High-fructose corn syrup causes characteristics of obesity in rats: increased body weight, body fat and triglyceride levels

Hyperuricemia: An Intriguing Connection to Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Hypertension

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Our review explores the epidemiology, physiology, and clinical data surrounding the connection between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

Compelling physiologic mechanisms have been proposed to explain a causal relationship between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension but clinical studies have given mixed results in terms of whether intervening with hyperuricemia using urate-lowering therapy has any beneficial effects for patients with these conditions. Despite the large amount of research already put into this topic, more randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to more firmly establish whether a cause-effect relationship exists and whether lowering uric acid levels in patients with these conditions is beneficial.

Effects of Excessive High-fructose Corn Syrup Drink Intake in Middle-aged Mice

BACKGROUND/AIM

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to increase, necessitating the need for understanding the causes of its development. The widespread use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in drinks and diets is suspected to play a role in metabolic disorders. Although many studies have reported on the effects of excessive HFCS and excessive energy intakes in middle-aged individuals, few have focused on energy restriction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of excessive HFCS drink intake under energy restriction on developing T2D in early middle-aged mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Early middle-aged mice were divided in HFCS and control groups; they were provided either 10% HFCS water or deionized water ad libitum for 12 weeks, respectively. Total energy intake was controlled using a standard rodent diet. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), tissue weight measurements, serum parameter analyses, and mRNA expression assessments were performed.

RESULTS

No increase in body and adipose tissue weight was observed with excessive HFCS intake under energy restriction. Moreover, serum lipid parameters did not differ from those of controls. However, in the OGTT and ITT, the HFCS group showed higher blood glucose levels than the control group. Moreover, the pancreatic weight and insulin II mRNA expression were reduced.

CONCLUSION

The excessive HFCS drink intake under energy restriction did not induce obesity; however, it induced impaired glucose tolerance, indicating its negative effects on the pancreas in early middle-aged mice. When translated in human physiology, our results show that even if one does not become obese, excessive HFCS may affect the overall metabolic mechanism; these effects may vary depending on age.

Pomegranate supplementation alleviates dyslipidemia and the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Wistar rats by shifting microbiota and producing urolithin-like microbial metabolites

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity and related chronic diseases are major non-communicable diseases with high mortality rates worldwide. While dietary sugars are known to be responsible for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MetS), the underlying pathophysiological effects of sustained fructose consumption require further elucidation. We hypothesize that certain bioactive compounds (i.e. punicalagin and ellagic acid) from dietary pomegranate could counteract the harmful effects of sustained fructose consumption in terms of obesity and liver damage. The present study aimed to elucidate both the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology associated with fructose intake and the effect of a punicalagin-rich commercial pomegranate dietary supplement (P) used as a nutritional strategy to alleviate fructose-induced metabolic impairments. Thus, nineteen Wistar rats fed on a basal commercial feed were supplemented with either 30% (w/v) fructose in drinking water (F; n = 7) or 30% (w/v) fructose solution plus 0.2% (w/v) P (F + P; n = 6) for 10 weeks. The results were compared to those from a control group fed on the basal diet and provided with drinking water (C; n = 6). Body weight and energy intake were registered weekly. P supplementation decreased fat depots, counteracted the dyslipidemia caused by F and improved markers of liver injury including steatosis. The study of the microbiota by metagenomics and urine by untargeted MS-based metabolomics revealed microbial metabolites from P that may be responsible for these health benefits.

Sugary and salty former food products in pig diets affect energy and nutrient digestibility, feeding behaviour but not the growth performance and carcass composition

Former foodstuff products (FFPs) are promising alternative ingredients for reducing the waste of natural resources and the environmental impact of food production. This study investigates the effects of salty and sugary FFPs on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and growing-finishing pigs' empty body and carcass composition. Thirty-six Swiss Large White male castrated pigs were assigned to three growing (G) and finishing (F) diets: (1) standard diet (ST), 0% FFPs; (2) 30% conventional ingredients replaced by sugary FFPs (SU); and (3) 30% conventional ingredients replaced by salty FFPs (SA). Faecal samples from 24 selected pigs were collected to assess the ATTD of gross energy, crude fibres, and CP. The BW was measured weekly, while feed intake was determined daily. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and ATTD were calculated for both the growing and finishing periods. Pigs' body composition was determined at ≥20 and ≥98 kg using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In the growing but not finishing period, the FCR was lower (P < 0.05) in ST compared to SA and SU pigs. Considering the entire growing and finishing period, neither the inclusion level nor the type of FFPs influenced (P > 0.05) ADG, ADFI, FCR, or BW at slaughter. In both the growing and finishing periods, the gross energy ATTD was higher (P < 0.05) in the SA than in the ST group, with intermediate values in the SU group. In the growing period, the CP ATTD was higher (P < 0.05) in the SA than in the SU and ST groups. In the finishing period, the crude fibre ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) in the SA and SU than in the ST group. Throughout the overall period, the average daily fat intake was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed an SU diet, even though both categories of FFPs had no (P > 0.05) effects on the parameters related to the pigs' body composition (e.g., average daily fat weight gain). Finally, the carcasses of the SU group had the thickest belly fat, even though the total fat content was similar among the groups. This study confirms that including FFPs has no detrimental effects on growth performance or live body/carcass composition in growing and finishing pigs.

