Three Months of Strength Training Changes the Gene Expression of Inflammation-Related Genes in PBMC of Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Here, we investigate changes in inflammation-related gene-expression in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) by strength training. A total of 14 women aged >= 65 years were randomized into 3 months of either 3x/week intensive strength training (IST: 3x10 rep at 80% 1RM), strength endurance training (SET: 2x30 reps at 40% 1RM) or control (CON: 3x30 sec stretching). Differentially expressed genes (fold change <= 0.67 or >= 1.5) were identified by targeted RNA-sequencing of 407 inflammation-related genes. A total of 98 genes (n = 61 pro-inflammatory) were significantly affected. IST and SET altered 14 genes in a similar direction and 19 genes in the opposite direction. Compared to CON, IST changed the expression of 6 genes in the same direction, and 17 genes in the SET. Likewise, 18 and 13 genes were oppositely expressed for, respectively, IST and SET compared to CON. Changes in gene expression affected 33 canonical pathways related to chronic inflammation. None of the altered pathways overlapped between IST and SET. Liver X Receptor/Retinoid X Receptor Activation (LXR/RXR) and Triggering Receptor Expressed On Myeloid Cells 1 (TREM1) pathways were enriched oppositely in both training groups. We conclude that three months IST and SET can induce changes in CLIP-related gene expression in PBMC, but by affecting different genes and related pathways.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigated the changes in inflammation-related gene expression in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) induced by strength training. We found that intensive strength training (IST) and strength endurance training (SET) altered the expression of different genes and related pathways, with some genes showing similar changes and others showing opposite changes when compared to the control group (CON). Changes in gene expression affected multiple canonical pathways related to chronic inflammation, and no overlapping pathways were observed between IST and SET.