Introduction: Metabolic syndrome, through its effects on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the biological rhythm of the body after 8 weeks of continuous exercise in relation to the risk factors for neuronal degeneration, with a focus on miR-132 as a determinant factor in neurodegenerative disorders.
Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male NMRI laboratory mice with an average weight of 26 ± 3.22 grams were included. Initially, 24 mice were randomly selected and fed a high-fat, high-calorie diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, confirming the parameters of metabolic syndrome. The mice were then randomly divided into 6 groups: healthy morning control, healthy afternoon control, metabolic syndrome morning control, metabolic syndrome afternoon control, continuous exercise morning metabolic syndrome, and continuous exercise afternoon metabolic syndrome. During the intervention, the exercise groups underwent 8 weeks of continuous physical activity (5 days per week at 50-60% Vmax intensity) on a treadmill. The levels of miR-132 were measured using the Real-time PCR method, and the β-42 amyloid protein levels in the hippocampus were assessed across all groups. Data analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance.
Results: The results of the 8 weeks of continuous exercise on miR-132 expression in the hippocampus of the metabolic syndrome mice showed that the main effect of the group, the main effect of time, and the interaction effect (group × time) on miR-132 protein expression were statistically significant among the study groups. The miR-132 levels in the metabolic syndrome + exercise group were significantly higher than those in the metabolic syndrome group, both in the afternoon (P = 0.001) and in the morning (P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two time points. The Aβ42 protein levels in the metabolic syndrome - exercise group were significantly lower than those in the metabolic syndrome group, both in the afternoon (P = 0.002) and in the morning (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the Aβ42 protein levels in the metabolic syndrome - exercise group were also significantly lower than in the healthy mice group, but only in the afternoon (P = 0.002).
Conclusion: Appropriate timing of continuous exercise, particularly in the afternoon, appears to modify metabolic factors and may serve as a preventive or controlling factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This suggests that it could be a promising candidate for further clinical studies aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with metabolic syndrome.
Type of Study:
Original article |
Subject:
Exercise Physiology Received: 2025/01/19 | Accepted: 2025/03/1 | Published: 2025/06/5