Effects of resistance training on liver structure and function of aged rats

Abstract

The aging process may cause negative physiological changes. However, exercises as resistance training (RT) have been considered an important intervention to attenuate these changes. Additionally, liver plays an important role in blood glucose homeostasis in exercise.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effects of RT on the liver components of aged animals.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 24 months’ group (CONTROL); and group submitted to a progressive RT protocol for 16 weeks (EXERCISE). Both groups were sacrificed at 24 months.

Results: We observed a decrease in blood flow due to the practice of resistance exercises. Besides, our results showed that hepatic tissue plays an important role in glycemic homeostasis during RT. In addition, RT increased mitogen capacity of hepatocytes.

Conclusions: Our study showed many implications for the knowledge about the effects of strength training on old animals’ liver.

Keywords:

• Liver
• aging
• resistance training
• hepatic structure
• exercise

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dr. Carlos Alberto Anaruma, José Roberto Rodrigues da Silva and Eduardo Custódio, “Julio de Mesquita Filho” São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil, and Magna Soares, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, for technical support.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declaration of interest.