Interrelated but Not Time-Aligned Response in Myogenic Regulatory Factors Demethylation and mRNA Expression after Divergent Exercise Bouts.

INTRODUCTION: DNA methylation regulates exercise-induced changes in the skeletal muscle transcriptome. However, the specificity and the time course responses in the myogenic regulatory factors DNA methylation and mRNA expression after divergent exercise modes are unknown. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the time course changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression for selected myogenic regulatory factors ( MYOD1 , MYF5 , and MYF6 ) immediately after, 4 h after, and 8 h after a single bout of resistance exercise (RE), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and concurrent exercise (CE). METHODS: Nine healthy but untrained males (age, 23.9 ± 2.8 yr; body mass, 70.1 ± 14.9 kg; peak oxygen uptake [V̇O 2peak ], 41.4 ± 5.2 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; mean ± SD) performed a counterbalanced, randomized order of RE (4 × 8-12 repetition maximum), HIIE (12 × 1 min sprints at V̇O 2peak running velocity), and CE (RE followed by HIIE). Skeletal muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were taken before (REST) immediately (0 h), 4 h, and 8 h after each exercise bout. RESULTS: Compared with REST, MYOD1 , MYF5 , and MYF6 , mean methylation across all CpGs analyzed was reduced after 4 and 8 h in response to all exercise protocols ( P < 0.05). Reduced levels of MYOD1 methylation were observed after HIIE and CE compared with RE ( P < 0.05). Compared with REST, all exercise bouts increased mRNA expression over time ( MYOD1 at 4 and 8 h, and MYF6 at 4 h; P < 0.05). MYF5 mRNA expression was lower after 4 h compared with 0 h and higher at 8 h compared with 4 h ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an interrelated but not time-aligned response between the exercise-induced changes in myogenic regulatory factors demethylation and mRNA expression after divergent exercise modes. Despite divergent contractile stimuli, changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression in skeletal muscle were largely confined to the late (4-8 h) recovery period and similar between the different exercise challenges.

Resistance training variable manipulations are less relevant than intrinsic biology in affecting muscle fiber hypertrophy.

We aimed to investigate whether muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) and associated molecular processes could be differently affected at the group and individual level by manipulating resistance training (RT) variables. Twenty resistance-trained subjects had each leg randomly allocated to either a standard RT (RT-CON: without specific variables manipulations) or a variable RT (RT-VAR: manipulation of load, volume, muscle action, and rest interval at each RT session). Muscle fCSA, satellite cell (SC) pool, myonuclei content, and gene expression were assessed before and after training (chronic effect). Gene expression was assessed 24 h after the last training session (acute effect). RT-CON and RT-VAR increased fCSA and myonuclei domain in type I and II fibers after training (p < 0.05). SC and myonuclei content did not change for both conditions (p > 0.05). Pax-7, MyoD, MMP-2 and COL3A1 (chronic) and MGF, Pax-7, and MMP-9 (acute) increased similar for RT-CON and RT-VAR (p < 0.05). The increase in acute MyoG expression was significantly higher for the RT-VAR than RT-CON (p < 0.05). We found significant correlation between RT-CON and RT-VAR for the fCSA changes (r = 0.89). fCSA changes were also correlated to satellite cells (r = 0.42) and myonuclei (r = 0.50) changes. Heatmap analyses showed coupled changes in fCSA, SC, and myonuclei responses at the individual level, regardless of the RT protocol. The high between and low within-subject variability regardless of RT protocol suggests that the intrinsic biological factors seem to be more important to explain the magnitude of fCSA gains in resistance-trained subjects.

