Comparison of the Effects of Eight Weeks of Resistance Training and High-intensity Interval Training Combined with Saffron Extract on Inflammatory Markers in Male Wistar Rats with Diabetes

Abstract

Background: The combination of exercise and saffron extract can serve as a comprehensive approach to reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar control in diabetic patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with saffron extract on inflammatory markers including heat shock proteins (HSPs), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in male Wistar rats with diabetes. Methods: In this study, diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups: Resistance training, HIIT, saffron extract, and control. The resistance training group participated in a structured exercise program focusing on strength training, while the HIIT group performed HIIT sessions. The saffron extract group received (33 mg/kg, gavaged) a specific dose of saffron extract supplementation, whereas the control group underwent no intervention. Results: The results indicate that there is a significant difference in the variable HSPs among the research groups (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, the findings show that there is a significant difference in the variable IL-12 among the research groups (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicate that there is a significant difference in the variable TNF-α among the research groups (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Resistance training and HIIT combined with saffron extract lead to a reduction in inflammatory factors and improve the inflammatory status of diabetes in rats. This anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to the regulation of the immune system and a decrease in the activity of inflammatory cytokines.