Protective effects of different exercise modalities on oxidative stress in animal models of high intraocular pressure and diabetes

High intraocular pressure (HIOP) and high glucose levels are associated with oxidative stress. Although physical exercise protects against oxidative damage, its specific impact on eye health remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of physical exercise on the oxidative status of whole eyes in male Swiss mice subjected to HIOP model and cafeteria diet (CD). In experiment one, mice were divided into sedentary, aerobic, and strength (four-week physical exercise) groups and subjected to an HIOP/ischemia model. In experiment two, mice were submitted to CD and voluntary physical exercise for 18 weeks, according to the following groups: sedentary control, sedentary CD, exercise control, and exercise CD. Experiment one revealed elevated 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) levels in aerobic group, which decreased in all groups after ischemia. Nitrite levels were decreased on strength than in sedentary group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity did not change in all treatments. Although catalase (CAT) activity increased in aerobic and strength groups, and after ischemia in all groups. In experiment two, the sedentary CD group presented higher body weight than the other groups. DCFH levels were increased in the exercise control and reduced in the exercise CD compared with the other groups. CAT activity and sulfhydryl groups were decreased, while protein carbonylation was increased in the sedentary CD group compared with the other groups. Thus, these results suggested that physical exercise promoted antioxidant effects on eyes exposed to an HIOP model and CD. •Physical exercise increase eye metabolism.•A glaucoma model induce oxidative stress in the eye.•A cafeteria diet induces oxidative stress in the eye.•Different types of exercise improve the antioxidant status of the eye.