Oligofructose improves small intestinal lipid-sensing mechanisms via alterations to the small intestinal microbiota

BACKGROUND

Upper small intestinal dietary lipids activate a gut-brain axis regulating energy homeostasis. The prebiotic, oligofructose (OFS) improves body weight and adiposity during metabolic dysregulation but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. This study examines whether alterations to the small intestinal microbiota following OFS treatment improve small intestinal lipid-sensing to regulate food intake in high fat (HF)-fed rats.

RESULTS

In rats fed a HF diet for 4 weeks, OFS supplementation decreased food intake and meal size within 2 days, and reduced body weight and adiposity after 6 weeks. Acute (3 day) OFS treatment restored small intestinal lipid-induced satiation during HF-feeding, and was associated with increased small intestinal CD36 expression, portal GLP-1 levels and hindbrain neuronal activation following a small intestinal lipid infusion. Transplant of the small intestinal microbiota from acute OFS treated donors into HF-fed rats also restored lipid-sensing mechanisms to lower food intake. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that both long and short-term OFS altered the small intestinal microbiota, increasing Bifidobacterium relative abundance. Small intestinal administration of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum to HF-fed rats improved small intestinal lipid-sensing to decrease food intake.

CONCLUSION

OFS supplementation rapidly modulates the small intestinal gut microbiota, which mediates improvements in small intestinal lipid sensing mechanisms that control food intake to improve energy homeostasis. Video Abstract.

Effects of Natural Alternative Sweeteners on Metabolic Diseases

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes is a significant health concern both in globally and is now regarded as a worldwide epidemic. Added sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are a major concern due to their link with an increased incidence of diet-induced obesity and diabetes. The purpose of this review is to provide insight into the effects of natural sweeteners as alternatives to sucrose and HFCS, which are known to have negative impacts on metabolic diseases and to promote further research on sugar consumption with a focus on improving metabolic health. The collective evidences suggest that natural alternative sweeteners have positive impacts on various markers associated with obesity and diabetes, including body weight gain, hepatic fat accumulation, abnormal blood glucose or lipid homeostasis, and insulin resistance. Taken together, natural alternative sweeteners can be useful substitutes to decrease the risk of obesity and diabetes compared with sucrose and HFCS.

Maternal High-Fructose Corn Syrup Intake Impairs Corticosterone Clearance by Reducing Renal 11β-Hsd2 Activity via miR-27a-Mediated Mechanism in Rat Offspring

We previously reported that maternal fructose consumption increases blood corticosterone levels in rat offspring. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which maternal high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) intake increases circulating GC levels in rat offspring (GC; corticosterone in rodents and cortisol in humans). Female Sprague Dawley rats received HFCS solution during gestation and lactation. The male offspring were fed distilled water from weaning to 60 days of age. We investigated the activities of GC-metabolizing enzymes (11β-Hsd1 and 11β-Hsd2) in various tissues (i.e., liver, kidney, adrenal glands, muscle, and white adipose tissue) and epigenetic modification. 11β-Hsd2 activity decreased in the kidney of the HFCS-fed dams. Moreover, the epigenetic analysis suggested that miR-27a reduced Hsd11b2 mRNA expression in the kidney of offspring. Maternal HFCS-induced elevation of circulating GC levels in offspring may be explained by a decrease in 11β-Hsd2 activity via renal miR-27a expression. The present study may allow us to determine one of the mechanisms of GC elevation in rat offspring that is often observed in the developmental origins of the health and disease (DOHaD) phenomenon.

Effects of Whey Protein, Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass on Body Weight, Biochemical Parameters and Organ Functions in an Obese Rat Model: Experimental Research

PURPOSE

Extreme obesity (EO) is one of the biggest public health problems in the world and has grown considerably over the years. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), whey protein (WP), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation applied to EO rats on weight loss, histopathological changes in internal organs and biochemical alterations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar albino female rats (n = 28) were used in the study and randomly divided into four groups. All rats were made obese by adding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to their drinking water. After the EO, WP and omega-3 PUFA supplementation was given and RYGB process was applied. At the end of the study, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, AST, ALT and uric acid changes and liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues were evaluated histopathologically.

RESULTS

WP and omega-3 PUFA supplementation decreased body weight (p > 0.05). Omega-3 PUFA and RYGB caused a decrease in total cholesterol (p < 0.05), WP decreased HDL (p < 0.05), WP and omega-3 PUFA caused an increase in ALT (p < 0.05). WP has been shown to have greater curative effects in rat liver and kidney tissues. It has been determined that RYGB causes necrosis in the liver and HFCS causes inflammation in the kidney.

CONCLUSION

In the study; the positive effects of WP, omega-3 PUFA and bariatric surgery on obesity and dyslipidemia have been demonstrated. With this result, it was determined that WP, omega-3 PUFA supplementation and bariatric surgery were not superior to each other.

