Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus Terrestris on Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Markers in Heart Tissue of Rats Poisoned With Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

Objective: Oxidative stress can cause DNA damage and apoptosis, and leads to cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise combined with consumption of hydroalcoholic extract of tribulus terrestris on mitochondrial oxidative stress markers in heart tissue of rats poisoned with hydrogen peroxide. Methods: This is an experimental study conducted on 42 male Wistar rats divided randomly into seven groups of Control (poisoned without supplementation), Aerobic Exercise, Aerobic Exercise + Supplementation with 5mg/kg extract, Aerobic Exercise + Supplementation with 10 mg/kg extract, Supplementation with 5mg/kg extract, Supplementation with 10mg/kg extract, and healthy control. All groups received hydrogen peroxide (100 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days intraperitoneally. The rats in supplementation groups received hydroalcoholic extract of tribulus terrestris with doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg of body weight by gavage. Aerobic exercise was performed on a treadmill at a speed of 23 m/min for 8 weeks, 5 days per week, each for 30 min. Twenty-four hours after the last exercise session, the heart tissues of rats were collected. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, two-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test considering a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Consumption of tribulus terrestris extracts alone and in combination with aerobic exercise led to a significant increase in the levels of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyl transferase, prooxidants-antioxidant balance, and cytochrome C oxidase, and a significant decrease in adenosine triphosphate and malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that regular aerobic exercise and consumption of various doses of tribulus terrestris extract is a moderating factor in mitochondrial biogenesis, and is effective in reducing DNA damage in the heart tissue of rats. Lower dosage of tribulus terrestris extract has more benefits.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Oxidative Stress in Skeletal Muscle Tissue: A Narrative Review

“…Today, the reduction of oxidative stress and improving the antioxidant system with antioxidant supplements and exercise training are of great interest (12). Antioxidant supplements neutralize ROS by donating an electron or hydrogen atom and regulate SOD, CAT, and GPX enzymes (13,42,43). They also increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including those involved in glutathione synthesis, by regulating the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway (14,44).…”

“…However, physical activity and herbal supplements can have synergistic effects. Delfani et al found in research that aerobic exercise and thistle plant extract can help to improve redox and reduce the oxidative stress of lung tissue (13). However, in a study on old rats, Razavimajd et al concluded that aerobic physical activity and garlic supplementation separately had a protective effect on the heart tissue of rats, but combined interventions did not have a synergistic effect (50).…”

“…At the same time, excessive ROS causes impaired contractile function and muscle weakness (9). But the increase in ROS level and the decrease in gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, which are considered indicators of oxidative stress, may be due to very intense physical exercises, especially with short recovery periods and improper nutrition, should be created (10)(11)(12)(13). On the other hand, research has shown that some natural herbal supplements improve health by neutralizing ROS (14).…”

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Bitter Orange Peel Extract on Oxidative Biomarkers and the Nrf2-Keap1 Signaling Pathway in the Quadriceps Tissue of Male Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

“…Although ROS production increases during intense physical exercise, the improvement and development of the antioxidant defense system are created parallel to this increase, protecting the tissues against the damage caused by ROS (1,2). However, increased levels of ROS and low activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT), are considered indicators of oxidative stress (4,5). Studies confirm that oxidative stress plays a role in obesity-related complications (6).…”