Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract Western diet (WD) consumption promotes oxidative stress and inflammation and plays a central role in the development of fatty liver disease. This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), ketone ester supplementation, and their combination on hepatic Keap1, Nrf2, and NF-κB protein levels in WD-fed mice. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n=6): normal diet (ND), WD, WD plus ketone ester (WD+KE), WD plus HIIT (WD+HIIT), and WD plus HIIT combined with ketone ester supplementation (WD+HIIT+KE). Except for the ND group, all animals consumed a WD for eight weeks. HIIT was performed for four weeks (three sessions/week), and ketone ester was administered daily by oral gavage. Hepatic protein levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and NF-κB were determined using Western blotting. WD feeding significantly increased hepatic Keap1 and NF-κB protein levels and reduced Nrf2 levels compared with the ND group. HIIT and ketone ester, both independently and in combination, significantly decreased NF-κB and increased Nrf2 protein levels compared with the WD group. In addition, HIIT alone and in combination with ketone ester supplementation significantly reduced hepatic Keap1 levels (p<0.05). Overall, both interventions alleviated WD-induced alterations in hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. The combined intervention elicited the most pronounced molecular responses, suggesting potential synergistic effects of HIIT and ketone ester supplementation in attenuating Western diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Abstract NAFLD is one of the chronic liver diseases closely related to metabolic disorders. Borage and physical activity improves oxidative indices. Also, Beclin-1 is a key gene in the autophagy process, and Parkin acts as a protective mechanism against liver damage. So, this study aims to investigate the effect of aerobic training and borage extract on the expression of Beclin-1 and Parkin genes in the liver cells in NAFLD. In this experimental study,40male Wistar rats weighing were divided into 4groups. (control, supplement, training), and training+supplement. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software. Training and borage extract had no significant effect on Beclin-1 expression (P=0.267), with fold changes of 1.05±0.07 for training, 1.07±0.06 for borage extract, and 1.12±0.08 for training+borage extract, compared to the control. However, Parkin expression increased significantly (P=0.006), with fold changes of 1.15±0.08 for Training, 1.18±0.09 for borage extract, and 1.20±0.10 for training+borage extract. Post hoc confirmed a significant increase in Parkin expression in the training+borage extract group compared to the control (P=0.035). This study showed that it is possible that the consumption of borage extract and aerobic training together and alone have an increasing the expression of Parkin. So, both borage extract and aerobic training have individual benefits for improving liver health by targeting Beclin-1 and PARKIN pathways, and their combination could provide a more robust approach to managing NAFLD by promoting effective autophagy, mitophagy, and mitochondrial function. This dual intervention could reduce liver damage, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately improving metabolic outcomes in individuals suffering from NAFLD.

Abstract Steatosis is the most important cause for chronic liver disease, from simple steatosis to advanced stages such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and liver cancer. In this study, the effect of MICT and probiotic consumption on IL15 gene expression in animal model of non-alcoholic steatosis was examined. This study is an experimental laboratory study. Thirty-two male wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 in the healthy (normal diet), steatosis, steatosis + probiotic, steatosis + probiotic +MICT groups and tested for 8 weeks. The exercise protocol was as follows: in the first week from 10 minutes of running at a speed of 18 meters per minute to the eighth week with 60 minutes of running at a speed of 28 meters per minute. Consumption of probiotics; Relevant groups received 109 CFU / ml of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG by gavage daily for 5 weeks and 5 days a week. Statistical calculation of this study was performed using SPSS 25 software. Probiotic consumption and moderate-intensity continuous training significantly increased IL-15 (p =0.000) and significantly decreased TG (p =0.000) in the non-alcoholic steatosis animal model. It seems moderate-intensity continuous training with probiotic consumption can improve the liver function of non-alcoholic fatty liver patients.

Abstract The COVID-19 epidemic has caused lifestyle changes in people from all walks of life and has become a global threat to the health and well-being of all countries of the world. Considering changes caused by the prevalence of the disease and quarantine conditions, the increased likelihood of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in people is among these threats. On the other hand, patients with overweight and obesity, and consequently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a weaker immune system than other people with ideal weight, and as a result, are more likely to develop COVID-19. As there is currently no definitive treatment for COVID-19 and NAFLD, and because people with NAFLD are more likely to develop COVID-19 based on the research in this area, paying attention to this important issue is thus necessary. Considering a regular physical activity program and having a balanced diet are among the essential strategies and may help prevent NAFLD, and consequently, COVID-19. However, given the novelty of COVID-19 pathogen and the ambiguity of the exact cause of why people get NAFLD, further research is needed to be done on the type of effective diet, as well as the type, intensity, and volume of exercise for these people. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence on the pathology and epidemiology of NAFLDs and COVID-19, as well as the effect of NAFLD on COVID-19 in people. Given the existing risks, the nutrition and exercise strategies were investigated in this regard.