Effect of 4 Weeks Preconditioning with High Intensity Interval Training and Moderate Intensity Continuous Training on Brain Levels of TNF-Α and TLR4 in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Inflammation in the brain is known as neuroinflammation and increases TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor alpha) secretion and activates the TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks preconditioning with high intensity intermittent training (HIIT) and moderate intensity training (MICT) on TNF-α and TLR4 levels in male Wistar rats. 
Methods: The current research was an experimental study.18 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: high intensity intermittent training (6 heads), continuous moderate intensity training (6 heads) and the control group (6 heads). HIIT program included 6 stages of 2-minute activity with intensity of 85-90% VO2max and 5 stages of active rest for 2 minutes and MICT program with intensity of 65% VO2max with the same duration as HIIT for 4 weeks and 5 days per week was implemented. 48 hours after the last training session, rats were dissected and cortical tissues and layers of mice were extracted for TNF-α and TLR-4 using western blotting. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05 With the help of SPSS version 16 software. 
Results: The results of the present study showed that TNF-α and TLR4 in the cortex and stratum cerebral areas after 4 weeks of high-intensity and moderate-intensity intermittent aerobic exercise did not change significantly compared to the control group (p≥0.05). 
Conclusion: According to these findings, it can be stated that exercise with high or moderate intensity cannot be an effective factor in increasing inflammatory markers in the brain.