The Effect of 4 Weeks of Voluntary Aerobic Activity along with Interferon Beta on Serum Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) in Mice Model of Multiple Sclerosis

The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise in chronic diseases are mediated by a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. The Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of voluntary aerobic activity along with interferon beta on the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) in mice model of multiple sclerosis.

In this experimental study, a total number of 80 female mice were divided into eight groups. To induce of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), mixture of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) (35-55) was injected subcutaneously, and pertussis toxin was injected intraperitoneally. The interferon beta drug protocol in amount of 150 IU/g as well as the 4-week protocol of voluntary aerobic exercise with running wheel were administered to the treatment groups. Finally, blood samples were taken from the heart and data analysis was done using one-way ANOVA test.

TNF-α levels in the MS+INF-β group significantly reduced compared to the MS + solvent group (P = 0.0010), and a significant increase was observed in the amount of IL-10 in comparison with the same groups (P = 0.01). But aerobic activity along with interferon beta-1 treatment, more effectively led to an increase in IL-10 of serum and a decrease in serum TNF-α in MS + INF-β + running wheel group compared to MS + solvent + running wheel group (compared to exercise or medication alone) (P = 0.001).

Aerobic activity along with medication may possibly lead to clinical improvement and quality of life in patients with MS by controlling inflammatory factors.