ABSTRACT
Introduction: Aquaporin 7 [AQP7], as a glycerol permeable channel of adipose tissue, plays an important role in controlling triglycerides accumulating in adipose tissue and the development of obesity and its related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on epididymal adipose tissue AQP7 content in rats fed a high fat diet
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight male Wister rats [4-6 weeks] were randomly divided into two groups: Normal diet [14] and high fat diet [14]. After 10 weeks of feeding with normal or high-fat food, each of the groups were divided into two groups: control [7] and training [7]. Rats in the training groups were subjected to running on the treadmill at a speed of 20 meters per minute for 10 weeks [5 days per week] and their epididymal adipose tissue AQP7 content and insulin were assessed by Elisa. Plasma levels of glucose and lipid profile, as well as insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR] were also measured
Results: Body weight, epididymal fat weight, plasma insulin levels and insulin resistance index increased in rats, fed with a high fat diet [P<0.05]. Epididymal adipose tissue AQP7 content decreased due to compliance with the high fat diet [P=0.003]; however aerobic exercise training increased AQP7 in both normal and high fat diet groups [P= 0.003]. This training program improved plasma levels of glucose, insulin and lipid profiles, as well as HOMA-IR [P<0.05]
Conclusion: These results indicate that aerobic exercise training could improve metabolic status by increasing adipose tissue AQP7 content