Protective effect of aerobic training and micro-curcumin supplementation on motor dysfunction in offspring mice exposed to gestational lead

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal aerobic training and curcumin (Cur) supplementation on protecting motor function (e.g., muscle strength and muscle relaxant activity) from the harmful effects of maternal lead nitrate (Pb[NO3]2) exposure in female and male offspring BALB/c mice. The experimental groups included a healthy group, intraperitoneally Micro-Cur-treated group (50 mg/kg of body weight), aerobic training group (received training once a day during 8 weeks of experiments), aerobic training group exposed to Pb(NO3)2 (2 mg/kg) through drinking water during breeding and pregnancy, and aerobic training group treated with Micro-Cur and exposed to Pb(NO3)2 through drinking water during breeding and pregnancy. The pre-pregnancy training program was performed 5 times a week for 4 weeks at a speed of 10 to 12 m/min (75% VO2 max). All offspring were grouped based on the maternal groups, and the motor function was evaluated using an inclined plane, linear wire hang, and grip strength tests. Our results indicated that maternal Pb(NO3)2 exposure significantly decreased muscle strength and muscle relaxant activity, especially in males. These adverse effects were compensated by maternal aerobic training and Cur supplementation. The maximum of this compensation was observed in the maternal aerobic training group treated with Cur supplementation. Moreover, maternal aerobic training and Cur supplementation synergistically protected motor function in offspring mice from the adverse effects of maternal Pb(NO3)2 exposure, probably through different physiological mechanisms.