Effects of Resistance Training with Aqueous Extract of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on Relative Expression Levels of CTRP3 and IL-6 in Adipose Tissues and Insulin Resistance in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Background and Objectives: Since adipokines affect insulin sensitivity and inflammation, regulation of adipokines may play a critical role in etiology of insulin resistance, which is associated to type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of resistance training with use of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on relative expression levels of CTRP3 and IL-6 and insulin resistance in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.  Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into five major groups of control-normal, diabetes, diabetes-training, diabetes-garlic and diabetes-training-garlic groups. Diabetes was induced in rats using intraperitoneal administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Training group carried out resistance training for eight weeks (five days per week). The resistance training protocol consisted of climbing a 1-m ladder with a weight attached to the tail sleeve. A dose of 1 ml of garlic extract/100 g body weight was orally administered daily to rats. Results: Results of the present study showed decreases in CTRP3 relative expression (p = 0. 001) and increases in IL-6 protein (p = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (p = 0. 001) in diabetes groups, compared to control-normal group. The CTRP3 relative expression of diabetes-training (p = 0.037), diabetes-garlic (p = 0.042) and diabetes-training-garlic (p = 0. 001) groups showed significant increases, compared to diabetes group. Furthermore, significant decreases were seen in IL-6 levels in diabetes-training (p = 0.015), diabetes-garlic (p = 0.021) and diabetes-training-garlic (p = 0. 001) groups, compared to diabetes group. The HOMA-IR levels of diabetes-training (p = 0.003), diabetes-garlic (p = 0.049) and diabetes-training-garlic (p = 0.002) groups decreased significantly, compared to diabetes group. Conclusion: In conclusion, increased CTRP3 expression and decreased IL-6 adipose tissues followed by resistance training and garlic extract use are associated to decreased insulin resistance in diabetic rats.