Full Papers

Metabolism and Metabolic Studies

Metabolic syndrome signs in Wistar rats submitted to different high-fructose ingestion protocols

Rodrigo Ferreira de Moura^a1, Carla Ribeiro^a1, Juliana Aparecida de Oliveira^a2, Eliane Stevanato^a2 and Maria Alice Rostom de Mello^a1 c1

^a1 Physical Education Department, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515 Bela Vista, 13506-900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil

^a2 Physical Education Department, University of Taubaté (UNITAU), Rua Terras de Cambra 27, 04383-145 São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Abstract

In search of an adequate model for the human metabolic syndrome, the metabolic characteristics of Wistar rats were analysed after being submitted to different protocols of high fructose ingestion. First, two adult rat groups (aged 90 d) were studied: a control group (C1; n 6) received regular rodent chow (Labina, Purina) and a fructose group (F1; n 6) was fed on regular rodent chow. Fructose was administered as a 10 % solution in drinking water. Second, two adult rat groups (aged 90 d) were evaluated: a control group (C2; n 6) was fed on a balanced diet (AIN-93G) and a fructose group (F2; n 6) was fed on a purified 60 % fructose diet. Finally, two young rat groups (aged 28 d) were analysed: a control group (C3; n 6) was fed on the AIN-93G diet and a fructose group (F3; n 6) was fed on a 60 % fructose diet. After 4–8 weeks, the animals were evaluated. Glucose tolerance, peripheral insulin sensitivity, blood lipid profile and body fat were analysed. In the fructose groups F2 and F3 glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were lower, while triacylglycerolaemia was higher than the respective controls C2 and C3 (P < 0·05). Blood total cholesterol, HDL and LDL as well as body fat showed change only in the second protocol. In conclusion, high fructose intake is more effective at producing the signs of the metabolic syndrome in adult than in young Wistar rats. Additionally, diet seems to be a more effective way of fructose administration than drinking water.

(Received January 07 2008)

(Revised July 17 2008)

(Accepted July 18 2008)

(Online publication November 14 2008)

Key Words:

• Fructose;
• Metabolic syndrome;
• Insulin sensitivity;
• Body fat

Correspondence:

^c1 Corresponding author: Dr Maria Alice Rostom de Mello, fax +55 19 3526 4320, email mellomar@rc.unesp.br

Footnotes

Abbreviations: C1, experiment 1 control group; C2, experiment 2 control group; C3, experiment 3 control group; F1, experiment 1 fructose group; F2, experiment 2 frustose group; F3, experiment 3 fructose group; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease