Physical activity and sedentary behavior show distinct associations with tissue‐specific insulin sensitivity in adults with overweight

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study is to investigate associations between the physical activity (PA) spectrum (sedentary behavior to exercise) and tissue-specific insulin resistance (IR). Methods:We included 219 participants for analysis (median [IQR]: 61 [55; 67] years, BMI 29.6 [26.9; 32.0] kg/m 2 ; 60% female) with predominant muscle or liver IR, as determined using a 7-point oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).PA and sedentary behavior were measured objectively (ActivPAL) across 7 days.Context-specific PA was assessed with the Baecke questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models (adjustments include age, sex, BMI, site, season, retirement, and dietary intake) were used to determine associations between the PA spectrum and hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI), muscle insulin sensitivity index (MISI) and whole-body IR (HOMA-IR, Matsuda index). Results:In fully adjusted models, objectively measured total PA (standardized regression coefficient β = 0.17, p = 0.020), light-intensity PA (β = 0.15, p = 0.045) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (β = 0.13, p = 0.048) were independently associated with Matsuda index, but not HOMA-IR (p > 0.05). A higher questionnaire-derived sport index and leisure index were associated with significantly lower whole-body IR (Matsuda, HOMA-IR) in men but not in women.Results varied across tissues: more time spent sedentary (β = −0.24, p = 0.045) and a higher leisure index (β = 0.14, p = 0.034) were respectively negatively and positively associated with MISI, but not HIRI. A higher sport index was associated with lower HIRI (β = −0.30, p = 0.007, in men only).

Dietary and lifestyle indices for insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…Central obesity in individuals with high ELIR score plays a role in increasing the risk of NAFLD with a negative impact on insulin secretion and function and consequently via an increase in fat accumulation in hepatocytes and increasing inflammation and oxidative stress levels (Luo and Lin, 2021; Angulo, 2007; Dludla et al , 2019; Zhao et al , 2023). Also, sedentary behavior, as an important determinant of ELIR, is considered a strong risk factor for the progression of insulin-related disorders, including IR, hyperinsulinemia and its metabolic abnormalities, through the adverse effect on inflammation status, insulin sensitivity, body weight and energy use in various body organs (Eaton and Eaton, 2017; DiMenna and Arad, 2018; Gomez-Cabrera et al , 2008; Zhang et al , 2023; Wanders et al , 2023).…”

Muscle physiology and its relations to the whole body in health and disease

“…10 Therefore, it makes sense that beneficial associations between physical activity and whole-body insulin resistance differ between sexes. 13 The physical activity spectrum of male and female participants show tissue-specific and sex-specific changes in insulin resistance. Also, a higher sport index was associated with lower liver IR in men, but not in women.…”

“…IR can develop in several tissues simultaneously, and different metabolic phenotypes differ in muscle versus liver tissue. 13 Another key player that provides energy for active skeletal muscles is ATP. A steady glucose turnover rate ensures the ATP supply for contracting skeletal muscle via muscle mitochondrial ATP synthesis.…”

“…Low levels of physical activity and behavior that is more sedentary have repeatedly been associated with (IR) and impaired glucose homeostasis. IR can develop in several tissues simultaneously, and different metabolic phenotypes differ in muscle versus liver tissue 13 …”

Nutritional health

“…6,7 While exercise is recommended in all guidelines aimed at reducing the impact of overnutrition-associated pathologies, current data indicate a necessary finetuning of exercise regimens to individual metabolic responses. 8,9 In addition to its influence on glucose metabolism, exercise positively influences both organ crosstalk 10 and fatty acid perception and metabolism. 11 The circadian system is a major regulator of metabolic health.…”