The Effect of Interval Training on PEPCK Expression in Hepatic Tissue, Glucose and Insulin of Obese Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

Considering the importance of exercise in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to obesity the objective of this experimental study was to determine the effect of six weeks of intensive interval training on PEPCK expression in liver tissue, glucose and insulin and insulin resistance in obese rats with type 2 diabetes and compared with non-diabetic obese group.

28 male Wistar rats aged 10 weeks (220 ± 20 g) were obesed by six weeks of high-fat diet (HFD). Then type 2 diabetes was induced in 14 rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (30 mg/kg). Finally, the studied rats were divided into 4 groups (n= 7): 1) control obese, 2) interval obese, 3) control obese diabetic, 4) interval obese diabetic. Interval groups participated in an interval exercise program of five sessions per week for six weeks consists of 10 repetitions of a 40-second run on the treadmill with 2-minute rest (active rest) between repetitions. Finally, 48 hours after the last session, the fasting levels of glucose, insulin, PEPCK expression in liver tissue were measured and compared by two-way ANOVA.

Compared with control groups, interval training in diabetic and obese rats resulted in significant decrease of fasting glucose (P= 0.001). Interval training also led to an increase in serum insulin compared to the diabetic control group (P= 0.006) and a decrease in PEPCK expression compared to the diabetic control group (P= 0.005).

Improved glucose response to interval training in type 2 diabetic rats may be rooted in increase insulin with decrease in hepatic PEPCK expression. Measurement of activity or expression of other liver enzymes is suggested for general conclusion.