Effect of swimming endurance training program and Silymarin supplementation during pregnancy on Hepatocyte growth factor levels in neonatal liver tissue

Fetal development relies on an intricate balance of nutrients, growth factors, and signaling pathways at precise times in gestation. The aim of study was investigation of the effects of endurance swimming training and Silymarin supplementation on Hepatocyte growth factor levels in neonatal liver tissue.

40 pregnant Wistar rats with an average weight of 200± grams were divided into five groups (control, vehicle, training, Silymarin, and training – Silymarin). Rats in training group were forced to swim from the first day of pregnancy until delivery, for three weeks in a specific pool. Silymarin were injected subcutaneously (100 mg/kg) 3 times per week. Silymarin vehicle (absolute ethanol and distilled water 3 times per week) were injected with the same dose. Tissue samples were removed from liver of rats two days after delivery and liver HGF levels were determined using ELISA method.

HGF levels were increased in training – Silymarin, training and Silymarin group compared to the control group up to 547% (p = 0.001), 313% (p = 0.001) and 213% (p = 0.041) respectively. In addition, neonatal birth weight significantly increased in Silymarin (p = 0.005) and training – Silymarin (p = 0.012).

Submaximal endurance swimming training in combination with Silymarin supplementation probably increases the neonate growth.