The combined effect of fasting and aerobic exercise on atherogenic indices, body mass and ATF6 gene expression in healthy liver endoplasmic reticulum of Wistar rats

Endoplasmic reticulum plays an essential role in many cellular pathways. Exercise and fasting can lead to liver health by activating mechanisms such as reticulophagy. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to  investigate the effect of fasting and aerobic exercise on atherogenic indicators, body mass and ATF6 gene expression in the endoplasmic reticulum of healthy liver of Wistar rats.

In this experimental research, 30 18-week-old Wistar rats with a weight range of 330.40 ± 25.34 grams were selected and divided into six groups: 1) control, 2) starvation, 3) 3-day training, 44) 5-day training, 5) starvation + 3-day training, 6) starvation + 5-day training were divided. The rats in the training group performed exercise on a treadmill for one month, 3 and 5 sessions per week for one hour. Starvation was done continuously for 14 hours when the rats were awake and for one month. Data analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD statistical tests in SPSS version 23 software. A significance level of P≥0.05 was considered.

Data analysis showed a significant decrease in BMI, LDL/HDL, CHOL/HDL, TAG/HDL and a significant increase in ATF6 gene expression (P≥0.05).

Aerobic training with starvation led to liver health by reducing atherogenic indicators. Also, increasing the expression of ATF6 gene in the liver through exercise and starvation can lead to the regulation of reticulophagia and liver health.