The Effect of Endurance and Cognitive-Endurance Training on Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Aged Rats after Induction of Dementia by Trihexyphenidyl

Introduction: Dementia is one of the problems faced by the aging population. It has been found that various types of exercise can be effective in reducing the risk of dementia and its complications. Considering that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is one of the plasma biomarkers that increase in dementia, an attempt was made to evaluate the effect of endurance and cognitive endurance sports training on the plasma level of BNP in the present study. Materials and Methods: Mice were randomized into healthy control, dementia, endurance training (swimming), and cognitive endurance training (Morris water maze) groups. Dementia model mice were prepared by intraperitoneal injection of trihexyphenidyl. After completing the exercise treatment courses, a plasma sample was prepared, and its BNP level was measured using the sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: The results demonstrated that the plasma level of BNP increased significantly in rats with dementia (p < 0.05). It was also found that endurance and cognitive endurance exercises significantly reduce BNP levels. Conclusion: According to the present research findings, it is likely to introduce endurance and cognitive endurance training as helpful strategies for people with dementia.