The effect of two different intense training protocols on oxidative stress of liver tissue during puberty in male rats

Intense physical activity increases the production of reactive oxygen species in vital tissues such as the liver and causes oxidative stress. This study investigates the effect of high-intensity interval training and intense endurance training on oxidative stress of liver tissue in immature male rats during puberty. A total of 24 male Wistar rats (aged= 22 days, weight= 60±0.63 g), after one week of acclimatization, were divided randomly into three groups: control, IET, and HIIT. Rats were subjected to a four-week training on an animal treadmill. The effects of training treatment in rat liver were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers. Comparing to control group, in both training groups significantly lower Malondialdehyde (MDA) was seen ((P(IET)= 0.016/ P(HIIT)= 0.020). However, there were no statistical differences in Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) (P= 0.463) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activity levels (P= 0.194) among groups. HIIT training significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P= 0.040) and catalase enzyme (CAT) levels (P= 0.007). IET and HIIT had significantly increased endurance performance (both: P= 0.001). Both training intensities did not lead to an increase in oxidative stress and can be used during puberty.