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

سالخورد, سیمین; Sajadian, Mohammad; Zilaei Bouri, Shirin; Tabandeh, Mohammadreza

doi:10.22118/jsmj.2026.572669.4133

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

سیمین سالخورد ¹

Mohammad Sajadian ¹

Shirin Zilaei Bouri ²

Mohammadreza Tabandeh ³

¹ Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Sho.C., Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran

² Department of Sport Sciences, MaS.C., Islamic Azad University, MasjedSoleiman, Iran

³ 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

Obesity

Sarcopenia

Aerobic Exercise

Neuroplasticity

Hippocampus

Subjects