The Combined Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training and Soy Isoflavone Diet on MicroRNA-133 Gene in Ovariectomized Rats

Background: The combination of exercise and soy extract supplementation decreases cardiac related disease risk in postmenopausal women. Objectives: We assessed the combined impacts of soy isoflavone (IF) supplementation and exercise on the expression of microRNA-133 gene in ovariectomized rats’ hearts. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 female Wistar rats, which were assigned to five groups, including sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized with soy IF supplementation (OVX + IF), OVX with exercise (OVX + HIIT), and OVX with both soy IFs and exercise (OVX + IF + HIIT). The experimental rats underwent high-intensity interval training (5 days/week) and/or supplied a soy IF supplementation for six weeks. The cardiac microRNA-133 gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR after six weeks of intervention. Results: Ovariectomy down-regulated cardiac microRNA133 gene expression, but 42 days of IF administration or HIIT reversed this effect (P > 0.05). The HIIT reversed estrogen-deficiency-related microRNA-133 down-regulation greater than IF or combining IF and HIIT (P > 0.05). The OVX + IF and OVX + IF + HIIT (P > 0.05) showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Our results suggested that treatment with exercise, soy IF, and the combined treatment could benefit microRNA-133 in ovariectomized rats. This effect was significant when exercise alone was used to induce treatment. Thus, these treatments could offer protection in the menopausal period.