The Pattern of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Expression in the Hippocampus of Diabetic Rats

Objective(s) The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of regular exercise in preventing diabetes complication in the hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. Materials and Methods A total of 48 male wistar rats were divided into four groups (control, control exercise, diabetic and diabetic exercise). Diabetes was induced by injection of single dose of STZ. Exercise was performed for one hr every day, over a period of 8 weeks. The antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, CAT and GR) and oxidant indexes with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and its mRNA and apoptosis were measured in hippocampus of rats. Results A significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level were observed in diabetic rats (P= 0.004). In response to exercise, antioxidant enzymes activities increased (P= 0.004). In contrast, MDA level decreased in diabetic rats (P= 0.004). Induction of diabetes caused an increase of BDNF protein and its mRNA expression. In response to exercise, BDNF protein and its mRNA expression reduced in hippocampus of diabetic rats. Conclusion Diabetes induced oxidative stress and increased BDNF gene expression. Exercise ameliorated oxidative stress and decreased BDNF gene expression.