The effect of sprint interval training on plasma liver enzymes, liver tissue total-antioxidant-capacity and malondialdehyde in male rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) on the plasma liver enzymes, liver tissue total-antioxidant-capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in male rats.

In an experimental trial, 16 male rats were randomly divided into two groups: control (CO,n=8) and exercise (EX,n=8). The rats after the period of adaptation to the environment and familiarization with exercise were trained 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Finally, after anesthesia and direct blood sampling from the heart, serum was extracted for liver enzymes and liver tissue was removed to assess tissue TAC and MDA. Independent t-test was used to analyze the data at the alpha level of 0.05 in SPSS version 22.

Statistical analysis of the data showed a significantly higher liver tissue TAC in the EX group compared to the CO group (P=0.01); but no significant intergroup difference was observed related to liver tissue MDA (P=0.24). There was no significant difference between the groups in the ALT (P=0.26) and GGT (P=0.44) level; but the AST (P=0.01) and ALP (P=0.001) level in EX group was significantly lower than CO group.

The results showed that SIT increases the antioxidant capacity and induces desirable changes in the liver enzymes levels and this training protocol can have a beneficial effect on the health status of the liver.