The effect of high-intensity interval training on inflammatory markers in male rats undergoing X-ray radiation

Introduction: One of the famous cancer treatments that are associated with an increment in inflammatory factors is X-ray radiation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training on inflammatory markers in male rats undergoing X-ray radiation. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: healthy control (n=6), HIIT (n=6), X-ray radiation (n=6) and X-ray radiation + HIIT (n=6). first, X-ray radiation and HIIT + X-ray radiation groups were anesthetized with ketamine xylazine solution (K, 60-90 kg/mg; Z, 6-10 kg/mg) and then placed on a 1 cm thick Plexiglas plate. The X-ray radiation photon beam was performed using X-ray with 4 Gy linear accelerators (Elekta Compact 6- MV China). The training program included ten weeks of HIIT. Serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by rat ELISA Kits. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the existence of a significant difference among groups. Results: The results showed a significant difference between TNF-α and IL-6 in the HIIT, X-ray radiation, and HIIT + X-ray radiation groups with the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between these three groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: X-ray radiation can increase TNF-α and IL-6. HIIT, on the other hand, can also enhance these factors. It seems better for people undergoing radiotherapy to use another exercise training instead of HIIT.