three groups: Control group (CG, n=8), induced fatty liver diseases group (FG, n=8), and induced fatty liver diseases+exercise group (FEG, n=10). The present study was conducted in July and August of 2019. To induce fatty liver disease, 140 mg per kg of bodyweight oral tetracycline drug was administered to rats by gavage for seven days. Fatty liver (steatosis) was confirmed by measuring liver enzymes. The training group performed HIIT for five weeks and five days per week. First, the maximum aerobic test (MAT) was performed, and based on data of this test; the HIIT protocol was conducted as 5×2 min-intervals with (50-120% Mat) and with 1 min recovery (30-50% MAT). Blood and tissue sampling were taken 48 hours after the last training session. Blood samples were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes, and serum samples were frozen at -20 degrees. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test were used to analyze data.

Following performing HIIT, serum levels of adiponectin and resistin in the FEG compared to FG increased and decreased significantly, respectively (P=0.001). In addition, the FEG experienced a significant decrease in serum levels of AST and ALT enzymes. The aerobic capacity of the rats in the HIIT group increased significantly compared to the other two groups.

By modulating body fat levels and the secretion of adipokines such as adiponectin and resistin, HIIT was involved in improving the condition of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.