Effects of 8-Week Aerobic Training with Nigella Sativa Extract on Neurotrophic Factors, Tissue Damage, and Muscle Weakness in a Multiple Sclerosis Cuprizon Model using Male C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, chronic, and progressive disease targeting neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to myelin sheath and axonal damage. Regular physical activity is recognized as a complementary and moderating treatment for MS. Nigella sativa is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Material & Methods: Sixty-four adult male C57BL/6 mice (20-26 grams) were randomly divided into eight groups. MS was induced by adding 0.2% cuprizone to rodent food powder. The 8-week training program involved forced treadmill running (15-20 meters/minute), six days a week, twice a day, with 15-minute sessions and a minimum 2-hour interval. Balance was assessed using repeated measurements, BDNF levels through immunohistochemistry, and memory/spatial learning using the Morris blue maze test. Results: After 8 weeks, BDNF increased in the experimental (37.69±2.04), Nigella sativa (34.96±1.84), and combined groups (43.17±3.2), with a significant difference between the Nigella sativa group and the others (P< 0.05). Clinical examination showed zero scores for sham, NS, EX, and NS+EX groups, indicating no movement disorders or limb weakness. In the Cuprizone group, scores increased, while treatment groups (Cup+NS, Cup+EX, and Cup+NS+EX) demonstrated a significant decrease compared to the Cup group (P< .05). Conclusion: Nigella sativa and aerobic training appear to delay MS onset, reduce symptom severity, and contribute to the repair of damaged myelin areas, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic interventions. The condensed text is now approximately 249 words.

Keywords

• aerobic training
• nigella sativa
• brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• demyelination
• multiple sclerosis