The Effect of Four Weeks of High-intensity Interval Training on PGC-1α and VEGF Protein Contents in Skeletal Muscle of Active Men

Background and Aim: Low-volume, high-intensity interval training (HIT) increase skeletal muscle aerobic capacity, yet little is known about the potential mechanisms in improvement of this adaptability. The purpose of present study was to examine the effect of four weeks of HIT on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein contents in skeletal muscle of active men. Materials and Methods: Eight active male students voluntarily and purposefully participated in this study. One week before the experiment started; subjects were familiar with protocol of research. Needle biopsy samples vastus lateralis were obtained 48 h before training and 72 h after the final training session. HIT protocol consisted of 11-15 bouts of 1 min cycling at ∼85-90% of reserve heart rate separated by 1 min of active recovery between each, 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Variables were measured by ELISA. All data were analyzed using paired t-test and at the level of significance of p ≤ 0.05. Findings: Results of study showed the four weeks of HIT lead to significant increase in PGC-1α and VEGF (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that activation of VEGF from PGC-1α pathway is part of cellular-molecular mechanisms of high-intensity interval training. So, probably angiogenesis in skeletal muscle is one of the most important factors in improving of aerobic performance, which requires more studies