EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON SERUM IRISIN LEVELS IN HYPOTHYROID SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

Abstract

Background: Irisin, a newly discovered exercise-induced myokine, is responsible for mediating beneficial effects such as weight loss and thermoregulation. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine serum irisin levels in hypothyroid rats with and without exercise, and to correlate irisin levels with TFTs. Study Design: It was an experimental, randomized control trial (RCT). Setting of the Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Islamic International Medical College (IIMC) Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad from September 2020 to September 2021. Material and Methods: A total number of 30 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Each comprising of 10 rats. Group I was control group, group II was hypothyroid group and group III was exercise group. Results: Significant changes were observed in the mean serum Irisin levels at 0 weeks and 12 weeks in all groups. The mean differences in serum irisin levels were found to be statistically significant between control, hypothyroid and exercise groups.The mean change in TSH levels for the hypothyroid group was significantly greater than that for control group (p < 0.001) and exercise group (p < 0.001). The mean change in T4 levels for the hypothyroid group was significantly greater than that for control group (p < 0.001) as well as the exercise group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Irisin is an exercise induced myokine that greatly affects energy expenditure and systemic metabolism. In our study irisin levels are decreased in association with decreased thyroid hormone levels. Moreover thyroid hormone levels are restored to normal following exercise-induced irisin.