Exercise training improves adipose tissue metabolism and vasculature regardless of baseline glucose tolerance and sex

IntroductionWe investigated the effects of a supervised progressive sprint interval training (SIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adipocyte morphology and adipose tissue metabolism and function; we also tested whether the responses were similar regardless of baseline glucose tolerance and sex.Research design and methods26 insulin-resistant (IR) and 28 healthy participants were randomized into 2-week-long SIT (4–6×30 s at maximum effort) and MICT (40–60 min at 60% of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak)). Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and fasting-free fatty acid uptake in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal and femoral subcutaneous adipose tissues (SATs) were quantified with positron emission tomography. Abdominal SAT biopsies were collected to determine adipocyte morphology, gene expression markers of lipolysis, glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammation.ResultsTraining increased glucose uptake in VAT (p