The effect of six weeks aerobic training on serum and hepatic ascorbic acid levels and hepatic SVCT2 level in diabetic Wistar rats

Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) plays an important role in the transport of ascorbic acid into the cell. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of diabetes induction and exercise training on hepatic ascorbic acid and SVCT2 levels in Wistar rats. In this experimental study, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) healthy control) diabetes control, 3) diabetes training and 4) sham. After diabetes induction training program consisted of 6 weeks of running on the treadmill, 5 sessions per week and each session of 20 to 40 minutes at a speed of 10-20 m / min was applied. Liver and serum tissues were evaluated to investigate the effect of exercise training on ascorbic acid metabolism. The results showed that induction of diabetes significantly decreased serum and hepatic ascorbic acid levels in the diabetic and diabetic & exercise groups compared with the control and sham groups (P <0.001). Also, hepatic SVCT2 was significantly increased in the diabetic group compared to the control group (P = 0.041) and significantly increased in the diabetic and diabetic & exercise groups compared to the sham group (P <0.05). According to the results of this study, induction of diabetes reduces hepatic ascorbic acid levels, this appears to be associated with a decrease in serum ascorbic acid levels, and increased levels of liver SVCT2 are an up regulation mechanism to compensate for lower levels of liver ascorbic acid.