The Effect of 10 Weeks of Exhaustive Swimming on Gene Expression of Histone Deacetylase-4 and Myocyte Enhancer Factor-2c in Left Ventricle in Male Rats

Epigenetic changes and cardiac reconstruction are among the most important adaptations in endurance training. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression of histone deacetylase-4 and myocyte enhancer factor-2c (MEF-2c) in male rats in interaction with exhaustive swimming. 12 male Wistar rats (mean age: 7±1 weeks, weight 275±25 gr) were randomly divided into two groups (each group 6 subjects): control and training. After performing the exhaustive swimming for 3 hours per session and 5 days per week for 10 weeks, their left ventricle was isolated; then the gene expression were investigated by Real Time-PCR. Data were analyzed by independent t test and the significance level was P≤0.05. The results showed that after 10 weeks of exhaustive swimming, the HDAC4 gene significantly increased (P=0.02), but MEF-2c gene significantly decreased (P=0.001) compared with the control group. Therefore, 10 weeks of exhaustive swimming increased gene expression of HDAC-4 and consequently reduced gene expression of MEF-2c by an increase in the activity of transcription factors attached to HDAC-4.