The Effect of Moderate Intensity Endurance Training with Genistein on Brain- Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

<strong>Introduction</strong>: As physical education and nutrition are two effective factors in management of diabetes, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity endurance training and genistein on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in diabetic rats.<strong> Methods</strong>: In this experimental study, 40 diabetic rats were selected and divided into five groups: (1) control; (2) moderate intensity endurance training; (3) genistein consumption; (4) moderate intensity endurance training with genistein and (5) sham. Rats in groups 2 and 4 ran on treadmill for eight weeks, three sessions per week, and each session for 60 minutes at speeds of 10- 17 m/min, and rats in groups 3 and 4 received daily 30 mg/kg genistein intraperitoneal injection. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent sample t- test and two-way ANOVA were used to analyze the findings (p≤0.05).<br /> <strong>Results</strong>: Endurance training had a significant effect on increasing BDNF (P=0.002 and effect size, 0.34) and reducing TNF-α (p = 0.003 and effect size, 0.31), genistein consumption had a significant effect on increasing BDNF (p = 0.01 and effect size, 0.24) and reducing TNF-α (p = 0.001 and effect size, 0.37); also, endurance training with genistein consumption had interactive effects on increasing BDNF (p = 0.04 and effect size, 0.15) and decreasing TNF-α (P = 0.019 and effect size, 0.20). <strong>Conclusion</strong>: It seems that moderate intensity training and genistein consumption alone can improve the BDNF and TNF-α in diabetic rats; nevertheless simultaneous consumption of genistein can accelerate the effects of moderate intensity training on improvement of BDNF and TNF-α in diabetic rats.