Protective effect of melatonin on learning and memory impairment and hippocampal dysfunction in rats induced by high-fructose corn syrup

Objectives

We investigated the harmful effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on learning and memory in the hippocampus and the ameliorative effects of melatonin (Mel).

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Group I, control; Group II, HFCS; and Group III, HFCS+Mel. HFCS form F55 was prepared as a 20% fructose syrup solution. Rats in HFCS and HFCS+Mel groups were given drinking water for 10 weeks. Rats in the HFCS+Mel group have been given 10 mg/kg/day melatonin orally for the 6 weeks, in addition to HFCS 55. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was applied to all animals for 5 days to determine their learning and memory levels. After decapitation, one-half of the hippocampus samples were collected for western blot analysis, and another half of the tissues were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

In the HFCS group, there was a significant difference between the time to find the platform in the MWM test and time spent in the quadrant between days 1 and 5 (P=0.037 and P=0.001, respectively). In addition, a decreased level of MT1A receptor, TNF-α, iNOS, osteopontin (OPN), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions were significantly increased in the HFCS group. Melatonin treatment reversed MT1A receptor levels and TNF-α, iNOS, OPN, and IL-6 expressions. During the histopathological examination, increased neuronal degenerations were observed in the HFCS group. Melatonin ameliorated these changes.

Conclusion

Consumption of HFCS caused deterioration of learning and memory in adult rats. We suggest that melatonin is effective against learning and memory disorders.

AN, Johnson AJ, Govindan B, Baby S. Flower-fruit dynamics, visitor-predator patterns and chemical preferences in the tropical bamboo, Melocanna baccifera

Mast seeding and associated events in Melocanna baccifera, the largest fruit producing bamboo, is an enigma. So far there are no comprehensive accounts on its flowering phenology, fruiting dynamics and animal interactions. In this study, spanning over 13 years (2009 to 2022), we observed eight M. baccifera clumps in JNTBGRI Bambusetum from flowering initiation, fruiting to eventual death. Flowering phenology, floral characteristics, floret types, breeding system, bee visitation, pollination, fruit production and predators were recorded; predation patterns were correlated with fruit chemistry. Flowering duration of clumps ranged from 20 (March 2009-October 2010) to 120 (September 2012-August 2022) months. Bisexual florets are dichogamous and protogynous; and female duration (22-72 h) is many times higher than male duration (2-6 h). The highest ever fruit production for an individual bamboo clump (456.67 Kg) was recorded. Of the total fallen fruits (38371), 38.11% were predated, 43.80% good fruits (no predator hits) and 18.09% immature fruits. A positive correlation between reward (fruits) versus predation was observed, especially in short intervals of high fruit production. Pollen predators (Apis cerana indica, Halictus taprabonae, Braunsapis cupulifera, Trigona iridipennis), fruit predators, ranging from arthropods to mammals, viz., millipede (Spinotarsus colosseus), slug (Mariaella dussumieri), snails (Cryptozona bistrialis, Macrochlamys sp.), borers (Achroia grisella, Blattella germanica), mammals (monkeys Macaca radiata, rats Rattus rattus, porcupine Hystrix indica, wild boar Sus scrofa, palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), seedling predators (rabbit Lepus nigricollis, deer Axis axis), and insect/pest predators (ants Crematogaster biroi, Oecophylla smaragdina, mantis Euchomenella indica) were identified. Fruit predation is linked to its age and chemistry. Apart from new insights on flowering phenology, breeding system, pollination and fruiting dynamics, this study demonstrates the vibrant interaction between M. baccifera flowers/fruits and visitors/predators, and provides significant leads towards elucidating the cause of rat multiplication and other events associated with its gregarious flowering.

The effect of high-fructose corn syrup vs. sucrose on anthropometric and metabolic parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been speculated to have stronger negative metabolic effects than sucrose. However, given the current equivocality in the field, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of HFCS use compared to sucrose on anthropometric and metabolic parameters. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central and web of sciences, from database inception to May 2022. A random effects model and the generic inverse variance method were applied to assess the overall effect size. Heterogeneity analysis was performed using the Cochran Q test and the I² index. Four articles, with 9 arms, containing 767 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Average HFCS and sucrose usage equated to 19% of daily caloric intake. Combined data from three studies indicated that HFCS intake does not significantly change the weight (weighted mean difference (WMD): −0.29 kg, 95% CI: −1.34, 0.77, I² = 0%) when compared to the sucrose group. Concordant results were found for waist circumstance, body mass index, fat mass, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Moreover, overall results from three studies indicated a significant increase in CRP levels (WMD: 0.27 mg/l, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.52, I² = 23%) in the HFCS group compared to sucrose. In conclusion, analysis of data from the literature suggests that HFCS consumption was associated with a higher level of CRP compared to sucrose, whilst no significant changes between the two sweeteners were evident in other anthropometric and metabolic parameters.

