Effects of acute sprint interval exercise on follistatin-like 1 and apelin secretions

Context: Insulin resistance is the main triggering factor for type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been reported that high-intensity sprint interval training (SIT) was effective for improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity despite lower training volume. However, the mechanisms underlying the SIT-induced increases in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity have not been well-understood. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) and apelin, which are novel myokines, have a favourable effect on glucose metabolism. Objective: We examined the impact of acute SIT on FSTL1 and apelin secretions. Methods: Eight healthy men were enrolled in this study. The subjects performed acute SIT consisting of four 30-s all-out cycling efforts with 4-min rest periods. Blood samples were obtained before and after the acute SIT to measure FSTL1 and apelin concentrations. Results: FSTL1 and apelin both significantly increased following acute SIT. Conclusion: Acute SIT may be an effective stimulus for increasing of FSTL1 and apelin secretions.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that acute SIT significantly increased the secretion of FSTL1 and apelin, which could improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.