Effect of different resistance-training regimens on the WNT-signaling pathway

Author(s)

Leal, Marcelo Larciprete ; Lamas, Leonardo ; Aoki, Marcelo Saldanha ; Ugrinowitsch, Carlos ; Carneiro Ramos, Marcela Sorelli ; Tricoli, Valmor ; Moriscot, Anselmo Sigari

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY; v. 111, n. 10, p. 11-pg., 2011-10-01.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of strength and power training on the expression of genes related to the canonical WNT pathway and beta-catenin protein levels in physically active men. Twenty-five subjects (27.4 +/- A 4.6 years) were balanced based on their relative maximum strength in the squat exercise (squat 1RM/body mass) and randomly assigned to strength training (ST) (n = 10), power training (PT) (n = 10), and control (C) (n = 5) groups. The ST and the PT groups performed high and low intensity squats, respectively, thrice a week, for 8 weeks. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were collected before and after the training period. Relative strength and power increased similarly in both ST and PT groups (P < 0.001). Fiber cross-sectional area also increased similarly in both ST and PT groups. Gene expression and beta-catenin protein expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. Certain genes were up-regulated in the ST group (WNT1: 6.4-fold, P < 0.0001; SFRP1: 3.3-fold, P < 0.0001 and LEF1: 7.3-fold, P < 0.0001) and also in the PT group (WNT1: 24.9-fold, P < 0.0001; SFRP1: 2.7-fold, P < 0.0001; LEF1: 34.1-fold, P < 0.0001 and Cyclin D1: 7.7-fold, P < 0.001). In addition, the expression of key WNT pathway genes was substantially more responsive to PT than to ST (WNT1: P < 0.0001; LEF1: P < 0.0001 and Cyclin D1: P < 0.001). Finally, the total beta-catenin protein content increased only in the PT group (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that a PT regimen triggers greater responses in key elements of the WNT pathway. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/00302-3 - Strength training with vibration: analysis of the determinant factors of vertical jump performance improvement
• Grantee: Carlos Ugrinowitsch
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 06/61523-7 - Cellular and molecular aspects of muscular plasticity
• Grantee: Anselmo Sigari Moriscot
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants