Modulation of aortic vascular reactivity by sex hormones in a male rat model of metabolic syndrome

Rats Exposed to Excess Sucrose During a Critical Period Develop Inflammation and Express a Secretory Phenotype of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

BACKGROUND

Neonatal rats that receive sucrose during a critical postnatal period (CP, days 12 to 28) develop hypertension by the time they reach adulthood. Inflammation might contribute to changes during this period and could be associated with variations in the vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) phenotype.

OBJECTIVE

We studied changes in inflammatory pathways that could underlie the expression of the secretory phenotype in the VSMC in the thoracic aorta of rats that received sucrose during CP.

METHODS

We analyzed histological changes in the aorta and the expression of the COX-2, TLR4, iNOS, eNOS, MMP-2 and -9, and β- and α-actin, the quantities of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β using ELISA, and the levels of fatty acids using gas chromatography.

RESULTS

The aortic wall presented disorganization, decellularization, and wavy elastic fibers and an increase in the lumen area. The α- and β-actin expressions were decreased, while COX-2, TLR4, TNF-α, and the activity of IL-6 were increased. Oleic acid was increased in CP in comparison to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

There is transient hypertension at the end of the CP that is accompanied by inflammation and a change in the phenotype of VSMC to the secretory phenotype. The inflammatory changes could act as epigenetic signals to determine the development of hypertension when animals reach adulthood.

Testosterone Contributes to Vascular Dysfunction in Young Mice Fed a High Fat Diet by Promoting Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 Downregulation and Oxidative Stress

Obesity, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, promotes vascular oxidative stress. Considering that free testosterone levels remain within the reference range, especially in obese young men and that testosterone stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we sought to investigate whether testosterone interferes with obesity-associated oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction in male mice. We hypothesized that testosterone favors ROS accumulation and vascular dysfunction in high fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice. We also questioned whether testosterone downregulates the nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), one of the major cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stimuli. Male C57Bl/6J mice were submitted to orchiectomy or sham-operation. Mice received either a control diet (CD) or HFD for 18 weeks. Vascular function was assessed in thoracic aortic rings and molecular mechanisms by which testosterone contributes to vascular dysfunction were determined. HFD reduced acetylcholine-induced vasodilation and increased vascular ROS generation in sham mice. Castration prevented these effects. Treatment of castrated mice fed either the CD or HFD with testosterone propionate decreased acetylcholine vasodilation. HFD decreased Nrf2 nuclear accumulation, events linked to decreased mRNA expression and activity of Nrf2-regulated enzymes (catalase, heme oxygenase-1, peroxiredoxin, and thioredoxin). These events were prevented in HFD-fed castrated mice. Bardoxolone, a Nrf2 activator, increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2, decreased ROS generation and improved acetylcholine vasodilation in HFD-fed sham mice. In vitro, testosterone increased ROS generation and decreased Nrf2 nuclear accumulation. These effects were prevented in the presence of an androgen receptor antagonist, an inhibitor of gene transcription and an inhibitor of the pro-oxidant enzyme NOX-1. These results indicate that testosterone downregulates Nrf2, leading to oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction in HFD-fed obese young mice.

Differential effect of high-fat, high-sucrose and combined high-fat/high-sucrose diets consumption on fat accumulation, serum leptin and cardiac hypertrophy in rats

The consumption of high calorie-content diets is the first cause of obesity, probably the main health issue worldwide; however, the experimental evidences for evaluating the differential metabolic modifications of high-sucrose or high-fat diets are scare. We evaluated the metabolic outcomes of the obesity induced by the chronic consumption of high-sucrose (HS), high-fat (HF) or combined diets (HSHF), among the effect on the development of cardiac hypertrophy in Wistar rats. Rats from the HS, HF, and HSHS groups developed moderate obesity. Only the HS group showed increased triglycerides levels after four months. Increased leptin levels were observed in HS and HF groups without changes on cardiac hypertrophy; on the opposing, HSHF group presented hypertrophy without the changes in serum leptin. The three experimental groups showed a decreased expression of leptin receptors ObR-b. In our results, the kind of diet for the induction of obesity is relevant for the outcome of the pathological profile.

