Carvacrol and Voluntary Exercise Improved Molecular profile in Hippocampus of Male Rats Nourished with High-Fat Diet

Background: High-fat diet (HFD) is one risk factor in some disorders and increases oxidative stress. The use of carvacrol and voluntary exercise can be profitable. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the single and combined effects between carvacrol and voluntary exercise on gene expression in hippocampus of male rats fed with high-fat diet. Methods: A total number of 60 adult Wistar male rats were divided into 5 groups: 1) Healthy control, 2) HFD group, 3) VE group that received HFD plus voluntary exercise, 4) Carvacrol group received HFD plus Carvacrol and 5) VE+ Carvacrol group that received HFD plus Carvacrol and voluntary exercise. Gene expression of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (Trk-B), synapsin I and Cyclic AMP-Response Element Binding protein (CREB) were investigated. Results: HFD significantly decreased expression of BDNF, Trk-B, synapsin I and CREB, but inclusion of carvacrol and the use of voluntary exercise could significantly increased gene expression of BDNF, Trk-B, synapsin I and CREB (P<0.05). The best responses were observed in animals fed with carvacrol in along to voluntary exercise (P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that carvacrol and voluntary exercise can improve gene expression of BDNF, Trk-B, synapsin I and CREB in rats fed with HFD. It is thus recommended to use of the Carvacrol and voluntary exercise in peoples that consume HFD.