Comparison of the effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on the prevention of myosteatosis and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease

Details

Supervisors

Deldicque, Louise ; Debier, Cathy

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en chimie et bioindustries, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and myosteatosis are two conditions characterised by lipid infiltration in the liver and skeletal muscles, respectively. Physical activity is known to reduce most risk factors associated with these conditions, such as insulin resistance and obesity, and can at least partially reverse their progression. The aim of this master’s thesis was to determine which type of physical activity, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), is more effective at preventing the development of MASLD and myosteatosis. To achieve this, 40 mice C57 fed with a western diet were divided into groups: MICT, HIIT, voluntary wheel running, or sedentary controls. After 12 weeks, the mice were sacrificed, and liver and gastrocnemius muscle samples were harvested. Protein expression levels within various metabolic pathways were analysed via Western blot. Few adaptations were observed between the active and sedentary groups regarding mitochondrial physiology, cellular autophagy and lipid metabolism. Regarding insulin signalling pathway and protein synthesis, a similar improvement was observed in the gastrocnemius for both the HIIT and MICT groups. As a result, this study did not demonstrate any significant differences between HIIT and MICT in improving physiological pathways related to MASLD and myosteatosis. Further research needs to be performed to observe more impacts potentially caused by physical activity.