The Effect of Six Weeks High Intensity Interval Training along with Taking Coenzyme Q10 Supplement on Nrf2 and, NQO1 in Heart Muscle of Old Male Diabetic Rats

Diabetes leads to numerous side effects in the cardiovascular system and also to improper functioning of the body's antioxidant system. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of six weeks of high-intensity interval training with coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the values of Nrf2 and NQO1 in heart muscle of elderly diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 48 elderly male rats (18 months old) were randomly divided into four groups of intense aerobic exercise with coenzyme Q10 supplementation, intense aerobic exercise group, coenzyme Q10 supplement intake group, and control group. Induction of diabetes was done by injecting a single dose of streptozotocin in the amount of 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally. The program of high intensity interval training was done for six weeks. Coenzyme Q10 supplement group received orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Western blot method was used to measure Nrf2 and NQO1 values. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of P <0.05.

The results showed taking coenzyme Q10 supplement (P= 0.014), intense intermittent exercise (P= 0.001) and intense intermittent exercise with coenzyme Q10 supplement (P= 0.001) significantly increased Nrf2 values in the hearts of diabetic elderly rats. Also, the use of coenzyme Q10 supplement (P=0.0366), intense intermittent exercise (P= 0.014) and intense intermittent exercise along with coenzyme Q10 supplement use (P= 0.002) significantly increased the amount of NQO1 in the hearts of diabetic aged male rats.

Intermittent intense training along with supplement consumption improves heart function in elderly diabetic patients through increasing endogenous antioxidant enzymes.