Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) on gene expression of NF-kappa beta and CXCL2 in small intestine of rats with hepatic steatosis (induced by tetracycline). Methods Forty male Wistar rats (200 +/- 20 g) were randomly divided into five groups of (n= 8 in each group): healthy control (HC), hepatic steatosis (HS), HS + HIIT, HS +probiotic (Pro) 5. HS + HIIT +Pro. Tetracycline was gavage at a dose of 140 mg/kg, for 7 days, to induce hepatic steatosis. The HIIT performed 5 sessions per week for 5 weeks on the rodent treadmill. Probiotic groups received 10(9) CFU/ml of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG by oral gavage for 5 weeks (daily). ALT and AST were measured to confirm of HS. NF-kappa beta and CXCL2 genes were measured by Real-Time PCR in small intestine (jejunum). Results The results showed that there was a significant difference in gene expression of NF-kappa beta and CXCL2 (jejunum) between groups (p <0.001). NF-kappa beta and CXCL2 mRNA levels in the steatosis group were greater than healthy controls (p < 0.05), while probiotic and HIIT groups had a lower intestinal NF-kappa beta and CXCL2 mRNA compared to steatosis group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Probiotic supplementation with HIIT leads to optimal cellular adaptation and the lower expression of NF-kappa beta and CXCL2 in the intestinal tissue of rats with fatty liver (steatosis). Due to the role of NF-kappa beta in regulation of apoptotic genes and proinflammatory cytokines, as well as the effect of CXCL2 on metabolism, insulin function and inflammatory responses, it seems that HIIT and probiotic may be effective in controlling fatty liver and gastrointestinal diseases.