Effect of High-intensity Interval Training on Some of the Brain Neuroangiogenic Factors of Old Female Rats

Aims: The aging process is associated with alterations in brain neuroangiogenic factors. Exercise training plays an important role in the development of brain, especially in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on some of the brain neuroangiogenic factors of old female rats.

The present experimental research was carried out on 14 two-year-old female Wistar rats, weighing 250-300 grams. The rats were randomly divided into 2 control and exercise groups (7 rats per group). The old animals performed 10 bouts of 1-min high-intensity treadmill running (20–34 m/min), separated by 2 minutes of rest 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The rats were killed 48 hours after the last exercise training session and brain vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) levels were evaluated by ELIZA method. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20, using independent T-test.

Findings:

VEGF levels in the exercise group were significantly higher in the brain tissue of old rats than in the control group. TGF-β1 brain levels decreased compared to the control group.

High-intensity interval training improves age-induced neuroangiogenic changes in the aged brain via the up-regulation of VEGF and decrease in TGF‐β1 level.