The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on the Adiponectin and TNF-α Levels of Serum and Adipose Tissues in Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet Plus Sucrose Solution

Adipocytokines secreted by adipose tissue are suggested to play a significant role in developing obesity-related complications. On the other hand, regular high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic complications in obese subjects.

The effect of HIIT was evaluated on serum and adipose tissues (inguinal and retroperitoneal) adiponectin and TNF-α levels in rats fed with a high-fat diet plus sucrose solution (HFDS).

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into HFDS and standard diet (SD) groups. After 12 weeks, each group was divided into a sedentary group and a HIIT group. An HIIT program was performed three times/week for eight weeks. Inguinal and retroperitoneal adipose tissues and serum were collected to assay adiponectin and TNF-α levels. Also, serum glucose and insulin levels, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were measured.

HFDS significantly increased weight gain, weight of inguinal (P = 0.001) and retroperitoneal fat depots (P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (P < 0.001) but reduced serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.011). HIIT was able to decrease weight gain and fat mass (P < 0.05) but did not affect inguinal and retroperitoneal fat depots’ adipokines (adiponectin and TNF-α) levels and HOMA-IR (P > 0.05).

HIIT program can have significant reducing effects on weight gain and fat weights, but it does not effect on circulating and fat depots' adiponectin and TNF-α levels in rats fed a HFDS.