Autophagy and oxidative stress in central nervous system of aged rats submitted to moderate physical exercise

Author(s)

Carolliny Moura da Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2015-03-18

Examining board members

Merari de Fatima Ramires Ferrari; Cristoforo Scavone

• Advisor: Merari de Fatima Ramires Ferrari

Abstract

Aging is a multifactorial process characterized by gradual and continuous loss of ability to perform physiological functions and trigger adaptive responses leading to functional and structural damage of various organs that constitute the biological system, including the central nervous system. Exercise training has been widely speculated for its ability to improve physiological function, which ameliorate age-associated physiological impairments, such as decreased autophagy pathway and increased oxidative stress that collaborate with the neurodegenerative process. Thus, this study aims to establish the relationship between moderate aerobic exercise training protocols (regular practice, prevention and stabilization), proteasomal activity, autophagy and oxidative stress in aged rats, in the presence or absence of rotenone. Results suggest that exercise applied after rotenone exposure decreases the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the hippocampus, motor cortex and substantia nigra, accompanied by an increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the hippocampus; decreases activity of the proteasome and does not alter autophagy. Exercise training applied before neurodegenerative stimulus increases GPx activity in hippocampus, motor cortex, locus coeruleus and cervical spinal cord; decreases proteasome activity in hippocampus, substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, as well as decreases LC3II levels in substantia nigra. Regular exercise practice promoted increase in H2O2 levels in almost all studied areas, except motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord, as well as reduced GPx activity in brain areas. In conclusion, results for the exercise applied before exposure to rotenona appear to have greater benefits regarding the analyzed cellular parameters (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/15283-2 - Autophagocytosis and oxidative stress in the central nervous system of aged rats submitted to moderate physical exercise
• Grantee: Carolliny Moura da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master