International Research in Chinese Medicine

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise training on plasma lactate (Lac) levels, inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), histomorphological changes in muscle tissue, and the expression of myosin and actin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model rats. Methods Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: blank, model (LPS), model + immobilization, model + immobilization + late exercise (initiated on day 7), and model + immobilization + early exercise (initiated on day 3). The blank and model groups received no additional intervention. The other groups underwent left forelimb immobilization via plaster fixation. Exercise groups performed treadmill running training (20 minutes daily until day 14). Plasma indicators were measured by ELISA, muscle histology was observed via HE staining, and protein expression was detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the model group, the model + immobilization group showed significantly increased plasma levels of Lac, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P < 0.05), along with inflammatory cell infiltration, connective tissue hyperplasia, and decreased expression of actin and myosin. The early exercise group significantly reduced inflammatory factor levels (P < 0.05), improved muscle tissue structure, and enhanced actin and myosin expression, with superior effects compared to the late exercise group. Conclusion Exercise training, particularly early intervention, can alleviate muscle injury in septic model rats, potentially through reducing inflammatory responses and promoting the expression of muscle proteins.

Exercise training; Sepsis model rats; Muscle injury; Lipopolysaccharide; Inflammatory factors; Muscle atrophy; Experimental study