Regular Exercise Training with Lutein/zeaxanthin Isomers Regulates Brain Transcription Factors and Neurotrophic and Synaptic Proteins in Rats (P06-020-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesLutein/zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi), the major carotenoids, have demonstrated potent antioxidant and antiinflammation. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of L/Zi on brain transcription and brain-derived neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins combined with exercise training in rats. MethodsWistar rats (age: 8 wks) were allocated into four groups: (i) Control: no treatments (ii) L/Zi: Rats treated with L/Zi (100 mg L/Zi/kg BW); (iii) Exercise: Rats with regular exercise only, (iv) Exercise + L/Zi: Rats with combined treatment of L/Zi (100 mg L/Zi/kg BW) and regular exercise. The exercise practice was carried out on a motor-driven rodent treadmill at 25 m/min, 45 min/day, 5 d/week for 8 wks. ResultsRats with combined treatment of L/Zi (100 mg L/Zi/kg BW) and regular exercise. The exercise practice was carried out on a motor-driven rodent treadmill at 25 m/min, 45 min/day, 5 d/week for 8 wks. Brain nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) levels increased and nuclear factor (NF-κB) reduced in the combined group. In addition, L/Zi supplementation increased cerebral cortex brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synapsin I, synaptophysin (SYP) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) levels both control and exercised rats (P < 0.001 for all). The highest cerebral cortex BDNF, synapsin I, SYP and GAP-43 levels were detected in the combined group. ConclusionsThese results suggest that regular exercise training with L/Zi may improve brain function by regulating transcription and brain-derived neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins in rats. Funding SourcesThis study was supported by the Omniactive Health Technologies (NJ, USA) and partially supported by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (Ankara, Turkey).