Effects of Phoenix dactylifera extract and testosterone enanthate with and without resistance training on MFN2, FISS and DRP1 genes expression in liver of rat

The use of testosterone enanthate has increased among athletes, especially in resistance disciplines. Considering the side effects of using testosterone enanthate, it seems necessary to find alternative methods. The present study compared the independent and interactive effects of resistance training, testosterone and palm pollen extract on mRNA expression of MFN2, FISS and DRP1 genes in male rat liver.

In a experimental study, 30 male rats were divided into control groups, resistance training, date pollen extract, testosterone ethanate, consumption of date pollen extract + resistance training and testosterone etantate + resistance training. The interventions were applied based on the group name for four weeks. 48 hours after the last intervention, the liver tissue was investigated to measure the expression of MFN2, FISS and DRP1 genes.

Exercise, testosterone and date pollen, each independently, increased the expression of MFN2 gene and decreased the expression of FISS and DRP1 genes in the liver. The simultaneous use of exercise and testosterone/palm pollen strengthened the effect of independent interventions; however, the synergistic effect was observed only on liver FISS gene expression compared to independent interventions.

According to the results of the groups consuming date pollen and testosterone, it seems that the use of each of them has caused a similar pattern of change in the variables of the present study; therefore, the use of date pollen may be a natural alternative to testosterone.