The effects of aerobic exercise and Tribulus terrestris hydroalcoholic extract on oxidative stress markers of lung tissue in H2O2-toxicated male rats

Oxidative stress disrupts prooxidant-antioxidant (PAB) balance leading to a reduction in redox signaling and cellular and molecular damage to tissue components (4). In addition, ROS can damage mitochondrial DNA in the alveoli and disrupt the electron transfer chain as the most important site of oxidative phosphorylation regulation (5). Studies show that exercise can help to improve the ratio of prooxidant-antioxidant and the factors involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage (6,7). However, in the study of Yousefpour et al. (2017) eight weeks of intermittent aerobic training had no effect on the activity of total plasma antioxidant capacity and the concentration of malondialdehyde in the liver tissue of rats (10). Tribulus terrestris has antioxidant benefits that have been widely used in traditional medicine (13). Studies show that Tribulus terrestris contains alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals (14).The interactive effect of exercise and valuable plant resources on factors affecting DNA degradation and prooxidants / antioxidants in lung tissue is not well understood. Therefore, the present study intends to investigate the question of whether 8 weeks of aerobic exercise and consumption of Tribulus terrestris extract have an effect on the oxidative stress markers of lung tissue in male rats poisoned with hydrogen peroxide?

This is an experimental study. This research was conducted in 2019 on Wistar rats in Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 42 male wistar rats randomly were divided into 7 groups. All groups received 100 mg/kg body weight of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 14 days intraperitoneal. Rats in supplemented groups received Tribulus terrestris hydroalcoholic extract with doses of 5 and 10 mg per day by gavage method. Aerobic training was performed on a treadmill at a speed of 23 m/min, 30 min/day, 5 days/week for eight weeks (19-21). after the last training session lung tissue was extracted and oxidative stress markers concentration measured by ELISA method.

Tribulus terrestris extract, aerobic training and intervention of tribulus terrestris extract with aerobic training led to significant increase in levels of methyl guanine, Prooxidants-antioxidant balance (PAB) and Cytochrome C Oxidase, as well as significant decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) the lung tissue (p=0.001) (fig. 1-5).

The findings of this study were consistent with the results of Simioni et al. (2018), Siu et al. (2011) and Hejazi et al. (2014) (7-9). Aerobic exercise creates a defense mechanism that helps to restore cellular homeostasis and reduce ROS production (22). The mechanism of change of factors involved in oxidative damage and destruction of cellular DNA following aerobic exercise includes increased intracellular responses and response of various body tissues to oxidative stress produced during exercise and catabolism of synthetic components of proteins and cell defense structure (26). Aerobic exercise can have a protective effect against these injuries by strengthening and activating the bodychr('39')s antioxidant and immune systems (27). Compounds in Tribulus terrestris purify various reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anion (O2-) and hydroxyl radical (OH) (33). It is recommended that regular aerobic exercise and Tribulus terrestris extract be considered to Reduce oxidative stress and health of lung tissue. In the present study, there were limitations in the present study, including the study of animal specimens. Other limitations of this study include lack of measurement of other oxidative stress -related factors. According to the results, aerobic exercise and tribulus terrestris can improve lung tissue health by improving Redox conditions and reducing oxidative stress.