The effect of aerobic exercise on lon protease 1 and heat shock protein 70 levels in mice with type 2 diabetes

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and lon protease 1 (LONP1) are thought to be indicators of mitochondrial stress, which is essential for cell survival. This study aimed to investigate the effect of endurance exercise on changes in HSP70 and LONP1 in diabetic mice.

This study was experimental and thirty adult mice were randomly and equally divided into three groups: control (C; n=10), diabetic (D; n=10) and diabetic-exercise (DE; n=10). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Aerobic endurance training was performed for eight weeks. 48 hours after the last training session, glucose, insulin, HSP70 levels, LONP1 levels and insulin resistance index were measured.

Insulin, blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in group DE decreased significantly compared to group D (P<0.05). Also, HSP70 protein levels in group DE increased significantly compared to group D (P<0.05) and in group D compared to group C decreased significantly (P<0.05). A period of endurance training significantly increased the expression of LONP1 protein levels in DE group compared to group D (P<0.05). LONP1 protein levels in group D increased significantly compared to group C (P<0.05), also.

Reports show that diabetes can decreases the levels of HSP70 and increases LONP1. Also, endurance exercise can enhance impaired mitochondrial function in diabetes by increasing the expression of HSP70 and LONP1 proteins. It also improves the insulin resistance index.