Changes in the Expression of FOX01 and STRA13 Genes in Adipose Tissue of obese Rats Following Endurance Training and Electrical Stimulation with Calorie Restriction

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity represents an increasing disease and a cause of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, the aim of the present study was designed to investigate the changes in the expression of FOX01 and STRA13 genes within the adipose tissue of obese rats following endurance training and electrical stimulation with calorie restriction.

Methods: In this controlled experimental study, 35 male rats (8 weeks, weighing 200±19g) were randomly allocated into five equal cohorts of seven following the induction of obesity and weight gain: non-fasting, fasting alone, fasting with endurance exercise, fasting with electrical stimulation, and fasting combined with both endurance exercise and electrical stimulation. The groups were subjected to training (speed 10 to 20m/min and duration 20 to 40min), electrical stimulation (foot shock device 0.5mA and 20min) and fasting (8 to 16 hours) for four weeks. After exercise and anesthesia, adipose tissue was sampled and after performing molecular processes, gene expression was measured using PCR machine. Statistical evaluations were conducted using two-way analysis of variance at a significance level of p<0.05 with GraphPad software.

Results: The results showed that endurance training, as well as its combination with electrical stimulation, led to an increase in FOX01 and a significant decrease in STRA13 expression in rats compared to the control group (P=0.0001 and P=0.001, respectively). Furthermore, electrical stimulation alone also induced a significant increase and decrease in FOX01 and STRA13 genes (P=0.0001).

Conclusion: That seems that endurance training in fasted obese samples has had positive effects on fasted obese samples by reducing STRA13 and converting white adipose tissue into brown tissue.