Exercise attenuates myocardial fibrosis and increases angiogenesis-related molecules in the myocardium of aged rats.

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of two different exercise training protocols on myocardial fibrosis and the expression of some growth factors in aged rats.

Method: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group, continuous exercise training (CET) group, and the control group. After 6 weeks of experiment, mRNA levels of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), adropin proteins, and myocardial fibrosis were assessed.

Results: HIIT and CET induced a significant increase in the FGF-2 and adropin and a decrease in the myocardial fibrosis in compared with the control group. HIIT induced a significant increase in the VEGF if compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between CET and control group.

Conclusion: Six weeks of HIIT and CET attenuated age-related myocardial fibrosis thereby an increase in angiogenesis-related molecules in cardiac and endothelial tissues.