Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Following High-Load Resistance Exercise Upregulates Gene Expression in...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Resistance training enhances muscle adaptation.
• Specific collagen peptides (CP) may augment these effects.
• Underlying molecular mechanisms require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gene expression differences in skeletal muscle signaling pathways.
• To compare effects of resistance exercise with and without CP supplementation.
• To elucidate the molecular response to acute exercise and CP intake.

Main Methods:

• Randomized trial with recreationally active males.
• High-load leg extension exercise protocol.
• Supplementation with 15g CP or placebo (PLA).
• Muscle biopsies analyzed for gene expression via next-generation sequencing at 1, 4, and 24 hours post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Significant upregulation of PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways at 1 and 4 hours post-exercise.
• Greater pathway upregulation in the CP group compared to placebo at 4 hours.
• A trend towards increased mTOR pathway gene expression in the CP group.

Conclusions:

• Acute resistance exercise with CP supplementation enhances anabolic gene expression (PI3K-Akt, MAPK) in skeletal muscle.
• CP intake amplifies the molecular response to resistance training.
• Further research needed to link gene expression to protein synthesis and long-term effects.