Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD candidate in Exercise Physiology, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
2 Professor at Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
3 Associate Professor at Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
Abstract
Background and Aim: Fructose intake contributes to fat buildup and systemic inflammation in the liver, which can impair its function and result in fibrosis. In contrast, physical activity and vitamin D3 supplementation have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), vitamin D3 supplementation, and their combined influence on inflammation and liver function markers in male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to a high-fructose diet. Materials and Methods: Forty rats were allocated into five groups (n = 8 each): Control with Standard Diet (CS), Control with High Fructose Diet (10% (w/v) fructose solution in tap water) (CF), High Fructose Diet with HIIT (high intensity interval training, corresponding to 85%–90% of the maximal speed) (FT), High Fructose Diet with Vitamin D3 supplementation (FD), and High Fructose Diet with both HIIT and Vitamin D3 (FTD). The intervention was conducted over 12 weeks. Various assays (ELISA, GOD-POD, auto analyzer, coagulation analyzer) and staining methods (Masson's trichrome, immunofluorescence) were utilized to assess levels of insulin, interlukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interlukin-10 (IL-10), fasting blood glucose, albumin, leukocytes, prothrombin time (PT), liver fibrosis, and macrophage polarization (M1 and M2). The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Both HIIT and vitamin D3 supplementation led to significant reductions in IL-1ß, IL-10, M1 and M2 macrophage polarization, leukocytes, PT, while significantly increasing serum albumin levels. HIIT proved to be more effective than vitamin D3 in reducing cytokine levels and PT. The combined approach of HIIT and vitamin D3 exhibited a greater impact on all measured factors. Conclusion: HIIT is more effective than vitamin D3 supplementation in reducing hepatic inflammation and improving liver function. The combination of HIIT and vitamin D3 supplementation offers additional protective benefits against the negative effects of a high-fructose diet.
Keywords
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