Changes Resulting From Resistance Training in the Ratio of Interferon-gamma to Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Lipid Profile in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Background and Objectives Diabetes is associated with an increase in inflammatory markers and development of atrophy and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that resistance training at appropriate intensity can reduce inflammation generally. This study aims to investigate the effect of a progressive resistance training (PRT) program on serum concentrations of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and lipid profile in rats with type 1 diabetes. Subjects and Methods In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats aged 40 days and weighing 250±30 g were divided into four groups of healthy control, healthy trained, diabetic control, diabetic trained. Streptozotocin (55 μg/kg per body weight) was injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. A 6-week PRT protocol was performed, including climbing a ladder with weights at three sessions per week (one hour per day), where the load increased by 5% increase each week. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results There was no significant difference in IFN-γ level between the diabetic trained group and other groups (P>0.05). The IGF-1 level in diabetic trained group was significantly lower than in the healthy control and trained control groups (P=0.002). The ratio of IGF-1/IFN-γ in diabetic trained group was significantly lower than in the trained control (P=0.003) and healthy control (P=0.008) groups. In assessing the lipid profile, the cholesterol level was higher in the diabetic trained group compared to the healthy control group (P=0.028). Moreover, triglyceride level was significantly higher in the diabetic trained group compared to the diabetic control (P=0.033), trained control (P=0.003) and healthy control (P=0.002) groups. Conclusion Six weeks of PRT cannot lead to desired efficacy in diabetic rats compared to non-trained diabetic rats. However, the small changes such as increased IGF-1 and HDL levels and decreased serum glucose level, can help with the clinical improvement of patients with type 1 diabetes.