Background: Dyslipidemia, marked by abnormal levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG), is a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Radiotherapy (RT), while effective in cancer treatment, may induce adverse metabolic effects, including dyslipidemia. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown potential in improving lipid metabolism. This study investigated the effects of HIIT on lipid profiles and body weight in rats undergoing RT.
Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental, randomized controlled trial conducted over 10 weeks. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (aged 8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups (n=6 per group): Control, HIIT, RT, and HIIT + RT. The HIIT protocol consisted of 6 sessions per week on a treadmill, including familiarization (week 1), progressive overload (weeks 2–4), and stabilization phases (weeks 5–10). RT was administered as a single 11 Gy dose using a linear accelerator. Blood samples were collected post-intervention, and lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, and HDL) were analyzed using enzymatic assays and a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed by SPSS software,version 26 using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test; significance was set at P<0.05.
Results: Compared to controls, RT significantly increased TC (69.3±3.1 mg/dL vs 59.5±6.3 mg/dL, P=0.002), LDL (14.3±1.2 mg/dL vs 11.5±1 mg/dL, P=0.001), and TG (83.7±3.5 mg/dL vs 75.7±6.3 mg/dL, P=0.13) while decreasing HDL (21.7±1.4 mg/dL vs 30±3.3 mg/dL, P=0.001). HIIT significantly improved all parameters compared to RT alone: TC (52.0±2.8 mg/dL vs 69.3±3.1 mg/dL, P<0.001), LDL (9.5±1 mg/dL vs 14.3±1.2 mg/dL, P<0.001), TG (50.7±6.3 mg/dL vs 83.7±3.5 mg/dL, P<0.001), and HDL (36±3 mg/dL vs 21.7±1.4 mg/dL, P<0.001). No significant weight changes occurred (270.4±28.7 g vs 274±18.7 g, P=0.65). HIIT may counteract RT-induced dyslipidemia.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that HIIT may counteract RT-induced dyslipidemia, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention. Further studies are needed to validate these results and explore underlying mechanisms.