Effect of Aerobic Training and L-carnitine on MDA, GPX and Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Diabetic Rats

L-carnitine is associated with an increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and reduction in oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training and L-carnitine cconsumption on hippocampal oxidative stress and neurogenesis factors in diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 45 male wistar rats were divided into six groups including sham (5 rats), healthy control (8 rats), diabetic control (8 rats), diabetic receiving L-carnitine (8 rats), diabetic receiving aerobic exercise (8 rats), diabetic receiving L-carnitine and aerobic exercise (8 rats). Rats with serum glucose level higher than 300 mg/dL were considered diabetic. L-carnitine supplemented dose was 100 mg per day. The aerobic exercise protocol including five sessions per week started at a speed of 10 for 20 min at a zero-degree grade in the first week and gradually reached a speed of 20 for 40 min at a grade of 5 in the sixth week. The Hippocampal tissues of the dependent variables (BDNF, MDA and GPX) were measured by ELISA 24 hours after the last session of the exercise program. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at P-value< 0.05 were used to analyze the data.

The results of the study revealed that aerobic exercise and L-carnitine consumption have a significant effect on BDNF (P-value= 001), MDA (P-value= 001) and GPX (P-value= 001) of the diabetic rats.

According to the results, it is suggested that diabetic patients use aerobic exercise and supplementation with carnitine with caution and physician advice.