Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Hamidreza Choobdari 1
Hesam Parsa 2
1 PhD Student, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i843.1742
Abstract
Background: Aging is accompanied by immunosenescence. This study investigated the effects of capsaicin and swim exercise on the biomarkers of this process in aged male rats.
Methods: Twenty-four aged male Wistar rats (21 months old) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): Control, Capsaicin (5 mg/kg/day), Concurrent Swim Exercise, and Combination (Capsaicin + Exercise). A 10-week progressive concurrent swim exercise (interval-aerobic) protocol was implemented. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and thymus tissue, were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by the Shapiro-Wilk test.
Findings: All intervention groups showed significant reductions in body weight gain, serum IL-6, TNF-α, and thymus MDA levels compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The reductions in these biomarkers were significantly greater in the Combination group compared to either intervention alone, indicating a synergistic effect (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The concurrent administration of capsaicin and swim exercise synergistically attenuates key inflammatory and oxidative stress markers associated with immunosenescence in aged rats. This non-pharmacological combination approach may represent an effective strategy for mitigating age-related immune dysfunction and promoting healthy aging. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and assess translational potential.

Highlights

Hamidreza Choobdari: Google Scholar, PubMed

Hesam Parsa: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords
Aging
Capsaicin
Exercise
Body weight
Inflammation
Oxidative stress
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 843
3rd Week, February
January and February 2026
Pages 1742-1750

  • Receive Date 01 February 2026
  • Accept Date 21 February 2026