The use of Saffron with resistance exercise improve diabetic parameters through GLUT4/AMPK pathway in vitro and in vivo models

Background: Saffron is consumed as food and medicine to treat several illnesses. Furthermore, unspecified exercise has been examined in controlling diabetic disorder. Purpose: We undertook this study to elucidate the effectiveness of saffron on diabetic parameters in vitro and combined with resistance exercise intervention in vivo. Methods: The effect of saffron on insulin secretion and glucose uptake were examined by cultured RIN-5F and L6 myotubes cells respectively. The expressions of GLUT2, GLUT4, and AMPKα in both cells treated with high and low doses of saffron were determined by Western blot. Diabetic and non-diabetic male rats were divided into different subgroups: control, training, extract treatment, training + extract treatment and metformin for diabetic group. The training program and treatment of 40 mg/kg/day saffron were carried out for six weeks. Results: high dose of saffron stimulated insulin release in the RIN-5F cells and improved glucose uptake in L6 myotubes. GLUT4 and AMPKα expressions increased in both doses of saffron, whereas GLUT2 did not change significantly. The serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin levels decreased in treated rats compared with those in the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in the high-density lipoprotein, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin concentration levels in all the groups. Conclusion: the findings suggest that saffron consuming alongside exercise could improve diabetic parameters through redox-mediated mechanisms and GLUT4/AMPK pathway to entrap glucose uptake.