Effect of Continuous Endurance Training on mRNA Expression of Interferon Gamma and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Male Elder Rats

Background: Aging impairs function of the heart and is associated with mechanical remodeling. This process involves accumula-tion of collagen and dysfunction in the regulation of active matrix metalloproteinase. On the other hand, exercise training improves cardiac function and regulates the increase of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as interferon gamma, yet the impact of exercise training on aging has not yet been defined. Objectives: This study examined the e ect of continuous endurance training on mRNA expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in male elder rats. Methods: For this purpose, 14 Wistar male rats with age of 24 to 26 months and an average weight of 380 ± 20 g were randomly divided to two groups, including training (n = 7) and control (n = 7). Training groups performed continuous endurance training for six weeks. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 mRNA and interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA expression in heart tissue were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. To analyze of the data, the independent t-test was used at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The findings of this statistical analysis showed that six weeks of continuous endurance training had a significant e ect on MMP-9 mRNA expression (P = 0.001). Also, this training protocol did not have a significant e ect on expression of IFN-γ gene (P = 0.628). Conclusions: Continuous endurance training attenuated aging-induced cardiac inflammation of rats. There are numerous ques-tions that remain to be answered to complete the understanding of the moderator e ects of exercise on MMP-9 and IFN-γ, as a muscle conformity or indicate an inflammatory condition.