Humanin skeletal muscle protein levels increase after resistance training in men with impaired glucose metabolism.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether resistance training or Nordic walking influences humanin (HN) protein levels in skeletal muscle and serum in prediabetic males.
Results Summary
Resistance training increased skeletal muscle HN protein levels by 35%, but no changes were observed in serum HN levels. There was a correlation between serum HN levels and improved glucose tolerance in the resistance training group.
Population
Male subjects (n=55) with impaired glucose regulation (prediabetes).
Effective Dosage
Exercise interventions (resistance training or Nordic walking) were performed three times per week.
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
resistance training | increase | skeletal muscle HN protein levels | persons with prediabetes | 35% | increased | #1 |
resistance training | no change | humanin protein levels in serum | persons with prediabetes | no change | no change | #2 |
Nordic walking | no change | humanin protein levels in serum | persons with prediabetes | no change | no change | #3 |
control group | no change | humanin protein levels in serum | persons with prediabetes | no change | no change | #4 |
resistance training | increase | 2 h glucose loading test | resistance training group | - | correlation between humanin levels in serum and improvements | #5 |
Humanin (HN) is a mitochondrially encoded and secreted peptide linked to glucose metabolism and tissue protecting mechanisms. Whether skeletal muscle HN gene or protein expression is influenced by exercise remains unknown. In this intervention study we show, for the first time, that HN protein levels increase in human skeletal muscle following 12 weeks of resistance training in persons with prediabetes. Male subjects (n = 55) with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) were recruited and randomly assigned to resistance training, Nordic walking or a control group. The exercise interventions were performed three times per week for 12 weeks with progressively increased intensity during the intervention period. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle and venous blood samples were taken before and after the intervention. Skeletal muscle and serum protein levels of HN were analyzed as well as skeletal muscle gene expression of the mitochondrially encoded gene MT-RNR2, containing the open reading frame for HN To elucidate mitochondrial training adaptation, mtDNA, and nuclear DNA as well as Citrate synthase were measured. Skeletal muscle HN protein levels increased by 35% after 12 weeks of resistance training. No change in humanin protein levels was seen in serum in any of the intervention groups. There was a significant correlation between humanin levels in serum and the improvements in the 2 h glucose loading test in the resistance training group. The increase in HN protein levels in skeletal muscle after regular resistance training in prediabetic males may suggest a role for HN in the regulation of glucose metabolism. Given the preventative effect of exercise on diabetes type 2, the role of HN as a mitochondrially derived peptide and an exercise-responsive mitokine warrants further investigation.