Investigation of FNDC5 gene expression level as a myokine in Wistar Rats under chronic immobilized stress and spinach hydroalcoholic extract treatment

Irisin was a putative myokine that is induced by exercise and produced by cleavage of the FNDC5 (fibronectin domain-containing protein 5). This hormone secretes from the skeletal muscle and increases energy consumption and weight loss. Immobilization stress could be influence the function and secretion of myokines like irisin. Antioxidant compounds may reduce the side effects of stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of spinach hydro alcoholic extract on FNDC5 gene expression in skeletal muscle tissue of immobilized stressed Rats. 30 rats in 6 groups, including control, the stress group, the experimental group with stress and 200, 400 mg/Kg doses of spinach extracts treatment. All rats freely had rodent s food and water. After 6 weeks’ rats were dissected and their muscle tissues were used for RNA extraction. After cDNA synthesized gene expression level investigated by Quantitative real-time PCR. Chronic immobilization significantly reduced the expression of FNDC5 in the skeletal muscles. In hand muscle, spinach extract increased FNDC5 expression at 400 mg/Kg doses, but did not significantly affect the effect of stress. In the foot muscle, 200 mg/Kg dose extract significantly reduced the effect of chronic immobilized stress. Chronic immobilization caused a significant decrease in the expression of FNDC5 gene. Reducing the expression of FNDC5 gene can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the spinach extract can reduce the negative effects of stress. If an extract could stimulate the irisin hormone it might be act as exercise and is important for health.