The Effect of Pistacia Atlantica Extract and Aerobic Training on the Levels of Triiodothyronine, Thyroxine and Lipid Profile in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes is considered as one of the health problems in all societies. Exercise training and herbal medicines are some approaches to improve diabetes. The present study investigated the effect of a six weeks exercise training program and/or Pistacia atlantica (mastic) extract on thyroid hormones and lipid profile as well as antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Healthy control (Ctrl), diabetic control (D), Diabetic + exercise (DE), Diabetic + mastic extract (DM) and Diabetic + exercise + mastic extract (DEM). The six-week period exercise program included aerobic training on a treadmill (five sessions per week, 40 minutes per each session, with a speed of 20 m/min and 5% incline). Pistacia atlantica extract was fed 5 days per week (25 mg/kg). Forty eight hours after the last training session, the level of T3, T4, triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL were assessed. Results:Triglyceride levels in DEM group was significantly lower than diabetic group (p<0.05). The mean level of cholesterol and HDL (high density lipoprotein) was not significantly different among groups. Plasma concentration of T 3 and T 4 in diabetic control was significantly lower than normal control. Applying mastic extract alone or together with exercise markedly enhanced T4 levels in diabetic rats. Conclusion: Pistacia atlantica extract and exercise training might be good in the improvement of hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia resulting from diabetes.