Effects of High Frequency Resistance Training on RNA Expression Related to Inflammation: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUNDResistance training (RT) is the main modality of exercise used to induce hypertrophic and neuromuscular adaptations. RT done at high intensities (HI‐RT) is also capable of inducing epigenetic modifications leading to altered protein expression. HI‐RT increases protein expression of many enzymes that play key roles in disease prevention and treatment. Inflammation is one pathology that is associated with many disease states that can be altered by the effects of HI‐RT. Both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines are upregulated after a bout of exercise. Long term training leads to increases in anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as muscle‐derived interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Current recommendations state that each muscle group should be exercised 2‐3 nonconsecutive days per week to allow time for recovery. HI‐RT protocols including training much higher training volumes and frequencies have been used by advanced athletes for decades, the effects of these protocols on health outcomes are not reflected in the literature.STUDY OBJECTIVEThe objective of this case report is to determine the effects of high‐frequency and high‐volume HI‐RT on RNA expression linked to inflammatory cytokines.HYPOTHESISIt is hypothesized that both the pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines will be upregulated following a high‐frequency high‐volume HI‐RT program due to increased muscle damage and macrophage infiltration.METHODSThe participant (N = 1; 24 years; 192 cm; 107.7 kg; 25.6% body fat) had leg circumference measured at 50% of the length of the femur. Then, a muscle biopsy was performed on the right leg vastus lateralis (VL). Muscle samples were stored at ‐80°C for later analysis. The participant completed a high‐frequency, high‐volume HI‐RT program for one month, which included barbell squats 5 days per week. After the training program was completed, leg circumference was measured again and a second biopsy of the right leg VL was taken. RNA was isolated from the samples for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α).RESULTSThe participant experienced a 4 cm increase in thigh circumference (6.4%). Due to time constraints, RT‐PCR analysis was delayed. Analysis will be concluded prior to the conference meeting.CONCLUSIONSTo be updated after analysis is complete.