Investigating the Impact of Resistance Training on Myokines Gene Expression in the Skeletal Muscle of Rats

Introduction: Myokines are produced in response to contractions and mechanical stress caused by exercise and plays a key role in muscle regeneration or control of some diseases. The role of resistance training in the secretion of myokines has been less investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of resistance training on the expression of musclin, apelin and decorin genes in the soleus muscle of male Wistar rats. Methods: The present study was experimental. Sixteen 8-week-old male Wistar rats with an average weight of 223±16.99 grams were randomly divided into 2 groups of control (n=8) and resistance training (n=8). After familiarizing the animals with the laboratory environment and resistance training on the ladder, the rats in the resistance training group trained on the ladder for 4 weeks, 3 days per week. Expression values of musclin, apelin and decorin genes of soleus muscle were measured by RT-PCR method. To analyze the data, independent t test was used at the level of p<0.05 using SPSS version 16 statistical software. Results: The results of this study showed that performing 4 weeks of resistance training on a regular basis can significantly increase musclin (p=0.0004), apelin (p<0.0001) and decorin (p=0.0078) in the slow-twitch soleus muscle compared to the control group. Conclusion: It seems that doing resistance exercises regularly in a short period of time can significantly increase some myokines in slow-twitch muscles, which can have beneficial and preventive effects against lifestyle-related diseases.