Effect of Exercise and Kelussia Odaratissma Mozaff on the Expression of Atrogin-1 Gene in Cardiac Tissue of Obese Rats

Introduction: The Atrogin-1 gene is selectively expressed only in muscle tissue. Considering the importance of the Kelussia and Atrogin-1 gene, this study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise and Kelussia on the expression of Atrogin-1 gene in the heart tissue of obese rats. Material & Methods: In total, 30 adult male Wistar rats weighing 180 to 200 g were selected and divided into five groups of control, negative control (obese mice), two treatment groups receiving doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg of Kelussia extract, and a group of obese mice along with exercise. It should be noted that a rat treadmill was used in which the rats were placed on the device five days a week for one hour. Atrogin-1 gene expression was assessed using Real-time (RT)-PCR technique, and finally, the results were analyzed using SPSS software through an independent t-test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. (Ethic code: IR.IAU.SHK.REC.1399.050) Findings: The results showed that Kelussia extract at a dose of 800 mg/kg could significantly reduce the expression of Atrogin-1 gene (1.15±0.33b), compared to 400 (1.27±0.50ab) and the obese group. On the other hand, the group of mice with exercise also had a significant decrease in Atrogin-1 gene expression, compared to the obese group (1.75±0.84ab). The results of biochemical tests also confirmed the improvement of the heart of obese mice with 800 mg/kg. Discussion & Conclusion: Kelussia due to compounds, such as flavonoids, can reduce the expression of Atrogin-1 gene. If it is confirmed in future studies, it can be a therapeutic target in the hearts of obese people.