Effect of Eight Weeks of Resistance Training on Some Signaling Factors Affecting on the Satellite Cells in Wistar Rats



Borujeny AK^{1, 2} ; Marandi M^{1, 2} ; Javanmard SH³ ; Rajabi H^{4, 5} ; Burojeny ZK^{4, 5} ; Behzadi MK⁶ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on some signaling factors including myostatin, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) which affect satellite cells in Wistar rats. Methods: 20 adult male Wistar rats (150-250 g) provided by the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were randomly divided into 2 groups [control group n = 10 (C); resistance training group n = 10 (R)]. Resistance training was conducted for 8 weeks (5 sessions/week) on a special 1-meter high ladder (divided by 26 stairs) with the loading of 30% of body weight (suspended from the tail) in the first week and increased to 200% of body weight in the last week. Training included 3 sets of 4 reps with 3 minutes rest between sets. Findings: T-test analysis of the changes of all three myostatin, TGF-β and FGF-2 factors showed that the mean plasma level of myostatin decreased [71.8 ± 19.6 mg/dl (R) ver. 105.8 ± 17.4 mg/dl (C); P = 0.001], but the level of FGF-2 increased significantly [102.4 ± 11.1 mg/dl (R) ver. 86.5 ± 12.6 mg/dl (C); P = 0.048] in resistance training group. In contrast, the serum level of TGF-β was not statistically different between the two groups [153.4 ± 54.0 mg/dl (R); 160.6 ± 32.8 mg/dl (C); P = 0.725]. Conclusion: This study showed that resistance training reduces serum levels of myostatin and increases serum levels of FGF-2 that both are factors affecting satellite cells that play a role in increasing muscle strength. Although not being significant between groups, the serum level of TGF-β was reduced in the experimental group.