Impacts of exercise, renin-angiotensin system modulation or both on skeletal muscle circadian gene expression

Ageing negatively affects quality of life and healthspan, and interventions are needed to slow this progressive decline. Previously, we have demonstrated the potential functional benefits of combining a genetically modified probiotic (GMP) targeting the non-canonical arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with exercise training. Initial RNAseq studies indicated the potential of the interventions to influence circadian physiology. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of circadian-related genes in the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in male and female aged rats in response to the administration of the GMP, exercise training and multiple controls. Following 12 weeks of the intervention, circadian-related genes were differentially expressed in male and female aged rats and between tissues, primarily influenced by the exercise intervention, with potential additive effects of the GMP. Several genes were also significantly associated with measures of physical performance. Thus, combining exercise with a RAS-related GMP may have potential functional benefits in late life, potentially related to circadian-related impacts within skeletal muscle.