Ketogenic diet in combination with voluntary exercise impacts markers of hepatic metabolism and oxidative stress in male and female Wistar rats

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, e-First Articles. Ketogenic diets (KDs) are shown to benefit hepatic metabolism; however, their effect on the liver when combined with exercise is unknown. We investigated the effects of a KD versus a “western” diet (WD) on markers of hepatic lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in exercising rats. Male and female Wistar rats with access to voluntary running wheels were randomized to 3 groups (n = 8–14 per group): standard chow (SC; 17% fat), WD (42% fat), or KD (90.5% fat) for 7 weeks. Bo dy fat percentage (BF%) was increased in WD and KD versus SC, although KD females displayed lower BF% versus WD (p ≤ 0.05). Liver triglycerides were higher in KD and WD versus SC but were attenuated in KD females versus WD (p ≤ 0.05). KD suppressed hepatic markers of de novo lipogenesis (fatty a cid synthase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase) and increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis/content (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-1α, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and citrate synthase activity). KD also increased hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 and lowered oxidized glutathione. Female rats exhibited elevated hepatic markers of mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM), mitophagy (light chain 3 II/I ratio, autophagy-related protein 12:5), and cellular energy homeostasis (phosphorylated 5′AMP-activated protein kinase/5′AMP-activated protein kinase) versus males. Thes e data highlight that KD and exercise beneficiall...
Source: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism - Category: Physiology Authors: Source Type: research