Effects of Aerobic Training and Crocin on Metabolic-Related Body Weight Alterations Following Methamphetamine Exposure in Female Rats

Methamphetamine (METH) disrupts metabolism and body weight. Aerobic exercise and saffron stigma extract, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may counteract these effects. This study explores their combined impact on METH-induced metabolic disturbances in female Wistar rats. Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): (1) control, (2) METH-treated, (3) METH + aerobic exercise, (4) METH + saffron, and (5) METH + aerobic exercise + saffron. Methamphetamine was administered intraperitoneally at 10 mg/kg/day. Aerobic training consisted of treadmill running (25 m/min, 30 minutes/day, 6 days/week) for 4 weeks. Saffron extract (40 mg/kg) was also administered intraperitoneally. Body weight measured every week for Metabolic-Related Body Weight Alterations. METH significantly increased body weight compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Both aerobic exercise and crocin attenuated METH-induced weight gain, with the combined intervention showing the most pronounced effect (p < 0.0001 vs. METH). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant main effects of time (F(1,25) = 812.4, p < 0.0001), group (F(4,25) = 64.7, p < 0.0001), and a time × group interaction (F(4,25) = 31.9, p < 0.0001). Aerobic exercise and crocin, particularly when combined, effectively mitigate METH-induced alterations in body weight, likely via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and energy-regulating neuroendocrine pathways. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for managing the metabolic consequences of methamphetamine exposure.