The Effect of 6 Weeks Endurance Training on FSTL-1, NDNF, VEGF and Vascular Changes in Healthy Male Rats

In pathological conditions, FSTL-1, NDNF and VEGF proteins have a key regulatory role in function of the cardiovascular system. Relative to the role of these factors with exercise, research is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of endurance training on FSTL-1, NDNF, VEGF and vascular changes ​​in heart muscle of male rats.

10 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 5): healthy control and exercise training. Endurance training was performed for 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 30 minutes each session, and moderate intensity (65-55% VO2max). 48 hours after the last training session, the rats were anesthetized and their heart tissue removed. ELISA method was used to measure FSTL-1, NDNF and VEGF values and staining (H&E) was used to considering of vascular changes in heart tissue. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test were used for data analysis (P <0.05).

6-week endurance training significantly increased the FSTL-1 values ​​(P = 0.002) and NDNF ​​significantly decreased (P = 0.001). The diameter of the vessels in the exercise training group decreased significantly (P = 0.073).

6 weeks of endurance training increases the amount of FSTL-1 in the heart muscle, which it seems that very effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. Considering the results of VEGF and vascular histology, the physiological effects of NDNF on the induction of cardiac angiogenesis in healthy subjects with exercise training need further studies.