Resistance Training Helps Muscle Growth in Cancer-Bearing Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Otis Jeffrey S, Lees Simon J, Williams Jay H
Primary Institution: Emory University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Skeletal muscles from rats bearing a tumor derived from Morris hepatoma MH7777 cells would have increased ATP-independent proteasome activity, which may contribute to systemic skeletal muscle atrophy.
Conclusion
Despite significant skeletal muscle derangements due to cancer, muscle retains the capacity to respond normally to hypertrophic stimuli.
Supporting Evidence
- Six weeks of tumor growth reduced body mass and the relative masses of several muscles.
- ATP-independent proteasome activity was increased in plantaris muscles from tumor-bearing rats.
- Functional overload increased plantaris mass by ~24% in tumor-bearing rats.
Takeaway
Even when cancer makes muscles weak, exercise can still help them grow stronger.
Methodology
Buffalo rats were injected with tumor cells or saline, and after six weeks, muscle mass and proteasome activity were measured following functional overload surgeries.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a specific rat model, which may not fully represent human responses to cancer and exercise.
Participant Demographics
Female Buffalo rats, age- and gender-matched.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p ≤ 0.05
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website