Modulation of the Nrf1/Sod1/Hmox1 Pathway by Cineole Consumption and Exercise in an Enriched Environment Protects the Liver Against Acrylamide Toxicity

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Department of Sports Physiology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Sports Physiology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Physiology, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i833.1228

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress caused by obesity and exposure to acrylamide reduces the ability of antioxidant defenses. This study evaluated the effects of a combined intervention of exercise in an enriched environment and a cineole supplement on the modulation of gene expression in the Nrf2/SOD1/HMOX1 pathway in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet.
Methods: The present study is an experimental, basic study. Fifty-four 6–7-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 9 groups: control, obese with a high-fat diet containing acrylamide, obese with a high-fat diet without acrylamide, obese with an acrylamide diet and exercise in an enriched environment (8 weeks, 5 days/week, 60–90 min daily, low-moderate intensity), obese with an acrylamide diet and cineole (10 μM administered by oral gavage), obese with an enriched environment, obese with cineole, obese with an acrylamide diet combined with an enriched environment and cineole, and obese with an enriched environment and cineole. The expression of Nrf2/SOD1/HMOX1 genes in the liver was examined by Real-Time qPCR. Data were analyzed via one-way and three-way ANOVA at a significance level of P < 0.05.
Findings: Both enriched environment exercise and cineole administration, individually and in combination, significantly increased the expression of these genes (P < 0.001). The Nrf2/SOD1/HMOX1 pathway was markedly downregulated in obese mice receiving a high-fat diet containing acrylamide compared to the other groups (P = 0.001). In contrast, cineole treatment and enriched environment exercise induced a significant upregulation of these antioxidant genes (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings indicate the protective role of cineole and physical activity in modulating oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant capacity. These two interventions can be proposed as an effective approach in preventing metabolic disorders associated with obesity.

Highlights

Farzaneh Taghian: Google Scholar

Khosro Jalali Dehkordi: Google Scholar

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 833
1st Week, December
November and December 2026
Pages 1228-1240

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 December 2025

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