The Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with Alternate Day Fasting on PGC-1α and UCP-1 Protein Levels in Visceral Adipose Tissue of Rats Fed with a High-Fat and High-Carbohydrate Diet

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hasan Ali Hossein Al-Moslehi 1
Mousa Khalafi 1
Aref Habibi Maleki 2
1 Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
2 Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10.22089/spj.2024.17238.2334
Abstract
Objectives: Nutritional and exercise training interventions are primary strategies for combating and treating obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Alternate Day Fasting (ADF) on the protein levels related to the browning of visceral adipose tissue in rats fed with a high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet (HFD+HC). Materials and Methods: This experimental research employed a post-test design with a control group. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups of eight: 1) Normal Diet (ND), 2) HFD+HC, 3) HFD+HC+HIIT, 4) HFD+HC+ADF, and 5) HFD+HC+HIIT+ADF. The HIIT group ran five days a week for seven four-minute intervals at 85-90% of their maximum speed (Smax), with two-minute rest intervals at 50% Smax. ADF was conducted every other day. Protein levels of PGC-1α and UCP-1 in adipose tissue was evaluated using Western blot analysis. Data analysis employed independent t-tests, ANOVA, and the Tukey post hoc test. Results: The HFD+HC group showed a significant increase in body weight. Protein levels of PGC-1α and UCP-1 significantly decreased in the HFD+HC group (p<0.05). In the HIIT, ADF, and HIIT+ADF groups, a significant weight loss was observed. In the HIIT and HIIT+ADF groups, PGC-1α levels significantly increased (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in UCP-1 levels across the intervention groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: In summary, HFD+HC leads to weight gain. Conversely, HIIT, ADF, and especially HIIT+ADF, not only reduce weight but also increase PGC-1α protein levels, likely linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced lipolysis.
Keywords
Obesity
Diet
High-Intensity Interval Training
Fasting

Main Subjects

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Sport Physiology
Volume 16, Issue 61
April 2024
Pages 135-152

  • Receive Date 15 September 2024
  • Revise Date 01 December 2024
  • Accept Date 10 December 2024