MCP-1 is a protein that plays a role in obesity-related insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and combined training on the expression of Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein and MCP-1 in Wistar rats with type 2 diabetes.

Fifty male rats, aged 8-10 weeks and weighing 250 ± 30 grams, were randomly divided into five groups (four diabetic groups and one healthy control group). Diabetes was induced in 40 rats using nicotinamide and streptozotocin. The HIIT protocol consisted of 10 sets of 2-minute intervals at 85-90% VO2 max with 2-minute active rest at 40-50% VO2max on a treadmill. The MICT protocol involved progressively increasing durations and intensities over 8 weeks. The combined training alternated between endurance and resistance exercises 5 days per week.

Blood samples were collected 48 hours after the final session. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at P≤0.05.

Results showed that MICT significantly increased SIRT1 expression (p=0.842) in coronary vessels, while both MICT (p=0.993) and combined training reduced MCP-1 levels. Serum insulin levels decreased significantly in all three exercise groups, with the greatest reduction observed in the HIIT group (p=0.868). All types of exercise improved insulin resistance, but HIIT (p=0.979) showed the most pronounced effect.

Given the improvements in SIRT1 and MCP-1 levels and insulin sensitivity in MICT and combined training, these modalities could potentially reduce diabetes-related complications such as arteriosclerosis. Additionally, HIIT demonstrated improvements in insulin levels and insulin resistance.