Liver Transcriptome and Gut Microbiome Analysis Reveals the Effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup in Mice

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a viscous mixture of glucose and fructose that is used primarily as a food additive. This article explored the effect of HFCS on lipid metabolism-expressed genes and the mouse gut microbiome. In total, ten 3-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups, including the control group, given purified water (Group C) and 30% HFCS in water (Group H) for 16 weeks. Liver and colonic content were collected for transcriptome sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. HFCS significantly increased body weight, epididymal, perirenal fat weight in mice (p < 0.05), and the proportion of lipid droplets in liver tissue. The expression of the ELOVL fatty acid elongase 3 (Elovl3) gene was reduced, while Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (Scd1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Pparg), fatty acid desaturase 2 (Fads2), acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (Acot2), acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (Acot3), acyl-CoA thioesterase 4 (Acot4), and fatty acid binding protein 2 (Fabp2) was increased in Group H. Compared with Group C, the abundance of Firmicutes was decreased in Group H, while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was obviously decreased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Erysipelatoclostridium, and Parasutterella was increased in Group H, whereas that of Staphylococcus, Peptococcus, Parabacteroides, Donghicola, and Turicibacter was reduced in Group H. Pparg, Acot2, Acot3, and Scd1 were positively correlated with Erysipelatoclostridium and negatively correlated with Parabacteroides, Staphylococcus, and Turicibacter. Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with Elovl3. Overall, HFCS affects body lipid metabolism by affecting the expression of lipid metabolism genes in the liver through the gut microbiome.

Fructose Intake, Hypertension and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Aspects. A Narrative Review

Arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, alterations in glucose metabolism and fatty liver, either alone or in association, are frequently observed in obese children and may seriously jeopardize their health. For obesity to develop, an excessive intake of energy-bearing macronutrients is required; however, ample evidence suggests that fructose may promote the development of obesity and/or metabolic alterations, independently of its energy intake. Fructose consumption is particularly high among children, because they do not have the perception, and more importantly, neither do their parents, that high fructose intake is potentially dangerous. In fact, while this sugar is erroneously viewed favorably as a natural nutrient, its excessive intake can actually cause adverse cardio-metabolic alterations. Fructose induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduces the production of anti-atherosclerotic cytokines, such as adiponectin. Furthermore, by interacting with hunger and satiety control systems, particularly by inducing leptin resistance, it leads to increased caloric intake. Fructose, directly or through its metabolites, promotes the development of obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and fatty liver. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms by which the early and excessive consumption of fructose may contribute to the development of a variety of cardiometabolic risk factors in children, thus representing a potential danger to their health. It will also describe the main clinical trials performed in children and adolescents that have evaluated the clinical effects of excessive intake of fructose-containing drinks and food, with particular attention to the effects on blood pressure. Finally, we will discuss the effectiveness of measures that can be taken to reduce the intake of this sugar.

Effects of high fructose corn syrup on intestinal microbiota structure and obesity in mice

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)-associated health problems have raised concerns. We investigated the effects of HFCS-containing drinking water on body fat, intestinal microbiota structure of mice, and the relationships between them. HFCS drinking water significantly increased body fat content and altered the intestinal microbiome. The Christensenellaceae R-7 group negatively correlated with body weight, perirenal fat, epididymal fat, and liver fat percentage.

Food obesogens as emerging metabolic disruptors; A toxicological insight

Human food is composed of loads of chemicals derived naturally as well as unintentionally through environmental sources. Food additives added purposefully, play an important role in the palatability of foods. Most additives are synthetic whose essentiality in food processing is well-known however their health risks are not overlooked. The palatability of food should not only stimulate our eating desire alone but, also assure sufficient quality and safety. Application of food additives varies from region to region due to cultural or ethnic differences and the local food availability. There are about more than ten thousand chemicals allowed in food whereas due to weak enforcement, it becomes onerous for regulatory bodies identifying chemicals that are inadequately or not tested at all for safety. The hiking population and urbanization in many industrialized and developing countries resulted in life-style changes including culinary and eating choices. Particularly, the modern way of this globalised life demands ready-to-cook or ready-made foods, snacks, sweets, soft drinks, desserts, confectionery and so on. These sorts of food would be most uninteresting unless processed with additives. This puts food industries under demand to robustly supply foods that are either partially, fully or ultra-processed using plenty of additives. Recent research warns consuming food additives may result in serious health risks, not only for children but also for adults. Growing body of studies on food additives in various experimental animals, cell cultures, and human population suggest elevation of number of obesity and diabetes risk factors i.e. adiposity, dyslipidemia, weight gain, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, energy imbalance, hormonal intervention etc. Hence, it is important to identify and explore food obesogens or obesogenic food additives posing potential impact. Based on the recent toxicological findings, the review aspires to establish the association between exposure of food obesogen and metabolic disruption which may help filling knowledge gaps and distributing more knowledge, awareness and effective measures to implement treatment and preventive strategies for metabolic syndrome.

