Response of Cardiac Tissue Oxidative Stress After Aerobic Exercise and Capsaicin Administrations in Rats Fed High-Fat Diet

Background: Oxidative stress harms cells and impairs the balance between oxidative and antioxidative factors. Exercise and capsaicin have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as some benefits on the cardiovascular system. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of aerobic training with capsaicin on heart changes oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were fed a normal diet (ND, n = 8) or HFD (n = 32) for 8 weeks. After eight weeks, all rats were divided into five groups: ND, HFD, high-fat diet-training (HFDT), high-fat diet-capsaicin (HFDCap), high-fat diet-training-capsaicin (HFDTCap). Training groups performed a progressive aerobic running program (at 15 - 25 m/min, 30 - 60 min/day, and 5 days/week) on a motor-driven treadmill for eight weeks. Capsaicin (4 mg/kg/day) was administered orally, by gavage, once a day. Results: The results showed significant increase in cardiac SOD, GPx and CAT levels in HFDT (P < 0.001), HFDCap (P < 0.001) and HFDTCap (P < 0.001) groups. Also, a significant increase in the amount of this index was observed in the HFDTCap compared to the HFDT and HFDCap groups (P < 0.05). The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in all experimental groups was significantly lower than the HFD group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Exercise and capsaicin improve HFD-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, exercise and capsaicin can be used as an appropriate alternative treatment for obesity and its associated inflammatory and oxidative effects.