Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal

Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal

The Effect of High-Intensity Exercise Training on Serum Levels of Beta-Aminoisobutyric Acid and Insulin Resistance in Men with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Marina Shariati 1
Akbar Ghalavand 2
1 Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
2 Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
10.22118/jsmj.2026.571248.4132
Abstract
Background and Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common obesity-related metabolic disorder associated with changes in metabolic proteins such as beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA). This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity exercise on serum BAIBA levels and insulin resistance in men with NAFLD.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 45 men with grade 1–2 NAFLD (BMI 30–35 kg/m², age 35–45 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), high-intensity CrossFit training (HICFT), and control. The interventions included 18 sessions over six weeks (three sessions/week) at 80–85% of heart rate reserve. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and Bonferroni test (P ≤ 0.05).
Results: Significant increases in BAIBA levels and decreases in insulin resistance were observed in the HIIT (P < 0.001) and HICFT groups (P = 0.007 for BAIBA; P < 0.001 for insulin resistance) compared to the control group. No significant difference was found between the two exercise groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: High-intensity exercises, whether HIIT or HICFT, can improve insulin resistance and regulate metabolic proteins such as BAIBA. These findings confirm the importance of exercise and myokines in managing NAFLD. High-intensity training is recommended as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with NAFLD.
Keywords
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Exercise training
Beta-aminoisobutyric acid
Insulin resistance
Subjects
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Published by Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science. This article is an open access article licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal
Volume 25, Issue 1 - Serial Number 160
Issue in Progress
2026
Pages 41-51

  • Receive Date 07 January 2026
  • Revise Date 30 May 2026
  • Accept Date 01 June 2026