Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Comparison of the effects of aerobic and combined training on the expression of key genes of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway in adipose tissue of obese male rats with type 2 diabetes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sadegh Cheragh Birjandi 1
Sara Asghari 2
Reyhaneh Gholami 3
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Bojnourd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran.
2 PhD in Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Boj.C., Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran
3 PhD candidate in Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Boj.C., Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran
10.22034/sbs.2026.559804.1156
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic and combined exercise on the IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in adipose tissue of male Wistar rats with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Eighteen diabetic rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control, aerobic exercise, and combined exercise. The combined training program was conducted for 8 weeks, with 5 sessions per week, consisting of aerobic exercise on a treadmill at 40-60% of maximum speed and resistance training on a ladder at 40-60% of maximum load.

The results showed that the expression of IRS1, PI3K, and AKT genes was significantly decreased in the diabetic control group, while both exercise regimens significantly increased the expression of these genes. However, no significant difference was observed between the two exercise protocols. These findings indicate that exercise training can serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for metabolic disorders associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes through positive modulation of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Keywords
IRS1
PI3K
AKT
Subjects

  • Receive Date 15 November 2025
  • Revise Date 09 February 2026
  • Accept Date 13 February 2026