Androgen Effects on the Adrenergic System of the Vascular, Airway, and Cardiac Myocytes and Their Relevance in Pathological Processes

INTRODUCTION

Androgen signaling comprises nongenomic and genomic pathways. Nongenomic actions are not related to the binding of the androgen receptor (AR) and occur rapidly. The genomic effects implicate the binding to a cytosolic AR, leading to protein synthesis. Both events are independent of each other. Genomic effects have been associated with different pathologies such as vascular ischemia, hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Catecholamines play a crucial role in regulating vascular smooth muscle (VSM), airway smooth muscle (ASM), and cardiac muscle (CM) function and tone.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is an updated analysis of the role of androgens in the adrenergic system of vascular, airway, and cardiac myocytes. Body. Testosterone (T) favors vasoconstriction, and its concentration fluctuation during life stages can affect the vascular tone and might contribute to the development of hypertension. In the VSM, T increases α1-adrenergic receptors (α ₁-ARs) and decreases adenylyl cyclase expression, favoring high blood pressure and hypertension. Androgens have also been associated with asthma. During puberty, girls are more susceptible to present asthma symptoms than boys because of the increment in the plasmatic concentrations of T in young men. In the ASM, β ₂-ARs are responsible for the bronchodilator effect, and T augments the expression of β ₂-ARs evoking an increase in the relaxing response to salbutamol. The levels of T are also associated with an increment in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. In the CM, activation of α _1A-ARs and β ₂-ARs increases the ionotropic activity, leading to the development of contraction, and T upregulates the expression of both receptors and improves the myocardial performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Androgens play an essential role in the adrenergic system of vascular, airway, and cardiac myocytes, favoring either a state of health or disease. While the use of androgens as a therapeutic tool for treating asthma symptoms or heart disease is proposed, the vascular system is warmly affected.

Intra-Abdominal Fat Adipocyte Hypertrophy through a Progressive Alteration of Lipolysis and Lipogenesis in Metabolic Syndrome Rats

This study evaluates the progressive participation of enzymes involved in lipolysis and lipogenesis, leading to adipocyte hypertrophy in a metabolic syndrome (MS) rat model caused by chronic consumption of 30% sucrose in drinking water. A total of 70 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: C and MS. Each of these groups were then subdivided into five groups which were sacrificed as paired groups every month from the beginning of the treatment until 5 months. The intra-abdominal fat was dissected, and the adipocytes were extracted. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), protein kinases A (PKA), and perilipin A expressions were determined. The LPL and HSL activities were evaluated by spectrophotometry. Histological staining was performed in adipose tissue. Significant increases were observed in blood pressure, HOMA-IR, leptin, triglycerides, insulin, intra-abdominal fat, and number of fat cells per field (p = 0.001) and in advanced glycosylation products, adipocyte area, LPL, HSL activities and/or expression (p ≤ 0.01) in the MS groups progressively from the third month onward. Lipogenesis and lipolysis were increased by LPL activity and HSL activity and/or expression. This was associated with hyperinsulinemia and release of non-esterified fatty acids causing a positive feedback loop that contributes to the development of adipocyte hypertrophy.

