Effects of Aerobic Interval Training with Citrus aurantium Consumption on Gene Expression of AMPK and PI3K in Liver Tissues of Elderly Rats

Aging is a major risk factor for several diseases, including liver-related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess effects of aerobic interval training with Citrus aurantium consumption on gene expression of AMPK and PI3K in liver tissues of elderly rats.

In this experimental study, 30 elderly female rats (16–18 months old) were divided to five equal groups of (1) control, (2) sham (normal saline), (3) Citrus aurantium, (4) aerobic interval training and (5) aerobic interval training and Citrus aurantium. Aerobic interval training was carried out for eight weeks with the intensity of 85–110% VO2max and speed of 25–15 m per min. Citrus aurantium extract (300 mg/kg/day) was injected to the animals intraperitoneally. Expression of AMPK and PI3K genes in liver tissues were assessed using real-time PCR. For data analysis, one-way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test was used at p < 0.05.

Results showed significant differences between the groups in expression of AMPK in liver tissues (F = 14.614, p = 0.0001); significant increases in Citrus aurantium group (p = 0.014), aerobic interval training group (p = 0.0001) and aerobic interval training and Citrus aurantium group (p = 0.0001) were seen, compared to the control group. Similarly, expressions of PI3K in liver tissues of different groups were significantly different with (F = 18.151, p = .0001). Specifically, significant increases were seen in the aerobic interval training and Citrus aurantium group, compared to the control group (p = 0.001), Citrus aurantium group (p =0.001) and aerobic interval training group (p = 0.013).

It seems that aerobic interval training with Citrus aurantium consumption could help improve gene expression of the metabolic markers in liver tissues during the elderly.