Introduction: Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is a global public health challenge that induces profound neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, largely mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Lifestyle and nutritional interventions, including aerobic exercise and bioactive supplementation, may mitigate these effects. This study investigated the independent and combined effects of aerobic training and wheat supplement (Nutrition BioShield Superfood, NBS) on neuroinflammatory indices in METH-exposed male rats.
Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats (6 weeks old, ~200 ±10 g) were randomly assigned to experimental groups. Animals received intraperitoneal METH twice daily for 6 weeks (10 mg/kg in week 1, escalating 1 mg/kg per week to 15 mg/kg in week 6). Aerobic training consisted of treadmill running for 6 weeks, 5 days/week, 60 min/day, 60% of maximal running speed (MRS, reassessed mid-protocol). NBS was administered orally by gavage throughout the intervention period. At study end, brain tissue was collected, and IL-18, IL-8, and NF-κB mRNA expression levels were quantified via real-time PCR.
Results: Chronic METH exposure significantly upregulated IL-18, IL-8, and NF-κB expression relative to controls, confirming METH-induced neuroinflammation. Both aerobic training and NBS supplementation independently reduced pro-inflammatory markers (p<0.05). The combined intervention produced the most robust effects, yielding significantly greater suppression of NF-κB compared with either intervention alone.
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and NBS supplementation effectively attenuated METH-induced neuroinflammation in male rats, with combined treatment exerting synergistic benefits, particularly in NF-κB suppression. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of integrating structured aerobic exercise with targeted nutritional supplementation to counteract the neurotoxic effects of METH and improve brain health during withdrawal and recovery.