Androgens Mediate β-adrenergic Vasorelaxation Impairment Using Adenylyl Cyclase

Cardiovascular disease development has been associated with sex differences, suggesting that sex hormones are implicated in vascular function and development of hypertension. Vascular tone comparison at different stages of rat growth represents a good model to study testosterone-related vascular response. We explored the role of testosterone in modulation of age-dependent impaired β-adrenergic vasodilation. The 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were sorted in 3-week-old rats without any manipulation and 3-week-old rats treated with testosterone. The 9-week-old rats were randomly grouped into 9-week-old rats without any manipulation (sham), 9-week-old rats that underwent gonadectomy (9-week-old castrated), and 9-week-old castrated treated with testosterone replacement therapy (9-week-old castrated + testosterone). Vascular relaxation was evaluated in aortic rings. β-adrenergic receptor protein expression, cyclic adenosine monophosphate production, testosterone levels, and adenylyl cyclase (AC) gene expression were assessed. Testosterone levels were low in 3-week-old and 9-week-old castrated rats compared with 9-week-old sham rats. Testosterone replacement raised these levels in 3-week-old and 9-week-old castrated rats similar to those of 9-week-old sham rats. SQ22536, the AC inhibitor, prevented isoproterenol-induced relaxation in aortic rings from 3-week-old and 9-week-old castrated rats. The β-adrenergic receptor protein expression was similar in all experimental groups. AC mRNA and protein expression and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels were elevated in 3-week-old and 9-week-old castrated rats compared with 3-week-old + testosterone, 9-week-old sham, and 9-week-old castrated + testosterone rats. In conclusion, we demonstrated that age maturation was associated with vascular relaxation impairment. Variations in testosterone levels and reduced AC expression may be responsible for this altered vascular function.

Mechanisms Underlying Metabolic Syndrome-Related Sarcopenia and Possible Therapeutic Measures

Although there are several reviews that report the interrelationship between sarcopenia and obesity and insulin resistance, the relation between sarcopenia and the other signs that compose the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been extensively revised. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying MetS-related sarcopenia and discuss the possible therapeutic measures proposed. A vicious cycle between the loss of muscle and the accumulation of intramuscular fat might be associated with MetS via a complex interplay of factors including nutritional intake, physical activity, body fat, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, hormonal changes, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The enormous differences in lipid storage capacities between the two genders and elevated amounts of endogenous fat having lipotoxic effects that lead to the loss of muscle mass are discussed. The important repercussions of MetS-related sarcopenia on other illnesses that lead to increased disability, morbidity, and mortality are also addressed. Additional research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of MetS-related sarcopenia and its consequences. Although there is currently no consensus on the treatment, lifestyle changes including diet and power exercise seem to be the best options.

Does long-term androgen deficiency lead to metabolic syndrome in middle-aged rats?

Evidence from clinical observational studies and animal experiments suggests that hypogonadism is associated with the metabolic syndrome. In most of the experiments, androgen deficiency is induced by gonadectomy in the adulthood and relatively short-term effects of hypogonadism on metabolic parameters are usually observed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of long-term androgen deficiency starting before puberty in middle-aged male rats. The components of the metabolic syndrome were examined in male, female and gonadectomized male rats at the age of 18months. Sex differences were observed in plasma testosterone, cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins and also in body weight and in glycemia dynamics during oral glucose tolerance test. Gonadectomy and long-term hypogonadism did not affect most of the analyzed metabolic parameters such as blood pressure, glycemia, plasma insulin and uric acid. The only exception was the significantly higher liver enzymes in plasma and triacylglycerol in liver found in gonadectomized males. Except low-density lipoprotein, neither treatment of middle-aged males and females with letrozole, nor supplementation of estradiol as the metabolite of testosterone in gonadectomized male rats changed any of the observed metabolic parameters. Our results suggest that long-term hypogonadism started before puberty does not induce metabolic syndrome in middle-aged male rats, but may affect the liver. Sex differences in metabolic parameters in middle-aged rats are not mediated by testosterone. Whether hypogonadism predispose to metabolic syndrome in combination with other risk factors needs further clarification.

