Effect of Aerobic Training and L-carnitine on MDA, GPX and Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Diabetic Rats

Objective: L-carnitine is associated with an increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and reduction in oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training and L-carnitine cconsumption on hippocampal oxidative stress and neurogenesis factors in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 45 male wistar rats were divided into six groups including sham (5 rats), healthy control (8 rats), diabetic control (8 rats), diabetic receiving L-carnitine (8 rats), diabetic receiving aerobic exercise (8 rats), diabetic receiving L-carnitine and aerobic exercise (8 rats). Rats with serum glucose level higher than 300 mg/dL were considered diabetic. L-carnitine supplemented dose was 100 mg per day. The aerobic exercise protocol including five sessions per week started at a speed of 10 for 20 min at a zero-degree grade in the first week and gradually reached a speed of 20 for 40 min at a grade of 5 in the sixth week. The Hippocampal tissues of the dependent variables (BDNF, MDA and GPX) were measured by ELISA 24 hours after the last session of the exercise program. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at P-value< 0.05 were used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the study revealed that aerobic exercise and L-carnitine consumption have a significant effect on BDNF (P-value= 001), MDA (P-value= 001) and GPX (P-value= 001) of the diabetic rats. Conclusion: According to the results, it is suggested that diabetic patients use aerobic exercise and supplementation with carnitine with caution and physician advice.