The effect of High-intensity interval training with Portulaca oleracea Hydroalcoholic extract on gene expression of Selenoprotein P (SeP) and insulin resistance in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. Modifying lifestyle, especially exercise and nutrition, are ways to control this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and consumption of Portulaca Oleracea extract on Selenoprotein P gene expression and insulin resistance in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In this experimental study, 25 Wistar male rats with a weight range of 160-185 g were prepared and randomly divided into five groups of (n=5) (1. Control, 2. Control fatty liver, 3. HIIT, 4. Portulaca Oleracea extract, and 5. HIIT+Portulaca Oleracea extract). The non-alcoholic fatty liver model was induced in rats by following a high-fat diet for weeks. The training protocol consisted of 8 weeks of HIIT training and consumption of Portulaca Oleracea extract. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24) and one-way analysis of variance. Moreover, Tukey's post hoc tests were used to compare differences between groups.

The obtained results showed that eight weeks of HIIT and consumption of Portulaca Oleracea extract significantly affected the level of Selenoprotein P and insulin resistance in a way that the level of both factors Selenoprotein P and insulin resistance after HIIT and consumption of Portulaca Oleracea extract was lower than the fatty liver control group (P=0.001).

Based on the findings, HIIT alone and accompanied by the consumption of Portulaca Oleracea extract positively affected the amount of Selenoprotein P and insulin resistance in rats with fatty liver. The HIIT alone and accompanied by the consumption of Portulaca Oleracea extract can reduce the disease complications.