Time-course of Mitochondrial Biogenic Gene and Protein Expression in Exercised Human Skeletal Muscle

Impact of Exercise Intensity on the Time-course of Mitochondrial Biogenic Gene and Protein Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle.

This study examines the impact of exercise intensity on the 12-hour time-course of mitochondrial biogenic gene and protein expression in human skeletal muscle. Briefly, participants will perform two experimental sessions involving an acute bout of work-matched low- or high-intensity interval cycling exercise in a randomized crossover fashion, two weeks apart. Skeletal muscle biopsies will be obtained from the vastus lateralis (3 from each leg) before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours post-exercise. Changes in the expression of various transcription factors and mitochondrial proteins will be examined at the mRNA and protein level to determine the time-course of changes in these factors differs between exercise protocols of different intensities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• recreationally active (no more than three hours of structured weekly physical activity)
• not currently involved in a systematic training program for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and/or sport-specific skills
• body mass index < 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of cardiometabolic disease
• taking regular prescription medication for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease
• current cigarette smoker