Investigation of the genes expression involved in fatty acid (Cpt1β and Mcd) and glucose metabolism (Hk2, Pdk4, and Glut4) in cardiac tissue following Maca supplementation and aerobic training

Rahimi, Saleh; Nasiri, Khadijeh; Akbari, Abolfazl; Fallahmohammadi, Ziya

doi:10.22038/ajp.2026.28177

Investigation of the genes expression involved in fatty acid (Cpt1β and Mcd) and glucose metabolism (Hk2, Pdk4, and Glut4) in cardiac tissue following Maca supplementation and aerobic training

Articles in Press

Document Type : Short communication

Authors

Saleh Rahimi ¹

Khadijeh Nasiri ²

Abolfazl Akbari ¹

Ziya Fallahmohammadi ¹

¹ Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

² Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

10.22038/ajp.2026.28177

Abstract

Objective: Cardiac metabolic flexibility is critical for maintaining cardiac function. Aerobic training converts this flexibility into adaptations over time. Maca (Lepidium meyenii walp.) as plant with phytoestrogens could be cardioprotective and improve metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic training and Maca root extract and their combination on the expression of key cardiac metabolic genes in Wistar rats.
Materials and methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): control (CON), maca (MAC), aerobic training (AT), and maca+ aerobic training (MAC+AT). The AT and MAC+AT groups performed an aerobic training on a treadmill for 8 weeks at a speed of 28 m/min. The MAC and MAC+AT groups received maca root powder orally (100 mg/kg/day). Gene expression of Cpt1β, Mcd, Hk2, Glut4, and Pdk4 was assessed in cardiac tissue using qPCR.
Results: The expression of Cpt1β was upregulated in the MAC, AT, and MAC+AT groups compared to the CON. Glut4 expression was increased in the MAC+AT compared to CON group. Hk2 gene expression was upregulated in the MAC group compared to the AT group. No significant differences were observed between groups in the expression of Mcd and Pdk4 gene.
Conclusion: The finding suggests that aerobic training and maca may independently improve the gene expression involved in cardiac fatty acid and glucose metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of non-pharmacological interventions to support cardiac metabolic health. Further studies are needed to determine optimal dosages, duration, and potential long-term or interactive effects.

Keywords

Maca

Aerobic training

Cardiac Metabolism

Gene Expression

Subjects