Synergistic Role of Aerobic Training and Resveratrol on AMPK/PGC1-α/SIRT1 Pathway in the Hippocampus of Rats with Alzheimer's Disease

Background: Alzheimer's disease symptoms indicate that increased Aβ leads to central nervous system dysfunction. Exercise reduces Aβ deposition through the AMPK signaling pathway. Additionally, resveratrol (RSV) has neuroprotective effects related to cognitive decline. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of aerobic training and RSV on the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT1 pathway in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's rats. Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Normal (NO), Alzheimer's (AD), Alzheimer's-training (ADT), Alzheimer's-resveratrol (ADRSV), and Alzheimer's-training-resveratrol (ADTRSV). The supplement groups received 20 mg of RSV (per kg of body weight) orally during the intervention period. The aerobic exercise program, which included running on a treadmill at speeds of 6 - 18 meters per minute, was performed 5 days a week for eight weeks. Results: Alzheimer's induction caused a significant decrease in the expression of AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT1 (P = 0.0001). Exercise and RSV significantly increased the expression of AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT1 in AD rats (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant increases in the expression of AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT1 were observed in the ADTRSV group compared to the ADT group (P = 0.034, P = 0.020, and P = 0.038, respectively) and ADRSV (P = 0.026, P = 0.021, and P = 0.021). Conclusions: AD induction was associated with decreased AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT1 expression. Aerobic exercise and RSV consumption can reverse this decrease. Given the crucial role of this signaling pathway in hippocampal function, alterations in these indicators following physical activity and RSV use may partially mitigate Alzheimer's disease complications.