The combined effect of high-intensity interval training and intermittent fasting on lipid profile and peroxidation in Wistar rats under high-fat diet

Abstract

High-fat diet is considered as the main risk factor for the development of dyslipidemia and lipid peroxidation, which in turn results in serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and intermittent fasting (IF) on lipid profile and peroxidation in Wistar rats under a high-fat diet. A total of 28 male Wistar rats went through a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Then, they were randomly divided into four groups: (1) HIIT (3 days week−1 for 6 weeks), (2) IF (3 days week−1 for 6 weeks), (3) combined HIIT and IF (received both treatment for 6 weeks), and (4) control (CON). All groups were under a high-fat diet until the end of the study. According to the results, LDL levels significantly decreased in the HIIT group compared to the CON group, and in the IF and HIIT + IF groups, a non-significant increase in HDL was observed compared to the CON group. In HIIT + IF and HIIT groups, LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, in IF group, a significant decrease in TG occurred in comparison with HIIT and HIIT + IF groups. A significant increase in serum MDA levels was observed in IF and HIIT + IF groups but not in the HIIT group in comparison with the CON group. Our results suggest that in subjects under a high-fat diet, both HIIT and IF may help to improve lipid profile, but their combination may not have any synergistic effect. Also, IF and HIIT + IF may increase lipid peroxidation in subjects under a high-fat diet.