Effect of MCT Training Combined with Quinic Acid Supplementation on Cardiac FGF21 and Myostatin Expression in Cisplatin-Treated Rats

Abstract

Background: Cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity remains a major limitation of chemotherapy. Moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) and quinic acid have been investigated for their potential effects on cellular and molecular responses to tissue stress; however, their combined effects on cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and myostatin expression remain unclear. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of MCT combined with quinic acid supplementation on cardiac FGF21 and myostatin expression in a rat model of cisplatin exposure. Methods: A total of 15 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five experimental groups (n = 3 per group): control, cisplatin, cisplatin + MCT, cisplatin + quinic acid, and cisplatin + MCT + quinic acid. The animals underwent 8 weeks of MCT and/or received quinic acid (100 mg/kg/day). Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally at 5 mg/kg. Cardiac FGF21 and myostatin protein expression were assessed by Western blotting. Results: Cisplatin administration significantly upregulated cardiac myostatin expression relative to the control group (P < 0.0001). Both MCT and quinic acid reduced myostatin levels, with the combined intervention producing the greatest decrease (P < 0.0001). FGF21 expression was significantly higher in the cisplatin group than in the control group (P < 0.05) and was further increased by MCT and quinic acid administration, particularly in the combined intervention group (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: MCT and quinic acid supplementation modulated cardiac FGF21 and myostatin protein expression following cisplatin administration, with the combined intervention producing the greatest observed molecular changes. However, given the small sample size (n = 3 per group) and the lack of direct assessments of cardiac function and histopathology, these findings should be considered preliminary and require confirmation in larger studies.