The Effects of Resistance Training on VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP in Diabetic Rats

Objective: Many diabetic patients are susceptible to cardiovascular diseases which are known as one of the most important causes of mortality among diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eight weeks of resistance training on VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Sprague- Dawley diabetic rats were selected and divided into three groups; (1) diabetes victim first week, (2) diabetes victim last week, and (3) resistance training. In order to investigate the effects of induction of diabetes, 16 healthy male rats were divided into two groups of healthy victim first week and healthy victim last week. The resistance training group had progressively participated in eight weeks (3 weekly sessions) resistance training, which has included climbing up in a specified ladder for rats, based on the average weekly weight from 30% of body weight for the first week to 100% of the body weight for the last one. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (P-value≤ 0.05) were used to analyze the results. Results: The results showed that induction of diabetes significantly increases of VCAM-1 (P-value: 0.004), ICAM-1 (P-value: 0.001) and CRP (P-value: 0.02) in rats. The eight weeks of resistance training significantly decreases the serum levels of ICAM-1 (P-value: 0.005) and CRP (P-value: 0.001). However, the eight weeks of resistance training did not significantly reduce serum level of VCAM-1 (P-value: 0.51) in diabetic rats. Conclusion: Resistance training has beneficial effects on the reduction of ICAM-1 and CRP levels, though an insignificant decrease in the levels of VCAM-1.