The Effect of Aerobic Training on expression of some indices of myocardial hypertrophy and atrophy in rats

Background: Protein synthesis and degradation are dynamically regulated processes that to control the accretion or loss of muscle mass. However, the mechanisms responsible exercise-induced heart hypertrophy remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training on expression of some indices of myocardial hypertrophy and atrophy in male rats. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 16 Wistar male rats 10 weeks old with 299.74±19.32 g weight were randomly classified into control and training groups. Training group have performed an aerobic running program (at 10-18 m/min, 10-40 min/day, and 5 days/week) on a motor-driven treadmill for six weeks. At the end of six weeks heart tissue samples were collected and used for determination of gene expression (AMPK, FOXO3, MAFbx and MuRF1). Data were analyzed using Independent t test at p<0.05. Result  Six weeks aerobic training significant increases heart AMPK in rats (p=0.014). Also heart FOXO3 (p=0.022), MAFbx (p=0.032) and MuRF1 (p=0.028) was significantly decrease than training group. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise improves heart structure by improving the parameters that affect cardiac size, possibly improving cardiac function.