Effects of Eight Weeks of Intense Aerobic Training and Cinnamon Extract on Gene Expression of SREBP-1c and LXRα in the Liver Tissue of Rats Fed with Fructose Diets

Background and Objectives: Although LXR and SREBP-1C are involved in lipid metabolism and liver injury, mechanisms of their modulation following exercise and herbal supplement consumption are less investigated.The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of 8 w of aerobic exercise and cinnamon extract on the expression of SREBP-1c and LXR in the liver tissue of mice fed with fructose. Materials & Methods:To carry out the present experimentally practical study, 32 6-w-old male rats with an average weight of 154.66 g 10.95 and insulin resistant by feeding 10% fructose solution for 5 w were randomly divided into four control (IRC), exercise (IRT), cinnamon extract (IRCi) and exercise-cinnamon extract (IRTCi) groups.The training program was implemented for 8 w with 5 d each week with an intensity of 75-80% VO2max from 10-15 min in the first week to 60 min in the last week.The IRCi and IRTCi groups were injected daily with 200 ml/kg cinnamon extract.After 8 w, rats were sacrificed and the variables were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Significant decreases in SREBP-1c expression were seen in IRT (p = 0.032), IRCi (p = 0.045) and IRTCi (p = 0.005) groups, compared to IRC.The expression of LXR in the IRT (p=0.022),IRCi (p=0.024) and IRTCi (p=0.0001)groups had a significant increase compared to the IRC group.In addition, a significant increase in LXR expression was observed in IRTCi groups compared to IRT (p=0.048) and IRCi (p=0.044)groups. Conclusion:Results verified effects of aerobic exercise and cinnamon extract alone and in combination with each other on the expression of genes affecting fat metabolism and lipogenesis as well as greater interactive effects on the LXR variable.Therefore, it is recommended to use exercises and supplements with caution.