Physical exercise is essential for the amelioration of
insulin resistance (IR). The mechanisms in charge of improved IR, regulated by exercise, are insufficiently studied. Previous research revealed that
Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) - mediated
insulin signaling acts a crucial
element in hepatic IR. The objective of our research was to determine the effects of exercise on SIRT6-mediated
insulin signaling in liver of IR rats. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10 rats each): control rats fed with standard chow (Lean group); sedentary rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD-SED); rats fed with HFD and submitted to 8 week chronic swimming exercise training (HFD-CE); and rats fed HFD and submitted to one acute swimming exercise training (HFD-AE). HFD feeding lead to increased
body weight, accumulation of hepatic
triglyceride and serum
free fatty acids, and enhanced gluconeogenesis. Besides, HFD feeding decreased body
insulin sensitivity. Hepatic USP10 and SIRT6
protein levels decreased under obese status. Both chronic and acute exercise intervention alleviated physiological and metabolic status, increased hepatic USP10 and SIRT6 levels, improved
insulin signaling transduction, and inhibited gluconeogenesis. These results showed that exercise intervention regulated SIRT6-mediated
insulin signaling, which contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind IR, in that a regular exercise can mitigate the effects of IR.