Effect of Resistance Training with Palm Pollen and Testosterone on Runx2 Protein and Gene Expression Levels in Bone Tissue of Adult Male Rats

Background: A healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise can improve bone mass via several mechanisms. Objectives: This study assessed the effects of four weeks of palm pollen consumption along with resistance training on protein and gene expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in bone tissue of rats. Methods: Thirty-six rats were selected and assigned into six groups, including (1) training + testosterone, (2) training + palm pollen, (3) testosterone, (4) palm pollen, (5) training and (6) sham. Then, 100 mg/kg of palm pollen was prescribed five days per week. Resistance training was performed five sessions per week, and 2 mg/kg of testosterone propionate was prescribed peritoneally. Gene expression and protein levels of Runx2 were measured via the real-time PCR and Western blot methods. Results: Training had a significant effect on the increase in Runx2 protein levels (P≤0.05). Training + testosterone, training + palm pollen, testosterone, and palm pollen had significant effects on gene expression and protein levels of Runx2 (P ≤ 0.05). Training + testosterone and training + palm pollen had more favorable effects on the increase of gene expression and protein levels of Runx2 than had testosterone, palm pollen, and training (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Although training, palm pollen, and testosterone alone could increase the Runx2 protein levels in the bone tissue of rats, training with palm pollen and training with testosterone appeared to have more favorable effects on the increase of gene expression and protein levels of Runx2 than either alone.