Comparing the effect of high-intensity interval exercise and voluntary exercise training on cognitive functions in rats.

It is known that exercise increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory, resulting in improved cognitive functions and learning processes. However, it is claimed that different types of exercise cause different responses in the brain. It is thought that lactate and osteocalcin secreted in response to exercise are associated with an increase in BDNF levels. However, there are not enough studies on this subject. This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and voluntary exercise training on cognitive performance and molecular connections. Male rats were randomly divided into control, voluntary exercise training and HIIT groups. The voluntary exercise group had free access to the voluntary wheel for 8 weeks. The HIIT group performed HIIT on the treadmill 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The rats underwent open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests 24 h after the last exercise training. Then, after blood was drawn under anesthesia, the rats were sacrificed and their hippocampus tissues were separated. Glucocorticoid and BDNF levels in the blood were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and osteocalcin and BDNF expressions in the hippocampus were evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Neither voluntary exercise training nor HIIT had any significant effect on behavioral parameters assessed by OF, EPM and MWM tests. However, BDNF expression in hippocampus tissue was higher in the HIIT group than in the control group. In addition, osteocalcin expression in hippocampus tissue was higher in the HIIT and voluntary exercise groups than in the control group. In conclusion, according to the findings we obtained from this study, although it does not have a significant effect on cognitive functions, the effect of HIIT on brain functions seems to be more effective than voluntary exercise.

The relationship of cognitive functions with brain damage markers, myokines and neurotrophic factors in amateur soccer players.

Concussive and subconcussive head impatcs in sports have drawn more attention in recent years. Thus, the cognitive ability of soccer players and its relationship with circulating levels of irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were studied in this study. Fifteen amateur soccer players and 15 sedentary men volunteered to participate in this study. After evaluating the aerobic and anaerobic capacities of the participants, their cognitive performances were measured. Blood samples were obtained at rest, and the ELISA method was used to measure the concentrations of serum NSE, plasma BDNF, and irisin. There were no differences between groups in terms of cognitive abilities or serum NSE levels (P > 0.05). Plasma irisin (P = 0.019) and BDNF (P < 0.001) levels were higher in the soccer players than the sedentary subjects. There was a positive correlation between irisin and NSE (r = 0.461, P = 0.010) and BDNF (r = 0.405, P = 0.007) concentrations. General cognitive performance is maintained in amateur soccer players. This is accompanied by the unchanged NSE. However, elevated irisin and BDNF levels appear to be independent of cognitive performance.

Exercise Training Alleviates Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in a Reserpine-induced Fibromyalgia Model by Activating Hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF Pathway.

The purpose of this study was to assess, from a behavioral, biochemical, and molecular standpoint, how exercise training affected fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms in a reserpine-induced FM model and to look into the potential involvement of the hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway in this process. Reserpine (1 mg kg-1) was subcutaneously injected once daily for three consecutive days and then the rats were exercised for 21 days. Mechanical allodynia was evaluated 1, 11, and 21 days after the last injection. At the end of the exercise training protocol forced swim, open field and Morris water maze tests were performed to assess depression, locomotion and cognition, respectively. Additionally, biochemical and molecular markers related to the pathogenesis of the FM and cognitive functions were measured. Reserpine exposure was associated with a decrease in locomotion, an increase in depression, an increase in mechanical allodynia, and a decrease in spatial learning and memory (p < 0.05). These behavioral abnormalities were found to be correlated with elevated blood cytokine levels, reduced serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, and altered PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway in the hippocampus (p < 0.05). Interestingly, exercise training attenuated all the neuropathological changes mentioned above (p < 0.05). These results imply that exercise training restored behavioral, biochemical, and molecular changes against reserpine-induced FM-like symptoms in rats, hence mitigating the behavioral abnormalities linked to pain, depression, and cognitive functioning.

