Effect of different resistance-training regimens on the WNT-signaling pathway

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Oct;111(10):2535-45. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-1874-7. Epub 2011 Mar 2.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of strength and power training on the expression of genes related to the canonical WNT pathway and β-catenin protein levels in physically active men. Twenty-five subjects (27.4 ± 4.6 years) were balanced based on their relative maximum strength in the squat exercise (squat 1RM/body mass) and randomly assigned to strength training (ST) (n = 10), power training (PT) (n = 10), and control (C) (n = 5) groups. The ST and the PT groups performed high and low intensity squats, respectively, thrice a week, for 8 weeks. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were collected before and after the training period. Relative strength and power increased similarly in both ST and PT groups (P < 0.001). Fiber cross-sectional area also increased similarly in both ST and PT groups. Gene expression and β-catenin protein expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. Certain genes were up-regulated in the ST group (WNT1: 6.4-fold, P < 0.0001; SFRP1: 3.3-fold, P < 0.0001 and LEF1: 7.3-fold, P < 0.0001) and also in the PT group (WNT1: 24.9-fold, P < 0.0001; SFRP1: 2.7-fold, P < 0.0001; LEF1: 34.1-fold, P < 0.0001 and Cyclin D1: 7.7-fold, P < 0.001). In addition, the expression of key WNT pathway genes was substantially more responsive to PT than to ST (WNT1: P < 0.0001; LEF1: P < 0.0001 and Cyclin D1: P < 0.001). Finally, the total β-catenin protein content increased only in the PT group (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that a PT regimen triggers greater responses in key elements of the WNT pathway.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / genetics
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Resistance Training / adverse effects
  • Resistance Training / methods*
  • Sedentary Behavior
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / genetics
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / physiology*
  • Wnt1 Protein / genetics
  • Wnt1 Protein / metabolism
  • Wnt1 Protein / physiology
  • Young Adult
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • WNT1 protein, human
  • Wnt1 Protein
  • beta Catenin