Time Course of Skeletal Muscle miRNA Expression after Resistance, High-Intensity Interval, and Concurrent Exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise-induced microRNA (miRNA) expression has been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle plasticity. However, the specificity and acute time course in miRNA expression after divergent exercise modes are unknown. In a randomized crossover design, we compared the acute expression profile of eight skeletal muscle miRNAs previously reported to be involved in skeletal muscle development, growth, and maintenance after a bout of either resistance exercise (RE), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and concurrent resistance and high-intensity interval exercises (CE). METHODS: Nine untrained young men (23.9 ± 2.8 yr, 70.1 ± 14.9 kg, 177.2 ± 3.0 cm, 41.4 ± 5.2 mL·kg-1·min-1) underwent a counterbalanced crossover design in which they performed bouts of RE (2 × 10 repetitions maximum 45° leg press and leg extension exercises), HIEE (12 × 1-min sprints at V˙O2peak with 1-min rest intervals between sprints), and CE (RE followed by HIIE), separated by 1 wk. Vastus lateralis biopsies were harvested immediately before (Pre) and immediately (0 h), 4 h, and 8 h after each exercise bout. RESULTS: There were similar increases (main effect of time; P < 0.05) in miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b, miR-181a-3p, and miR-486 expression at 8 h from Pre with all exercise modes. Besides a main effect of time, miR-23a-3p and miR-206 presented a main effect of condition with lower expression after HIIE compared with RE and CE. CONCLUSIONS: Select miRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b, miR-23a-3p, miR-181a-3p, miR-206, miR-486) do not exhibit an expression specificity in the acute recovery period after a single bout of RE, HIIE, or CE in skeletal muscle. Our data also indicate that RE has a higher effect on the expression of miR-23a-3p and miR-206 than HIIE. As upregulation of these miRNAs seems to be confined to the 8-h period after exercise, this may subsequently affect the expression patterns of target mRNAs forming the basis of exercise-induced adaptive responses.

High-frequency resistance training does not promote greater muscular adaptations compared to low frequencies in young untrained men.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of resistance training (RT) frequencies of five times (RT5), thrice- (RT3) or twice- (RT2) weekly in muscle strength and hypertrophy in young men. Were used a within-subjects design in which 20 participants had one leg randomly assigned to RT5 and the other to RT3 or to RT2. 1 RM and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed at baseline, after four (W4) and eight (W8) RT weeks. RT5 resulted in greater total training volume (TTV) than RT3 and RT2 (P = .001). 1 RM increased similarly between protocols at W4 (RT5: 55 ± 9 Kg, effect size (ES): 1.18; RT3: 51 ± 11 Kg, ES: 0.80; RT2: 54 ± 7 Kg, ES: 1.13; P < .0001) and W8 (RT5: 62 ± 11 Kg, ES: 1.81; RT3: 57 ± 11 Kg, ES: 1.40; RT2: 60 ± 8 Kg, ES: 1.98; P < .0001) vs. baseline (RT5: 45 ± 9 Kg; RT3: 42 ± 11 Kg; RT2: 46 ± 7 Kg). CSA increased similarly between protocols at W4 (RT5: 24.6 ± 3.9 cm2, ES: 0.54; RT3: 22.0 ± 4.6 cm2, ES: 0.19; RT2: ES: 0.25; 23.8 ± 3.8 cm2; P < .001), and W8 (RT5: 25.3 ± 4.3 cm2; ES: 0.69; RT3: 23.6 ± 4.2 cm2, ES: 0.58; RT2: 25.5 ± 3.7 cm2; ES: 0.70; P < .0001) vs. baseline (RT5: 22.5 ± 3.8 cm2; RT3: 21.2 ± 4.0 cm2; RT2: 22.9 ± 3.8 cm2). Performing RT5, RT3 and RT2 a week result in similar muscle strength increase and hypertrophy, despite higher TTV for RT5.

