The Effect of a 6-week Endurance Training on BDNF and TrKB Gene Expression in the Soleus of Rats with Diabetic Neuropathy

Background & Aims: Diabetic neuropathy can lead to atrophy and weakness of distally located muscles and lack of neurotrophic support is believed to contribute to the development of these consequences. So, the aim of the present study was to investigate BDNF and TrKB gene expression in soleus muscle of Wistar male rats with diabetic neuropathy following endurance training. Methods: A total of 16 Wistar male rats were randomly assigned in 4 groups: diabetic trained (DT), diabetic Non-trained (DNT), normal trained (NT) and normal control (NC). Two weeks after STZ injection (45 mg/Kg), diabetic neuropathy was demonstrated with mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia tests. Then, moderate endurance training protocol was performed for 6 weeks and 48 hours after the final training session, rats were dissected and soleus muscle tissues were removed. BDNF and TrkB gene expression was determined with Real time- PCR methods. Results: Soleus muscle weight decreased in diabetic groups (p=0/001); even though, compared with DNT group, it was higher in DT group (p=0/001). BDNF and TrkB gene expression in DNT group was higher than NC group (p=0/001). Also, training significantly decreased BDNF and TrkB gene expression and blood glucose levels in DT group compared with DNT group (P=0/001 and P=0/0001, respectively). Conclusion: In soleus muscle of diabetic rats, BDNF and TrkB mRNA up-regulation is involved in the development of muscle atrophy and training as a non-pharmacotherapy strategy can modulate it. So, considering BDNF and TrkB as novel therapeutic targets in diabetes disease is suggested.