Effect of High Intensity Interval Training and Portulaca Oleracea Supplement on Changes in Fetuin A Level and Insulin Resistance in Rats with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background and purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and Portulaca Oleracea supplementation on fetuin level and insulin resistance of rat with NAFLD. Materials and methods: 25 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control (n = 5), fatty liver control (n = 5), supplement. (N = 5), HIIT (n = 5) and HIIT+ supplement (n = 5). To induce NAFLD, rats were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Portulaca oleracea supplement at a dose of 400 mg/kg was given to the respective groups. The HIIT training protocol was performed for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week with 7 repetitions of 1 minute with 90% of maximum speed, which was accompanied by active rest intervals including 2 minutes of running with 20% of maximum speed. Results: Insulin resistance in fatty liver control group was significantly higher than healthy control group (p=0.002). Level of this index in HIIT group (p=0.01), Portulaca supplement group (P=0.037) and HIIT  group (p=0.012) were significantly lower than fatty liver control group. Also fetuin A level in liver of fatty liver control group was significantly higher than healthy control group (p=0.01). Level of this index in HIIT group (p=0.036), Portulaca supplement group (P=0.019) and HIIT combined with Portulaca supplement group (p=0.007) were significantly lower than fatty liver control group. Conclusion: It seems that HIIT and Portulaca Oleracea supplementation improve insulin resistance in NAFLD by lowering hepatic fetuin A levels.