The effect of Progressive Resistance Training and High Intensity Interval Training on TRAF6 gene expression of the heart muscle and serum TNF-α levels in male diabetic rats

Background: The most common causes of mortality in diabetic patients are cardiovascular disorders, one of the reasons being inflammatory factors. Given that physical activity can reduce inflammation, the present study was to investigate the effects of two types of Progressive Resistance Training (RT) and High Intensity Interval (HIIT) on the expression of TRAF6 gene and serum levels of TNF-α in male diabetic rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 72 male rats were divided into 6 groups of 12 diabetic rats (n=12), control (n=12), diabetic High Intensity Interval Training (n=12), High Intensity Interval Training(n=12), diabetic Progressive Resistance Training(n=12) and Progressive Resistance Training(n=12). Progressive Resistance Training was performed in a 6-weekly 3-session, climbing the vertical ladder, with 50%, 75%, 90% and 100% the body weight of the animals. After successful completion, 30 gr were added to the weights, to the extent that the rats cannot carry the ladder. High Intensity Interval Training were also performed at 6-weekly 3-session, with an intensity of 50 to 110% of the VO2max. 24 hours after the completion of the training, the functional test was taken and the animals were autopsy 48 hours after the test. Finally, the expression of TRAF6 gene was evaluated using Real Time PCR and serum TNF-α level by ELISA method.

Results: TRAF6 levels increased significantly after the two Training in the diabetic group, which was higher in the HIIT group and serum TNF-α levels decreased significantly after both types of training, which was more prominent in the HIIT group.

Conclusion: HIIT and RT can play an important role in reducing the inflammatory factor of TNF-α in diabetic patient that HIIT is more effective in this regard. Increasing the gene expression of the mediating agent TRAF6 can be induced in inflammatory pathways, which may require a reduction in exercise intensity or in anti-inflammatory routes indicating a positive effect of training on diabetes.