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A Protocol for Housing Mice in an Enriched Environment
Published on: June 8, 2015
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Three weeks of environmental enrichment enhance hepatic-muscular oxidative balance and decrease interleukin-6 levels
Débora Eduarda da Silva Fidélis1,2, Matheus Santos de Sousa Fernandes1,2, Tiago Lacerda Ramos1,2
1Keizo Asami Institute, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Frontiers in Physiology
|September 2, 2025
Summary
Environmental enrichment (EE) for three weeks reduced body weight and oxidative stress markers in juvenile female mice. EE also improved antioxidant defenses and lowered IL-6 serum levels, indicating a positive impact on overall health.
Area of Science:
- Exercise and Sports Science
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Environmental Enrichment (EE) involves diverse stimuli, but its impact on hepatic and muscle oxidative balance and inflammation is not fully understood.
- Investigating EE's effects is crucial for understanding its systemic benefits beyond social and cognitive aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of a three-week Environmental Enrichment (EE) intervention on hepatic and muscular oxidative balance.
- To evaluate the modulation of serum inflammation markers, specifically Interleukin-6 (IL-6), following EE in juvenile female mice.
Main Methods:
- Juvenile female C57BL/6 mice were divided into EE and Standard Environmental (SE) groups from postnatal day 35 to 60.
- EE involved varied inanimate objects; tissues (liver, EDL, soleus) and blood were collected after three weeks for analysis.
Main Results:
- EE significantly decreased body weight and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver and muscles.
- Enhanced enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, GST, reduced GSSG) and improved REDOX status were observed.
- Serum IL-6 levels were significantly reduced, while hepatic sulfhydryl levels increased.
Conclusions:
- Three weeks of EE effectively modulates hepatic and muscular oxidative balance in juvenile female mice.
- EE demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by reducing serum IL-6 levels.
- EE intervention shows promise in improving overall physiological health and reducing oxidative stress.
