Conclusions
Aerobic exercise can alleviate HFD-induced IR and inflammation through the modulation of VSMC phenotype in AT.
Methods
Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into HFD and normal diet groups for 12 weeks and then further split into sedentary and aerobic exercise subgroups for an additional 8 weeks. Various parameters including body weight, fat weight, blood glucose, lipid profile, insulin levels, glucose tolerance, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated.
Results
Aerobic exercise reduced HFD-induced weight gain, IR, and improved lipid profiles. HFD had a minimal effect on inflammatory cytokines except in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). IR was associated with capillary density in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VSMC phenotype in VAT. Aerobic exercise promoted anti-inflammatory responses in VAT, correlating with VSMC phenotype in this tissue. Conclusions: Aerobic exercise can alleviate HFD-induced IR and inflammation through the modulation of VSMC phenotype in AT.