Journal of Eexercise & Organ Cross Talk

Modulatory effects of aerobic exercise and Urtica dioica (Nettle) hydroalcoholic extract on tumor growth and Interleukin-10 levels in a Murine melanoma model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, SR.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Professional Physical Education and Sport Science, Science, and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22122/jeoct.2026.581673.1203
Abstract
To investigate the individual and combined effects of six weeks of aerobic exercise and hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica (nettle) on tumor volume, body weight, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in both serum and tumor tissue in male C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F10 melanoma tumors. Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice (6–8 weeks old, 12–14 g) were randomly assigned to four equal groups (n=8): Control, Aerobic Exercise (AE), Nettle Extract (NE), and Combined (AE+NE). Melanoma was induced via surgical implantation of B16F10 tumor fragments. The AE protocol consisted of treadmill running for 6 weeks (5 days/week, progressing from 20 to 30 minutes/session at 6–16 m/min). The NE group received intraperitoneal injections of hydroalcoholic nettle extract (200 mg/kg body weight). The combined group received both interventions. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in serum IL-10 across groups (F=9.811, p=0.0001), with significant increases observed in the AE (p = 0.0003) and AE+NE (p = 0.0005) groups compared to controls. For tumor IL-10, a significant difference was also found across groups (F = 3.047, p = 0.0451), with the combined AE+NE group showing a significant decrease (p = 0.0435) compared to the control group. No significant correlation was found between serum and tumor IL-10 levels in any group (p > 0.05). This combined intervention was associated with increased serum IL-10 levels but decreased IL-10 levels within the tumor microenvironment, suggesting a complex, compartment-specific immunomodulatory effect. These findings support the potential of combining aerobic exercise with nettle extract as a complementary therapeutic strategy for melanoma.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 September 2026

  • Receive Date 14 April 2026
  • Revise Date 05 June 2026
  • Accept Date 09 June 2026