Aim To observe the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1(PGC-1)expression in rat skeletal muscle after the low-intensity swimming exercise,and to determine whether the PGC-1 is involved in the regulation of rat energy metabolism.Methods 26 Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups:9 in control group,9 in high-fat feeding group and 8 in swimming exercise following high-fat feeding group(exercise group).PGC-1 mRNA expressions were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results Compared with control group,serum tryglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC)levels were elevated in high-fat feeding group(p<0.05,p<0.01);Compared with high-fat feeding group,serum TG,TC and LDLC levels were decreased(p<0.05),while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDLC)was increased in exercise group(p<0.05).Low-intensity of swimming induced a significantly elevated expression of PGC-1 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle,compared with the control rats(p<0.01)and high-fat feeding rats(p<0.05).PGC-1 protein was also elevated in swimming rats than those in control and high-fat feeding rats(p<0.05).Conclusion Exercise training improved the energy metabolisms of skeletal muscles via PGC-1 in rats,and thus may altered the hyperlipidemia as well as the course of atherosclerosis.