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Background and purpose: The present study aimed at exploring the effects of eight-week high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on gene expression factors involved in cholesterol reverse transport in liver tissue of ischemic rats.
Materials and methods: In this study, 28 Wistar Rats (250 ±20 g) were randomly divided into four groups: Ischemia (n=8), Placebo (n=8), Training (n=8), and Ischemia plus Training (n=8). Myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 minutes. High intensity interval training program (4 min of running at 85-90% VO2max and 2 min active recovery at 50-60% VO2max) was performed using treadmill for 8 weeks (three times a week /40 minutes).
Results: The expression levels of ABCG1 receptor gene and Apolipoprotein A1 significantly increased in high intensity interval training group compared to Ischemia group (P=0.008) and placebo group (P= 0.037). Also, the expression of Apolipoprotein 2 receptor gene showed significant increase in HIIT+ Ischemia group compared to Ischemia group (P=0.041) and placebo group (P=0.04). In addition, the expression of SR-BR receptor gene was found to increase in HIIT+ Ischemia group compared to the placebo group (P=0.028).
Conclusion: High intensity interval training in ischemic rats increases the key factors involved in reverse cholesterol transfer process and ultimately leads to an increase in HDL, which has a positive effect on prevention of atherosclerosis and ischemia.