The effect of a high-intensity interval training with Portulaca oleracea supplementation on Irisin and TLR4 in the liver tissue of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Lifestyle modification through dietary interventions and exercise training is still one of the most effective ways to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a high-intensity interval training along with Portulaca oleracea supplementation on Irisin and TLR4 in the liver tissues of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n=25) and healthy control (n=5). Non-alcoholic fatty liver was induced by 12 weeks of high-fat diet. After confirming non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, rats (n=20) were assigned into four subgroups; non-alcoholic fatty liver control group (n=5), Portulaca oleracea supplement group (n=5), training group (n=5) and training group + Portulaca oleracea supplement (n=5). Portulaca oleracea supplement was given daily and a high-intensity interval training was presented for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week. The amounts of Irisin and TLR4 in liver tissue were measured using the sandwich ELISA method.

Irisin levels were significantly higher in the training+Portulaca oleracea supplement group compared to the fatty liver control group (P=0.001), the interval training group (P=0.018) and Portulaca oleracea supplement group (P=0.033). The TLR4 levels in the training+Portulaca oleracea supplement group (P=0.007) and the high intensity interval training group (P=0.045) were significantly lower than the fatty liver control group.

High-intensity interval training along with Portulaca oleracea supplementation leads to increases in Irisin release and decreases in the TLR4 levels in the liver tissue of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which may be effective in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.