Distinct Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Training on Irisin Levels and the Expression of Inflammatory Genes TGF-β, NF-κB, and SIRT1 in Intestinal Lymphocytes of Aged Rats
Keywords:
Inflammation of the intestine, TGF-β, NF-κB, SIRT1, Irisin, aerobic exercise, Resistance trainingAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic and resistance training on irisin levels and the expression of the inflammatory genes TGF-β, NF-κB, and SIRT1 in intestinal lymphocytes of aged rats, in order to evaluate noninvasive strategies to mitigate intestinal inflammation during aging. In this laboratory trial, 32 aged male Wistar rats (18 months old) were randomly assigned to four groups: healthy control (Ct), aged without training (Aged), aged with aerobic training (Aero), and aged with resistance training (Res). Training protocols were conducted for 8 weeks (5 days per week); the aerobic group trained at moderate intensity (speed 12 m/min, up to 56 minutes), while the resistance group trained with progressively increasing loads (5% to 40% of body weight, 8 climbs per session). Gene expression was measured using Real-Time PCR, and irisin levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using SPSS; two-way ANOVA was used to examine the main effects of groups and training types, Tukey's test was used for pairwise comparisons, and independent t-test was used to directly compare the aerobic and resistance groups (p < 0.05). The expression of TGF-β increased in the Aged group compared to Ct (P < 0.001) but showed a significant decrease in both training groups (Aero: 17%; Res: 22%; P < 0.05). NF-κB expression also increased in the Aged group (P < 0.001) and decreased in the training groups (Aero: 36%; Res: 40%; P < 0.001). SIRT1 expression decreased in the Aged group (P < 0.001) and increased in the training groups (Aero: 50%; Res: 67%; P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between Aero and Res for any of the three genes (P > 0.05). Irisin levels increased in both training groups, but the difference between them was not significant (P > 0.05). Aerobic and resistance training can reduce intestinal inflammation and improve intestinal health in aging. Resistance training showed stronger effects, although the differences were not statistically significant. It is recommended that resistance and aerobic training be integrated into exercise programs for the elderly to achieve optimal anti-inflammatory effects.
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