The effect of high-intensity interval training with caloric restriction on gene expression of apoptosis indices HSP70 and HSP60 in the myocardium of male rats

Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training combined with calorie restriction on the expression of HSP70 and HSP60 in the myocardium of male rats. Methods: A total of 27 male rats were randomly divided into three groups (9 rats in each group): control, caloric restriction, and caloric restriction with high-intensity interval training. During the study, the control group had free access to water and food, but the amount of food in the food restriction group was limited to 50% and the calorie restriction-exercise group was limited to 25% of the control group. The restriction-exercise group was subjected to intense interval training for eight weeks. The gene expression of apoptotic indicators HSP70 and HSP60 was assessed using the real-time PCR method. The data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test and ANOVA test. Results: Body weight in both calorie restriction groups significantly decreased (P=0.001). The results of the post hoc test showed a significant increase in the expression of HSP70 and HSP60 genes in the myocardium of male rats in the calorie-restricted-exercise group compared to the calorie-restricted and control groups (P=0.001). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the two restriction and control groups in terms of HSP70 and HSP60 (P=0.102). Conclusion: The combination of high-intensity interval training and mild food restriction significantly increased HSP60 and HSP70 expression.