Changes of Nlrp3 inflammasome regulation in the frontal cortex induced by voluntary wheel running in ovariectomized female adult mice

Estrogens regulate a variety of processes in the central nervous system (CNS), including inflammatory responses. Therefore, postmenopause, a hypoestrogenic state, may contribute to an increased risk of developing neuroinflammatory-related disorders. Thus, it is proposed to introduce lifestyle changes that could have beneficial effects on the CNS. Regular, moderate physical activity is being considered as a potential intervention for preventing disruption of the neuroinflammation process. The aim was to investigate the impact of voluntary wheel running on neuroinflammation, including Nlrp3 inflammasome activation, in female mice subjected to ovariectomy. Adult female C57BL/6NCrL mice were ovariectomized and, were subjected to six weeks of voluntary wheel running (OVX/EX) or housed without intervention (OVX). Mice in the control group (CTR) underwent a sham operation and were not subjected to wheel running. At the end of the experiment, frontal cortices were collected for further analysis. We found a significant difference in the expression levels of pro-caspase 1 and pro-Il-18. However, no changes were observed at Casp1 and Il-18 gene expression levels. Ovariectomy led to an increase in Asc expression compared to the CTR group. The voluntary wheel running in ovariectomized mice decreased Nlrp3 protein level and its mRNA expression when compared to the control group. No changes were noted in pro-Il-1β and IL-1b expression levels. Ovariectomy alone, as well as in combination with voluntary wheel running induced changes in expression levels of Nlrp3 inflammasome components in the frontal cortices of adult female mice. This research is supported by National Science Center grant no. 2021/41/N/NZ7/01581.