Effect of Resistance Training on Adipose Tissue and Serum METRNL Levels in Sucrose Solution Fed Rats

 Meteorin-like protein (METRNL) is a novel adipomyokine that may improve glucose tolerance, and its circulating levels are affected by changes in body weight.

 This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) and high sucrose consumption on serum and adipose tissue METRNL levels in male rats.

 In this study, 32 Wistar male rats were divided into normal diet and high sucrose diet groups. After 4 weeks, each group was divided into control and training groups. The rats in the training group were subjected to the RT program (3 days/week, for 8 weeks). In addition to serum and adipose tissue levels of METRNL, we measured epididymal and mesenteric fat mass, serum glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

 High sucrose diet increased fat weights and serum levels of glucose, insulin, and IR index; nevertheless, it reduced the serum levels of METRNL. RT decreased serum insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. The result of two-way ANOVA and the t-test showed that eight weeks of RT decreased serum levels of METRNL, insulin, and HOMA-IR in sugar solution-fed rats.

 The results suggest that RT may be an effective intervention to reduce serum METRNL and HOMA-IR levels, which is associated with improving body composition.