Effects of aerobic exercise in manipulated environment on serum levels of BDNF, Irisin and Cathepsin B in healthy active men

Aerobic exercise increases serum levels of BDNF, Irisin, and Cathepsin B, but the effects of it in the manipulated environment have not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise in manipulated environment on serum levels of BDNF, Irisin and Cathepsin B in healthy active adolescents in Khorramabad.

In this quasi-experimental study, 10 healthy active male adolescents (age: 16.60±0.52 years) voluntarily participated. The subjects underwent a one-hour running with intensity between 12-13 in Borg scale one session in an ordinary environment and one session in an enriched environment interspersed with one week in a randomized cross-over design. Five minutes before and after the training, a blood sample was taken from the subjects. Serum levels of BDNF, Irisin and Cathepsin B were measured by ELISA. To analyze the data, paired samples t-test was used. Also, the percentage of changes were compared to pre-test.

The results showed that in both environments serum levels of BDNF (p=0.001, p=0.001) Irisin (p=0.002, p=0.001) and Cathepsin B (p=0.001, p=0.0005) were significantly increased. However, there was only a significant difference between Irisin (p=0.043) and Cathepsin B (p=0.046) in the two environments. Also, the percentage of changes in all variables was higher in enriched environment.

Moderate intensity aerobic exercise in healthy active adolescents increased serum levels of BDNF, Irisin, and Cathepsin B. But, the manipulated environment has greater impact. Therefore, it is recommended to use a manipulated environment to make the most of the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise.