Younes Sarkabood, Mohamadreza Kordi, Siroos Choobineh, Fatemeh Nasery,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (11-2019)
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are key mechanisms in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Physical activity plays a role in controlling and improving epileptic symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the levels of HMGB1 and IL-10 proteins, and seizure severity in the hippocampus of epileptic rats.
Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats (6–8 weeks old; mean body weight: 226.625 ± 14.966 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: epilepsy, control, sham, and epilepsy + MICT. After completion of the 8-week training protocol, SOD and GPx activities were measured by ELISA, hippocampal HMGB1 and IL-10 levels were assessed by Western blotting, and seizure severity was evaluated using the Racine scale. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Mann–Whitney U test in SPSS.
Results: Epilepsy induction led to decreased SOD (p < 0.02) and GPx (p < 0.001) activities, increased HMGB1 levels (p < 0.001), decreased IL-10 levels (p < 0.001), and increased seizure severity. MICT increased GPx activity (p < 0.048) and reduced HMGB1 levels (p < 0.001) in the training group compared with the epilepsy group. Although SOD activity (p = 0.953) and IL-10 levels (p = 0.198) did not change significantly, seizure severity was significantly reduced in the trained group.
Conclusion: Moderate-intensity continuous training appears to exert protective effects and reduce seizure severity in epileptic rats by strengthening the antioxidant defense system and attenuating neuroinflammation.