High-fructose diet during puberty alters the sperm parameters, testosterone concentration, and histopathology of testes and epididymis in adult Wistar rats

The consumption of fructose has increased in children and adolescents and is partially responsible for the high incidence of metabolic diseases. The lifestyle during postnatal development can result in altered metabolic programming, thereby impairing the reproductive system and fertility during adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high-fructose diet in the male reproductive system of pubertal and adult rats. Male Wistar rats (30 d old) were assigned to four different groups: Fr30, which received fructose (20%) in water for 30 d and were euthanized at postnatal day (PND) 60; Re-Fr30, which received fructose (20%) for 30 d and were euthanized at PND 120; and two control groups C30 and Re-C30, which received water ad libitum and were euthanized at PND 60 and 120, respectively. Fructose induced an increase in abnormal seminiferous tubules with epithelial vacuoles, degeneration, and immature cells in the lumen. Moreover, Fr30 rats showed altered spermatogenesis and daily sperm production (DSP), as well as increased serum testosterone concentrations. After discontinuing high-fructose consumption, DSP and sperm number decreased significantly. We observed tissue remodeling in the epididymis, with a reduction in stromal and epithelial compartments that might have influenced sperm motility. Therefore, we concluded that fructose intake in peripubertal rats led to changes in the reproductive system observed both during puberty and adulthood.

Cilnidipine and magnesium sulfate supplement ameliorates hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and inhibits oxidative-stress in fructose-induced diabetic rats

The study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cilnidipine (CLN) and Mg-supplementation in fructose-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced into male Wister rats by feeding fructose (10% solution) in drinking water for 8 weeks. Diabetic rats were subjected for the oral administration of CLN1 (1 mg/kg/day) and CLN10 (10 mg/kg/day), and/or methyl cellulose (0.5%) as vehicle for 28 days. After 14 days of CLN treatment, MgSO₄ (1%) was added to CLN1 and CLN10 groups for another 14 days. Age-matched healthy rats were used as normal control. After 28 days body weights were measured and organ weight to body ratio was calculated. Serum samples were analysed for fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid, lipid profiles, tri-iodothyronine (T₃) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), creatine phosphokinase myocardial-band (CK-MB), creatinine, albumin, electrolytes. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), liver histopathology and in-vivo antioxidant activities were also performed. The survival rate in diabetic rats was 100% after the oral administration of CLN, Mg-supplement and/or vehicle. A significant reduction in FBS levels and improvement in OGTT were observed in CLN10, CLN1+Mg and CLN10 + Mg groups after 28 days. Further, the treatment ameliorated serum lipid profile, uric acid, and albumin levels. The groups CLN10 and CLN10 + Mg improved HbA1c, liver glycogen, creatinine, T₃, TSH levels and electrolytes in diabetic rats. Moreover, liver from CLN10 and CLN10 + Mg groups showed preservation of cellular architecture as evidenced by attenuation of inflammatory markers SGPT, SGOT and CK-MB; and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), markers of oxidative stress were significantly improved. CLN exerted prominent effects in the amelioration of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and reduced hepatic inflammation; and Mg-supplementation might have some beneficial effects on diabetic complications and oxidative stress in fructose-induced diabetic rats.

Ginsenoside CK ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation via activating the LKB1/AMPK pathway in vitro and in vivo

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic liver disease with a complex etiology, and is considered as one of the main causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The incidence of NAFLD has presented an increasing trend annually as a result of disequilibrium in the dietary structure. However, no specific treatment has been approved for clinical therapy in NAFLD. Ginsenoside CK has been investigated given its various pharmacological activities, but its effects against NAFLD and the underlying mechanism are still unclear. In this study, fructose was used to simulate hepatic fatty degeneration in vivo, while palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) were applied to induce lipid accumulation in vitro. The level of lipid accumulation in hepatic tissue and HepG2 cells was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. Detection of serum and liver biomarkers, western blotting, and real-time qPCR were conducted to assess the degree of hepatic steatosis. Our results indicated that ginsenoside CK could decrease the lipid deposition in HepG2 cells, retard the increase of body weight of fructose-fed mice, alleviate the lipid accumulation in serum and hepatic tissue and improve the hepatic inflammation and injury. Mechanically, ginsenoside CK modulated the expression of factors correlated with lipid synthesis and metabolism in vitro and in vivo via activating the phosphorylation of LKB1 and AMPK. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, partially abrogated the beneficial effects of ginsenoside CK in HepG2 cells. In summary, ginsenoside CK acts as a LKB1/AMPK agonist to regulate the lipid metabolism and interfere with the progression of NAFLD.

Consuming Sucrose- or HFCS-sweetened Beverages Increases Hepatic Lipid and Decreases Insulin Sensitivity in Adults

CONTEXT

Studies in rodents and humans suggest that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)-sweetened diets promote greater metabolic dysfunction than sucrose-sweetened diets.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of consuming sucrose-sweetened beverage (SB), HFCS-SB, or a control beverage sweetened with aspartame on metabolic outcomes in humans.

METHODS

A parallel, double-blinded, NIH-funded study. Experimental procedures were conducted during 3.5 days of inpatient residence with controlled feeding at a research clinic before (baseline) and after a 12-day outpatient intervention period. Seventy-five adults (18-40 years) were assigned to beverage groups matched for sex, body mass index (18-35 kg/m2), and fasting triglyceride, lipoprotein and insulin concentrations. The intervention was 3 servings/day of sucrose- or HFCS-SB providing 25% of energy requirement or aspartame-SB, consumed for 16 days. Main outcome measures were %hepatic lipid, Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and Predicted M ISI.

