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.