The Effect of High- and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Interventions on Gut Microbiome Diversity and Function: Investigation of Changes in Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Escherichia coli in Aged Mice
Keywords:
Gut microbiome, aerobic exercise, colitis, aging, Probiotic bacteriaAbstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of high-intensity (85–100% VO₂max) and moderate-intensity (70–75% VO₂max) aerobic training on microbial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) and populations of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and E. coli in aged mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In this experimental, randomized controlled design, 32 male Wistar mice (18 months old) were divided into four groups (healthy control, colitis control, high-intensity exercise, and moderate-intensity exercise). Colitis was induced using DSS (2–3%) for 7 days. Aerobic training was performed for 8 weeks (five sessions per week) on a treadmill. Microbial diversity was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and selective culture for Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and E. coli. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and independent t-tests (p ≤ .05). Colitis led to a reduction in Shannon (2.5 ± 0.3) and Simpson (0.7 ± 0.1) indices, a decrease in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and an increase in E. coli (p < .001). Both high- and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise improved microbial diversity (Shannon: 3.2 ± 0.2 and 3.0 ± 0.2, respectively), increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and reduced E. coli (p < .001). High-intensity exercise demonstrated stronger effects (p = .04 for Lactobacillus). Aerobic training, particularly at high intensity, enhances gut microbiome diversity and bacterial balance in aged mice and may serve as a non-pharmacological strategy for managing intestinal inflammation.
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