The Effect of high-intensity interval training with caloric restriction on gene expression of apoptosis indices HSP70 and HSP60 in the myocardium of male rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training combined with calorie restriction on the expression of HSP70 and HSP60 in the myocardium of male rats.

A total of 27 male rats were randomly divided into three groups (9 rats in each group): control, caloric restriction, and caloric restriction with high-intensity interval training. During the study, the control group had free access to water and food, but the amount of food in the food restriction group was limited to 50% and the calorie restriction-exercise group was limited to 25% of the control group. The restriction-exercise group was subjected to intense interval training for eight weeks. The gene expression of apoptotic indicators HSP70 and HSP60 was assessed using the real-time PCR method. The data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test and ANOVA test.

Body weight in both calorie restriction groups significantly decreased (P=0.001). The results of the post hoc test showed a significant increase in the expression of HSP70 and HSP60 genes in the myocardium of male rats in the calorie-restricted-exercise group compared to the calorie-restricted and control groups (P=0.001). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the two restriction and control groups in terms of HSP70 and HSP60 (P=0.102).

The combination of high-intensity interval training and mild food restriction significantly increased HSP60 and HSP70 expression.