The effects of eight weeks high intensity interval training on the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in left ventricle of type 2 diabetic rats

Background: According to previous research’s, the function of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) impairs in diabetes. Therefore, the present study conducted aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the levels of eNOS gene expression in left ventricle tissue of type 2 diabetic rats.

Methods: in experimental research, the 14 male Wistar rats with eight weeks old and the average weight of 160±10 g feeding of high fat and sweet diets (30% fat and 25% fructose) for seven months. The rats after confirming the type 2 diabetes, randomly assigned into two groups of six rats consist of control and HIIT groups. The rats in the HIIT group trained for eight weeks and five sessions per week. The 24 hours after last training sessions, blood samples collected and the left ventricle removed and the levels of eNOS gene expression measured by Real Time PCR assay in heart tissue.

Results: There was a significant increase in eNOS gene expression in HIIT group compared to the control group (p=0.011). Moreover, the levels of glucose, insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly lower in the HIIT group compared to the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It seems that HIIT play an important role in improving heart tissue endothelial function and improve the insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats by high fat and sweet diets.