The Effect of Aerobic Training on Tumor Growth, Adiponectin, Leptin and Ghrelin in Mice Models of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is widespread in Iran and exercise training is an adjuvant strategy for managing this illness. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training on tumor growth and its relationship with changes in adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin in mice with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this animal experimental study, which was conducted during year 2016 in Iran, 20 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided to two groups: Tumor Control (TC) and Exercise (E). The MC4L2 cancer cells were injected in the mice. The E group then performed progressive aerobic training for six weeks. Tumor volume, food intake, weight, and muscle endurance of all mice were measured weekly. At six weeks, the mice were sacrificed and tumor, gastrocnemius muscle, and heart weights were measured. Level of cytokines/hormones were quantified using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methodology in tumor, serum, muscle, and adipose tissue. Results: Aerobic exercise training was associated with a significantly decreased growth rate and final weight of the tumor (1.11 versus 2.74 g) compared to the TC group (P < 0.05). Exercising mice also had greater food intake, muscle endurance, heart weight (0.12 versus 0.09 g), and muscle weight (0.078 versus 0.045 mg) when compared with the TC group (P < 0.05). In addition, the E group had significantly increased adiponectin in all sites except the tumor, decreased leptin in all sites, and increased ghrelin in serum compared to the TC group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Aerobic exercise training in mice with breast cancer attenuated tumor burden and cachexia, and improved appetite, muscle size and function and fitness relative to non-exercising controls.