Investigating the Protective Effect of an Interval Training on Neutrophilic Factors of BDNF and CDNF in Rats Fed with High-fat Foods

Exercise targets the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factors and has a major impact on the overall health of the brain. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a period of interval training on neutrophilic factors of BDNF and CDNF in rats fed with high-fat foods.

In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups with same number: normal nutrition, high fat diet, and high fat diet + interval exercise. Interval exercises were performed in the first 3 weeks with low intensity, moderate intensity in week 4, and week of 5-8th at high intensity and 5 days in per week for 8 weeks. After the end of the eighth week, the rats were killed and the levels of the indices studied were evaluated by ELISA assay kits. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used to analyze of the data.

The results showed that after a high-fat diet, there was a significant decrease in plasma levels of BDNF (P = 0.001) and CDNF (P = 0.001) compared to control group. On the other hand, after a period of interval exercise and nutrition, a significant increase was observed in BDNF levels (P= 0.001, P= 0.002) and CDNF (P= 0.001, P= 0.003) respectively, Compared to control and high fat diet groups.

These results may indicate the positive role of this type of exercise in preventing and neutralizing the disadvantages of high-fat diet, metabolic diseases, and as well as maintain of brain health.