Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

The combined effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the sirtuin-related mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in the left ventricle of aged rats

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors
Mehdi Kiaei 1
Mehdi Marezloo 2
Hamed Alizadeh Pahlavani 3
Neda Aghaei Bahmanbeglou 2
1 Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, AK.C, Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran
3 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i853.0279
Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate the combined effect of high- and moderate-intensity aerobic training on the sirtuin-related mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) in the left ventricle of aged rats.
Methods: The present experimental-basic study included 12 20-month-old male Wistar rats with an average weight of 400±30 g. The inclusion criteria were rats older than 20 months of age. The aged rats were randomly divided into a combined high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) group (six rats) and a control group (six rats). Combined HIIT and MICT training was performed for eight weeks, five sessions per week. The HIIT program was performed with high-intensity intervals (85-95% of maximum speed) and rest (40-55%), and the MICT program was performed with an intensity of 40-70%.
Findings: After eight weeks of combined aerobic training, the levels of sirtuin 3 (p=0.001) and FOXO3a (p=0.001) proteins significantly increased compared to the control group. However, after eight weeks of combined aerobic training, the levels of sirtuin 7 (p=0.25) proteins did not change significantly; however, the levels of NRF1 (p=0.007) proteins showed a significant increase. The levels of SOD (p=0.02) and catalase (p=0.001) in the combined aerobic training group showed a significant increase compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The increase in the levels of sirtuin 3, FOXO3A, NRF1, SOD and catalase emphasizes the importance of aerobic exercise for elderly people for cellular health and resistance to oxidative stress through UPRmt.
Keywords
Aging
high- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
Heart
Left ventricle
Unfolded protein response (UPRmt)
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 853
1st Week, May
May and June 2026
Pages 279-288

  • Receive Date 19 August 2025
  • Accept Date 15 May 2026