The Effect of Resistance Training and Cannabis Extract Supplementation on the Expression of PI۳K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway Genes in the Pancreas of Obese Male Rats

Background and aims: Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and is a major public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training and cannabis extract supplementation on the expression of PI۳K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway genes in the pancreas of obese male rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (twelve weeks old and weighing ۱۸۰–۲۰۰ g) were chosen for examination. The animals were randomly assigned to healthy control, obese control, supplement, exercise, and exercise+supplement groups (n=۶ per group). The exercise protocol involved ladder climbing on a custom-built rodent apparatus set at an ۸۰° incline, measuring ۱۱۰ cm in height with ۲ cm-spaced rungs. The supplement, initially in solid form, was dissolved in distilled water and orally administered via gavage at a dose of ۴ mg/kg body weight, five times a week for eight weeks. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test to assess group differences (P<۰.۰۵). Results: Obesity significantly decreased mTOR (P=۰.۰۰۱), PI۳K (P=۰.۰۰۱), and AKT (P=۰.۰۰۱) expression. Resistance training significantly increased all three (P=۰.۰۰۱), while cannabis alone elevated PI۳K (P=۰.۰۰۶) and AKT (P=۰.۰۰۱) but not mTOR. Combined treatment significantly restored mTOR, PI۳K, and AKT levels close to those of healthy controls (P=۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The results revealed that obesity reduced the expression of AKT, PI۳K, and mTOR in the pancreas of obese rats. However, resistance training and cannabis administration increased their expression levels.