Sport Physiology

Sport Physiology

Impact of Endurance Training and Green Coffee Supplementation on Insulin Signaling and Liver Glycogen Synthesis in Pre-Diabetic Obese Mice

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Exercise Physiology, University of Isfahan
Abstract
Objective: Prediabetes, a precursor stage to type 2 diabetes, is characterized by insulin resistance and impairment in the molecular pathways regulating glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training and green coffee supplementation on the IRS1–PI3K–AKT–GYS2 axis and hepatic glycogen synthesis in prediabetic obese Mice.Materials and Methods: Forty male C57BL/6 mice with high-fat-diet-induced prediabetes were divided into four groups: control (PreD), endurance training (PreD/Ex), green coffee supplement (PreD/GC), and a combination of training and supplement (PreD/GC.Ex). Endurance training was performed for 12 weeks, five days per week, at an intensity of 60-75% of VO₂max. Green coffee supplement, containing 50% chlorogenic acid, was administered daily via gavage at a dose of 200 mg/kg, three days a week.Results: The findings revealed that both endurance training and green coffee supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and plasma insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance test outcomes. Furthermore, the gene expression of IRS1, PI3K, AKT, and GYS2, as well as the p-AKT/AKT ratio, were markedly increased in the intervention groups, with the most pronounced effects observed in the endurance training group.Conclusion: These changes indicate an effective activation of the insulin signaling pathway and enhanced glycogen synthesis in hepatic cells. The results demonstrate that endurance training acts as the primary stimulus for restoring the insulin pathway, while green coffee, through its antioxidant properties, augments this effect.
Keywords
Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 March 2026

  • Receive Date 28 October 2025
  • Revise Date 26 February 2026
  • Accept Date 07 March 2026