The effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the expression of proteins involved in autophagy, apoptosis, and atrophy pathways in the myocardium of male rats with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Autophagy, apoptosis, and atrophy pathways are responsible for controlling cardiac cell homeostasis. This study aims to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the expression of proteins involved in autophagy, apoptosis, and atrophy pathways in the myocardium of type 2 diabetic rats. Methods In this experimental study, 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats (2 months old, weighing 280 ± 20 g) were selected. 12 rats were made diabetic through intraperitoneal injection of STZ and nicotinamide solutions. These rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, HIIT + diabetes (HIIT + D), and diabetic (6 rats in each group). A control group (6 rats) was also considered. The HIIT + D group did HIIT protocol 4 days a week for 8 weeks. To analyze the data, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were used. Results It was shown that HIIT leads to a significant increase in AKT and mTOR protein content between the HIIT + D and diabetic groups in the left ventricle. But there is no significant change in the content of AMPK proteins. The content of FOXO3a, Beclin1, P53, myostatin, and SMAD2/3 proteins showed a significant decrease in the HIIT + D group. The protein content of caspase-3 in the activated form did not show a significant change, but there was a significant decrease in the content of the initial form (Pro). Conclusion HIIT along with increasing regulation of AKT and mTOR proteins can disable autophagy, apoptosis, and atrophy pathways. Therefore, the process of apoptosis and atrophy of heart cells is reduced in type 2 diabetic rats.