Effects of Methane-Rich Saline on the Capability of One-Time Exhaustive Exercise in Male SD Rats

PURPOSE: To explore the effects of methane-rich saline (CH(4) saline) on the capability of one-time exhaustive exercise in male SD rats. METHODS: Thirty rats were equally divided into to three groups at random: control group (C), placebo group (P) and methane saline group (M). Rats in M group underwent intraperitoneal injection of CH(4) saline, and the other two groups simultaneously underwent intraperitoneal injection of normal saline. Then, the exercise capability of rats was tested through one-time exhaustive treadmill exercise except C group. Exercise time and body weight were recorded before and after one-time exhaustive exercise. After exhaustive exercise, the blood and gastrocnemius samples were collected from all rats to detect biochemical parameters in different methods. RESULTS: It was found that the treadmill running time was significantly longer in rats treated with CH(4) saline. At the same time, CH(4) saline reduced the elevation of LD and UN in blood caused by one-time exhaustive exercise. The low level of blood glucose induced by exhaustive exercise was also normalized by CH(4) saline. Also CH(4) saline lowered the level of CK in plasma. Furthermore, this research indicated that CH(4) saline markedly increased the volume of T-AOC in plasma and alleviated the peak of TNF-α in both plasma and gastrocnemius. From H&E staining, CH(4) saline effectively improved exercise-induced structural damage in gastrocnemius. CONCLUSIONS: CH(4) saline could enhance exercise capacity in male SD rats through increase of glucose aerobic oxidation, improvement of metabolic clearance and decrease of exhaustive exercise-induced gastrocnemius injury.