Food restriction-induced transformations in cardiac functional and biochemical properties in rats

The primary objective of this study was to ascertain if various degrees of marked chronic food restriction (FR) as well as the combination of FR and exercise training of moderate intensity induce changes in the functional properties of the heart that are consistent with previously reported findings indicative of downregulation of high-adenosinetriphosphatase V1 isomyosin expression. Adult female rodents were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: 1) free eating, 2) 50% food restricted, 3) 75% food restricted, or 4) 50% food restricted plus treadmill trained. Results show that FR induced significant depression in the functional properties (heart rate, left ventricular pressure, rate of pressure development, and double product) of the heart in all FR groups and that this depression in functional capacity corresponded to the degree of FR. These functional changes were accompanied by significant downregulation of the alpha- and upregulation of the beta-myosin heavy chain gene expressions, as studied at both the mRNA and protein levels. The exercise training induced further alterations in cardiac function; however, these alterations occurred independently of any shifts in isomyosin composition. These results suggest that although severe FR is a potent stimulus to transform both the biochemical and functional properties of the rodent heart, the underlying mechanism(s) concerning these adaptations remains unresolved.