The Effect of Protein Kinase-B on FOXO Autophagy Family Proteins (FOXO1 and FOXO3a) Following High Intensity Interval Training in the Left Ventricle of the Heart of Diabetic Rats by Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide

FOXO family proteins are important factors in autophagy pathway. Protein kinase-B is an important regulator for this family that can be regulated through exercise training. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of protein kinase-B (PKB) on FOXO autophagy family proteins (FOXO1 and FOXO3a) following high intensity interval training (HIIT) in the left ventricle of the heart of diabetic rats by streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide.

In this experimental study, 12 two-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean weight of 270±20 g were selected. After type 2 diabetes induction with STZ and Nicotinamide, rats were randomly assigned to two groups, diabetic training (6 heads) and diabetic control (6 heads). The training group trained for 4 days a week in accordance with the training program for 8 weeks. SPSS software version 23 and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Significance level is considered p≤0.05.

HIIT training resulted in a significant increase in PKB protein content between training and control groups (P=0.0001). In contrast, a significant decrease in protein content of FOXO1 (P=0.003) and FOXO3a (P=0.006) was observed between the training and control groups.

It seems based on the results HIIT with increasing and regulating PKB leads to a decrease and inactivation of FOXO1 and FOXO3a proteins in the hearts of diabetic subjects. Inhibition of these proteins can prevent excessive cardiac autophagy in diabetic subjects.