The Effect of Swimming Activity on the Content of AIM2, ASC and Caspase1 Proteins in the Hippocampal Tissue of Male Wistar Rats with Multiple Sclerosis

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 MSc, Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Sport Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.48305/jims.v43.i836.1354

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system and causes myelin destruction. Swimming, as a combined aerobic and resistance activity, can modulate the changes in hippocampal tissue caused by MS.
Methods: In the present experimental study, 32 12-week-old male rats with MS were used and randomly divided into 4 groups of 8: control, patient control, training, and patient training. The MS disease model was induced using a 0.5% cuprizone diet. After confirming MS induction through the rotarod test, the swimming protocol was performed for 6 weeks. In the first week, 10 minutes of swimming activity was performed without applying a load, and to apply overload, the swimming time was increased by five minutes each week. Protein levels in the hippocampal tissue were measured using Western blot method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test.
Findings: The results showed that the content of AIM2, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins in the hippocampal tissue in the patient control group was significantly increased compared to the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Also, the results of the protein levels in the patient exercise group were significantly decreased compared to the patient control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be said that swimming activity significantly increases the level of AIM2 protein in the hippocampal tissue of male Wistar rats with multiple sclerosis, which indicates the role of this protein in the immune and inflammatory responses associated with the disease.

Highlights

Mohammad Rami: Google Scholar, PubMed

Rouhollah Ranjbar: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 836
4th Week, December
November and December 2026
Pages 1354-1363

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 December 2025

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