Effect of Cross-Sex Hormonal Replacement on Antioxidant Enzymes in Rat Retroperitoneal Fat Adipocytes

We report the effect of cross-sex hormonal replacement on antioxidant enzymes from rat retroperitoneal fat adipocytes. Eight rats of each gender were assigned to each of the following groups: control groups were intact female or male (F and M, resp.). Experimental groups were ovariectomized F (OvxF), castrated M (CasM), OvxF plus testosterone (OvxF + T), and CasM plus estradiol (CasM + E₂) groups. After sacrifice, retroperitoneal fat was dissected and processed for histology. Adipocytes were isolated and the following enzymatic activities were determined: Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR). Also, glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured. In OvxF, retroperitoneal fat increased and adipocytes were enlarged, while in CasM rats a decrease in retroperitoneal fat and small adipocytes are observed. The cross-sex hormonal replacement in F rats was associated with larger adipocytes and a further decreased activity of Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GR, and GSH, in addition to an increase in LPO. CasM + E₂ exhibited the opposite effects showing further activation antioxidant enzymes and decreases in LPO. In conclusion, E₂ deficiency favors an increase in retroperitoneal fat and large adipocytes. Cross-sex hormonal replacement in F rats aggravates the condition by inhibiting antioxidant enzymes.

Testosterone and cardiovascular disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Use of testosterone among men is increasing rapidly. Low serum testosterone is positively associated with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. No large randomized controlled trial (RCT) has assessed the effects of testosterone on cardiovascular outcomes. Here recent evidence accumulating from other sources - pharmacoepidemiology, Mendelian randomization studies and meta-analysis of small RCTs - is reviewed to inform current testosterone usage.

RECENT FINDINGS

In a large, well conducted pharmacoepidemiology study specifically testosterone prescription was associated with myocardial infarction. Two Mendelian randomization studies did not corroborate beneficial effects of higher endogenous testosterone on cardiovascular risk factors, but suggested higher endogenous testosterone raised LDL cholesterol and lowered HDL cholesterol. A comprehensive meta-analysis of RCTs summarizing 27 trials including 2994 men found increased risk of cardiovascular-related events on testosterone (odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.18).

SUMMARY

Contrary to expectations from observational studies, current indications suggest testosterone causes ischemic cardiovascular disease with corresponding implications for practice. A large RCT would undoubtedly settle the issue definitively. Given mounting evidence of harm and the urgency of the situation assembling all the evidence from completed RCTs of testosterone or androgen deprivation therapy and use of Mendelian randomization might generate a definitive answer most quickly.

Androgen activity, ischaemic heart disease and risk factors among men in NHANES III

AIM

Observationally, low serum testosterone among men is associated with cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors, but it is unclear whether raising endogenous androgens would be protective. To clarify the role of androgens, the association of two different androgen biomarkers (serum testosterone and androstanediol glucuronide) with cardiovascular disease risk factors and mortality was examined in a nationally representative sample of US men.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Multivariable linear and proportion hazards regression were used to examine the adjusted associations of serum testosterone and androstanediol glucuronide with cardiovascular disease risk factors and death from major cardiovascular diseases in 1460 men from NHANES III phase 1 (1988-1991) followed-up through 2006.

RESULTS

Serum testosterone and androstanediol glucuronide were weakly correlated (0·13). Serum testosterone was associated with healthier values of most cardiovascular disease risk factors but not with death from ischaemic heart disease or stroke, adjusted for age, education, race/ethnicity, smoking and alcohol use. Similarly adjusted, androstanediol glucuronide was associated with unhealthier values of some cardiovascular risk factors and death from ischaemic heart disease (hazard ratio 1·16, 95% confidence interval 1·003-1·33 per standard deviation).

CONCLUSIONS

Androgen biomarkers had inconsistent associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors and ischaemic heart disease. Androstanediol glucuronide, rather than serum testosterone, had associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors more similar to those seen in randomized controlled trials of testosterone therapy, with corresponding implications for raising androgens.

Oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes contributes to decreased SERCA2a activity in rats with metabolic syndrome

Ca(+) mishandling due to impaired activity of cardiac sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2a) has been associated with the development of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in insulin-resistant cardiomyopathy. However, the molecular causes underlying SERCA2a alterations induced by insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), are not completely understood. In this study, we used a sucrose-fed rat model of MetS to test the hypothesis that decreased SERCA2a activity is mediated by elevated oxidative stress produced in the MetS heart. Production of ROS and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration were recorded in left ventricular myocytes using confocal imaging. The level of SERCA2a oxidation was determined in left ventricular homogenates by biotinylated iodoacetamide labeling. Compared with control rats, sucrose-fed rats exhibited several characteristics of MetS, including central obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Moreover, relative to myocytes from control rats, myocytes from MetS rats exhibited elevated basal production of ROS accompanied by slowed cytosolic Ca(2+) removal, reflected by prolonged Ca(2+) transients. The slowed cytosolic Ca(2+) removal was associated with a significant decrease in SERCA2a-mediated Ca(2+) reuptake and increased SERCA2a oxidation. Importantly, myocytes from MetS rats treated with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine showed normal ROS levels and SERCA2a-mediated Ca(2+) reuptake as well as accelerated cytosolic Ca(2+) removal. These data suggest that elevated oxidative stress may induce oxidative modifications on SERCA2a leading to abnormal function of this protein in the MetS heart.

Modification of the liver fatty acids by Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus (Malvaceae) infusion, its possible effect on vascular reactivity in a metabolic syndrome model

We investigated the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus (HSL)-fed infusion on the fatty acid (FA) profile in liver of metabolic syndrome (MS) rats and its possible effect on vascular reactivity. Body mass, intra-abdominal fat, triglycerides, insulin, blood pressure, saturated, monounsaturated FA, NEFAs, Δ(9)-, Δ(6)-desaturases and vasoconstriction were increased, while vasorelaxation, polyunsaturated FA, endothelial nitric oxide and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio decreased in MS versus Control, but HSL infusion modified it and increased Δ(5)-desaturase. The results suggest that the alteration in FA liver metabolism in the MS contributes to impaired vascular reactivity, but treatment with of HSL infusion can improve this condition.

Reduced estradiol-induced vasodilation and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity in the aortas of rats with experimental polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, both of which have been connected to atherosclerosis. Indeed, an increased risk of clinical manifestations of arterial vascular diseases has been described in PCOS. On the other hand endothelial dysfunction can be detected early on, before atherosclerosis develops. Thus we assumed that vascular dysfunction is also related directly to the hormonal imbalance rather than to its metabolic consequences. To detect early functional changes, we applied a novel rodent model of PCOS: rats were either sham operated or hyperandrogenism was achieved by implanting subcutaneous pellets of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). After ten weeks, myograph measurements were performed on isolated aortic rings. Previously we described an increased contractility to norepinephrine (NE). Here we found a reduced immediate relaxation to estradiol treatment in pre-contracted aortic rings from hyperandrogenic rats. Although the administration of vitamin D3 along with DHT reduced responsiveness to NE, it did not restore relaxation to estradiol. Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity was assessed by poly-ADP-ribose immunostaining. Increased PAR staining in ovaries and circulating leukocytes from DHT rats showed enhanced DNA damage, which was reduced by concomitant vitamin D3 treatment. Surprisingly, PAR staining was reduced in both the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells of the aorta rings from hyperandrogenic rats. Thus in the early phase of PCOS, vascular tone is already shifted towards vasoconstriction, characterized by reduced vasorelaxation and vascular dysfunction is concomitant with altered PARP activity. Based on our findings, PARP inhibitors might have a future perspective in restoring metabolic disorders in PCOS.