RESULTS

Sucrose-SB increased %hepatic lipid (absolute change: 0.6 ± 0.2%) compared with aspartame-SB (-0.2 ± 0.2%, P < 0.05) and compared with baseline (P < 0.001). HFCS-SB increased %hepatic lipid compared with baseline (0.4 ± 0.2%, P < 0.05). Compared with aspartame-SB, Matsuda ISI decreased after consumption of HFCS- (P < 0.01) and sucrose-SB (P < 0.01), and Predicted M ISI decreased after consumption of HFCS-SB (P < 0.05). Sucrose- and HFCS-SB increased plasma concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, and uric acid compared with aspartame-SB. No outcomes were differentially affected by sucrose- compared with HFCS-SB. Beverage group effects remained significant when analyses were adjusted for changes in body weight.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of both sucrose- and HFCS-SB induced detrimental changes in hepatic lipid, insulin sensitivity, and circulating lipids, lipoproteins and uric acid in 2 weeks.

Metabolic changes in female rats exposed to intrauterine Hyperglycemia and post-weaning consumption of high-fat diet

We evaluated the influence of the hyperglycemic intrauterine environment and post-weaning consumption of a high-fat diet on the glycemia, insulin, lipid and immunological profile of rat offspring in adulthood. Female rats received citrate buffer (Control - C) or Streptozotocin (a beta cell-cytotoxic drug to induce diabetes - D) on post-natal day 5. In adulthood, these rats were mated to obtain female offspring, who were fed a standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD) from weaning to adulthood (n = 10 rats/group). OC/SD and OC/HFD represent female offspring of control mothers and received SD or HFD, respectively; OD/SD and OD/HFD represent female offspring of diabetic mothers and received SD or HFD, respectively. At adulthood, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was performed and, next, the rats were anesthetized and euthanized. Pancreas was collected and analyzed, and adipose tissue was weighted. Blood samples were collected to determine biochemical and immunological profiles. The food intake was lower in HFD-fed rats and visceral fat weight was increased in the OD/HFD group. OC/HFD, OD/SD, and OD/HFD groups presented glucose intolerance and lower insulin secretion during OGTT. An impaired pancreatic beta-cell function was shown in the adult offspring of diabetic rats, regardless of diet. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations were lower in the OD/HFD group and associated to a low-grade inflammatory condition. The fetal programming was responsible for impaired beta cell function in experimental animals. The association of maternal diabetes and post-weaning high-fat diet is responsible for greater glucose intolerance, impaired insulin secretion and immunological change.

Incorporation of high fructose corn syrup with different fructose levels into biscuit: An assessment of physicochemical and textural properties

This study examined the effects of different concentrations of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS, 28%, 44%, 55%) used in biscuit formulation on the hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) acrylamide content, and textural properties were investigated and compared with invert sugar and sucrose-incorporated samples. No significant difference in the chemical composition (moisture, fat, protein, and ash) among different samples was noted based on the results. The highest L* was associated with a control sample containing sugar and invert sugar, although an increase in F55 content decreased the L* value significantly (p < .05). The highest hardness value was correlated with control samples (6.5 N), although the sample with 12.5% F42 and 25% F55 demonstrated lower hardness 6.27 N, and the lowest hardness value (3.97 N) was related to the sample containing 12.5% F42 and 25% F28. The amounts of water activity of all samples were in the range of 0.22 to 0.29, with the highest amount related to the control sample. The SEM images showed a uniform surface with several holes for all the biscuits. The highest and lowest (HMF) levels were related to the samples containing 25% F55 (46.04) and 12.5% F42 with 2.36 ppm. The control sample with the acrylamide amount of 28.50 ppb and the sample containing 12.5% F42 and 25% F55 with the acrylamide amount of 27.33 ppb showed the highest acrylamide content.

Thirty days of combined consumption of a high-fat diet and fructose-rich beverages promotes insulin resistance and modulates inflammatory response and histomorphometry parameters of liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with fructose-rich beverages (FRT) in promoting metabolic and physiologic changes associated with insulin resistance.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats (250 ± 10 g) were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8) that received either a standard diet (CON), HFD, FRT, or HFD + FRT for 30 d. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance were evaluated using the insulin tolerance test (ITT) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Serum samples were used to analyze the metabolic parameters and hormone levels. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α assays were performed in the liver, pancreas, gastrocnemius muscle, and epididymal adipose tissue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histologic and morphometric analyses were performed on the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissues.

RESULTS

Consumption of HFD + FRT promoted a significant increase (P < 0.05) in body weight, index adiposity, and in the area under the curve of ITT (P < 0.001) and OGTT (P < 0.001) when compared with the CON group. Consumption of FRT alone increased fasting glucose (P = 0.015), insulin (P = 0.035), and homeostasis model assessment index (P = 0.018), and these changes were of greater magnitude when FRT was combined with HFD. Moreover, the rats fed an HFD + FRT demonstrated a significant increase in lipid droplets in the liver (P < 0.001), an increase in adipocyte area, and an increase in inflammatory cytokines in the liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of an HFD + FRT promotes insulin resistance, increases inflammatory cytokines, and modulates histomorphometric parameters of the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue, typical of insulin resistance in humans.

