The Effect of Eight Weeks of High-intensity Interval Training on Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 and Lipid Profile in a Male Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) causes hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, which are all risk factors for atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been recognized as an indicator of atherosclerosis due to its role in vessel inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and lipid profile in rats with T2D.

Fifteen male Wistar rats (8-10 weeks, 220±20 grams) were randomized into three groups of healthy control (n=5), diabetic (n=5), and diabetic with HIIT (n=5). T2D was induced through intraperitoneal injection of Nicotine Amid and STZ. The training group performed eight weeks of HIIT consisting of high (80-90% Vo2max) and low (40-50% Vo2max) intensity two-minute intervals. Serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and lipid profile were assessed 48 hours after the last training session.

Lp-PLA2 (32%, P=0.025), triglycerides (47%, P<0.001), cholesterol (45%, P<0.001), insulin (72%, P<0.001), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (76%, P<0.001), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) (47%, P<0.001), glucose (56%, P=0.029), and insulin resistance (100%, P=0.002) were all significantly lower in the training group than in the diabetic group. However, increased serum levels of high density lipoprotein in the training group was not meaningful (P=0.138). Moreover, Lp-PLA2 was highly correlated with LDL, VLDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

HIIT can attenuate the negative effects of T2D on the onset and progression of pathways involved in atherosclerosis by reducing serum levels of Lp-PLA2 and improving lipid profile.