The Effect of High-intensity Interval Training and L-carnitine on the Expression of Some Pro-inflammatory Genes in the Liver and Cardiac Tissues of Rats

Abstract

Background: Inflammation is characterized by interactions between cytokines and inflammatory pathogens. Cytokines are glycoproteins involved in inflammation. Exercise training and physical activity are associated with a healthy lifestyle. In the current study, we aimed to determine the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and L-Carnitine (LCAR) on the expression of genes involved in inflammation and inflammatory pathways in the liver and heart of rats. Method:Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the four groups (n = 8): 1. Untreated control group, 2. LCAR group (received 200 mg/kg LCAR daily), 3. HIIT group (performed high intensity interval training), 4. Exercise training + LCAR. Results:The results of our study showed that HIIT + LCAR significantly reduced the expression of IL-1β in the liver compared to the HIIT group (p = 0.038). The combination of HIIT and LCAR decreased IL-6 expression in the liver tissue compared to the control (p <0.001), LCAR (p <0.001), and HIIT (p = 0.002) groups. The HIIT + LCAR group decreased Cox 2 gene expression in the liver tissue compared to the untreated control group (p <0.001), and LCAR group (p = 0.007). The combination of HIIT and LCAR reduced IL-1β expression in the cardiac tissue compared to the untreated control (p <0.001), LCAR (p = 0.034), and HIIT (p = 0.041) groups. The combination of HIIT and LCAR increased IL-6 expression in the cardiac tissue compared to the other three groups (p <0.001). Conclusion:According to the obtained results, HIIT combined with LCAR administration is very useful in reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the heart and liver tissues.