Purpose We analysed the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on hepatic and adipose tissue aquaglyceroporins (AQPs) in rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Methods Overall, 48 male Wistar rats were fed with a normal diet (ND, 10.4 kcal% fat) or HFD (62.1 kcal% fat) over 10 weeks. Then, the animals were divided into 6 groups: ND sedentary (NS), N + MICT, N + HIIT, HS, H + MICT, and H + HIIT. The trained animals performed 10-week matched distances of MICT and HIIT on a motorized treadmill (5 times/week) while maintaining dietary treatments. The liver and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) were investigated to determine triglycerides (TG) and AQP7 and AQP9 levels. Results HFD increased body weight, liver and eWAT weight, plasma insulin and glucose levels, and insulin resistance. Both MICT and HIIT were able to decrease body weight and liver and eWAT weight in the HFD-fed group. HFD increased plasma TG, glucose, and insulin levels, attenuated by MICT and HIIT programs. HFD increased TG content and AQP7 and did not alter AQP9. MICT and HIIT programs decreased hepatic TG content and AQP7 and AQP9 levels in ND-fed animals. In HFD-fed animals, only MICT decreased AQP9, and both MICT and HIIT decreased TG content and AQP7 levels in eWAT. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the regulation of adipose tissue AQP7 and hepatic AQP9 by both MICT and HIIT interventions can have a significant effect on fat metabolism and glucose homeostasis.
