The effect of ۸ weeks of interval training combined with the consumption of cineole, linalool, and bourbonene on MAPK/Arc gene expression and learning in rats with Alzheimer’s disease

Background and aims: This research aimed to investigate the effect of ۸ weeks of interval training and the use of cineole, linalool, and bourbonene on MAPK/Arc gene expression and learning in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rats. Methods: In this experimental study, ۴۰ AD rats were randomized into eight groups, including (۱) control, (۲) AD, (۳) AD+aerobic training (AT), (۴) AD+linalool, cineole, and bourbonene (LCB), (۵) AD+AT+LCB, (۶) AT+AD, (۷) LCB+AD, and (۸) AT+LCB+AD. AD was induced by injecting amyloid-beta (Aβ۱)-۴۲ into the hippocampus of rats. The interval training protocol was performed five days per week for eight weeks before and after AD induction. Linalool at a concentration of ۲۵ mg/kg, cineole at a concentration of ۱۰ µM, and β-bourbonene at a concentration of ۱۰ µg/mL were used for eight weeks. One-way analysis of variance was used for between-group comparisons, and Tukey’s test was used for pairwise comparisons at P≤۰.۰۵. Results: AD induction caused a significant decrease in MAPK/Arc gene expression in hippocampal tissue (P=۰.۰۰۱). Interval exercise and consumption of three herbal drugs significantly increased gene expression of Arc (P=۰.۰۰۱) and MAPK (P=۰.۰۰۱). AD induction decreased learning (P=۰.۰۰۱). Interval exercise and consumption of three herbal medicines caused a significant increase in learning (P=۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: Interval exercise and using three herbal medicines have more favorable effects on improving MAPK/Arc gene expression and learning in AD than each alone.