Effects of exercise modalities on BDNF and IL-1β content in circulating total extracellular vesicles and particles obtained from aged rats

There are evidences about the involvement of systemic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), on functional exercise effects. Although aerobic exercise can impact circulating extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) cargo, other exercise modalities were not studied. Taken that BDNF and anti-inflammatory effects have been related to functional outcomes, and BDNF and IL-1β have been detected in circulating EVPs, our aim was to evaluate circulating total EVPs profile from adult and aged Wistar rats submitted to exercise modalities, namely aerobic, acrobatic, resistance or combined for 20 min, 3 times a week, during 12 weeks. A modality- and age-dependent effect on total EVPs cargo was observed; aerobic exercise induced an augment in BDNF and IL-1β in EVPs from aged rats, while acrobatic and combined exercise modalities reduced IL-1β content in EVPs from adult ones. Besides, all exercise modalities attenuated aging-induced CD63 changes in circulating total EVPs; this finding can be involved with reduced mortality rate and improved memory performance previously observed. Changes on EVPs profile, such as increased CD63 levels can be related, at least in part, to an exercise-induced healthier global status. Additionally, aerobic exercise-induced effects on BDNF and IL-1β levels might indicate additional benefits in aged individuals. •Circulating total EVPs profile is changed by aging.•Aerobic, acrobatic, resistance and combined modalities impact differently EVPs profile.•All exercise modalities attenuated aging-induced CD63 changes in circulating EVPs.•Aerobic exercise altered BDNF levels and IL-1β content in circulating EVPs from aged rats.