The effects of acute endurance training on plasma visftain concentration and insulin levels in diabetic rats

Introduction: Recently, visfatin was identified as an adipokine, while is predominantly secreted from visceral adipose tissue both in humans and mice. Regular exercise by far induces anti- inflammatory effects, improves insulin sensivity and thus offers protection against these conditions. This study has been conducted to elucidate: 1- Effects of 8 weeks endurance training on visfatin concentration and its response to exercise. 2- to determine whether endurance exercise training could improve insulin resistance index in diabetic rats. Methods: 60 male Wistar rats were fed a normal diets and randomly assigned to either a sedentary (n = 29) or endurance exercise trained group (n = 31). Exercise group underwent 8 weeks of treadmill exercise training (increasing from 10 - 25m/ mins day - 1) five times per week. Diabetes was induced by administrating STZ to rats. Results: Results showed that the decrease in plasma visfatin as induced by exercise training most likely caused by body composition changes and weight loss. Plasma insulin concentration were elevated in exercise group when compared with control group and more importantly a significant decrease in insulin resistance were observed. Conclusion: These results indicate that the endurance training affects body weight, and lipid profile. More importantly, it shows that significant decrease in plasma visfatin concentration has been induced by increased visfatin consumption in adipose tissue, muscle and liver in order to promote fatty asids mobilization, oxidation in peripheral tissues and gluconeogenesis.