Coconut oil ameliorates behavioral and biochemical alterations induced by D-GAL/AlCl3 in rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by cognitive impairment. Although coconut oil has been shown to be potentially beneficial in reducing AD-related cognitive deficits, information on its mechanism of action is limited. Thus, we investigated the effects of coconut oil on spatial cognitive ability and non-cognitive functions in a rat model of AD induced by G-galactose (D-GAL) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3), and examined the changes in synaptic transmission, cholinergic activity, neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress in this process. The AD model was established by administering D-GAL and AlCl3 for 90 days, while also supplementing with coconut oil during this time. Cognitive and non-cognitive abilities of the rats were evaluated at the end of the 90-day supplementation period. In addition, biochemical markers related to the pathogenesis of the AD were measures in the hippocampus tissue. Exposure to D-GAL/AlCl3 resulted in a reduction in locomotor activity, an elevation in anxiety-like behavior, and an impairment of spatial learning and memory (P < 0.05). The aforementioned behavioral disturbances were observed to coincide with increased oxidative stress and cholinergic impairment, as well as reduced synaptic transmission and levels of neurotrophins in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). Interestingly, treatment with coconut oil attenuated all the neuropathological changes mentioned above (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that coconut oil shows protective effects against cognitive and non-cognitive impairment, AD pathology markers, oxidative stress, synaptic transmission, and cholinergic function in a D-GAL/AlCl3-induced AD rat model.

Comparison of the effect of postweaning social isolation, enriched environment, and exercise training on learning and memory functions in rats.

Background/aim: To assess the effects of postweaning social isolation, an enriched environment, and exercise training on learning and memory functions in rats, as well as their relation with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations in the hippocampus. Materials and methods: Randomly assigned into 4 groups were 35 female postweaning rats (25 day old), as the control (C), social isolation (SI), enriched environment (EE), and exercise training (E) groups. The SI and the EE groups were housed under their specific conditions and the E and the C groups were housed under standard conditions for 6 weeks. The rats in the E group swam for 60 min/day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the rats were evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM). Following MWM assessment, hippocampal tissue and blood samples were taken to measure the BDNF and NGF. Results: According to the results of the MWM probe trial session, the thigmotaxis behavior was higher in the SI group compared to the C group (p < 0,05). Furthermore, the time spent in the target quadrant (quadrant with an escape platform) was lower in the SI group compared to the EE group (p < 0.05). The BDNF and NGF levels in the hippocampus and plasma were not different between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Postweaning social isolation may increase thigmotaxis behaviors. Postweaning social isolation, enriched environment, and exercise training did not affect the spatial learning, memory function, hippocampal BDNF or NGF levels in female rats.

Protective effect by low-intensity downhill running training against muscle damage and oxidative stress after high-intensity downhill running in rats.

This study examined the effects of low-intensity eccentric exercise training performed before high-intensity eccentric exercise on muscle damage markers, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. Twenty-two rats were divided into 3 groups; control (CON; n = 6), high-intensity eccentric exercise (HE; n = 8) and low-intensity eccentric exercise training plus high-intensity eccentric exercise (LET + HE; n = 8). Rats in the HE group performed HE at once. Rats in the LET + HE group performed LET and then HE protocol was applied. Blood and vastus intermedius muscle samples were taken 24 hours after the last exercise session for analyses of muscle damage, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense markers. Muscle damage markers were higher in the HE group than the CON (137%-488%) and the LET + HE groups (82%-110%) (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress marker was higher in the HE group than the CON (65%) and the LET + HE (50%) groups (P < 0.05). Antioxidant defense markers were higher in the LTE + HE group than the HE group (39%-51%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, low-intensity eccentric exercise training performed before high-intensity eccentric exercise conferred a protective effect against muscle damage by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant defense.

Differential effects of voluntary and forced exercise trainings on spatial learning ability and hippocampal biomarkers in aged female rats.

This study aimed to compare the effects of voluntary and forced exercise trainings on cognitive functions and to evaluate their relationship with hippocampal synaptic proteins, neurotrophic factors and markers of oxidative damage in aged female rats. Aged female rats were randomly assigned to control, voluntary exercise training and forced exercise training groups. Voluntary or forced exercise trainings were performed for 12 weeks. At the end of the training period, cognitive functions of the animals were assessed with Morris water maze (MWM) test. After the behavioral test, hippocampus tissues were taken for the analysis of synaptophysin, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). During the MWM test, the number of platform crossings was higher in the voluntary exercise group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In the hippocampus tissue, levels of the synaptophysin, BDNF, NGF and SOD were higher, but MDA levels were lower in the voluntary exercise group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, hippocampal AChE concentration was higher, but PC levels were lower in the both voluntary and forced exercise groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, voluntary exercise was more effective intervention to improve spatial learning ability in aging process. Increased neurotrophic factors, synaptic proteins, and improved oxidative damage may play a role in these positive effects.

