The Effect of an Incremental Swimming Training Period on CXCR4 Gene Expression in Lung Tissue in a Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Lung Cancer Model in Balb/c Mice

Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, with smoking and air pollution being its primary risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment improve survival rates. Studies suggest that inhibiting the CXC motif chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) gene may offer a novel approach to controlling tumor growth and reducing metastasis. This study investigated the effects of incremental swimming training on CXCR4 expression in mice with benzo[a]pyrene (BZP)-induced lung cancer. Material & Methods: In this experimental study, 12 male Balb/c mice (8–10 weeks old, 18–22 g) were induced with lung cancer via 100 mg/kg BZP injection and divided into two groups: a diseased control group (BZP) and a diseased + exercise group (BZP+ST). Six healthy mice served as the healthy control group (HC). The BZP+ST group underwent a 10-week swimming protocol (3 sessions/week), with durations gradually increasing from 15 to 40 minutes and carrying a load equivalent to 2% of their body weight. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS v.22 (significance level: P ≤ 0.05). Results: Final body weight was significantly lower in the BZP group compared to HC (P = 0.001), but improved in BZP+ST versus BZP (P = 0.001). CXCR4 expression was elevated in both BZP and BZP+ST groups compared to HC; however, swimming exercise led to a relative reduction in CXCR4 in the BZP+ST group versus BZP. Conclusion: Incremental swimming training may suppress tumor growth and metastasis in lung cancer by downregulating CXCR4 expression and improving weight metrics. These findings highlight the potential of physical activity as an effective therapeutic strategy for lung cancer management, warranting further research.