A Comparative Analysis of Two High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Programs on PGC-1α, p53, and Citrate Synthase Protein Levels in Cardiomyocytes of Male Type 2 Diabetic Rats

This study investigates the impact of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs on PGC-1α, p53, and citrate synthase (CS) proteins within cardiomyocytes of male type 2 diabetic rats, aiming to discern potential molecular mechanisms influencing cardiac health.

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic with type 1 HIIT (HIIT-1), and diabetic with type 2 HIIT (HIIT-2) groups. Streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetes, excluding the NC group. A four-week HIIT intervention, six sessions per week, preceded the analysis of heart tissue for PGC-1α, p53, and CS protein levels. Statistical analysis employed GraphPad Prism software version 8 and one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05).

Both HIIT-1 (p=0.004) and HIIT-2 (p=0.007) groups exhibited significantly elevated cardiac PGC-1α levels compared to DC. CS levels increased notably in HIIT-1 (p=0.001) and HIIT-2 (p<0.001), with HIIT-2 surpassing HIIT-1 significantly (p=0.010). Concurrently, p53 levels significantly decreased in both HIIT-1 (p=0.005) and HIIT-2 (p=0.001) groups compared to DC.

Exercise training (HIIT) positively influences cardiac metabolism, evident in PGC-1α and CS upregulation and p53 downregulation. While these findings provide valuable insights, further exploration is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study advances our understanding of optimizing exercise interventions for improved cardiac health in type 2 diabetes.