Resistance training inhibited the elevation of skeletal muscle derived-BDNF expression concomitant with improvement of muscle strength in zucker diabetic rat

Abstract

Purpose: In the present study, we investigated the effects of 8 weeks of progressive resistance training on the expression of skeletal muscle derived BDNF as well as glucose intolerance and muscle quality in Zucker diabetic rats. Methods: Six week-old male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Zucker lean control (ZLC) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sedentary ZLC (ZLC-Con), sedentary ZDF (ZDF-Con), and exercised ZDF (ZDF-Ex). Progressive resistance training using a ladder and tail weights was performed for 8 weeks (3 days/week). Results: After 8 weeks of resistance training, substantial reduction in body weight was observed in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con. Though the skeletal muscle volume did not change, grip strength and muscle quality significantly increased in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con. In the soleus, the expression of BDNF was increased in ZDF-Con, but was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in ZDF-Ex, showing a training effect. Moreover, we found that there was a negative correlation (r= -0.657; p=0.004) between grip strength and BDNF expression whereas there was a positive correlation (r=0.612; p=0.008) between plasma glucose level and BDNF expression in skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Based upon our results, we demonstrated that resistance training inhibited the elevation of skeletal muscle derived-BDNF expression concomitant with the improvement of muscle strength in zucker diabetic rats. In addition, muscle-derived BDNF might be a potential mediator for the preventive effect of resistance training on the progress of type 2 diabetes. Keywords: type 2 diabetes, exercise training, zucker diabetic fatty, muscle quality