Effect of glycine on the cyclooxygenase pathway of the kidney arachidonic acid metabolism in a rat model of metabolic syndrome

The kidneys are organs that can be severely impaired by metabolic syndrome (MS). This is characterized by the association of various pathologies such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type-2 diabetes. Glycine, a nonessential amino acid, is known to possess various protective effects in the kidney, such as a decrease in the deterioration of renal function and a reduction of the damage caused by hypoxia. In a rat model of MS, the effect of glycine on the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was studied in isolated perfused kidney. MS was induced in Wistar rats by feeding them a 30% sucrose solution for 16 weeks. The addition of 1% glycine to their drinking water containing 30% sucrose, for 8 weeks, reduced high blood pressure, triglyceride levels, insulin concentration, homeostatis model assessment (HOMA) index, albuminuria, AA concentration in kidney homogenate, renal perfusion pressure, prostaglandin levels, PLA2 expression, and COX isoform expression, compared with MS rats that did not receive the glycine supplement. Glycine receptor expression decreased significantly with MS, but glycine treatment increased it. The results suggest that in the MS model, 1% glycine treatment protects the kidney from damage provoked by the high sucrose consumption, by acting as an anti-inflammatory on the COX pathway of AA metabolism in kidney.

Contribution of animal models to the understanding of the metabolic syndrome: a systematic overview

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most important challenges to public health and biomedical research. Animal models of MetS, such as leptin-deficient obese mice, obese spontaneously hypertensive rats, JCR: LA-cp rats and the Ossabaw and Göttingen minipigs, have contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiological basis and the development of novel therapies. For a complex disease syndrome, no animal model can be expected to serve all needs of research. Although each animal model has limitations and strengths, used together in a complementary fashion, they are essential for research on the MetS and for rapid progress in understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis towards a cure. The purpose of this review is to assess how current animal models contributed to our knowledge of the human MetS, and to systematically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the currently available 78 animal models from 11 species.

Effect of gonadectomy on the metabolism of arachidonic acid in isolated kidney of a rat model of metabolic syndrome

Influence of sex on arachidonic acid metabolism, a pathway involved in the link between metabolic syndrome (MS) and renal damage, was studied in isolated perfused kidney. Metabolic syndrome was induced by feeding 30% sucrose solution for 24 weeks to intact and gonadectomized female (Ovx) and male (Cas) rats. Systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, as well as prostaglandin E(2) and thromboxane B(2) from urine and perfusate increased in MS male and MS ovariectomized females; castration reduced them in MS males. Perfusion of arachidonic acid in kidneys from MS males increased perfusion pressure compared with controls. No difference appeared in perfusion pressure between control and MS females. Castration diminished perfusion pressure in MS; the opposite was observed in Ovx MS. Perfusion with arachidonic acid plus indomethacin decreased perfusion pressure in MS male kidneys and in Cas MS. In Ovx MS, arachidonic acid plus indomethacin decreased perfusion pressure, but not in female control, MS, and Ovx control. Increase in perfusion pressure with arachidonic acid in both male MS and Ovx MS was related to cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 overexpression in kidney. Castration reduced the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in MS to control levels. The results suggest that the alteration in arachidonic acid metabolism associated with changes in the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 induced by sucrose intake, and influenced by sex hormones, may contribute to renal damage.

Castration modifies aortic vasoreactivity and serum fatty acids in a sucrose-fed rat model of metabolic syndrome

