The Effect of Combining Aerobic Exercise and Royal Jelly on the Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Liver Tissue of Obese Rats

Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the promotion of hepatocyte damage and liver fibrosis. In recent years the protective role of exercise and royal jelly (RJ), has been suggested for metabolic and inflammatory disorders. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic training (AT) and RJ on pro-inflammatory markers in a rat's model of a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: In this experimental study, 45 male rats were randomly divided into five groups (Each group: n=9): Normal Diet (ND), High-Fat Diet (HFD), High-Fat Diet +Training (HFDT), High-Fat Diet + Royal Jelly (HFDRJ), and High-Fat Diet +Training + Royal Jelly (HFDTRJ). The supplement groups received 100 mg of royal jelly (kg/body weight) diluted in distilled water orally during the intervention period. The aerobic exercise program included treadmill running with an intensity of 50-60% oxygen consumption (VO2max), 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Results: HFD increased hepatic NF-κB (p=0.006), TNF-α (p=0.0001) and IL-1β (p=0.0001). AT, RJ as well as the combination of AT with RJ decreased NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β (p≤0.05). Decrease in NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were significant in HFDTRJ group compared to HFDT and HFDRJ groups (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The combination of AT and RJ may decrease inflammatory markers and improve HFD-induced hepatic steatosis by reducing the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β.