The Effect of 6 Week Resistance Training Program on Foxo1 Expression in Liver Cells and Glucose and Insulin Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background & objectives: Foxo1 is a transcription factor in insulin signaling in the liver. The function of Foxo1 is important in the ability of insulin to regulate hepatic glucose production and glucose homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of resistance training program on Foxo1 expression in liver cells as well as glucose and insulin serum levels in male Wistar rats with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The statistical population of this experimental study was 10-weeks old, male Wistar rats weighing 220±20 g (n=14). The studied rats were subjected to 6 weeks of high-fat diet and STZ injection for type 2 diabetes induction and then rats were randomly divided into two groups (control and resistance). The training group participated in a resistance training course for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week, in the form of 4 sets and 5 repetitions per set, climbing a 26step ladder to a height of one meter with a vertical slope of 80%. Finally, 48 hours after the last training session, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels as well as Foxo1 expression level in liver cells of both groups were measured and compared by independent t-test (=%5). Results: The resistance training improved fasting blood glucose compared to control subjects (p<0.001). The serum insulin levels were significantly increased (p=0.042) and Foxo1 expression significantly decreased in resistance group when compared with control subjects (p=0.023). Conclusion: Based on these data, the decrease in glucose concentration in the exercise group can probably be attributed to the decreased expression of Foxo1 in hepatocyte cells in response to resistance training.