(924.11) The role of physical exercise in apoptosis in an experimental cerebral ischemia model

Poster Board Number: C99

Gabriel de Souza (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo), Lucas Porsani (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo), Victor Tirapelli (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo), Ana Laura Stevanato (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo), Paulo Novais (University of Marilia UNIMAR), Mucio Cirino (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo), Daniela Tirapelli (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo), Luis Tirapelli (Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo)

Introduction: Stroke is a major public health problem, with high mortality rates and high levels of disability. Between 1990 and 2010 for example, stroke increased from the fifth to the third leading cause of disability. In addition, its incidence has increased among younger people, a situation in which there are significant health consequences and  elevated social costs. There is evidence that physical exercise promotes neuroprotective effects when used as a therapeutic treatment in an experimental ischemia model. However, the mechanisms of neuroprotection are still not well understood.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of the microRNAs miR-21, miR-16, miR-155 and caspase-3 and Bcl-2 genes by real-time PCR in brain tissue (ischemic focus) of the animals after the performance of physical training before focal cerebral ischemia. Materials and

Methods: 48 Wistar rats were used. The animals were divided into four experimental groups: control group, ischemia group, exercise group and exercise + ischemia group. The real-time PCR methodology was used to analyze the expression of miRNAs; miR16, miR-21, miR-155, caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Results and conclusions: In our study, we did not observe statistically significant differences in the expression of miRNAs: miR-16, miR-21, miR-155 or in the Bcl-2 and caspase-3 genes in brain tissue in the groups undergoing cerebral ischemia and exercise when compared to the control group.