The effect of high-intensity interval swimming training on ULK and TSC1/2 proteins of hippocampus tissue in elderly rats

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate aging reduces the possibility of dependence on age-related diseases. Exercise treatment strategies reduce the burden of aging-related illness, disability, and premature death in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval swimming training on ULK and TSC1/2 proteins of hippocampus tissue in elderly rats. In this experimental study, 16 elderly male Sprague Dawley rats (20 months old and mean weight 300-450 g) were divided into two groups of control and high-intensity interval swimming training. High-intensity interval swimming training consisted of 14 bouts 20-second swimming sessions with 10 seconds of rest between each session for six weeks (three days a week). The content of ULK and TSC1/2 proteins in hippocampal tissue was measured by Western blotting. Data were analyzed using independent t-test at the P<0.05. The results showed that high-intensity interval swimming training caused significant increase in content of ULK protein of hippocampus tissue in elderly rats (P=0.010). Also, high-intensity interval swimming training caused significant decrease in content of TSC1/2 protein of hippocampus tissue in elderly rats (P=0.010). According to the results, it seems that high-intensity interval swimming training can help improve the homeostasis regulatory pathways in hippocampal neurons in the elderly animal model.