Effect of eight-week moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on FOXO1 gene expression in the heart tissue of aged rats

Mitochondrial disorder contributes to reduction of health, as well as onset and progression of the aging process. On the other hand, exercise enhances proteins, enzymes and mitochondrial function in human and animal samples. The present study aimed to evaluate eight-week moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on FOXO1 gene expression in the heart tissue of aged rats. 

In this experimental study, 24 old female rat (aging 16-18 months old, weighing 280-320 g) were randomly assigned into control (C), (MICT) and (HIIT) groups. HIIT exercises were performed with 85% to 110% VO2max intensity and 15-25 m/min speed; MICT exercises were conducted with 65% VO2max intensity and 25-25 m / min speed. Finally, the expression of FOXO1 gene was evaluated using Real time-PCR ΔΔ method and ΔΔCt formula. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test in SPSS software version 22 were used to analyze the findings (p≤0.05). 

The results of the present study showed that compared to the control group, MICT significantly reduced the expression of FOXO1 gene in heart tissue (P=0.006). While HIIT had no significant effect on reducing FOXO1 gene expression (P=0.05). The results also showed a significant reduction in the level of gene expression in the MICT group compared to the HIIT group (P=0.03).

In comparison with HIIT, MICT exercises make the expression of FOXO1 gene in the heart tissue of aged laboratory white rats reduced. Controlling this protein can prevent excessive cardiac autophagy in elderly subjects.