The protective effect of exercise on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity in hippocampus following the cerebral ischemia in male rats

Cerebral ischemia is associated with extensive metabolic disorders in the nerve cells especially the hippocampal neurons. Evidence suggests that exercise have a neuroprotective effect and can protect the brain from ischemic injury. This study aimed to investigate effect of pre-ischemic exercise on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity in hippocampus. 21 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, exercise ischemia and ischemia. The rats in exercise group were trained to run on a treadmill 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Ischemia induced by occlusion both common carotid arteries for 20 minutes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, GPX, and CAT) was measured using a special Kits. The results showed that exercise led to significant decrease MDA concentration and a significant increase antioxidant enzymes activity in the hippocampus. In conclusion, exercise by increasing the antioxidative enzymes activity may have a protective effect against ischemia-induced injuries and disorders.