Blood tissue expresses a molecular signature of endurance exercise training (711.9)

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify a PBMC gene expression signature in response to endurance training. We also aimed to identify transcripts associated with changes in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Methods: Healthy untrained policemen recruits (n=13; 25 ± 3 yrs; BMI 27.0 ± 2.8 kg∙m‐2) were selected. VO2peak (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and total RNA were obtained before and after 18 weeks of running endurance training (3 times/wk; 60min), for whole‐genome expression analysis (GeneChip® Human Gene 1.0 ST). Results: Training induced changes (Δ) in VO2peak (0.27±0.28 l∙min‐1, P=0.09) and a differential regulation of 211 transcripts (P<0.05; fold change>1.3). Baseline expression levels of 98 transcripts were strongly correlated with absolute ΔVO2peak (r>0.75; P<0.01). Differentially regulated transcripts were mostly represented in immune response of heat shock proteins and cytokines (HSPA1A, IL‐1), cell cycle regulation of differentiation and post‐translational modification processes (Histone H1, PLK1, SUMO‐1) and growth factors (EGR1, GH) activation and signalling. Conclusions: We describe a transcriptional map regulated by endurance training, ocurring in easily accessed PBMCs. Future research will focus on establishing transcriptional markers of trainability.Grant Funding Source: Supported by FAPESP #2005/59740‐7; CNPq #482863/2011‐0