Jacqueline T. Jonker1, Ralph L. Widya2,
Sebastiaan Hammer2, Linda D. van Schinkel1, Rutger W.
van Der Meer2, Eelco J. P. de Koning3, Henk J. G. Bilo4,
Andrew Webb2, Hermien E. Kan2, Hildo J. Lamb2
1Endocrinology, Leiden
University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands; 2Radiology,
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands; 3Nephrology,
Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands; 4Internal
Medicine, Isala klinieken (Sophia), Zwolle, Netherlands
Ectopic fat accumulation in type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Although changes in diet have beneficial effects on ectopic fat accumulation, this is less clear for effects of exercise training. The purpose of the present study was to assess effects of a 7-month exercise program on ectopic fat accumulation in heart, liver and skeletal muscle measured by 1H-MRS at 1.5T and 7T. 7-month exercise decreases hepatic TG content. Myocardial and myocellular lipid content remained unchanged. Therefore, exercise intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus induces tissue-specific changes in ectopic fat distribution.