Myogenic, matrix, and growth factor mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle: effect of contraction intensity and feeding

We examined short-term (3-hour) and long-term (12-week) training effects after heavy load [HL; 70% 1RM] and light load (LL; 16% 1RM) exercise.mRNA expression of genes involved in skeletal muscle remodeling were analyzed and muscle activity (EMG measurements) was measured.Relative muscle activity differed between HL and LL resistance exercise, whereas median power frequency was even, suggesting an equal muscle-fiber-type recruitment distribution. mRNA expression of Myf6, myogenin, and p21 was mostly increased, and myostatin was mostly depressed by HL resistance exercise. No major differences were seen in atrophy-related genes between HL and LL resistance exercise. No changes were seen over 12-week training for any of the targets.Resistance exercise at LL and HL elevated the expression of genes involved in skeletal muscle hypertrophy, although the greatest response was from HL. However, no long-term effect from either LL or HL resistance exercise was seen on basal levels of the mRNA targets.