Effect of Training Intensity on HIF-1a Gene Expression and Cardiac TG Content in Rats with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

HIF-1a is an important regulator in response to hypoxia that affects various genes involved in energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on HIF-1a gene expression and cardiac TG content in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The present study was performed experimentally on 40 male Wistar rats. Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. The control groups, low-intensity endurance training and intense interval training, consumed high-fat food for 16 weeks, and then the two training groups participated in exercise for 8 weeks. Furthermore, sham group, which used standard food during this period, at the end of training, the expression level of HIF-1a and the amount of intra-tissue fat of the heart were measured in 4 groups. HIF-1a expression was assessed using real-time PCR and TG assay on an auto-analyzer. SPSS software version 16 and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.

The results showed that there was a significant difference in the expression of HIF-1a gene between the control and the sham groups, HIIT and LIET groups (P=0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in triglyceride between HIIT and LIET groups compared to the sham and control groups, but no significant difference was observed between HIIT and LIET groups (P=0.0001).

The results showed that intense intermittent exercise and low-intensity continuous exercise may reduce cardiac triglyceride content by decreasing HIF-1a expression and increasing fatty acid oxidation.