Synergistic Effect of High Intensity Interval Training and Atorvastatin in Treatment of NAFLD in Rats Fed High Fat/Fructose Diet

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease that ranges from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver carcinoma. With the increasing prevalence of NAFLD, there is a growing need for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Stable pharmaceutical compositions containing atorvastatin have been developed to treat hypercholesterolemia and related conditions. In addition, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can have positive effects on NAFLD. Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: 1) high fat-fructose diet (HFFD) + HIIT, 2) HFFD + HIIT + atorvastatin. The groups received HFFD for 15 weeks to induce NAFLD. Atorvastatin was administrated at the dose of 2 mg/kg/day. The interventions (atorvastatin and HIIT) were done for 8 weeks. Results: Triglyceride (TG), Alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were significantly reduced in the HFFD + HIIT + atorvastatin. The groups had no significant difference in weight, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and HDL/LDL ratio. Conclusion: Although atorvastatin along with HIIT reduced aminotransferase, HIIT has benefits in improving lipid profile. Combining atorvastatin and HIIT may offer synergistic benefits in managing NAFLD by targeting both liver enzymes and inflammation.