Sixteen weeks of resistance training can decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome in healthy postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The postmenopausal phase has been considered an aggravating factor for developing metabolic syndrome. Notwithstanding, no studies have as yet investigated the effects of resistance training on metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify whether resistance training could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Twenty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a resistance training protocol (n = 10, 53.40 ± 3.95 years, 64.58 ± 9.22 kg) or a control group (n = 10, 53.0 ± 5.7 years, 64.03 ± 5.03 kg). In the resistance training protocol, ten exercises were performed, with 3 × 8-10 maximal repetitions three times per week, and the load was increased every week. Two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate specific metabolic syndrome Z-score, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, waist circumference, blood pressure, strength, and body composition. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The main results demonstrated a significant decrease of metabolic syndrome Z-score when the postmenopausal women performed resistance training (P = 0.0162). Moreover, we observed decreases in fasting blood glucose for the resistance training group (P = 0.001), and also significant improvements in lean body mass (P = 0.042, 2.46%), reduction of body fat percentage (P = 0.001, -6.75%) and noticeable increases in muscle strength after resistance training to leg press (P = 0.004, 41.29%) and bench press (P = 0.0001, 27.23%). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that resistance training performed three times a week may reduce the metabolic syndrome Z-score with concomitant decreases in fasting blood glucose, improvements in body composition, and muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

Comparison of maximal muscle strength of elbow flexors and knee extensors between younger and older men with the same level of daily activity.

BACKGROUND: Aging promotes neuromuscular loss, significantly reducing muscle strength. The magnitude of loss of strength seems to be different between the limbs, probably because of differences in activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, the present study compared the muscle strength of the elbow flexors and knee extensors in younger (n = 7, mean age 23.3 ± 1.2 years) and older (n = 5, mean age 61.8 ± 2.6 years) men matched by ADL level. METHODS: The study participants performed maximal concentric, isometric, and eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors and knee extensors using an isokinetic dynamometer following a crossover study design. Changes in the dependent variables were compared using mixed model analysis (limb versus age). RESULTS: The main results demonstrated that concentric, eccentric, and mean contraction torques for knee extensors were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for younger men than for elderly men. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in concentric, isometric, eccentric, and mean torques for elbow flexors between younger and older individuals. CONCLUSION: These results show that elbow flexors maintain better strength than knee extensors through aging, even when comparing individuals with similar ADL levels.

Efeito do treinamento concorrente sobre a força e hipertrofia muscular de mulheres na pós-menopausa / Effect of concurrent training on muscle hypertrophy and strength of postmenopausal women

A associação do treinamento de força (TF) e aeróbio (TA), conhecido com treinamento concorrente (TC), parece diminuir os ganhos de força e hipertrofia muscular quando comparado ao TF isolado. Dessa forma, esse estudo teve como objetivo comparar os efeitos de16 semanas de TF e TC sobre os indicadores de hipertrofia e a força muscular em mulheres de meia-idade na pós-menopausa. Participaram 24 mulheres, não ativas fisicamente, subdivididas em três grupos: Grupo TC (n=8), Grupo TF (n=8) e Grupo Controle (n=8). Os treinamentos foram compostos de duas etapas (E1 e E2) com duração de oito semanas cada, e frequência de três sessões/semana (TF: 10 exercícios com 3 x 8-10 RM; TC: 6 exercícios com 3 x 8-10 RM, seguido de 30 min de caminhada ou corrida a 55-85% VO2pico). Foram avaliadas a área muscular de coxa (AMC), força máxima e consumo pico de oxigênio (VO2pico). Os resultados demonstraram aumento na força máxima nos exercícios leg press, supino reto e rosca direta para o TF e TC, sem diferença entre eles. Com relação aos indicadores hipertróficos não houve aumento na AMC para o TF e TC. Houve aumento do VO2pico somente para o TC. Dessa forma, podemos concluir que o TC, realizado com as recomendações mínimas de TA preconizadas pelo American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), não promoveu efeito de interferência na força máxima e hipertrofia muscular de mulheres de meia-idade na pós-menopausa.