Potential Protective Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Doxorubicin-Induced Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Disturbances in Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against doxorubicin (DOX) -induced behavioral disturbances in rats. Female rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups as control, CoQ10, DOX, and DOX plus CoQ10. The CoQ10 groups received CoQ10 (200 mg kg-1) for 21 days, and the DOX groups received DOX (4 mg kg-1) on days 7 and 14 of the study. The open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were performed to assess locomotor activity and anxiety levels. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified in brain tissue. DOX administration caused alterations in locomotor activity, and anxiety-like behaviors. Moreover, DOX produced significant elevation in AChE activity . PC level and GPx activity tended to alter with DOX administration. Co-treatment with CoQ10 significantly attenuated DOX-induced behavioral alterations via improving AChE activity in the brain tissue of rats. CoQ10 treatment may be potential for the alleviation of DOX-induced behavioral disturbances. This improvement might be due to the inhibition of AChE activity.

The effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on anaerobic performance and lactate clearance in male athletes: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on anaerobic performance and lactate clearance in male athletes. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled and crossover trial. Fourteen male athletes were volunteered to participate this study. All subjects visited to laboratory 3 times in total: familiarization session, test session 1, and test session 2, respectively. At the beginning of the study, the subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. In sessions 1 and 2, 1) 30-minute OMT or sham treatment before Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test (WAnT), 2) 30-second WAnT Test, and 3) 10-minute OMT or sham therapy between 5th and 15th minutes of passive rest after WAnT was applied to all subjects, respectively. In both groups blood samples were taken at rest and 5, 15 and 30 minutes after the WAnT for the determination of lactate concentrations. RESULTS: There was no significant differences in WAnT parameters such as peak power, mean power and fatigue index between the OMT and sham treatment. Blood lactate levels were significantly higher 5, 15 and 30 minutes after the WAnT when compared to the rest and were lower 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT when compared to 5 minute after the WAnT in both groups (P<0.05). In addition, blood lactate concentration was significantly lower in OMT than sham treatment at 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that OMT may improve lactate clearance while not affecting anaerobic performance in athletes.

Evaluation of the effect of high-intensity interval training on macular microcirculation via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in young football players.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on macular microcirculation, measured by swept source optical coherence tomography angiography (ss OCTA) in young football players. METHODS: Football players between 18-20 years old were included. After a detailed ophthalmological examination, physiological parameters, including height, body weight, body fat, systemic blood pressure, hematocrit values, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, were recorded. Intraocular pressure and ss OCTA parameters were measured one day before and the day after the high intensity interval training program using DRI OCT Triton (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. RESULTS: Fifteen participants completed the study. All were males with a mean age of 18.1 ± 0.4 years. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation did not change significantly (P > 0.05), while hematocrit levels increased remarkably (P = 0.049) after the HIIT program. Heart rates and intraocular pressure decreased (P = 0.003, P = 0.017, respectively). There was a significant increase in the central vessel density in deep capillary plexus (before: 18.7 ± 3.8%, after: 21.1 ± 4.5%) and central vessel density in choriocapillaris (before: 54.5 ± 2.8%, after 56.9 ± 2.2%) (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively), although no changes were observed in other ss OCTA or in the central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness. CONCLUSION: A 6 week, high intensity interval training program with three exercise sessions per week seems not to alter mean superficial vascular densities, deep foveal avascular zone, and superficial foveal avascular zones, central macular thickness, or subfoveal choroidal thickness, while the central deep vascular density and central choriocapillaris vascular density increased remarkably among ss OCTA parameters.

