Effect of Endurance Training and Consumption of Saffron Extracts on GPX and MDA in Men with Type2 Diabetes

Abstract

Type2 diabetes, is a common metabolic diseases in the world. Non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical strategies for control and treatment of diabetes are proposed. Nutrition and exercise as non-drug strategies for the prevention and control of diabetes are considered. Heavy and acute exercises may increase oxidative stress, thus it is necessary to take nutrition strategies to help diabetic athletes. This study was a semi-experimental research. Therefore, 24 men with type2 diabetes were divided randomly into four groups including saffron extract, aerobic exercises, aerobic exercises plus saffron extract and control groups. Saffron extract with 3 mg/kg was used. Aerobic exercises, three days a week, for eight- week, with 55-70% of maximum heart rate were performed. At the end of the intervention period, levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) were measured. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA, Tukey tests and Paired t. The serum MDA decreased significantly in saffron extract and aerobic exercises plus saffron extract groups in type 2 diabetic men(P=0.001, P =0.026 respectively). Saffron extract consumption and aerobic exercises did not significantly influence on erythrocyte GPX activity (P =0.12, P =0.14 respectively). But erythrocyte GPX activity increased significantly in aerobic exercises plus saffron extract group (P =0.041). Antioxidant compounds of saffron, is effective in reduction and inhibition of tissue damages after physical activities. Aerobic exercises plus saffron extract can decrease and increase levels of MDA and erythrocyte GPX activity in men with type2 diabetes, respectively.