Effect of 6 Weeks of Aerobic Training on the Oxidative Stress Condition of Male Wistar Rats Exposed To Particulate Matter

Scientific evidence suggests the role of environmental pollutants, especially particulate mater in oxidative stress. However, the regular aerobic training has an important role in enhancing antioxidant defense and resistance to oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of aerobic training on the oxidative stress condition of male Wistar rats exposed to particulate matter.

In this experimental study, 32 male rats (245 ± 8.5 g) aged 10 weeks, were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. The rats received the infusion of the particulate matter for 6 weeks through the nose. The exercise program included 6 weeks of aerobic training with 50% of maximum exercise; at the end of 6 weeks of the program, 24 hours after the last exercise session, blood samples were taken. Descriptive one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in different groups. If analysis were significant, differences between groups were estimated using LSD test. Significance was defined as P≤0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16.

After 6 weeks of aerobic training, levels of Malondialdehyde in both groups: healthy exercise and particulate matter+exercise decreased significantly and in the infected group (P≤0.05), but did not show significant difference compared to the control group (P≥0.05). The level of Superoxide dismutase in the infected group showed a significant increase. There was no significant difference between the two Glutathione peroxidas and catalase enzymes in each group (P≥0.05).

Based on the results, it can be concluded that aerobic training may be effective in reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defense.