Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disorder associated with fat accumulation, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise and mealworm protein supplementation on oxidative balance and the expression of FGF21 and mTOR genes in the soleus muscle of rats with NAFLD. Fifteen male Wistar rats (250 ± 50 g, aged 10–12 weeks) were randomly assigned to five groups: healthy control, fatty liver, fatty liver + supplement, fatty liver + exercise, and fatty liver + supplement + exercise. A high-fat diet was used to induce NAFLD. The exercise group performed moderate-intensity treadmill running (12–16 m/min) for eight weeks, five days per week. Mealworm protein (20 mg/kg) was administered via oral gavage. Liver and muscle tissues were analyzed using Real-Time PCR (FGF21, mTOR) and ELISA (TOS, TAC). Combined treatment significantly increased FGF21 expression (~130%; p = 0.022), reduced total oxidant status (~40%; p = 0.001), increased total antioxidant capacity (~45%; p = 0.009), and lowered SGPT and ALP levels (~32% and ~38%, respectively; p < 0.05). mTOR expression showed no significant change (p = 0.113), and the 18% SGOT reduction was not significant (p = 0.169). The combination had greater effects than either treatment alone. Aerobic exercise combined with mealworm protein supplementation improves oxidative balance and FGF21 expression in NAFLD. This integrative strategy may offer a novel therapeutic approach targeting liver-muscle metabolic interactions. Further human studies are recommended.

Abstract Training is one of the most effective therapy options for improving the control of type 2 diabetes. FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor) has been identified as a novel metabolic regulating factor with substantial anti-diabetic effects in animal models and humans. The goal of this study was to investigate how four weeks of aerobic and resistance exercise affected fasting blood glucose (FBS) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels in the cardiac tissue of male Wistar rats with diabetes. In this study, 24 male Wistar rats aged 10 to 12 weeks and weighing 200250 grams were made diabetic with STZ and separated into three groups: diabetes + aerobic exercise (n=6), diabetes + resistance training (n=6), and sham (n=6) and healthy (n=6) were divided. The training lasted four weeks, with the aerobic group working out five days per week and the resistance group working out six days per week. Blood samples and cardiac tissue were collected for analysis before and after 48 hours of the previous exercise and 12 hours of fasting. To conduct statistical analysis, the SPSS version 26 program was employed. We saw an increase in FGF21 in the training groups compared to the sham group, which was significant in the resistance training group (p=0.008) and also in the healthy group (p=0.02). The results showed that resistance trainings can have a bigger influence on sugar indicators and anti-diabetic cardiac factors like FGF21, and will play an effective role in minimizing the consequences of diabetes.

Abstract This research paper delves into the intricate interplay between the heart and liver within the realm of metabolic regulation, focusing on the impact of exercise as a pivotal modulator of this dynamic relationship. Through a comprehensive review of pertinent literature, encompassing peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and meta-analyses sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, this paper analyzes the existing understanding of how exercise influences the metabolic crosstalk between the heart and liver. The findings underscore the positive influence of regular physical activity on the metabolic interplay between these vital organs, ultimately contributing to enhanced overall metabolic health. Emphasizing both physiological and molecular aspects, the review provides a succinct overview of its content, highlighting the significance of exercise in modulating metabolic processes. In exploring human studies, animal models, and molecular techniques, this review aims to not only consolidate current knowledge but also to identify research gaps, fostering a foundation for future investigations. The potential therapeutic implications of exercise in mitigating metabolic disorders through the modulation of heart-liver crosstalk are discussed. By addressing inclusion criteria such as studies published within the last decade, written in English, and focusing on human or animal models, this paper contributes to the evolving understanding of the intricate relationship between exercise, heart health, and liver function.