The Effect of Saffron Extract During Resistance Training on BDNF Protein Expression in the Hippocampus of Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

The beneficial effects of saffron extract and resistance training on the improvement of some diabetes indices have been determined, but their combined effect on BDNF protein levels in rats with type 2 diabetes has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of saffron extract consumption during resistance training on BDNF protein expression in the hippocampus of rats with type 2 diabetes.

In this experimental study, 30 adult male rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), diabetes (D), diabetes-resistance training (DT), diabetes-saffron extract (DS) and diabetes-saffron extract- resistance training (DTS). Resistance training performed five sessions/w for six weeks. Blood glucose levels and hippocampus BDNF protein levels were measured. To analyze the data, one-way ANOVA was used at the significance level of P< 0.05.

Blood glucose levels of all experimental groups were significantly higher than C group (P= 0.001). Blood glucose levels in DT, DS and DTS groups were significantly lower than D group (P= 0.001). Also, the blood glucose levels of the DTS group were significantly lower than that of the DT group (P= 0.014). In addition, BDNF protein levels of all experimental groups were significantly lower than group C (P< 0.05). Also, BDNF protein levels of D, DT and DS groups were significantly lower than DTS group (P< 0.05). However, BDNF protein levels of D, DT and DS groups were not significantly different (P< 0.05).

Performing resistance training also consuming saffron extract alone and during resistance training reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. However, consumption of saffron extract could increase BDNF protein levels only during resistance training. Therefore, for more efficiency, it is suggested to consume saffron extract during resistance training.