Gene Expression Analysis Of Peripheral Blood Following Resistance Exercise

Abstract

PURPOSE: Phenotypic studies suggest a strong correlation between exhaustive resistance exercise and affects on the immune system. The goal of this study was to characterize the gene expression changes using Affymetrix microarrays during these exercise regiments and determine whether these expression changes correlate to standard differential blood counts or other immunophenotyping data. METHODS: Ten resistance-trained male collegiate athletes between 20-24 yr of age (22.30 ± 1.25 yr) with at least 2 yr resistance training experience (5.00 ± 2.31 yr) performed an acute bout of RE for 30.59 min (± 0.59). The RE included the back parallel squat and the leg press each at 45% & 55% of 1-RM for first 2 sets, and 65% of 1-RM for the remaining 4 sets. All exercises were performed with a 2:2 cadence followed by 2 min rest periods. Following a 12 hr fast, blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately following exercise, and at 2 hr postexercise. RNA was prepared by combining 3.75 ml of TriReagent BD to 1 ml of whole blood containing EDTA immediately after sampling and frozen at -80°C. RNA was extracted using the standard blood method outlined by the manufacturer, analyzed for quality, and prepared for hybridization to an Affymetrix U133a 2.0 GeneChip using the NuGEN Ovation WB system. RESULTS: Initial results of our microarray data indicate that, with high statistical significance, gene expression features are highly correlated with blood counts. Differentially expressed genes were statistically significantly associated with immune system function. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that an acute bout of RE induced substantial changes in immune system function that was reflected in differential gene expression. Support made possible by the Vermont Genetics Network through Grant Number P20 RR16462 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NCRR or NIH.