The effect of aerobic exercise combined with mealworm protein consumption on oxidant, antioxidant indices and FGF21 and mTOR gene expression in soleus muscle of rats with fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disorder associated with fat accumulation, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise and mealworm protein supplementation on oxidative balance and the expression of FGF21 and mTOR genes in the soleus muscle of rats with NAFLD. Fifteen male Wistar rats (250 ± 50 g, aged 10–12 weeks) were randomly assigned to five groups: healthy control, fatty liver, fatty liver + supplement, fatty liver + exercise, and fatty liver + supplement + exercise. A high-fat diet was used to induce NAFLD. The exercise group performed moderate-intensity treadmill running (12–16 m/min) for eight weeks, five days per week. Mealworm protein (20 mg/kg) was administered via oral gavage. Liver and muscle tissues were analyzed using Real-Time PCR (FGF21, mTOR) and ELISA (TOS, TAC). Combined treatment significantly increased FGF21 expression (~130%; p = 0.022), reduced total oxidant status (~40%; p = 0.001), increased total antioxidant capacity (~45%; p = 0.009), and lowered SGPT and ALP levels (~32% and ~38%, respectively; p < 0.05). mTOR expression showed no significant change (p = 0.113), and the 18% SGOT reduction was not significant (p = 0.169). The combination had greater effects than either treatment alone. Aerobic exercise combined with mealworm protein supplementation improves oxidative balance and FGF21 expression in NAFLD. This integrative strategy may offer a novel therapeutic approach targeting liver-muscle metabolic interactions. Further human studies are recommended.