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CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Coloproctology 2025; 45(02): s00451809668
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809668
Original Article

Liver-Intestine Axis: Effects of Physical Exercise and Melatonin on Intestinal Implications in Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis

Authors

  • Gabriela dos Santos Martins

    1   Experimental Laboratory of Pneumological Sciences and inflammation, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

  • Elizângela Gonçalves Schemitt

    1   Experimental Laboratory of Pneumological Sciences and inflammation, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

  • Henrique Sarubbi Fillmann

    2   Department of Endoscopy and Coloproctology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

  • Marilda da Silva Brasil

    1   Experimental Laboratory of Pneumological Sciences and inflammation, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

  • Sandielly Rebeca Benitez da Fonseca

    1   Experimental Laboratory of Pneumological Sciences and inflammation, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

  • Millena de Oliveira Engeroff

    1   Experimental Laboratory of Pneumological Sciences and inflammation, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

  • Maria Amalia Pavanato

    3   Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

  • Norma Anair Possa Marroni 

    1   Experimental Laboratory of Pneumological Sciences and inflammation, Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Abstract

Introduction

Modulation of the liver-gut axis, including interventions that reduce oxidative stress, is essential in the management of cirrhosis and in the prevention of its complications. Physical exercise and the use of antioxidants such as melatonin (MLT) improve oxidative stress by increasing the production of endogenous antioxidants, resulting in a better ability of the body to neutralize free radicals.

Objective

To investigate the effects of EX and the use of MLT, the possible biological markers and mechanisms involved in the disease process.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-six male Wistar rats were used, divided into 4 groups: Control (CO), Bile duct ligation (BDL), BDL + EX, and BDL + MLT. Physical exercise (swimming) was conducted daily, starting on the 15th day after BDL surgery, as well as MLT, intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg, lasting until the 28th day, the end of the experiment. Blood, liver, and intestine were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA followed by the student-Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05).

Results

The treatments were effective in preserving the tissue architecture of the liver and intestine. Hepatic integrity enzymes showed a significant reduction in the EX and MLT groups. The treatments reduced lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, restored antioxidant activity and total antioxidant capacity, as well as lowered the levels of nitric oxide metabolites. It was found that the treatments activated the Nrf2 pathway and reduced inflammatory mediators.

Conclusion

The treatments (EX and MLT) were effective against the damage assessed in this experimental model, suggesting that these interventions may be promising for future clinical use.

Keywords

Cirrhosis - intestine - oxidative stress - physical exercise - melatonin

Authors' Contribution

Martins GS, Schemitt EG, Brasil M, Fonseca SRB, Marroni NP participated in the production and development of the experimental model; Martins GS, Schemitti EG, Brasil MS, Fonseca SRB, Engeroff MO participated in the application of analysis techniques; Martins GS, Schemitt EG, Fillmann HS, Pavorato MA, Marroni NP participated in data analysis and manuscript review.




Publication History

Received: 25 February 2025

Accepted: 22 May 2025

Article published online:
30 June 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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Bibliographical Record
Gabriela dos Santos Martins, Elizângela Gonçalves Schemitt, Henrique Sarubbi Fillmann, Marilda da Silva Brasil, Sandielly Rebeca Benitez da Fonseca, Millena de Oliveira Engeroff, Maria Amalia Pavanato, Norma Anair Possa Marroni. Liver-Intestine Axis: Effects of Physical Exercise and Melatonin on Intestinal Implications in Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis. Journal of Coloproctology 2025; 45: s00451809668.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809668