Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Rosemary Extracts on Inflammatory Factors in Cerebellar of Male Old Rats

Changes in the expression of pre-inflammatory cytokines play a peculiar role in the acceleration of brain aging. The consumption of some traditional herbs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties(such as rosemary) and regular aerobic exercise are effective factors in the control of premature aging. The present study aimed to assess the effects of aerobic exercise and consumption of rosemary extract on Tumor necrosis factor-alpha  (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in the cerebellum tissue of old male rats.

A total of 40 male Wistar rats (18 months) weighing about 350–450 g were selected. They were randomly assigned to five groups: control, sham (treadmill off and distilled water gavage), practice (12 weeks, 5 days a week), supplement or extract (12 weeks of daily 100 mg/ kg gavage rosemary extract), and practice-supplement(extract). To evaluate the level of cytokines, the cerebellum tissue was quickly removed 24 h after the last practice session according to ethical principles. After homogenization, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA technique). Data statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests.

As evidenced by the obtained results, a significant increase was observed in IL-6 level in the exercise and extract groups, compared to the sham and control groups (P< 0.05), as well as in the extract-practice group, compared to controls (P<0.01), and sham (P<0.001). On the other hand, TNF-α level was decreased in the treated groups, in comparison to the sham and control groups; however, this decrease was not significant.

Based on the results, aerobic exercise training along with rosemary extract consumption can be effective in the production and balance of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cerebellum tissue of aging rats.