The Effect of 12 Weeks Aerobic Training on PDX-1 and GLUT2 Gene Expression in the Pancreatic Tissue of Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks aerobic training on PDX-1 and GLUT2 gene expression in the pancreatic tissue of type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: 21 wistar male rats were placed in 3 groups (healthy, diabetic, aerobic diabetic). Diabetes was induced by peritoneum injection of nicotine amid. Training program lasted 12 weeks, five sessions per week by gradual increase of speed (18 to 26 meters on minutes) and time (10 to 55 minutes) in the form of running on the treadmill. After 12 week aerobic training, PDX-1 and GLUT-2 genes were measured. Data was analyzed using ANOVA with 5 % significance level. Results: Aerobic training caused a significant increase in the expression of GLUT2 (P-value: 0.043) and PDX-1 genes (P-value: 0.007) in the pancreatic tissue of rats with type 2 diabetes (p value: 0.05). Also aerobic training had a significant effect on serum glucose (P-value: 0.001) and insulin levels (P-value: 0.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that aerobic training has significant effects on diabetic control by increasing the expression of PDX1 and GLUT-2 which lowers serum glucose.