Maximal Aerobic Effort Increases Genetic Expression of HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, and PTGES3 in Elite Taekwondo Athletes

Abstract: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) work in response to a variety of external and internal stresses to maintain homeostasis and are upregulated upon cellular damage. This study aimed to determine the effect of maximal aerobic effort test ((Formula presented.) max test) on the expression of genes related to heat shock proteins’ (HSPs) cycle (HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, PTGES3). Eleven black-belt taekwondo male athletes participated in this study and performed a (Formula presented.) max test on a treadmill connected to the Cortex gas analyzer till the point of physical exhaustion. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, while the physiological parameters were measured spectrophotometrically or by immune assays using serum form the blood Before the test (Bf), Immediately After (IA), and Two Hours After (2HA) the (Formula presented.) max test. The levels of fold change expression were affected by the VO2max test. HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1 and PTGES3 mRNA levels were significantly higher IA the test (P ≤ 0.05). HSPs surpassed the cut-off value (1.5-fold) IA showed (M = 2.29 times for HSP90AA1), (M = 1.68 times for HSP90AB1), while PTGES3 did not reach the cut-off value (M = 1.12 times). The expression levels of the three genes were significantly decreased 2HA and returned to the baseline values. Moreover, physiological parameters including growth hormone, creatinine kinase, white blood cells, platelets count, and blood lactate showed a peak in their levels IA the test and then dropped 2HA (P ≤ 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that genetic expressions of HSP90AA1 and HSP90AB1 genes were significantly elevated IA the test and decreased 2HA. The same applied on most of the physiological parameters; strongly suggesting the possible utility of using those parameters as a reference to confirm evidence of exercise-induced cell stress. © 2022, Pleiades Publishing, Inc.