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Effects of Ladder-Climbing Exercise on Mammary Cancer: Data from a Chemically Induced Rat Model
Jessica Silva1,2, Tiago Azevedo1,2,3,4, Inês Aires1,5
1Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Veterinary Sciences
|April 26, 2025
Summary
Resistance training may reduce mammary cancer aggressiveness and mortality in female rats, despite slightly earlier tumor onset. This research offers insights for potential applications in veterinary oncology for companion animals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Comparative Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Mammary tumors are a significant health concern in both humans and companion animals, particularly female dogs and cats.
- Effective strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of mammary cancer on patients and pet owners.
- Understanding the influence of lifestyle factors, such as exercise, on cancer development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of resistance training on chemically induced mammary cancer in female Wistar rats.
- To evaluate tumor incidence, onset, malignancy, and survival rates in response to exercise.
- To assess systemic inflammation markers in exercised and sedentary rats with induced mammary cancer.
Main Methods:
- Female Wistar rats were divided into sedentary control, sedentary induced (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea [MNU]), exercised control, and exercised induced (MNU) groups.
- An 18-week resistance training protocol involving ladder climbing was implemented three times weekly with progressive load.
- Blood and histopathological samples were analyzed for tumor characteristics and systemic inflammation markers (albumin, C-reactive protein, IL-6).
Main Results:
- Tumor onset occurred approximately two weeks earlier in the exercised induced group (EX+MNU) compared to the sedentary induced group (CTR+MNU).
- While tumor incidence was slightly higher in the EX+MNU group, mortality rates were lower, and the tumors exhibited less aggressive malignancy.
- No significant differences in systemic inflammation markers (albumin, CRP, IL-6) were observed between the MNU-treated groups, regardless of exercise status.
Conclusions:
- Resistance training did not prevent mammary cancer but appeared to reduce its aggressiveness and improve survival rates in this rat model.
- Exercise did not induce systemic inflammation, suggesting a potentially safe role in cancer management.
- Findings suggest potential benefits of resistance training for managing mammary cancer in companion animals, warranting further veterinary oncology research for clinical application and protocol development.
