The effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training on gene expression of angiogenesis factors in ischemic rats

Background and Objective: Myocardial infraction can lead to loss of heart muscle cell, changes in ventricular function and structure, scar formation as well as leading the heart to ultimate stroke and its loss. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on the gene expression of angiogenesis factors in ischemic rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 28 male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: sham, ischemia, exercise, and exercise-ischemia. Myocardial infarction (MI) was achieved via closure of LAD artery for 30 minutes. A treadmill exercise program was performed by the rats for 8 weeks, 40 minutes daily, 3 days a week. Results: The results showed that there is a significant difference between the four groups in gene expression levels of VEGF, apelin and apelin receptor (p = 0.001). Results also showed that the gene expression level of VEGF, apelin and apelin receptor was significantly increased in the exercise-ischemia group compared to sham (p = 0.04), ischemia (p = 0.002) and exercise (p = 0.009) groups. Results showed that exercise during ischemia can lead to an increase in VEGF gene expression but not in exercise group alone. On the other hand, a significant increase was observed in gene expression level of apelin following ischemic intervention compared to the sham group (p = 0.025). No difference was observed between the interval training group and sham group (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, a significant reduction in the gene expression level of apelin receptor was seen following ischemic intervention compared to the sham group (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The physiological adaptations caused by interval training are associated with different gene expressions. A regular interval training program leads to the increase of factors involved in angiogenesis and the regeneration of cardiac muscle vessels following myocardial ischemia. © 2018, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. All rights reserved