Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences

The effect of high-intensity interval training along with electrical stimulation using foot shock on the process of angiogenesis in the liver tissue of obese rats to calorie restriction

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Farkhunde Yarahmadi 1
Mohammad Malekipooya 2
Sara Hamedi 1
1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.
10.22038/mjms.2026.87600.4989
Abstract
Background: Obesity is one of the main factors of liver diseases. This study examines the effect of combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and electrical stimulation on liver angiogenesis in obese rats under caloric restriction.
Methods: This experimental study with a control group included 35 (eight-week-old) rats, which, after inducing obesity, were randomly divided into five groups of seven: control, caloric restriction, caloric restriction–high-intensity interval training (HIIT), caloric restriction–electrical stimulation, and caloric restriction–HIIT–electrical stimulation. Aerobic activity (speed: 10–20 meters per minute, duration: 20–40 minutes), electrical stimulation (0.5 milliampere, 20 minutes), and caloric restriction (8–16 hours) were implemented. After the interventions, liver tissue sampling was performed. Gene expression was measured using PCR, and data analysis was conducted using ANOVA with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The results showed that high-intensity interval training in the obese group under caloric restriction caused a significant increase in VEGF gene expression compared to the obese group (p < 0.0001). HIIT did not cause a significant increase in FGF23 in this group compared to the obese group (p > 0.0001). The combination of HIIT with electrical stimulation in the obese group with caloric restriction caused a significant increase in VEGF gene expression and a significant decrease in FGF23 gene expression compared to the obese group (p < 0.0001)."
Conclusion: HIIT and electrical stimulation during caloric restriction may significantly increase VEGF and decrease FGF23 in obese rats, improving liver health and angiogenesis. However, further research is needed to explore its broader implications
Keywords
Obesity
Caloric restriction
High-Intensity Interval Training
Electrical Stimulation
Angiogenesis
Subjects
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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 69, Issue 4
May 2026
Pages 402-417