Effect of Exercise Training on the Expression of p53 and iNOS in the Cardiac Muscle of Type I Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes is associated with a marked increase in the risk of cardiac diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, and impaired ventricular function . The ability of exercise to reduce the risk of cardiac troubles has been established, but no studies have examined this link in type 1 diabetes. A randomized, controlled animal study was designed using a standard rat model of type 1 diabetes. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of P53 and iNOS in cardiac muscle of rat with Alloxan-induced diabetes . Methods: Forty rats were randomized into four groups: sedentary control, exercise control, sedentary or exercised diabetic. Diabetes was induced by alloxan injection. After the development of diabetes, a 4-week treadmill training program was initiated. Cardiac muscle left ventricle was evaluated for the expression of p53 and iNOS using immunohistochemistry. Results: Both levels of iNOS and p53 increased in the heart of diabetic rats. The expression level of p53 increased significantly in the diabetic sedentary group compared to sedentary control groups (P ). Conclusions: Diabetes leads to harmful effects on the cardiac muscle. Exercise training decreases in part the complications of diabetes in the heart of type I diabetes. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jem123e