The Effect of Periodic Exercise and Resveratrol Supplementation on the Expression of Pparg Coactivator-1 Alpha and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Genes in Gastrocnemius Muscle of Old Rats With Type 2 Diabetes

Aims: Type 2 diabetes is the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors that affect fat and glucose metabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of periodic exercise and resveratrol supplement on the expression levels of Pparg Coactivator 1-Alpha (PGC-1α) and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase (PDK4) genes in gastrocnemius muscle of old rates with type 2 diabetes. Methods & Materials: 42 male rats (mean age= 40-50 weeks; mean body weight= 250-300 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups: healthy-control, diabetic-control, Diabetic+Periodic Exercise, Diabetic+Supplement, Diabetic+Periodic Exercise+Supplement and Saline. The type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). The exercise protocol consisted of 10 sets of 1-min activities at 50% intensity and a 2-min rest period between sets, and each week the speed was increased by 2 meters per minute. The exercises were performed for eight weeks. Resveratrol supplement was injected intraperitoneally daily at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. The expressions of PDK4 and PGC-1α in the gastrocnemius muscle were measured by real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Findings: highest expression level of PDK4 and PGC-1α genes in gastrocnemius muscle was observed in the diabetic group received both periodic exercise and Resveratrol supplement and the lowest level was reported in the diabetic-control and saline groups. Conclusion The combination of resveratrol supplementation and periodic exercise can have beneficial effects on PDK4 and PGC-1α expression levels in the gastrocnemius muscle of old rats with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risks of diabetes-related complications.