The Role of Licorice and A Period of Exercise Training on Histopathological Changes and Liver Enzymes in Type 2 Diabetic Model Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia). This increase results from a defect in insulin secretion, resistance to its function, or a combination of both. In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar regulation is disrupted due to decreased cell sensitivity to insulin or reduced secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This disease is a major cause of complications such as liver damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of licorice plant extract and swimming exercises on histopathological changes and liver enzymes in rats with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 55 male Wistar rats, 8 weeks old, with an approximate weight of 200 ± 30 grams. Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 55 mg/kg. The animals were randomly divided into five groups: diabetic control, swimming exercise, licorice extract, combined group (swimming exercise + licorice extract), and healthy control. The exercise program included swimming for 8 weeks. Two groups of diabetic rats received licorice extract orally, and two groups participated in the exercise program. After the research period, liver samples were collected for histopathological examinations and measurement of liver enzymes AST, ALT, and ALP. Descriptive statistics used mean and standard deviation, and mean comparisons were analyzed using two- way ANOVA. The Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to determine differences between groups.

Results: The results showed that swimming exercise, licorice extract consumption, and their combination significantly reduced the levels of AST and ALP enzymes (P< 0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on ALT enzyme levels. Additionally, groups receiving licorice supplements and swimming exercises showed a notable reduction in liver fibrosis compared to the diabetic control group.

Conclusion: This research provides evidence that both independently and in combination, swimming exercise and licorice extract consumption can help improve liver parameters and reduce diabetes-related damage. These findings suggest that physical activity and herbal interventions like licorice consumption can be considered complementary strategies in diabetes management and its complications, particularly in improving liver function