The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Some Angiogenic Markers in Brain Tissue in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student in Exercise Physiology, Sa.C, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Sa.C, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

10.22038/jnfh.2026.93305.1614

Abstract

Introduction: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis, involves neuroinflammation and cerebrovascular dysfunction. However, the impact of exercise on cerebral angiogenic and vasoactive mediators remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a five-week endurance training (ET) protocol on the gene expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in brain tissue in an experimental model of EAE. Methods: In this experimental study, fourteen female Sprague–Dawley rats with EAE (induced using complete Freund’s adjuvant) were randomly assigned to either the EAE (n=7) or EAE+ET (n=7) groups. To assess baseline differences, seven healthy rats were included as a healthy control group (HC). Endurance training started ten days after EAE induction. Rats underwent one week of treadmill familiarization (6 m/min,11% incline,5–25min/day), followed by five weeks of moderate-intensity running (11 m/min, 30 min/day, 5 sessions/week). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (P≤ 0.05). Results: The gene expression levels of VEGF and ET-1 were significantly higher in the EAE group compared to the HC group (P = 0.001). However, both VEGF and ET-1 expression were markedly reduced in the EAE+ET group relative to the EAE group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that endurance exercise may exert beneficial effects by attenuating inflammatory responses and angiogenic activity in brain tissue following EAE induction. Nonetheless, given the limited evidence on how exercise modulates VEGF and ET-1 expression in the brain under autoimmune conditions, further research is warranted.

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References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 June 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 10 June 2026

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