The role of high-density lipoprotein and Vitamin D in exercise-induced neuroprotection in epileptic rats

Previous studies have reported the neuroprotective effects of exercise in epilepsy. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying these neuroprotective effects by examining changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and Vitamin D levels. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), exercise (EX), and PTZ + EX. Seizures were induced in the PTZ and PTZ + EX groups through intraperitoneal administration of PTZ (35 mg/kg) every other day for 1 month. The EX and PTZ + EX groups underwent daily exercise sessions (30 min/session) for 1 month. Serum levels of Vitamin D, HDL, and LDL were measured, and neuronal damage was assessed in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex. The PTZ + EX group showed a significant increase in serum HDL and Vitamin D levels compared to the PTZ group. Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in neuronal damage in the PTZ group compared to the sham group. In contrast, both PTZ + EX and EX groups demonstrated a reduction in neuronal damage compared to the PTZ group. These findings suggest that HDL and Vitamin D may contribute to the neuroprotective benefits of exercise. Furthermore, exercise could potentially serve as a complementary strategy to counteract Vitamin D and HDL deficiencies associated with long-term antiepileptic drug use.