Comparison of the effect of moderate-intensity interval training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on testicular structure, serum level of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity of male diabetic rats

Background and Objective: An increase in malondialdehyde and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity associated with high blood glucose and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes cause damage to the testicular tissue and structure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different aerobic training intensities on serum levels of malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and testicular structure in male diabetic rats.   Materials and Methods: In this study, 46 Wistar rats with an average weight of 205‏±‏45 grams were randomly assigned into four groups: healthy control, control of diabetic, diabetic with moderate-intensity interval training (MICT) and diabetic with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The training groups trained the exercise program for 10 weeks by treadmill and their blood serum and testis tissue were collected after the last training session. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test at a significance level of 0.05%.   Results: MICT and HIIT training caused a significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and MDA and significantly increased TAC in diabetic training groups compared to diabetic control group (p<0.05). Also, 10 weeks of MICT and HIIT training improved the testicular structure, especially the testis volume, seminiferous tubules volume, interstitial tissue volume and left testicle weight in diabetic training groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was also no significant difference between the changes for the two methods of MICT and HIIT exercises regarding dependent variables.   Conclusion: It seems that two methods of MICT and HIIT training by reducing blood glucose, insulin resistance index and serum level of MDA and enhancement of TAC have positive effects on the improvement of testicular structure in diabetic rats. With these two methods of training, there were no different effects on mentioned variables.