VEGF mRNA Expression In Young And Aged Skeletal Muscle With 7 Days And 8 Weeks Of Endurance Exercise Training

Abstract

The angiogenic response to endurance exercise may be attenuated in aged individuals. We have observed that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA response to acute endurance exercise is attenuated in aged individuals. VEGF is important for the maintenance and expansion of the skeletal muscle capillary supply. PURPOSE To determine if resting skeletal muscle VEGF mRNA expression is increased in response to endurance exercise training in young and aged men. METHODS Eight young (25.3 ± 4.3) and 8 aged (65.1 ± 5.8) men completed 8 weeks of cycle ergometer exercise training (60 min/day, 4 days/week at ∼65% V o2max). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at three time points: pre-training; after 7 days of training; and after 8 weeks of training. VEGF mRNA was analyzed by real-time PCR. RESULTS Resting skeletal muscle VEGF mRNA was significantly increased at 7 days, but not 8 weeks of exercise training, independent of age. Skeletal muscle VEGF mRNA was significantly greater in aged compared to young men, independent of training status. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that resting VEGF mRNA is increased after 7 days of exercise training and returns toward baseline within 8 weeks in both young and aged skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle VEGF mRNA is greater in aged compared to young men. Supported by: NIA (AG-21891 to TP Gavin), AHA Mid-Atlantic (0465415U to TP Gavin), and NIH (AG-19209 to RC Hickner)