Effects of Moderate-Intensity Interval Training on Serum Levels of Nerve Growth Factor and Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Men: Lack of Additive Benefit of Quercetin Supplementation

Joudaki Nejad, Hamid Reza; Arshadi, Sajad; Shahedi, Valiollah; Lashgari, Amir Abbas

doi:10.22118/jsmj.2026.584770.4194

Effects of Moderate-Intensity Interval Training on Serum Levels of Nerve Growth Factor and Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Men: Lack of Additive Benefit of Quercetin Supplementation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Hamid reza Joudaki nejad ¹

Sajad Arshadi ²

Valiollah Shahedi ²

Amir Abbas Lashgari ³

¹ Department of Exercise Physiology, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Exercise Physiology, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Physiology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22118/jsmj.2026.584770.4194

Abstract

Background and Aim: Aging is associated with reduced neuronal function and decreased neurotrophic factors. Although the independent effects of exercise and quercetin on neural factors have been reported, their combined effect on nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in older adults, and whether this combination provides additive benefits over exercise alone, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) and quercetin supplementation on serum NGF and GDNF levels in older men.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 older men (aged 60–75 years) were randomly assigned to four groups: exercise, supplementation, exercise + supplementation, and control (n=10 each). The training protocol consisted of 8 weeks of MIIT, 3 sessions/week (8–12 intervals of 2–3 minutes at 70–80% of maximum heart rate with active recovery). Supplementation groups received 500 mg/day quercetin. Serum NGF and GDNF levels were measured by ELISA.
Results: NGF levels increased by approximately 14% and 17% in the exercise and exercise + supplementation groups, respectively, while GDNF levels increased by approximately 15% and 10%, respectively, compared to the control and supplementation groups (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two training groups (P>0.05). Quercetin alone had no significant effect on NGF or GDNF (P>0.05).
Conclusion: MIIT with significant increases in NGF and GDNF appears to be a practical strategy for improving neurotrophic markers and supporting dopaminergic neurons in older adults. However, quercetin supplementation does not provide a significant additional benefit beyond exercise alone.

Keywords

Aging, Moderate-Intensity Interval Training

Quercetin, Neurotrophic Factors

Subjects