Jundishapur Journal of Medical Sciences

Jundishapur Journal of Medical Sciences

Superiority of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training over High-Intensity Interval Training in Improving BDNF-Dependent Hippocampal Plasticity in Obese Sarcopenic Rats: Role of the SIRT1/PGC-1α/BDNF Signaling Pathway

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Simin Salkhord 1
Mohammad Sajadian 2
Shirin Zilaei Bouri 3
Mohammadreza Tabandeh 4
1 PhD Student, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Sho.C., Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Sho.C., Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor of Sport Sciences, Department of Sport Sciences, MaS.C., Islamic Azad University, Masjed Soleiman, Iran.
4 Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22118/jsmj.2026.572669.4133
Abstract
Background and Objective: The SIRT1/PGC-1α/BDNF signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating neural plasticity and maintaining neuronal function and is activated in response to stimuli such as physical exercise. This study aimed to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and BDNF genes in the hippocampus of obese sarcopenic rats.
Methods: In the present experimental study, 18-month-old male Wistar rats (n=12) were divided into four groups: healthy control (C), sarcopenic obese control (SO), MICT, and HIIT. The sarcopenic obesity model was induced using a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The training protocols were performed for 12 weeks, with five sessions per week. Gene expression in the hippocampus was measured using qRT-PCR, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test.
Results: Both exercise protocols significantly increased the expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and BDNF genes compared to the SO group (P < 0.05). However, the MICT group showed significantly greater increases in hippocampal SIRT1 (P < 0.01), PGC-1α (P < 0.05), and BDNF (P < 0.05) gene expression compared to the HIIT group.
Conclusion: Although both types of aerobic training are effective, the MICT protocol is superior to HIIT in activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus of obese sarcopenic rats. These findings may inform the design of optimized exercise programs for the aging population with sarcopenic obesity.
Keywords
Aerobic exercise
Hippocampus
Neuroplasticity
Obesity
Sarcopenia
Subjects
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Jundishapur Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 3 - Serial Number 162
September and October 2026
Pages 259-269

  • Receive Date 29 January 2026
  • Revise Date 21 April 2026
  • Accept Date 28 April 2026