Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity and nutritional interventions are effective strategies for mitigating the effects of aging. Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) is one of the two main types of estrogen receptor proteins. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and capsaicin supplementation on ESR1 gene expression in skeletal muscle and serum calcium levels in aged rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 32 Wistar rats aged 20 months were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): aerobic exercise, capsaicin supplementation, aerobic exercise + capsaicin supplementation, and a control group. The aerobic exercise protocol was performed for eight weeks, five sessions per week. In the first week, rats ran on a treadmill for 10 minutes at 40% of their maximum speed, with intensity gradually increased to 30 minutes at 80% of maximum speed by the final week. Capsaicin (5 mg/kg) was administered by gavage for eight weeks, five days per week. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05).
Results: ESR1 gene expression significantly increased in the exercise (1.53 ± 0.021), capsaicin (1.40 ± 0.013), and combined intervention groups (2.06 ± 0.037) compared with the control group (0.29 ± 0.087) (P < 0.05). The combined intervention showed a greater effect than either treatment alone. Serum calcium levels significantly increased in the capsaicin (2.62 ± 0.28) and combined groups (2.20 ± 0.19) compared with the control group (1.36 ± 0.11) (P < 0.05); however, the increase in the exercise group (1.47 ± 0.23) was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise combined with capsaicin supplementation may improve muscle function by upregulating ESR1 gene expression and improving calcium regulation in aged skeletal muscle.