The Effect of Two Different Intensities of Interval Training on Gene Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax Proteins in Skeletal Muscle Tissue of Male Rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of two different intensities of interval training on gene expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in skeletal muscle tissue of male rats.

In the present experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into three groups: high intensity interval training, moderate intensity interval training and control. The training groups were affected by high and moderate intensity interval training for 12 weeks. The training protocol of both groups included 12 weeks and 5 days per week of High intensity interval training and moderate intensity interval training. Real-time-PCR was obtained to measure the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

Significant differences were observed in the expression of Bcl-2 genes in the skeletal muscle of male rats in three groups (P = 0.001). The results showed that Bcl-2 gene expression in the two exercise groups was significantly higher than the control group. However, Bax gene expression was not significantly different amongst the three groups. The expression of this protein at the group's high intensity and moderate intensity interval training was 11% and 9% lower than the control group respectively.

It seems that both intensities of interval training have a strong impact in increasing the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic protein of the skeletal muscle and revealed the positive effect of interval training on cell survival.