Effects of Exercise Training Alone and in Combination With Kinesio Taping on Pain, Functionality, and Biomarkers Related to the Cartilage Metabolism in Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of exercise training alone and in combination with kinesio taping on pain, functionality, and circulating cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and -3 at rest and immediately after walking exercise in knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: A total of 22 female patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly divided into the exercise training (ET) or exercise training plus kinesio taping (ET + KT) groups. The patients in the ET performed exercise training for 6 weeks. The patients in the ET + KT group were applied with kinesio tape in addition to the exercise training for 6 weeks. In both groups, 20 minutes of walking exercise were performed before and after the interventions. The pain and functional status of the patients were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and after the intervention at rest, respectively. Blood samples were taken at rest and immediately after the walking exercise before and after the interventions for the analysis of COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels. RESULTS: In both groups, pain and functionality scores were significantly improved after the interventions (P < 0.05). COMP, MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels were higher immediately after walking exercise when compared with rest in both groups before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training and exercise training plus kinesio taping improved pain and physical function; however, the COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels did not change.

Assessment of Structure, Function, and Rhythm of the Heart with Echocardiography and Electrocardiography in Adolescent Swimmers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac parameters by using electrocardiography and echocardiography in adolescent swimmers. Twenty-two adolescent swimmers and 22 gender- and age-matched sedentary controls admitted to our center between November 2018 and May 2019 were included in this study. In addition to demographical characteristics, participants were assessed via a 12-lead electrocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography for cardiac function. On the echocardiography, end-systolic and end-diastolic interventricular septum, end-systolic and end-diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thicknesses, left atrial width, Tricuspid E, left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index were higher in the swimmers when compared to the sedentary controls (P < 0.05). On the electrocardiography, Tp-e duration which reflects ventricular transmural repolarization, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/corrected QT ratios were higher in the swimmers than the sedentary controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, swimming exercise in children leads to concentric thickening of left ventricle and induces an increase in Tp-e duration, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/corrected QT ratios, which are the novel markers for risk of ventricular arrhythmias.

High dose simvastatin and rosuvastatin impair cognitive abilities of healthy rats via decreasing hippocampal neurotrophins and irisin.

BACKGROUND: Statins are cholesterol lowering drugs that decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, but they are related with a few unfavorable symptoms in skeletal muscle including myopathy, and mild to moderate fatigue. Additionally, there has been discrepancies about the impacts of statins on brain and cognition. This study aimed to examine the impacts of two different statins, lipophilic simvastatin and hydrophilic rosuvastatin on cognitive functions in normal healthy rats. Simultaneously, we investigated the alterations of neurotropins and irisin levels in hippocampus and myokine levels in skeletal muscle. METHODS: The rats were dosed with 88 mg kg body weight-1 day-1 simvastatin (n = 8), 150 mg kg body weight-1 day-1 rosuvastatin (n = 8) or vehicle (n = 8) for 18 days via oral gavage. After that behavioral assessment was performed and hippocampus and skeletal muscle samples were taken for the analysis of neurotrophins and irisin levels. RESULTS: Locomotion and learning and memory functions were lower, but anxiety levels were higher in the simvastatin and rosuvastatin groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). Hippocampal neurotrophins and irisin levels were lower, but skeletal muscle brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and irisin levels were higher in the simvastatin and rosuvastatin groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that high dose simvastatin and rosuvastatin impair cognitive functions via decreasing BDNF, NGF and irisin levels in the hippocampus.

The effect of isotretinoin therapy on oxidative damage in rats.

Isotretinoin is prescribed in many dermatologic disorders, but mostly in acne. There is limited research about oxidative stress induced by isotretinoin and its effects on the liver tissue, muscle tissue, and blood. In this study, oxidative damage of isotretinoin on the liver, muscles, and blood in rats at the therapeutic dosage for humans, is evaluated. Thirty, 2-months-old Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Isotretinoin was administered at the human equivalent low dose of 7.5 mg/kg by gavage. Blood, liver, and skeletal muscle samples were taken from the animals under anesthesia. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Protein carbonyl (PC), 8-OHDG (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine), SOD (Superoxide dismutase), GSH(Glutathione), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), NO (Nitric Oxide) levels, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured. There were significant differences between the ALT values of the control group and the third month of isotretinoin treatment group. Oxidative stress markers such as 8-OHDG, PC, GSH, GPX, and NO values significantly differed in month 3. SOD was significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Our study supports that the levels of oxidative markers are increasing with the isotretinoin treatment so this may flare acne. GPX levels increased at the muscle tissue level, and may be responsible for the myopathy that is seen in acne patients. Addition of antioxidants to isotretinoin treatment may be beneficial in reducing oxidative damage.

