Expression of myostatin and follistatin genes in hypothyroid rats following a moderate-intensity exercise period

Shamsi, Behnam; Saremi, Abbas; Malekipooya, Mohammad

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Expression of myostatin and follistatin genes in hypothyroid rats following a moderate-intensity exercise period

Behnam Shamsi

, Abbas Saremi ^*

, Mohammad Malekipooya

Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran , a-saremi@araku.ac.ir

Abstract: (8 Views)

Background and aims: Hypothyroidism leads to a reduction in muscle volume and mass. Meanwhile, the myostatin and follistatin genes play a pivotal role in regulating muscle growth, homeostasis, and preventing atrophy. This study investigated the expression of these genes in response to a moderate-intensity exercise program in rats with hypothyroidism.
Methods: In this controlled experimental study, 21 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, weighing 210 ± 15 g) were induced with hypothyroidism (150 mg/kg) and randomly divided into three groups: healthy, hypothyroidism control, and hypothyroidism + endurance training. The intervention group underwent a 6-week endurance training program (speed: 10–20 m/min, duration: 20–40 min). After training and anesthesia, tissue samples were collected, and gene expression was measured using Real-Time PCR. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test (significance level: p < 0.05) and GraphPad software.
Results: Hypothyroidism induction significantly increased myostatin levels (p < 0.0001) and also decreased follistatin levels (p = 0.353) in rats. However, endurance training significantly reduced myostatin (p < 0.0001) and increased follistatin levels (p = 0.01) in hypothyroid rats.
Conclusion: Endurance training appears to counteract muscle atrophy and wasting in hypothyroid rats by inducing beneficial changes in the expression of the studied genes.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Exercise, Myostatin, Follistatin

Full-Text [PDF 1746 kb] (1 Downloads)

Type of Study: Original | Subject: Sub-aquatic Medicine
Received: 2024/11/30 | Revised: 2025/09/18 | Accepted: 2025/06/3

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