Impact of dietary carbohydrate type and protein-carbohydrate interaction on metabolic health

Reduced protein intake, through dilution with carbohydrate, extends lifespan and improves mid-life metabolic health in animal models. However, with transition to industrialised food systems, reduced dietary protein is associated with poor health outcomes in humans. Here we systematically interrogate the impact of carbohydrate quality in diets with varying carbohydrate and protein content. Studying 700 male mice on 33 isocaloric diets, we find that the type of carbohydrate and its digestibility profoundly shape the behavioural and physiological responses to protein dilution, modulate nutrient processing in the liver and alter the gut microbiota. Low (10%)-protein, high (70%)-carbohydrate diets promote the healthiest metabolic outcomes when carbohydrate comprises resistant starch (RS), yet the worst outcomes were with a 50:50 mixture of monosaccharides fructose and glucose. Our findings could explain the disparity between healthy, high-carbohydrate diets and the obesogenic impact of protein dilution by glucose-fructose mixtures associated with highly processed diets.

High Fructose Corn Syrup-Moderate Fat Diet Potentiates Anxio-Depressive Behavior and Alters Ventral Striatal Neuronal Signaling

The neurobiological mechanisms that mediate psychiatric comorbidities associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes remain obscure. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is widely used in beverages and is often included in food products with moderate or high fat content that have been linked to many serious health issues including diabetes and obesity. However, the impact of such foods on the brain has not been fully characterized. Here, we evaluated the effects of long-term consumption of a HFCS-Moderate Fat diet (HFCS-MFD) on behavior, neuronal signal transduction, gut microbiota, and serum metabolomic profile in mice to better understand how its consumption and resulting obesity and metabolic alterations relate to behavioral dysfunction. Mice fed HFCS-MFD for 16 weeks displayed enhanced anxiogenesis, increased behavioral despair, and impaired social interactions. Furthermore, the HFCS-MFD induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and lowered serum levels of serotonin and its tryptophan-based precursors. Importantly, the HFCS-MFD altered neuronal signaling in the ventral striatum including reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), increased expression of ΔFosB, increased Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of DARPP-32, and reduced PKA-dependent phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit of the AMPA receptor. These findings suggest that HFCS-MFD-induced changes in the gut microbiota and neuroactive metabolites may contribute to maladaptive alterations in ventral striatal function that underlie neurobehavioral impairment. While future studies are essential to further evaluate the interplay between these factors in obesity and metabolic syndrome-associated behavioral comorbidities, these data underscore the important role of peripheral-CNS interactions in diet-induced behavioral and brain function. This study also highlights the clinical need to address neurobehavioral comorbidities associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Fructose Consumption-Free Sugars and Their Health Effects

BACKGROUND

The excessive consumption of free sugars, including fructose, is considered a cause of overweight and metabolic syndrome throughout the Western world. In Germany, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults (54%, 18%) and children (15%, 6%) has risen in the past few decades and has now become stable at a high level. The causative role of fructose is unclear.

METHODS

This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library, with special attention to international guidelines and expert recommendations.

RESULTS

The hepatic metabolism of fructose is insulin-independent; because of the lack of a feedback mechanism, it leads to substrate accumulation, with de novo lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis. Recent meta-analyses with observation periods of one to ten weeks have shown that the consumption of fructose in large amounts leads to weight gain (+ 0.5 kg [0.26; 0.79]), elevated triglyceride levels (+ 0.3 mmol/L [0.11; 0.41]), and steatosis hepatis (intrahepatocellular fat content: + 54% [29; 79%]) when it is associated with a positive energy balance (fructose dose + 25-40% of the total caloric requirement). Meta-analyses in the isocaloric setting have not shown any comparable effects. Children, with their preference for sweet foods and drinks, are prone to excessive sugar consumption. Toddlers under age two are especially vulnerable.

CONCLUSION

The effects that have been observed with the consumption of large amounts of fructose cannot be reliably distinguished from the effects of a generally excessive caloric intake. Further randomized and controlled intervention trials of high quality are needed in order to determine the metabolic effects of fructose consumed under isocaloric conditions. To lessen individual consumption of sugar, sugary dietary items such as sweetened soft drinks, fruit juice, and smoothies should be avoided in favor of water as a beverage and fresh fruit.

High-fructose diet initially promotes increased aortic wall thickness, liver steatosis, and cardiac histopathology deterioration, but does not increase body fat index

BACKGROUND

Dietary fats and fructose have been responsible for inducing obesity and body tissues damage due to the consequence of metabolic syndrome through several mechanisms. The body fat index (BFI) is one of the anthropometric measures used to detect obesity in rats. This study aims to examine the correlation between high-fat high-fructose diet and liver steatosis cell count, early atherosclerosis characteristics, and BFI in Sprague Dawley Rats.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This was an experimental design using 2 groups of 12-weeks-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The control group received a standard diet and tap water beverages for 17 weeks. The intervention group was fed with high-fat diet from modified AIN 93-M and additional 30% fructose drink. We analyzed the foam cell count, aortic wall thickness, cardiac histopathology, and liver steatosis cell count after the sacrifice process.

