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

Shariati, Marina; Ghalavand, Akbar

doi:10.22118/jsmj.2026.571248.4132

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