The effect of eight weeks of endurance training on the levels of proteins related to mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics in the left ventricle of aged rats

Background and Aim: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in cardiac function. Endurance training has been shown to positively impact heart health in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of endurance training on the levels of proteins associated with mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics in the left ventricle of aged rats. Methods: This experimental study involved 12 male rats, aged 20 months, with an average weight of 400 ± 30 grams. The rats were randomly assigned to either an endurance training group or a control group, with six rats in each group. The endurance training program consisted of sessions at 55-75% of maximum speed (m/min) each week. The maximum speed started at approximately 12 meters per minute in the first week and increased to about 33 meters per minute by the end of the eighth week. Following a 48-hour period after the last training session, the left ventricle was excised, and the levels of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and PARKIN were measured using the western blot method. Results: Eight weeks of endurance training resulted in a significant increase in PINK1 protein levels in the left ventricle of elderly rats (P = 0.005). However, PARKIN protein levels did not show a significant change after the eight-week training period (P = 0.227). Conclusion: The findings suggest that an eight-week endurance training program, conducted at an appropriate intensity, can enhance mitochondrial quality control in the left ventricle of aged rats. However, further research is warranted to explore this area more comprehensively.