Abstract
In order to elucidate the interrelationship between protein levels and exercise training the investigation was undertaken to determine the lipid levels in rats fed on varied contents of the dietary casein (15%, 20% or 25%) and trained by swimming for 30min a day for 3 weeks. Four-week-old male Wistar rats (the groups consisted of sedentary control and exercise training groups) were used for the experiments. Our results showed the following significant changes; In the exercise group, a significantly decreased concentration of blood glucose and contents of glycogen in the liver, soleus or gastrocnemius muscle were observed, as compared to the control group. In the plasma, the lipid levels of exercise group showed decreased TG, T-chol and PL, while FFA and HDL-C concentrations were increased, as compared to the control group. In the aorta, concentrations of TG, T-chol, FFA and PL were diminished by the exercise and protein levels (20% or 25%). In the liver and gastrocnemius muscle, the concentrations of TG, T-chol and FFA were decreased, whereas the concentration of PL was significantly increased in the exercise group. FFA and HDL-C levels in plasma tended to increased in the exercise group and these increments were remarkable in the 20% or 25% protein levels. These results suggest that exercise training and protein dietary improve the fat metabolism and help to prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
