Impact of Aerobic Training and Vitamin C Intake on the Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers in the Soleus Muscle of Rats with Experimental Hypothyroidism

Heydarnejad, Abouzar; Taheri Kalani, Abdolhossein; Omidi, Mahnaz

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Volume 34, Issue 4 (9-2026)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2026, 34(4): 113-127

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Impact of Aerobic Training and Vitamin C Intake on the Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers in the Soleus Muscle of Rats with Experimental Hypothyroidism

Abouzar Heydarnejad¹

, Abdolhossein Taheri Kalani ^*²

, Mahnaz Omidi¹

1- Dept of Exercise Physiology, Il.C, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran
2- Dept of Exercise Physiology, Il.C, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran , htaheriedu@gmail.com

Abstract: (286 Views)

Introduction: Understanding the effects of exercise training and vitamin C, both individually and in combination, may help to identify ways to reduce complications associated with hypothyroidism, which is linked to chronic inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and vitamin C intake on the gene expression of inflammatory markers in the soleus muscle of rats with experimental hypothyroidism.
Materials & Methods: In the present study, 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control, hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism+training, hypothyroidism+supplementation and hypothyroidism+training+supplementation. Hypothyroidism was induced by daily administration of propylthiouracil (6 mg/kg) for eight weeks The aerobic training consisted of 40 min of running at a speed of 10-25 m/min, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Supplement groups received daily supplementation with 100 mg/kg vitamin C. Gene expression of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the soleus muscle was determined by real-time PCR following the interventions. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA with post hoc tests (Tukey) at P < 0.05.
Results: Induction of hypothyroidism significantly decreased the gene expression of IL-10 and IL-10/TNF-α and significantly increased TNF-α compared to the healthy control group (all, P < 0.0001). However, aerobic training and vitamin C intake significantly increased the IL-10 and IL-10/TNF-α and significantly decreased TNF-α compared to the hypothyroidism group (all, P < 0.029). Also, the combination of aerobic training and vitamin C intake was significantly more effective than the aerobic training and vitamin C intake alone (both, P < 0.012).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, vitamin C supplementation reinforces the effects of aerobic training on modulating inflammation of the muscle tissue induced by experimental hypothyroidism.

Keywords: Aerobic training, Vitamin C, Inflammation, Hypothyroidism, Gene expression, Skeletal muscle

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Editorial Note: Research | Subject: susteenance
Received: 2026/06/5 | Accepted: 2026/07/14 | Published: 2026/09/27

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Heydarnejad A, Taheri Kalani A, Omidi M. Impact of Aerobic Training and Vitamin C Intake on the Gene Expression of Inflammatory Markers in the Soleus Muscle of Rats with Experimental Hypothyroidism. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2026; 34 (4) :113-127
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8963-en.html

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