The Effect of 4 week resistance training on male rat hepatic ABCA1 protein plasma HDL-C levels

ABCA1, a member of ABC (ATP-binding cassette transporters) family in mammals plays a fundamental role in HDL-C remodeling and thus prevent atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of hepatic ABCA1 and plasma of HDL-C levels of male Wistar rats following four weeks of resistance training. 16 male Wistar rats with the age of 12-14 weeks and a mean body weight of 290± 10g were used. Rats were divided in Two groups of control (n=8) and exercise (n=8). Resistance training consisted of climbing a one meter ladder (26 stairs and 80 degree angle with the ground) with weights tied to the tail of the animal. ELISA kit was used to evaluate the amount of ABCA1 and apoA-I and Plasma HDL level was determined by enzymatic immune method. For data analysis, independent T test was used. The resultes showed that ABCA1 in the liver of rats was higher for about 25 percent higher than the control group, but was not statistically significant. Plasma HDL levels were not significantly different between two groups. Moreover, despite some increases in apoA-I levels they were not statistically significant. Thus, despite the fact that four weeks of resistance training didn’t make statistically significant changes in ABCA1 and HDL and apoA-I, but according to the trend of the data this resistance training protocol seemed to be partly effective Possibly, better results can be achieved by increasing the intensity and leng of the the execises, or by designing a beter combination of exercises.