Endurance Exercise Training Attenuates the Waterpipe Smoke Inhaling-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats: Role of Neurotrophic Factors and Apoptotic System.

This article investigates the impact of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) on learning and spatial memory in rats and evaluates whether moderate-intensity endurance exercise can mitigate these effects. The study found that WTS impaired spatial learning and memory, decreased hippocampal expression of neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), increased the pro-apoptotic BAX to anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein ratio, and caused neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 region. Concurrent moderate-intensity exercise training attenuated these detrimental effects by restoring neurotrophic factor levels, reducing the BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and decreasing neuronal damage, thereby improving cognitive outcomes. These findings suggest that exercise may offer neuroprotective benefits against WTS-induced cognitive impairments, though further research is needed to confirm applicability to humans.