Purpose Exercise is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, however, effect of parental exercise on risk of breast cancer in children has not been studied. Thus, the aim of the present study was evaluating the effect of aerobic training of parents before pregnancy on the expression of some of the main genes in breast cancer in breast tissue of their offspring. Method Eighteen female and 6 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two exercise training and control group. After training each male mated with 2 females. Parental aerobic training with moderate intensity was performed running on treadmill for 4 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Finally Pairs 4, 5, and 6 of adult breast tissues was performed to evaluate the expression of BRCA1, TP53, ER-α, IGF-1 and IGF-1R. Results We found that pre-pregnancy moderate aerobic training of mother, especially along with father caused a significant increase in the mRNA of the BRCA1, P53 and ER-α genes, and a significant reduction in IGF-1 and IGF-1R. Conclusion Exercise with moderate intensity before mating significantly affected the expression of BRCA1, P53, IGF-1, IGF-1R and ER-α genes. So we suggest that parents regular exercise before pregnancy can reduce the risk of breast cancer in children.
