Effect of endurance training preconditioning on antioxidant system and integrity of the BBB in hippocampus of psychosocial stressed male rats following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Abstract Background: Brain ischemia causes irreversible functional and structural damage across various regions of the brain. This study investigates the effects of psychosocial stress and exercise on oxidative stress, the expression of Occludin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and PV-1 genes, as well as P-selectin protein levels in male rats following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: Forty male rats were divided into five groups: Model, Sham, Exercise, Stress, and Stress + Exercise. The animals underwent global stroke modelling surgery following the completion of training and psychosocial stress protocols. At the study’s conclusion, the animals were anaesthetised, and blood samples were collected to analyse oxidative indicators. Additionally, hippocampal brain tissue was extracted to assess gene expression and protein levels, with the necessary molecular and biochemical tests conducted on the samples. Results: Endurance training significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme GPx and decreased the oxidative stress marker MDA. It also reduced the expression of MMP-2 and PV-1 genes and lowered P-selectin protein levels. Conversely, psychosocial stress had the opposite effect, increasing oxidative stress and gene expression related to blood-brain barrier disruption. However, in the Stress + Exercise group, exercise partially mitigated the harmful effects of stress ( ). Conclusion: A history of regular exercise before a stroke can reduce its adverse effects, while exposure to psychosocial stress exacerbates them. Exercise appears to moderate the negative impact of stress on oxidative stress and blood-brain barrier integrity.