Quantitative assessment of the effect of acute anaerobic exercise on macular perfusion via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in young football players.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of acute anaerobic exercise on macular perfusion measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in young football players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Football players with ages between 18 and 20 years were included into the study. After a detailed ophthalmological examination, physiological parameters including height (cm), body weight (kg), body fat percentage (%), systemic blood pressure (BP) (mmHg), hematocrit values (%), oxygen saturation pO2 (%) and heart rate (bpm) were recorded. Intraocular pressure (IOP) (mmHg) and SS-OCTA using DRI OCT Triton (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) were measured immediately before and after Wingate test. RESULTS: Out of 20, 16 participants completed the study. All participants were males with a mean age of 18.12 ± .34 years. Systolic BP, hematocrit and heart rate increased, while pO2 and IOP decreased remarkably after Wingate test (p < .01). After anaerobic exercise, there was an increase in mean FAZ area in superficial capillary plexus (FAZs) which was not significant (p = .13), while decrease in FAZ area in deep capillary plexus (FAZd) (mm2) was remarkable (p = .04). No changes were observed in mean vessel density (VD) (%) in superficial capillary plexus (VDs), deep capillary plexus (VDd), choriocapillaris (VDcc), central macular thickness (CMT) (µm) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (µm) after Wingate test (p > .05). FAZd and some of the VD parameters showed a significant correlation with BP (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Acute anaerobic exercise seems not to alter either mean VD in retina and choroid or CMT and SFCT. Among OCTA parameters, only FAZd decreased remarkably.

The effect of silymarin supplementation on cognitive impairment induced by diabetes in rats.

Background The objective of this investigation was to examine the impact of silymarin supplementation on locomotion, anxiety-related behavior, learning, and memory via several behavioral tests, such as open field, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze tests in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods The rats were divided into the control, diabetes, silymarin, and diabetes plus silymarin groups. On the 30th-35th days of the study, several behavioral tests were performed and blood and brain tissue samples were taken and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) levels were analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in locomotor activity between the groups (p = 0.534). Spatial memory was lower (p = 0.000) but anxiety scores were higher (p = 0.005) in the diabetes group than in the control, silymarin, and diabetes plus silymarin groups. Plasma (p = 0.000) and brain tissue (p = 0.007) BDNF levels were lower in the diabetes group than in the control, silymarin, and diabetes plus silymarin groups; however, plasma (p = 0.432) and brain tissue (p = 0.321) HDAC3 levels did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusions The findings obtained from this study suggest that silymarin supplementation could improve anxiety-related behavior, and learning and memory in diabetic rats by increasing the BDNF levels.

Voluntary, involuntary and forced exercises almost equally reverse behavioral impairment by regulating hippocampal neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress in experimental Alzheimer's disease model.

The purpose of this study was to compare the neuroprotective effects of voluntary, involuntary, and forced exercise trainings on behavioral impairment as well as hippocampal Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and oxidative stress markers, and levels of neurotrophic factors in the rat model of AD. The rats were assigned to control, Alzheimer model, Alzheimer + voluntary exercise, Alzheimer + involuntary exercise, or Alzheimer + forced exercise group. The rat model of AD was established by D-(+)-Galactose (D-GAL) and AlCl3 administration for 90 days. Voluntary, involuntary (swimming) or forced exercise (load-swimming) trainings were performed for 90 days starting with the D-GAL and AlCl3 administration and then several behavioral tests were applied. Locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and spatial memory were lower but anxiety levels were higher in the Alzheimer model group, than in the other groups (P < 0.05). The hippocampal levels of the amyloid beta 1-42, microtubule associated protein Tau, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels were higher, but brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels were lower in the Alzheimer model group, than in the other groups (P < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that all exercise modalities almost equally attenuated non-cognitive and cognitive disturbances in a rat model of AD. Elevated neurotrophic factors, and improved oxidative stress could mediate these beneficial effects.

