On investigating the effect of two high intensity interval training models (HIIT) on IGF-1 gene expression in the left ventricle of rats with type 2 diabetes

Apoptosis causes diabetic cardiomyopathy. The IGF-1 gene has an anti-apoptotic effect. The beneficial effects of High intensity interval training (HIIT) on the expression of the two genes mentioned and the glucose level as well as diabetic cardiomyopathy have been substantiated in the past. Hence, the present study investigated the administration of two types of HIITs in order to determine the most desired type of training. For this end, 24 male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 320±10g were selected. Mice were then divided into four groups, i.e.  normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic-HIIT1 with equal interval times (2 minutes) and diabetic-HIIT2 with low-intensity interval half the high-intensity interval (1 and 2, minutes) respectively. Diabetes was induced through injecting streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA). The rats fainted after running on the treadmill for four weeks. The left ventricle was then removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen, and finally glucose levels and IGF-1 and IGF-1R gene expression were measured. The findings demonstrated that IGF-1 gene expression saw an increase in both types of training (HIIT) compared to the diabetic control group. Glucose levels also decreased. But no difference was noted between the effectiveness of both types of training. As a result, one can say that both types of HIIT are effective in improving glucose and IGF-1 gene expression. However, administering the two types of HIIT, one with an equal interval time and another HIIT with low intensity interval half of the high intensity interval in the IGF-1 revealed no difference. Therefore, it is recommended that enough time is set for rest when conducting HIIT in sick and disabled people (diabetics), so that the person can practice for a longer period of time.