Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of High-intensity interval training and spirulina supplementation on the levels of Pannexin-1 and NLRP-1 proteins in hippocampal tissue in male rats with type 1 diabetes. In this experimental study, 30 Wistar rats, aged 10 weeks and weighing 180-260 grams, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 each: exercise group, supplement group, exercise + supplement group, control group, 5 healthy group. After inducing diabetes and implementing the protocol, hippocampal tissue from the rats was extracted, and the levels of PANNXIN-1 and NLRP-1 proteins were measured using the western blot method. Statistical analyses and data processing were conducted using SPSS version 26 software, with significance set at P≤0.05. The results showed a significant increase in Pannexin-1 and NLRP-1 proteins in diabetic rats (P<0.05). There was a noticeable decrease in protein expression after 6 weeks of rigorous intermittent exercise and spirulina supplements in the exercise, supplement, and exercise + supplement groups compared to the diabetic group. This reduction was mostly due to the combined effects of exercise and supplementation rather than either alone. Our research has verified the hypoglycemic effects of intense interval training and spirulina supplementation, along with their impact on reducing PANX-1 and NLRP-1 protein expression. Consequently, it appears that this form of physical activity and herbal supplement could significantly enhance the management of neurodegenerative disorders in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract Unmanaged Type 2 Diabetes (DM2) is a known risk factor for cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (DM3). This study explores the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and thyme honey on the expression of genes involved in memory-related signaling pathways (BDNF-TrkB-CREB), which are compromised in both DM2 and DM3. This experimental study involved 36 young male Wistar rats, divided into four groups: control (C), HIIT (T), thyme honey (H), and HIIT-thyme honey (TH). The T and TH groups underwent 40 training sessions over two months, with progressively increasing intervals (from 2 to 8) and intensity (from 80% to 95% of maximum running speed). Concurrently, the H and TH groups were administered 3 g/kg of thyme honey 5 days a week. Changes in BDNF, TrkB, and CREB gene expression were assessed using RT-PCR. The data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, and Univariate analysis using SPSS-22 software. A significant increase in BDNF and CREB expression in the interactive intervention group and the expression of the TrkB gene in honey intervention groups were observed compared to diabetic control (P≥0.001). The interactive intervention with HIIT exercises and thyme honey has a synergistic effect on increasing gene expression in memory-related pathways. The highest effect size was observed for HIIT training on BDNF (EF=0.667) and CREB (EF=0.540), while the honey intervention showed a significant effect size on TrkB (EF=0.666).