The impact of moderate-intensity swimming exercise on learning and memory in aged rats: The role of Sirtuin-1

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Tunca Ü., Saygın M., Özmen Ö., Aslankoç R., Yalçın A.

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, vol.24, no.10, pp.1413-1420, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 24 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.22038/ijbms.2021.58145.12920
  • Journal Name: Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Index Islamicus, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.1413-1420
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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