The Effects of Swimming Exercise and Probiotic VSL#3 on Zonulin and Some Inflammatory and Oxidative Parameters in Rats

Moderate exercise stimulates immune system whereas intensive exercise may display immune-suppressive effect associated with the disruption of intestinal barrier. With this study, we tested the effects of moderate and intensive swimming exercises on some cytokines and oxidant variables and zonulin, an intestinal barrier marker, in rats. We also tested possible ameliorative effects of probiotic VSL#3 in both moderate and intensive exercise regimens. Twenty eight rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: Control-C, Probiotic-P, Exercise-E, Probiotic+Exercise-PE. The rats in group E and PE underwent moderate swimming exercise for 5 weeks. Following this period, intensive swimming exercise was performed for 5 days. The rats in group C and group P were sedentary. Probiotic VSL#3 was given to group P and PE in the water. At the end of the experiments, serum zonulin, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, MDA, and protein carbonyl levels were determined. Evidences obtained from present study indicate that moderate swimming exercise improves barrier integrity of intestine and decreases oxidative stress. During the moderate swimming experiment, probiotic VSL#3 supplementation may also improve inflammatory response. On the other hand, intensive exercise does not led changes in the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, but beneficial responses of moderate exercise on the selected parameters probably disappear due to the intense exercise-induced mild stress.