Static Strength Training Method for Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Exercise therapy is recognized as an important means to treat diabetes worldwide. In previous clinical trials, we confirmed that traditional Chinese exercises can effectively relieve the symptom of type two diabetes in patients. Therefore, we designed this study to try to figure out how traditional exercises works.

In order to investigate the effect of exercises on diabetes and gain more insights, We use technique such as metabolic mix and transcription mix for our research. The molecular mechanisms affecting type two diabetes are very complex, including several genetic, metabolic and inflammatory pathways. But the challenge is to identify and choose a certain pathway to treat the disease in the best possible way without having side effects.

To begin, place a five millimeter thick transparent acrylic board measuring 20 by 20 centimeters on a flat surface. Using a rolled tape, attach a one centimeter stick to each end of a four centimeter long wooden stick. Using a hot glue gun, attach two sets of the combined sticks to the transparent board, positioning them parallelly at a distance of six centimeters.

To prepare the mouse for training, tie and slip knot a piece of 15 centimeter long woolen yarn on each of the upper ankles. Place the board horizontally on the table with sticks up, and gently press the mouse between the two long sticks, aligning its head and tail with the gaps beneath. Pass the yarn through the gap at the end of the tail, and adjust it to fit the mouse ankles snugly against the stick edge.

Then using a tape, secure the wool and yarn thoroughly. Place two boxes of equal height, and invert the transparent board between them to suspend the mouse above the ground. Place a 20 centimeter long stick in front of the mouse, and let the mouse grasp it with its forelimbs through the writing reflex.

After the mouse grasps the 20 centimeter stick, adjust the angle of the stick to allow the mouse's forelimb to transfer from the 20 centimeter Stick to another four centimeter stick. After 30 minutes of training, immediately release the mouse and untangle the wool to prevent redness and swelling of the feet. Transmission electron microscopy of skeletal muscles of type two diabetes, or T2DM model mice, showed myocyte degeneration, loose myofibrils, and irregular sarcomere arrangement, whereas the static exercise trained T2DM mice exhibited tight myogenic fibers and symmetrical arrangement of local muscle segments.