THE EFFECT OF SIX WEEKS OF ENDURANCE TRAINING WITH LEMON CONSUMPTION ON PLASMA LEVELS OF ENDOTHELIN-1 AND NITRIC OXIDE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of six weeks of endurance training with sour lemon consumption on plasma levels of endolin-1 and nitric oxide in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 72 male Wistar rats (Weight; 200 ± 12 g) were selected and randomly divided into eight groups after becoming diabetic. Endurance training protocol was performed on rats for 6 weeks. Lemon essential oil (50 mg/kg) was administered using gavage. Plasma endolin-1 levels were measured by ELISA and serum nitrite levels were measured as a major metabolite of nitric oxide. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the mean levels of endothelin-1 in the endurance training + lemon group and diabetes + endurance training + lemon were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). Also, the mean nitric oxide levels in the diabetes + lemon group were significantly lower compared to the control group, but in the endurance + lemon training group and the diabetes + endurance training + lemon group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that endurance training with consumption of lemon may improve endothelial function and vascular occlusion in diabetic patients by reducing the concentration of endothelin-1 levels and increasing nitric oxide levels.