Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Dec 2023)
Investigating the Effects of Whey-supplemented Swimming Training on Improving Motor Dysfunction and Neuronal Apoptosis in a Rotenone-induced Parkinson\'s Disease Model
Abstract
Background and purpose: Parkinson 's disease, one of the most common neuromotor disorders, is caused by the progressive destruction of the dopaminergic neurons of the basal nuclei. Whey is considered a rich source of amino acids and peptides with biological properties. Considering the beneficial effects of exercise on the inhibition and recovery of neuronal damage, the present study investigated the effect of swimming exercise and whey administration on motor dysfunction and gene expression of apoptotic factors of the striatumin the Parkinson's disease model induced with retenon. Materials and methods: 13-15-month-old male Wistar rats were used. Daily injections of rotenone (2.5 mg/kg in 5% DMSO; i.p.) for 60 days were used to induce PD. 24 h after the last injection, muscle stiffness was measured using the bar test and grid test. Bradykinesia was measured by the rearing behavior. Whey (4 g/rat) was administered daily by gavage for 30 days. Swimming exercise were performed daily for 15 min for 30 days (5 minutes swimming, repeated 3 times at 10-minute intervals). Afterwards, themotor skills were measured again. Striatum tissue was then isolated and stored at -80° C. Real-time PCR was used for the expression of caspases 3 and 6. Results: Compared to the control group, rotenone caused a significant increase in the delay time in the bar and grid tests and a significant decrease in the rearing behavior. Whey alone or together with swimming exercises significantly decreased the delay time in the bar and grid testsand significantly increased the rearing behavior compared to the rotenone group. In addition, rotenone caused a significant increase in striatal levels of apoptotic caspases 3, 6 gene expression, whilewhey alone or together with swimming exercise significantly decreased caspases 3, 6 gene expression. Conclusion: Swimming exercise enhanced the neuroprotective effect of whey against rotenone-induced apoptosis and motor dysfunction, so it may be effective in controlling Parkinson’s disease.
