Continuous Aerobic Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Modulate Hepatic ANGPTL4 Expression in Insulin-Resistant Rats

Zamani, Sahar; Fattahi Masrour, Forouzan; Peeri, Maghsoud

doi:10.22054/nass.2026.93749.1247

Continuous Aerobic Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Modulate Hepatic ANGPTL4 Expression in Insulin-Resistant Rats

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Sahar Zamani

Forouzan Fattahi Masrour

Maghsoud Peeri

Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22054/nass.2026.93749.1247

Abstract

Background: This study compared the effects of 8 weeks of continuous aerobic exercise (CAE) versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and hepatic ANGPTL4 expression in fructose/STZ induced insulin resistant rats.

Methods: Thirty-two insulin-resistant female Wistar rats were randomized into healthy control (HC), insulin-resistant control (IR-C), insulin-resistant + CAE (IR-CAE), and insulin-resistant + HIIT (IR-HIIT). IR-CAE performed 8 weeks (5×/wk) progressive running at 50–60% VO₂max (speed: 12→20 m/min; duration: 12→54 min/day; incline: 5°→15°). IR-HIIT performed the same duration/frequency with 3-min high-intensity intervals at 90–95% VO₂max (speed: 15–20→40 m/min; intervals: 2→6/session; 3-min active recovery; same incline progression). All sessions included 5-min warm-up/cool-down at 10 m/min. Fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and hepatic ANGPTL4 mRNA (real-time RT-PCR) were measured 48h post-last session.

Results: Both IR-CAE and IR-HIIT similarly reduced fasting glucose and HOMA-IR compared to IR-C (P

Keywords

Insulin resistance

Continuous exercise

HIIT

ANGPTL4

Hepatokine

Subjects