Swimming training down-regulates plasma leptin levels, but not adipose tissue ob mRNA expression

• Published in: Brazilian journal of medical and biological research Vol. 41; no. 10; pp. 866 - 871
• Main Authors: Benatti, F B, Polacow, V O, Ribeiro, S M L, Gualano, B, Coelho, D F, Rogeri, P S, Costa, A S, Lancha Junior, A H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Associação Brasileira de Divulgação Científica 01-10-2008
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; Adipose Tissue - metabolism; Animals; BIOLOGY; Body weight; Energy Intake; Gene Expression; Insulin - blood; Insulin - metabolism; Insulin levels; Leptin - blood; Leptin - genetics; Leptin mRNA; Male; MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL; Physical Conditioning, Animal - physiology; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Swimming - physiology; Swimming training; Rats; Swimming training; Adipose tissue; Insulin levels; Leptin mRNA; Body weight
• ISSN: 0100-879X; 1414-431X; 1414-431X; 0100-879X
• DOI: 10.1590/S0100-879X2008001000006

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of endurance training on leptin levels and adipose tissue gene expression and their association with insulin, body composition and energy intake. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: trained (N = 18) and sedentary controls (N = 20). The trained group underwent swimming training for 9 weeks. Leptin and insulin levels, adiposity and leptin gene expression in epididymal and inguinal adipose tissue were determined after training. There were no differences in energy intake between groups. Trained rats had a decreased final body weight (-10%), relative and total body fat (-36 and -55%, respectively) and insulin levels (-55%) compared with controls (P < 0.05). Although trained animals showed 56% lower leptin levels (2.58 +/- 1.05 vs 5.89 +/- 2.89 ng/mL in control; P < 0.05), no difference in leptin gene expression in either fat depot was demonstrable between groups. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that lower leptin levels in trained rats were due primarily to their lower body fat mass. After adjustment for total body fat, leptin levels were still 20% (P < 0.05) lower in exercised rats. In conclusion, nine weeks of swimming training did not affect leptin gene expression, but did lead to a decrease in leptin levels that was independent of changes in body fat.