Swimming exercise did not ameliorate the adverse effects of high-sugar diet in young rats.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a swimming exercise (SE) in young rats fed with a high-sugar diet (HSD). Rats fed with a standard diet or a HSD were simultaneously subjected to SE or not (sedentary group) for 8 wks. The results showed that the HSD decreased calorie intake and body weight, but increased body adiposity index, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. The SE reduced the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Interaction between HSD and SE was detected based on body adiposity index measurements, on VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and on citrate synthase activity. Blood pressure and heart rate did not change significantly among the different groups. The HSD negatively affected the majority of the biological parameters while the SE improved body adiposity index and the levels of some lipoproteins. In conclusion, the SE did not attenuate the adverse effects of HSD in young rats.