Background and objective: Aging and menopause are associated with decreased antioxidant function, however, the role of exercise and estrogen consumption in the health of these people has been shown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interactive effect of aerobic training (AT) and estrogen (Es) on serum levels of catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) enzymes in ovariectomized rats.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 45 ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 9 rats, including (1) control (C), (2) estrogen solvent (sesame oil) (Sh), (3) AT, (4), Es,and (5) AT+Es. Rats in groups 3 and 5 were trained for eight weeks and three sessions, and groups 4 and 5 randomly received 30 micrograms of estradiol valerate daily for eight weeks. Data analysis was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test at the significance level of 0.05.
Results: Cat levels in the AT (P= 0.006), Es (P= 0.005) and AT + Es (P = 0.001) groups were significantly higher than the control group. Cat levels in the AT + Es group were also significantly higher than in the Es group (P = 0.01). Gpx levels in the AT (P = 0.001), S (P = 0.001) and AT + Es (p = 0.001) groups were significantly higher than the control group, while in the S (P = 0.001) and AT + Es (P = 0.001) groups, they were significantly higher than the AT group.
Conclusion: It seems that aerobic training combined with estrogen consumption synergistically improves the function of the antioxidant system in ovariectomized rats. However, it seems that the signaling pathway of interventions requires further study.
