Effect of Aerobic Exercise on IL-35 Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine and Behavioral Pain Responses in a Model of Diabetic Neuropathy Rats

Siros Hosseini  Askarabadi; Ahmad Kaki

doi:10.18502/ssu.v31i1.12333

Siros Hosseini Askarabadi Department of Sports Physiology, Behbahan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Behbahan, Iran.
Ahmad Kaki Department of Sports Physiology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v31i1.12333

Keywords: Aerobic exercise, Interleukin-35, NF-kB, Neuropathic pain

Abstract

Introduction: Nerve inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetic neuropathy pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-35 and behavioral pain responses in a model of diabetic neuropathy rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, twenty four 8-week-old male Wistar rats (weight range: 204 ± 11.3 grams) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8): diabetic neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy exercise and control. After confirmation of diabetic neuropathy pain by hot plate behavioral tests and mechanical allodynia, the aerobic exercise protocol was implemented. IL-35 and NF-κB gene expression in spinal cord tissue was measured by real-time PCR. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test with SPSS version 16 software were used for statistical analysis (P <0.05).

Results: Exercise reduced the response of behavioral tests of diabetic neuropathic pain in the exercise group compared to the diabetic neuropathy group (P <0.05). Induction of diabetes caused a significant decrease in IL-35 gene expression and a significant increase in NF-kB gene (P=0.001) (P=0.021).There was also a significant increase in IL-35 gene expression and a significant decrease in NF-κB gene expression in the exercise group compared to the diabetic neuropathy group (P=0.007) (P=0.034).

Conclusion: It seems that aerobic training has reduced the sensitivity of nociceptors to pain agents by activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-35 in spinal cord microglia. It is recommended to use aerobic exercise to reduce neuropathic pain.