Simultaneous effects of nanocurcumin supplementation and resistance training on TERF2 gene expression and p21-p53 axis in muscle tissue of male rats

Background and Aim: Apoptosis is regulated by a complex interplay of gene products that either activate or inhibit this process. This study aimed at assessing the combined impact of nanocurcumin supplementation and resistance training on TERF2 (Telomeric Repeat Binding Factor 2) gene expression and the p21-p53 axis in the muscle tissue of male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: a healthy control group, a resistance training group, a nanocurcumin group, and a resistance training + nanocurcumin group. Resistance training was conducted over a 4-week period following a specific protocol. Concurrently, rats in the nanocurcumin groups received 80 mg of the supplement per kilogram of body weight. The expression levels of TERF2, p53, and p21 genes were assessed using the Real-Time PCR method. Results: The results showed significant differences in the expression levels of TERF2, p53, and p21 genes among the four groups (P<0.05). In the resistance training + nanocurcumin group, the expression of TERF2, p53, and p21 genes was significantly higher compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, p53 gene expression in the resistance training group was significantly higher than in the nanocurcumin supplement group (P<0.05). The combined resistance training and nanocurcumin supplementation did not significantly affect the expression of the TERF2 gene in the muscle tissue of male rats compared to either training or supplementation alone (P<0.05). Furthermore, the synergistic effect of resistance training and supplementation significantly increased the expression of p21 and p53 genes (P<0.05). Conclusion: Resistance training and nanocurcumin supplementation enhance TERF2 gene expression, potentially reducing telomere shortening and aging. Moreover, the upregulation of p53 and p21 gene expression during resistance training and nanocurcumin supplementation may induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.