Title of article :
Combination effect of voluntary exercise and garlic (Allium sativum) on oxidative stress, cholesterol level and histopathology of heart tissue in type 1 diabetic rats
Author/Authors :
Ghyasi, Rafighe Drug Applied Research Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , Mohaddes, Gisou Neuroscience Research Centre of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran , Nader, Roya Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center - Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
Abstract :
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the combination effect of voluntary exercise and
garlic on oxidative markers, cholesterol level and histological alterations in streptozotocin (STZ)-
induced diabetes in rat heart.
Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five experimental groups
(n=7): Control, Diabetes, Diabetes+Garlic, Diabetes+Exercise, Diabetes+Garlic+Exercise
groups. Diabetes was induced by STZ (ip, 50 mg/kg) in animals. Animals received garlic
homogenate (250 mg/kg) by oral gavage or subjected to voluntary exercise alone or together for
6 weeks. At the end of intervention blood and heart tissue samples were obtained and used
for measurement of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), cholesterol, total antioxidant capacity
(TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histological analysis.
Results: Improved blood glucose, cholesterol, total antioxidant capacity, and MDA levels were
established in both Diabetes+Garlic and Diabetes+Exercise groups. Additionally, staining with
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) revealed that voluntary exercise and garlic alone and together
reduced interstitial edema, leukocyte infiltration, and myonecrosis. Furthermore, simultaneous
treatment of diabetic rats with garlic and exercise training had an additive effect on these
parameters.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that combination therapy with garlic and voluntary exercise
may present more beneficial effects in heart histological remodeling in diabetic rats than the use
of garlic or voluntary exercise alone and that these beneficial effects might be associated with
enhancement in cholesterol, total antioxidant capacity, and MDA levels.
Keywords :
Voluntary Exercise , Garlic , MDA , TAC , Cholesterol , Oxidative Stress
Journal title :
Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research (JCVTR)