The effect of aerobic endurance exercise on changes in heat shock protein 60 and insulin resistance in mice with type 2 diabetes

Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is considered as an indicator of mitochondrial stress and plays a role in modulating mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic endurance exercise on changes in heat shock protein 60 and insulin resistance in mice with type 2 diabetes.

Thirty adult mice were randomly and equally divided into three groups: control (C), diabetic (D) and diabetic-exercise (DE). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin. Aerobic endurance training was performed five sessions per week for eight weeks. 48 hours after the last training session, glucose, insulin and HSP60 levels and insulin resistance index were measured.

Insulin and blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in group DE decreased significantly compared to group D (P<0.05). Also, HSP60 protein levels in group DE increased significantly compared to group D (P<0.05) and decreased significantly in group D compared to group C (P<0.05). Also, the results showed that there was a negative correlation between HSP60 and insulin resistance in all three groups (P= 0.001, r= 0.930).

Diabetes lowers HSP60 levels and aerobic endurance exercise increases its levels. Also, endurance exercise can enhance mitochondrial function in diabetes by increasing HSP60 protein expression. It improves the insulin resistance index, also.