The Effect of Eight Weeks of Aquatic Aerobic Training on ABCA1 and ABCG1 Genes Expression in the Blood Mononuclear Cells in Women After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of aquatic aerobic training on regulatory factors related to Reverse Cholesterol Transport in women after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: 24 middle-aged women were studied after coronary artery bypass grafting (12 were in control group and 12 in aquatic aerobic training group). The aquatic aerobic training program was performed in a pool of 1.20 m depth for eight weeks (three sessions per week with 50-75% intensity of the maximum heart rate). Furthermore, 48 hours before initiating the training program as well as 48 hours after the last training session, blood samples were taken in a fasting state. Then, Leukocytes were isolated, total cellular RNAs were extracted and complementary DNAs were synthesized. Gene expressions of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1(ABCG1) were evaluated at messenger RNA levels using real-time PCR method. The amounts of ApolipoproteinA-1(Apo A-1), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were measured in plasma using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay method. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent-sample t-test and covariance, with a significance level accepted at P < 0.05. Results: The findings showed that aquatic training was able to express ABCA1 and ABCG1 gene in women after coronary artery bypass grafting. Conclusion: The data pointed to the possibility that aquatic training during the cardiac rehabilitation period can improve the reverse cholesterol transport and can be an alternative exercise program to achieve physical preparation and rehabilitation objectives in individuals who may have trouble doing exercises on the ground.