ABSTRACT
The effects of exercise training on GLUT4 protein expression have been examined in several studies whereas those of aerobic training along with the use of plant extracts on muscle GLUT4 protein expression are unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and Pistacia athlantica extract on GLUT4 protein expression and glycogen level in the gastrocnemius muscle of diabetic rats. Forty-male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic+ aerobic training, diabetic+extract and diabetic+ aerobic training+ extract. The program included six weeks of aerobic training on the treadmill. Forty eight hours after last session of training and consumption the extract, the rats were anesthetized and gastrocnemius muscle was isolated for measurement of glycogen levels and GLUT4 protein expression. Data was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA test [P<0.05]. GLUT4 protein expression and glycogen levels in gastrocnemius muscle in diabetic+ aerobic training+ extract group were significantly higher than in the diabetic control group [P values 0.001, 0.02 respectively], whereas these variables in the aerobic training and the Pistacia athlantica extract perse groups did not change compared to the diabetic control group. It seems that Pistacia athlantica extract along with specific exercises, compared to utilization of each of strategies perse, are more effective in increasing glucose transporter proteins and possibly improving insulin function