The Effect of Resistance-Aerobic Training on The Expression of Sema3a and NCAM Genes and Proteins in the Soleus Muscle of Male Rats of Different Age Groups

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance-aerobic training on the expression of Sema3a and NCAM genes and proteins of Soleus muscle in male rats of different age groups. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats in three groups of 2-week-old infant (n = 10), young 6-week-old (n = 10) and 96-week-old elderly (n = 10) were divided into two groups of training and control. The training program included 6 days of resistance and aerobic training one day in between. 48 hours after the last training session, the rats were euthanized and the soleus muscle were extracted. Fluorescent microscope was used to measure Sema3a and NCAM proteins in muscle fibers. Gene expression were measured by Real Time PCR. Results: The results showed that Sema3a gene expression was not significantly different between exercise and control groups in all three age groups; however, sema3a protein expression was significantly reduced in infant and young exercise groups (P ≤ 0.001). Also, NCAM gene expression was not significantly different between training and control groups in all three age groups; while there was a significant decrease in NCAM protein expression in young and old training groups (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that resistance-aerobic training can inhibit the process of peripheral nerve damage in infant and young rats, as well as the growth and strength of the neuromuscular junction in young and elderly rats.