Research Information System
Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, vol.24, no.10, pp.1413-1420, 2021 (Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded)
Objective(s): The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of moderate-intensity swimming
exercise on learning and memory by the Morris water maze test. Changes in the expressions of
cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
proteins alternative pathway which were activated by sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) were investigated.
Materials and Methods: The study included thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-500 g, 11-
12 and 15–16 months old). The rats were randomly divided into four groups with 8 rats in each
group. The groups were designed as follows: Control-1 (11-12 months), Exercise-1 (11-12 months),
Control-2 (15-16 months), Exercise-2 (15-16 months). Moderate-intensity exercise was assigned for
30 min/day, 5 days/week, for the whole training period of 8 weeks.
Results: There were statistically significant differences between the groups on the third day (P=0.005)
when swim speeds increased in the exercise groups. There was a statistically significant difference
between Exercise 1 and Exercise 2 groups, the entries in the platform zone decreased in Exercise 2
group (P=0.026). While there were no histopathological findings observed in any group, increased
SIRT-1, BNDF, and CREB expressions were seen in exercise groups compared with control groups.
Conclusion: In aged rats exercising at moderate intensity, increased expression of CREB and BDNF,
and SIRT-1 could improve hippocampal-dependent memory