The combination of strength (TF) and aerobic training (TA), known as concurrent training (TC), seems to diminish the muscle strength and hypertrophy gains when compared with isolated TF. This study aimed to compare the effects of 16 weeks of concurrent training (TC) and resistance training (TF) on hypertrophic indicators and muscle strength of middle-aged postmenopausal women. Participated 24 non-active women randomly assigned in three groups: TC (n=8), TP (n=8) and control group (GC, n=8). Both training protocols were divided in two phases lasting eight weeks with a three weeks sessions frequency (TF: 10 exercises, 3x8-10 RM; TC: 6 exercises, 3x8-10 RM followed by 30 min of walking or running at 55-85% VO2peak). It were assessed thigh muscle area (AMC), muscle strength and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Our data showed that both training protocols (i.e., TF and TC) significantly increased maximal strength in leg press, bench press and arm curl without differences between groups. Regarding the hypertrophic indicators there was no difference in AMC for both training groups. VO2peak significantly increased only for TC. Thus, our data showed that when TC is held closely to the minimum of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendation for aerobic training, no interference effect is observed in muscle strength and hypertrophic indicators in middle-aged postmenopausal women.

Efeito do treinamento concorrente sobre a força e área de secção transversa muscular / Effects of concurrent training on strength and muscle cross sectional area

O treinamento de força (TF) induz aumentos na força e hipertrofia muscular. Por outro lado, o treinamento aeróbio (TA) é capaz de elevar a potência aeróbia (VO2pico). Porém a associação entre o TF e TA, conhecido como treinamento concorrente (TC), parece diminuir os ganhos de força e hipertrofia muscular quando comparado ao TF isolado. Dessa forma, esse estudo comparou os efeitos de 16 semanas de TF, TA e TC na área de secção transversa de coxa (ASTC) e força muscular em 49 homens de meia-idade idade não ativos fisicamente. Para tanto os sujeitos foram randomizados em TF (n=12), TA (n=12), TC (n=12) e grupo controle (GC, n=13). Os protocolos de treinamento foram compostos de duas etapas (E1 e E2) com duração de oito semanas cada, e frequência de três sessões/semana (TF: 10 exercícios 3 x 8 10RM; TA: 60 min de caminhada ou corrida a 55-85%VO2pico; TC: 6 exercícios 3 x 8-10RM somados de 30 min de caminhada ou corrida a 55-85%VO2pico; GC não realizou nenhum protocolo de treinamento durante o período do estudo). A ASTC foi mensurada pela equação de Knapik; força máxima por teste de 1-RM; VO2pico por meio de teste ergométrico em esteira. Os principais resultados demonstraram que o TF e TC obtiveram aumentos similares da ASTC (5,7 e 5,6%; respectivamente) e concomitante aumento da força máxima no exercício leg press após 16 semanas de intervenção (48,6 e 54,8%; respectivamente). Os resultados referentes ao VO2pico evidenciaram aumentos similares apenas para os grupos TC (14,8%) e TA (21,7%) após a intervenção. Dessa forma, concluímos que o protocolo de TC utilizado no presente estudo, não promove o efeito de interferência na ASTC e força muscular de membros inferiores de homens de meia-idade.

Strength training (TF) promotes muscle hypertrophy and enhances muscle strength. On the other hand, endurance training (TA) raises the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). However, the association between TF and TA, known as concurrent training (TC), might impair gains of muscle hypertrophy and strength compared to isolated TF. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of 16 weeks of TF, TA and TC in muscle strength and thigh cross sectional area (AST) in 49 non-physically active middle-aged men. Subjects were randomized in TF (n=12), TA (n=12), TC (n=12) and control group (GC, n=13). Trainings were composed of two periods (E1 and E2) of 8 weeks each and frequency of 3 days/week (TF: 10 exercises-3x8-10RM; TA: 60 min of walking or running; TC: 6 exercises-3x8-10RM followed by 30 min of walking or running at 55-85%VO2peak; GC did not performed any training during study period). Thigh AST was analyzed through the equation of Knapik; muscle strength through 1-RM test; VO2peak through a cardiorespiratory treadmill test. Main results showed that TF and TC enhanced similarly muscle strength in leg press (5,7 e 5,6%; respectively) and thigh AST (48,6 e 54,8%; respectively) following 16 weeks of intervention. The results regarding VO2peak demonstrated similar increases for TC (14,8%) and TA (21,7%) after intervention. We concluded that 16 weeks of TC did not produce the interference effect either for thigh AST or lower limbs muscle strength in middle-aged men.