Effect of 8 weeks aerobic training on SRT1, CREB and BDNF genes expression in hippocampus of Wistar rats

Abstract Introduction & Objective: Exercise through BDNF induces its beneficial effects on the brain. However, its cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks aerobic training on mRNA expression of SIRT1, CREB and BDNF genes in hippocampus of male Wistar rats. Methods:Twelve 8-week-old rats were the subjects of this study.Rats were randomly divided into two groups: exercise group and control group.Animals in the exercise group experienced moderate-intensity interval aerobic exercise for 8 weeks. Forty-eight hours after the last training session, animals were sacrificed and hippocampal tissue was extracted.MRNA expression of SIRT1, CREB and BDNF geneswere determined by Real-time PCR method.Independent t-test was used to compare groups and significant differences were considered at the P≤0.05 level. Results:The results showed that the expression of SIRT1, CREB and BDNF mRNA levels in hippocampal tissue of the exercised group were significantly increased (P ≤0.001). Conclusions:Overall, it appears that regular aerobic exercise is able to upregulate brain BDNF levels through the SIRT1/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.It can have beneficial effects on brain health and cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurological diseases.