Functional interference (crosstalk) between gut microbiome, proteolysis, apoptosis and muscle hypertrophy: Role of resistance training and supplement

Abstract

Primary objective of this study was to examine the interplay between grip strength, a functional marker of hypertrophy, and its connection to the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut microbiome. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups using a computerized randomizer: old and young control groups (OC, YC), old resistance training group (OR), old supplement group (OS), and old resistance training combined with supplement group (ORS). Rats in the OR and ORS cohorts underwent eight weeks of ladder-climbing resistance training three times a week, while those in the OS group were given supplements 5 times per week after the intervention. Muscle samples were collected from all rats two days’ post-intervention. FOXO1, BAX, and cytochrome C, were assessed using PCR-real time. Analysis of the data was carried out using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey testing. The results revealed a decrease in FOXO1 and apoptotic gene expression post-intervention, with a more pronounced reduction observed in the ORS group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Notably, supplementation alone did not impact FOXO1 expression, akin to the effect of exercise on cytochrome C. A moderate negative correlation was documented between the F/B ratio and grip strength (p= 0.003; r= -0.54). Additionally, positive and moderate correlations were observed between FOXO1, BAX, cytochrome C, and the F/B ratio (p<0.05). These findings emphasize a functional association between the gut microbiome and muscle through their metabolites, indicating mutual regulation. Furthermore, it is suggested that exercise and supplements may further enhance these interconnected mechanisms.

Keywords

• f/b ratio
• bax
• foxo1
• resistance training
• aging
• muscle hypertrophy