The effect of continued and interval training with crocin consumption on BDNF and NGF gene expression in heart tissue of diabetic rats

Diabetes in the long run causes damage to the heart tissue. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of continued and interval training along with crocin consumption on BDNF and NGF gene expression in a heart tissue of diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 49 diabetic rats were divided into 7 groups: interval training, continued training, interval training + crocin, continued training + crocin, crocin, sham and control. Continued training and interval training groups ran on a treadmill for eight weeks, three sessions per week, with intensity rates of 80%-85% and 50%-55% of the maximum running speed, respectively. The crocin groups received 25 mg/kg crocin daily for eight weeks. Interval training and continued training + crocin significantly increased BDNF levels (P=0.001). Continued training + crocin increased BDNF levels more than those of continued training, crocin, interval training, and interval training + crocin groups (P=0.001). Also, continued training + crocin significantly increased NGF (P=0.001) and continued training + crocin increased NGF more than continued training, crocin, interval training, and interval training + crocin group (P=0.001). Continued training with crocin has a more significant effect on increase of neurotrophins expression compared to continued training, interval training, crocin and interval training +  crocin groups in a heart tissue of diabetic rats.