Objective      To determine the effects of exercise on gut barrier function as well as hepatic inflammation and fat accumulation in high-fat fed mice

and further investigate the potential association of gut barrier function with hepatic inflammation and fat accumulation.       Methods      A total of 27 C57BL/6 mice were randomly and equally divide into 3 groups

that is

normal diet plus sedentary lifestyle (ND group)

high-fat diet plus sedentary lifestyle (HFD group)

and high-fat diet plus exercise training (HFD-EX group). Mice in the HFD-EX group were trained on a treadmill. In 8 weeks later

the contents of biochemical indexes and inflammatory cytokines in the plasma and liver were tested. Liver tissues were observed by HE staining and Oil Red O staining. Intestine tissues were analyzed for histological changes by transmission electron microscopy.       Results      Compared with ND group

the plasma levels of T-CHO

TG

LDL-C

hepatic contents of TG and T-CHO

and the expression levels of TLR4

TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver were significantly increased in the HFD group (P0.05). Compared with the HFD group

the plasma levels of TG

LPS and FBG

the hepatic TG and T-CHO

and the expression levels of TLR4

TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver were obviously decreased in the HFD-EX group (P0.05). Hepatic morphological observation indicated that the accumulation of fat vacuoles and lipid droplets were significantly enhanced in the HFD group than the ND group

but decreased in the HFD-EX group than with HFD group. Transmission electron microscopy displayed that sparser epithelial microvilli and wider tight junction were observed in intestinal mucosa of the HFD group than the ND group

and more microvilli and narrowed tight junction were seen in the HFD-EX group when compared with the HFD group.       Conclusion      Exercise training reduces hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation

which possibly by regulating intestinal barrier function.