Do High-Intensity Exercises and Carbs Alter the Proteins in Your Fat?

A Review by Alyssa Bialowas
Introduction
Visfatin is a protein found in visceral fat, and has been connected to a number of cellular functions including inflammation and glucose metabolism. As this study by Mellick et al. (2017) points out, the interaction between plasma visfatin and extracellular glucose regulation during exercise is not fully understood.
Previous research has found that plasma visfatin may be altering glucose regulation in a similar way to insulin. However, past studies have been contradictory in their findings on the interaction between plasma visfatin and extracellular glucose regulation during exercise, as well as the effect of plasma visfatin on glucose regulation in acute stress. Considering these contradictions, this research out of Greensboro, North Carolina aims to establish the role visfatin plays in blood glucose regulation.
Related Article: Does A Carb Restricted Diet Change HIIT Boost Health Benefits?
The Study
10 sprint-trained males between the ages of 18 to 30, with healthy weight and less than 20% body fat were included in the study. The participants made two visits to the lab, after fasting overnight, and were connected to an indwelling intravenous catheter so blood draws could be taken throughout the sessions. The first draw was taken 30 minutes before exercise. Immediately following the first draw, a supplement of either 50 g of carbohydrates or 50 g of Kool-aid was administered as carbohydrate supplementation or placebo control.
There was a 6-minute warm up, followed by four 3-minute exercise bouts, separated by 6 minutes of active recovery. Blood draws were taken immediately prior to and after each high intensity interval. The final draws were taken 15 and 30 minutes post exercise. Heart rate was also recorded at each blood draw
The Results
Mean caloric intake, exercise workload and heart rate were assessed, as were blood variables, and the relationship between plasma visfatin and body fat. Plasma visfatin concentration, blood glucose concentration and blood lactate concentration were also assessed.
There were no significant differences found in total mean caloric intake or carbohydrate intake, protein intake or fat intake 3 days prior to either the carbohydrate or placebo trial. No significant difference was observed for insulin intake between the two trials, either. Baseline plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma visfatin were not significantly different prior to carbohydrate or placebo intake. No significant differences were found for heart rate or blood volume.
When compared to the baseline value, fasted blood glucose was significantly higher prior to the first bout of exercise in the carbohydrate group but not the placebo group. Blood glucose was significantly increased 30 minutes after exercise and remained significantly elevated in the second exercise bout for carbohydrate group. The increase in blood glucose was accompanied by an increase in plasma insulin. Blood lactate was significantly elevated after the first bout of exercise in both trials and remained elevated for the remainder of exercise.
Plasma visfatin was not significantly different between trials at any point in time and did not differ across time points in either trial. Plasma visfatin was significantly correlated to truncal fat.
Related Article: Fat, Carbs, Protein and Recovery. Is There A Silver Bullet?
Takeaway
Plasma visfatin was not affected by high-intensity exercise or carbohydrate supplementation, but was significantly correlated to abdominal fat. No significant relationship was found between plasma glucose and plasma visfatin, and plasma visfatin did not change despite changes in blood glucose, plasma insulin, and lactate. This means that plasma visfatin could potentially be an effective contributor to glucose control when insulin function is impaired.
You Might Like:
How to Workout to Promote Longevity
Exercise is for everyone. In fact, I would argue that exercise becomes more important as you get older. It helps stave off disease and illness, enhances functional ability, and ultimately promotes longevity – which is...What Is the Hype About Antinutrients and Are They Harmful?
Ask and they will agree that fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods on the planet – and for the most part, they would be right. They are full of vitamins and minerals,...Exercising in Poor Air Quality: What You Need to Know
For as long as I can remember, people have been exercising outside. Whether it is going for a run, taking a nice long bike ride, or even doing tai chi in the park – the...Ways to Improve Your Longevity Genes
Humans are currently living longer than ever before. With advancements in healthcare, technology, and knowledge, we have begun to work out what it takes to maintain health across the lifespan, thus enhancing longevity in the...How to Stay Healthy While Working From Home
Over the last six months the world as we know it has been completely turned on its head. COVID-19 has impacted upon our way of life in a way that no one could have predicted...Why people in “Blue Zones” Live longer
It is estimate that between 20 and 25% of your longevity is dictated by your genes – which means that more than 75% is dictated entirely by your lifestyle factors. And while research has given...Mellick, P.F., Feger, B.J., Oberlin, D.J., Davis, P.G., and Wideman, L. (2017). “High-Intensity Exercise and Carbohydrate Supplementation do not Alter Plasma Visfatin.” Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 16, 69 – 76.