Resistance training reduces FTO gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue and improves glycemic control in diabetic rats

Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is directly associated with increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of current study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, glucose, and insulin levels in T2DM rats. Sixteen males Wistar rats (220±10 gr) with T2DM induced by streptozotocin nicotinamide injection were randomly assigned into resistance training (RT; n=8) and control (Con; n=8) groups. RT was performed for 12 weeks, 5 days per week. FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue, fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured 48 hours after the last exercise training session. After the exercise training intervention, the FTO expression (p=0.004) and FBS (p=0.001) were significantly lower in the RT compared to the Con group while the insulin in the RT was significantly higher than that in the Con group (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in the insulin resistance between the two groups (p˃0.05). According to findings, it seems that RT can decrease FBS and FTO expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of T2DM rats. Improved blood glucose in diabetic rats might be partially attributed to reduced FTO expression in response to RT.