Effects of Exercise Intensity on Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Expression in the Rat Large Intestine

Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the intensity of treadmill exercise and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) expression in the large intestine. Material and Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley white male rats were randomly assigned to a control group (CON; no exercise), low-intensity exercise group (LIG; 30-min exercise at 8 m/min 5 times a week for 4 weeks), or high-intensity exercise group (HIG; 30-min exercise at 28 m/min 5 times a week for 4 weeks). Results: A microarray analysis was conducted to evaluate ADH gene expression levels in large intestinal tissue, which showed significant changes in the expression of four ADH genes (Adh1, Adh4, Adh6a, and Adh7) related to exercise intensity. In addition, pooled samples of the exercise groups showed decreased expression levels of these four genes compared with those of the control group. These findings were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In addition, differences were detected with respect to exercise intensity: Adh1, Adh4, and Adh6a levels were significantly decreased in the LIG compared with those in the HIG, whereas Adh7 expression showed an opposite trend. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggests that regular exercise can decrease the incidence of alcohol-related disease by suppressing ADH production in the digestive system.