Effects of Resistance Aerobic Training on the Expression of SEMA3A and NCAM Genes and Proteins in the Soleus Muscle of Male Rats in Different Age Groups

Abstract

Background Exercise and physical activity improve damage and destructive changes in the peripheral nervous system. Objective This study aims to investigate the effects 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 A total of 30 male Wistar rats in three groups of 2-week-old (infant) (n=10), 6-week-old (young) (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. The rats were euthanized and the soleus muscle was extracted 48 h after the last training session. A fluorescent microscope was used to measure SEMA3A and NCAM proteins in muscle fibers. Gene expressions were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. 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 compared to the control group (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.