The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on HNF-4 α Gene Expression in Liver Tissue of Type 2 Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Objective: This study examined the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on HNF-4α gene expression, glucose and insulin in liver tissue of type 2 diabetic male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 male Wistar rats weighing 220 (±20) grams were selected. After type 2 diabetes (T2D) induction, the samples were divided into two groups of HIIT and control. The training program was 12 weeks and 5 times a week. Fasting glucose, serum insulin and HNF-4α gene expression in the liver tissue were measured in both groups after the last exercise session by using independent T-test. Results: The results showed that HIIT decreased significantly the fasting glucose (P-value: 0.001) and increased serum insulin (P-value: 0.001). Also, the expression of HNF-4α after HIIT significantly decreased in comparison to the control group (P-value: 0.003). Conclusion: Based on the findings, HIIT resulted in a significant decrease in fasting glucose and a significant increase in insulin that is likely to reduce the liver HNF-4α gene expression of T2D male Wistar rats by increasing serum insulin.