4 weeks of endurance training prevents the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in male rats

Ischemia induces physiological alterations in neurons that lead to cell death. Evidence
suggests that physical exercise have a neuroprotective effect and can protect the brain from ischemic injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of endurance training on tumor necrosis factor alpha, Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1 beta levels after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in male rats. Twenty one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups including control, exercise-ischemia and ischemia groups. Physical exercise group were trained 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Ischemia induced by occlusion both common carotid arteries for 20 minutes. The cytokines level was measured by the ELISA method. The data were analyzed by the one way-ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc tests and the significance level was considered if p<0.05. Endurance exercise led to significant decreases in the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (p=0.04), Interleukin-6 (p=0.003) and Interleukin-1 beta (p=0.004). Endurance exercise can protect hippocampus against ischemia-induced injuries by attenuation of ischemic- produced inflammation.