A short-term training program reduced oxidative damage in elderly diabetic rats.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies concluded long-term training programs have improved antioxidant system in young and adults diabetic rats. However, to our knowledge, little attention has been paid to elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of a shorter training program in reducing oxidative damage in elderly diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male homozygous Zucker diabetic fatty rats (Gmi, fa/fa) aged 18-weeks with an average weight of 370- 450 g were purchased. After a 2-week period of environmental adaptation, animals were randomly distributed into exercised group (n = 12) that performed a 6-week swimming training protocol and sedentary group (n = 12). Animals were sacrificed 24-h after the last exercise session under anesthesia. Serum metabolic profile was determined. Lipid oxidation, expressed as malondialdehyde and protein oxidation, expressed as carbonyl groups, were assessed in plasma samples. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Exercised rats improved significantly their metabolic profile in comparison to controls. Plasma malondialdehyde (1.58 ± 0.39 vs. 2.06 ± 0.41 nmol/mL; p = 0.016) and carbonyl group levels (1.37 ± 0.33 vs. 1.62 ± 0.58 UA; p = 0.011) were also significantly lowered in exercised rats when compared to sedentary counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week swimming training program reduced lipid and protein oxidation in elderly fatty diabetic rats. Further studies on this topic are required.