Effect of eight weeks of high intensity interval training and crocin consumption on the apoptotic genes expression in the liver tissue of male rats under chronic doxorubicin induction

Background and Aims: The use of doxorubicin (Dox) in chemotherapy has irreversible effects on liver tissue. The role of physical activities and antioxidants consumption has not yet been fully understood in the mechanism of apoptosis induced by Dox. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and crocin consumption on liver tissue apoptosis in male rats under chronic Dox induction. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats with mean weight of 200±20 g and mean age of 8 weeks were divided into five groups, including healthy control, Dox (2 mg/kg in 7 doses), Dox+crocin (10 mg/kg), Dox+HIIT, and Dox+HIIT+crocin. The training program included running on the treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 days a week, at 2-minute intervals with an intensity of 80-90% of the maximum speed. Liver biopsy was performed to assess the fibrosis and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes using RT-PCR method 48 h after the last training session. The statistical analysis was conducted through one-way ANOVA, and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Treatment with Dox significantly increased Bax expression, compared to Bax/Bcl-2. Moreover, it decreased Bcl-2 expression in the liver tissue of the patient groups (P=0.001). In contrast, crocin and the combination of exercise and crocin decreased Bax expression, compared to Bax/Bcl-2 and increased Bcl-2 expression in experimental groups, compared to Dox group (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that the HIIT combined with the consumption of crocin had a significant effect on the decrease of apoptosis in the liver tissue of male rats subjected to chronic doxorubicin injection.