Effect of progressive fencing exercis training on gene expression and serum activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in elite girls fencer

  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in skeletal muscle. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks progressive fencing exercises on MMP2 activity and gene expression in elite fencer girls. In this study, 19 young athlete girls were voluntarily selected and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. Subjects in the experimental group performed five sessions of progressive fencing exercise per week for 8 weeks, while the control group didn't participate in any exercise programs. A Fasting blood sample was taken from all participants before, after four weeks and finally 48 hours after the exercise program. MMP2 gene expression was measured using Real time-PCR and Serum MMP2 activity was measured by ELISA method. Finally, to compare the mean of mmp2 gene expression in experimental and control group, independent t-test was used. Results showed that expression of MMP2 mRNA was significantly decreased following eight week progressive fencing exercises in the exercise group in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). Proteinase activity of MMP2 and gene expression of this enzyme is reduced in active individuals after progressive fencing training; in conclusion physical activity reduces the degradation of extracellular matrix and muscle tissue injury in elite fencer girls.