The effect of eight weeks of simultaneous endurance-resistance exercise on the serum levels of BDNF, CRP and IL-6 in type1 diabetic male Wistar rats

Diabetes leads to defects in BDNF function and disturbances in CRP and IL-6 serum levels. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of simultaneous endurance-resistance exercise on BDNF, CRP, and IL-6 serum levels in type1 diabetic male Wistar rats.

In this experimental study, 30 adults male Wistar rats (250-300 grams and aged six weeks) were randomly divided into three groups including two diabetic groups, diabetic exercise (n=10), diabetic control (n=10) and a non-diabetic group, healthy control (n=10). At the end of the eight-week-old, an amount of 55 mg/kg of body weight of streptozocin (STZ) was injected intraperitoneally, to make diabetic. The diabetic exercise group performed the eight weeks of combined exercises; 5 times per week (endurance exercise with 75% Vo2max on the treadmill and strength training including 15 times climbing the ladder). To measure the serum levels of BDNF, CRP, and IL-6, blood samples were taken. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni test were used to compare between-group and intra-group changes of BDNF, CRP, and IL-6. The significance level was P<0.05.

After eight weeks of endurance-resistance training, BDNF level significantly increased in the diabetic exercise group compared to the diabetic group (P=0.009). Whereas, it significantly decreased in the diabetic control group compared to the healthy control (P=0.0001). CRP levels significantly decreased in the diabetic exercise group compared to the diabetic group (P=0.008). However, it significantly increased the diabetic control group compared to the healthy control (P=0.0001). There was no significant change in IL-6 level (P=0.057).

It is recommended that diabetic people perform eight weeks of simultaneous endurance-resistance exercises to increase BDNF levels and reduce inflammation.