The effect of an incremental resistance training program on some apoptotic markers in the heart tissue of rats with morphine withdrawal syndrome

The use of different drugs in withdrawal syndrome usually has little effectiveness and causes the person to become dependent on new substances. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of resistance training on the level of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in the heart tissue of rats with morphine withdrawal syndrome.

In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including control, withdrawal syndrome, and incremental resistance training and incremental resistance training with withdrawal syndrome. Addiction to morphine was induced by oral administration of 0.4 mg/dL morphine sulfate for 21 days. To ensure morphine dependence, a number of rats were injected with naloxone (2mg/kg, ip). Then the training groups participated in the incremental resistance training protocol for eight weeks. Afterwards, rats were killed and their heart tissue was removed. ELISA kits were used to evaluate apoptotic factors.

A significant increase in the level of Bax protein (proapoptotic) (P=0.03) and a significant decrease in the level of Bcl-2 protein (antiapoptotic) (P=0.006) were reported in the morphine group compared to the healthy control group. In addition, the increase in Bcl-2 level (P=0.043) and the decrease in Bax protein (P=0.01) in the incremental resistance training with the withdrawal syndrome group showed a significant difference compared to the withdrawal syndrome group.

The incremental resistance training can probably have a positive and protective effect on the reduction of apoptotic factors in heart tissue in rats with morphine withdrawal syndrome.