Levels of testosterone and estradiol influence the incidence of cardiovascular diseases: generally, estrogens in females are protective before menopause; coronaropathies, hypertension, and dyslipidemias in normal men are more frequent at comparable ages. We investigated the modulation by castration of in vitro vasoreactivity, serum lipid content, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in rats with sucrose-induced metabolic syndrome. The main characteristics of the rat model are: hypertriglyceridemia, moderately high blood pressure, intra-abdominal accumulation of adipose tissue, hyperinsulinemia, nephropathy, increased oxidative stress, and altered vasoreactivity. Male weanling rats received 30% sucrose solution for 16 weeks (metabolic syndrome; MS), controls (C) had plain water; both had commercial rodent chow. They were subdivided into five groups with two subgroups each: Group 1, intact C and MS rats, Groups 2-5, C and MS rats castrated for periods of 16, 12, 8, and 4 weeks. At the end of the study period, systolic blood pressure was measured, and blood and aortas were obtained for fatty acid determination and vasoreactivity assays, respectively. After 16 weeks' sucrose treatment MS aortas showed hypercontractility and decreased vasodilation. Palmitic and palmitoleic acids were increased in MS versus C. Arachidonic acid levels in MS were lower than in intact or castrated C. Long-term castration of 16 weeks normalized the levels of palmitic and oleic acids. With the shorter periods of castration, contractility increased and relaxation decreased in C and MS, but it was more significant in C. Regarding fatty acid composition, long-term castration increased polyunsaturated (arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic) fatty acids. The shorter periods did not modify the fatty acid profile in either C or MS. Metabolic syndrome altered SBP, aortic reactivity, and levels of fatty acids; castration of long duration normalized them in some cases.

Metabolic syndrome: comparison of the two commonly used animal models

BACKGROUND

The etiology of the metabolic syndrome (MS) includes both genetic and environmental factors. The two most commonly studied animal models of the MS are the high-sucrose diet given to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and high-fructose diet given to Sprague Dawley rats (SDRs). This study compares between these two models.

METHODS

The two rat strains were examined; within each group, the rats were assigned to either the high-sugar diet (SDRs with fructose-enriched diet and SHRs with sucrose-enriched diet) or standard rat chow (control group). The rats were followed for 7 weeks. The main MS components (obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia) were measured.

RESULTS

At baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood levels of triglycerides and insulin, as well as glucose intolerance, were significantly higher among the SHRs compared to SDRs. Following fructose enrichment, SDRs became hyperinsulinemic, hypertriglyceridemic, hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, and insulin resistant, whereas SHRs responded to sucrose supplementation by a significant elevation in blood pressure and mild worsening of insulin resistance. Endpoint results revealed superiority of sucrose--SHR model in terms of hypertension and superiority of fructose--SDR model in terms of hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Both models showed similar postintervention degree of glucose tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

The fructose-fed SDR model represents a predominantly environmentally acquired MS, whereas the SHR model is less affected by dietary intervention and better displays the predominantly genetic spontaneous appearance of the syndrome. This fundamental difference should be taken into consideration when choosing an animal model to study the MS.

Effects of sex hormone levels on aortic vascular reactivity and variables associated with the metabolic syndrome in sucrose-fed female rats

We studied the effect of varying levels of sex hormones, induced by ovariectomy and administration of testosterone or estradiol, on aortic reactivity in female rats with metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a sucrose diet. Vasoreactivity of aortic rings, blood pressure, intra-abdominal fat, serum triglycerides, nitrates and nitrites, and TBARS were evaluated. Intact MS and ovariectomized MS had higher BP than intact control (C) and ovariectomized C, respectively; estradiol administration decreased BP in ovariectomized MS but not in ovariectomized C. Triglycerides and fat were both higher in MS. Triglycerides were not modified by surgery or hormone treatment, but ovariectomy increased fat. When ovariectomy was combined with hormones, however, fat was reduced to the level of intact rats. Ovariectomy decreased, but hormones increased, serum nitrates and nitrites. Vasoconstriction was larger in intact MS and ovariectomized MS + testosterone aortas than in intact C and ovariectomized C + testosterone, respectively. Vasodilation was reduced in intact MS and ovariectomized MS + testosterone compared with intact C, ovariectomized C + testosterone, ovariectomized MS, and ovariectomized MS + estradiol. The results suggest endothelial dysfunction in intact MS and ovariectomized MS + testosterone, but protection by ovariectomy + estradiol in MS due to hormones. Indomethacin reduced all contractions, but the effect was greater in estradiol-treated rats. l-NAME increased contractility, more in the ovariectomized C and MS groups and less in the estradiol-treated groups.