The evaluation of intraocular pressure fluctuation in glaucoma subjects during submaximal exercise using an ocular telemetry sensor.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of acute submaximal exercise on intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) subjects using an ocular telemetry sensor (OTS, Sensimed TriggerFish®). METHODS: Twelve OAG subjects aged 45-65 years with no medical limitation for exercise were included in this prospective study. A submaximal exercise test was performed using a cycle ergometer for 20 min during which OTS voltages and metabolic parameters were recorded continuously. IOP voltages taken before, during, and after exercise were compared using the Friedman test and correlations with the metabolic parameters were evaluated using the Spearman analysis. RESULTS: In two subjects, the OTS stopped functioning after a few hours. Median OTS measurements were 37.60 mVeq 10 min before exercise [interquartile range (IQR) 137.27], 51.75 (IQR 121.2), 62.35 (IQR 123.72), 54.6 (IQR 141.3), and 59.7 mVeq (IQR 196.7) during exercise (4 time points, 5 min apart), and 50.7 (IQR 147.35) and 64.2 mVeq (IQR 103.25) 10 and 30 min after exercise and the change was statistically non-significant (P = 0.66). No correlations were found between OTS and metabolic parameters measured at the same time points (P > 0.05). Nocturnal acrophase pattern was detected in five subjects (50%), diurnal acrophase in two patients, and double-hump in two patients. Median IOP voltages in the morning, afternoon/evening, and night were 335.84, 149.15, and 341.38 mVeq, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Continuous IOP monitoring did not reveal a remarkable voltage change in OAG patients during or immediately after exercise, but nocturnal IOP peaks in half of the patients.

Exercise training increases cardiac, hepatic and circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and irisin in young and aged rats.

Background The objective of study was to examine the impacts of exercise training on cardiac, hepatic and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and irisin levels in young and aged rats. Materials and methods Four-month-old (young) and 20-month-old (aged) female rats performed exercise training consisting of voluntary wheel running for 12 weeks. BDNF and irisin levels were analyzed in the heart, liver and plasma samples by using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results Cardiac, hepatic and plasma BDNF levels were lower in the aged sedentary rats, than in the young exercised and aged exercised rats (p < 0.05). Heart, liver and plasma irisin concentrations were lower in the aged sedentary group than in the young sedentary, young exercised and aged exercised groups (p < 0.05) and regular exercise increased irisin levels in all the analyzed tissues when compared to the sedentary counterparts (p < 0.05). Conclusions The current results show that regular exercise improves aging-induced decrease in the cardiac, hepatic and plasma BNDF and irisin levels.

Exercise Training Protects Against Aging-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction via Activation of the Hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF Pathway.

This study aimed to determine the effect of exercise training on cognitive functioning, and hippocampal PGC-1α, FNDC5, BDNF, and other cognition-related gene and protein expression in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups based on age [3 months (young) vs. 20 months (aged)] and training status (control vs. exercise training). The rats that exercised voluntarily performed exercise training for 90 days, and then all the rats underwent several methods of behavioral assessment. Locomotor activity and spatial memory were lower but anxiety scores were higher in the aged control rats, than in the young control, young exercised, and aged exercised rats (P < 0.05). Hippocampal BDNF, FNDC5, PGC-1α, mTOR, ARC, cF-OS, ERK, SIRT, and FOXO expressions were lower, but NF-κB expressions were higher in the aged control rats than in the young control, young exercised, and aged exercised rats (P < 0.05). Similarly, hippocampal BDNF and FNDC5 protein expression were lower in the aged control rats than in the young control, young exercised, and aged exercised rats (P < 0.05). These findings show that aging-induced cognitive dysfunction is associated with a decrease in hippocampal expression of PGC-1α, FNDC5, and BDNF, and that exercise training might improve cognitive functioning via activation of these genes and proteins.