The effect of high intensity interval training and Adiantum capillus-veneris extract supplementation on HIF-1α levels and bronchial and bronchiole apoptosis in lung tissue of male Wistar rats

High intensity interval training is associated with impaired immune function and cellular damage in lung tissue. Adiantum capillus-veneris has been considered as an herbal supplementation in traditional medicine as an antioxidant. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of high-intensity interval training on HIF-1α levels and the rate of bronchial and bronchiole apoptosis in lung tissue. For this purpose, 24 healthy Wistar male rats (4 weeks with a mean weight of 72 ± 9 g) were divided into experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 6) groups. After 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training, 6 rats in the experimental group were transferred to the supplement group (n = 6), continued training (n = 6) and exercise supplement (n = 6), and were monitored for another three weeks. At the end of the ninth week, lung tissue samples were taken and assayed to measure HIF-1α levels and bronchial and bronchiole apoptosis. One-way analysis of variance at the significant level (p ≥ 0.05) was used to analyze the data. The results showed that despite a significant increase in HIF-1α and bronchial apoptosis and pulmonary bronchioles (p ≥ 0.05) following increased exercise activity of Adiantum capillus-veneris, herbal supplementation in both supplemental group alone and exercise supplementation was significantly decreased. (p ≥ 0.05) associated with HIF-1α, bronchial apoptosis and bronchial lung tissue. Therefore, Adiantum Capillus-Veneris can lead to a decrease in HIF-1α levels and associated bronchial apoptosis and pulmonary bronchioles.