Both High-Intensity Interval and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Decrease Fetuin-A Levels in High Fat Diet Fed Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Fetuin-A is a hepatokine that increases in obesity, and a high-fat diet (HFD) contributes to this condition. Obesity is characterized by increased body mass index (BMI) and is correlated to insulin resistance. This study aims to analyze the difference between High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on fetuin-A, insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and BMI in HFD-fed rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: CD (standard diet), HFD (HFD only), HFD-IT (HFD and HIIT), and HFD-CT (HFD and MICT). HFD consisted of a standard diet with an additional 2 mL/200-gram body weight of lard oil daily. In the HFD-IT group, swimming was performed with a 9% body weight load with short duration and intermittent rest periods, while the HFD-CT group was given a 6% body weight load and continuous swimming. Swimming was conducted five days a week for four weeks. Fetuin-A and insulin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and FBG levels were measured using a glucometer. Results: Fetuin-A levels were significantly lower in the HFD-IT and HFD-CT groups compared to the HFD group (p<0.05). The HFD-CT group had a significant decrease in FBG levels (p<0.05), but the HFD-IT group did not. There were no differences in BMI and insulin levels between groups after four weeks of treatment (p>0.05). Conclusion: HIIT and MICT have similar effectiveness in reducing fetuin-A levels. In addition, MICT also managed to reduce FBG levels. Keywords: interval training, continuous training, high-fat diet, fetuin-A, insulin, healthy lifestyle.