RESULTS

The rats in the intervention group had a higher aortic wall thickness, liver steatosis, and foam cell count (+125%, p<0.01; +317%, p<0.01 and +165%, p<0.01 respectively) compared to the control group. The intervention group also showed higher mononuclear inflammatory and hypertrophic cell count. A significant positive correlation was found between dietary fructose with premature atherosclerosis by increasing foam cell count (r=0.66) and aortic wall thickness (r=0.68). In addition, 30% dietary fructose increased liver steatosis (r =0.69) and mononuclear inflammatory cardiac cell count (r=0.61). Interestingly, the intervention had no effect on BFI (p>0.5; r=0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary fat and fructose consumption for 17 weeks promote atherosclerosis, liver steatosis, and cardiac histopathology alteration without increasing BFI.

High fructose corn syrup alters behavioural and neurobiological responses to oxycodone in rats

There are indications that sugars in the diet can play a role in vulnerability to opioid abuse. The current study examined a range of neuro-behavioural interactions between oxycodone (OXY) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Male Sprague-Dawley rats had access to HFCS (0 or 50%) over 26 days in their home cages and were subsequently tested on place conditioning induced by 0, 0.16 and 2.5 mg/kg OXY (3 pairings of drug and saline, each 30 min), as well as on locomotor responses to 0, 0.16 and 2.5 mg/kg OXY, and in-vivo microdialysis was employed to measure dopamine (DA) levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in response to 0 and 2.5 mg/kg OXY. A complex set of interactions between HFCS exposure and responses to OXY were observed: HFCS increased place preference induced by OXY, it enhanced the suppressant effect of OXY on locomotion, and it attenuated OXY-induced elevation in DA overflow in the NAc. Taken together, these findings suggest that nutrition has the potential to influence some responses to opioids which may be relevant to their abuse.

Impact of combined therapy of mesenchymal stem cells and sitagliptin on a metabolic syndrome rat model

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have many anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, which makes it a suitable candidate for the treatment of many diseases including metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, a major difficulty with stem cell therapy is to maintain cell viability, properties and function after implantation in vivo. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the combined therapy of MSCs and sitagliptin can effectively ameliorate MetS complications induced by high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) in rats.

Methods

Rats were fed either standard diet (Control group) or HFFD. After 3 months, a group of HFFD animals was injected by a single dose of MSCs, another group received a daily oral dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. of sitagliptin, and the third group received the combined therapy of MSCs + sitagliptin for 1 month.

Results

Both MSCs and sitagliptin restored insulin sensitivity and reduced the HOMA-IR value in HFFD rats. The hepatic IRS-1 and Akt at both gene and protein levels, as well as the hepatic protein levels of IR and GLUT4 were improved. Downregulation of CHOP and NF-κB and upregulation of hepatic HO-1 expression and activity were also reported. Although MSCs and sitagliptin as monotherapy lead to remarkable effects, the dual application revealed the best results. Interestingly, histological findings confirmed these protective effects of the combined therapy against MetS complications.

Conclusion

Combined therapy of MSCs and sitagliptin can efficiently ameliorate the insulin resistance and promote the regeneration of hepatocytes in the metabolic syndrome rat model.

Consumption of sweeteners at different stages of life: effects on body mass, food and drink intake in male and female Wistar rats

The consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners has increased in the last decades. However, there are doubts about its consumption and its impact on body mass and metabolic alterations. For this reason, this study investigates the effects of the consumption of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on body mass in different life stages of male and female Wistar rats: Childhood, adolescence, young adult, adulthood, and aged. For this purpose, 8 groups of male and female rats were used (10 per group/gender): sucrose 10%, glucose 14%, fructose 7%, acesulfame K 0.05%, aspartame:acesulfame mixture 1.55%, sucralose 0.017%, saccharin 0.033%, and a control group. Only in aged male rats (504 days) there were significant differences in body mass. In both genders, there were differences in food, drink, and energy intake along all life stage. It is concluded that non-nutritive sweeteners when consumed together with a balanced diet did not cause a greater body mass gain.

Exposure to high fructose corn syrup during adolescence in the mouse alters hepatic metabolism and the microbiome in a sex-specific manner

KEY POINTS

The prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children is dramatically increasing at the same time as consumption of foods with a high sugar content. Intake of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a possible aetiology as it is thought to be more lipogenic than glucose. In a mouse model, HFCS intake during adolescence increased fat mass and hepatic lipid levels in male and female mice. However, only males showed impaired glucose tolerance. Multiple metabolites including lipids, bile acids, carbohydrates and amino acids were altered in liver in a sex-specific manner at 6 weeks of age. Some of these changes were also present in adulthood even though HFCS exposure ended at 6 weeks. HFCS significantly altered the gut microbiome, which was associated with changes in key microbial metabolites. These results suggest that HFCS intake during adolescence has profound metabolic changes that are linked to changes in the microbiome and these changes are sex-specific.

ABSTRACT

The rapid increase in obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease in children over the past 20 years has been linked to increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), making it essential to determine the short- and long-term effects of HFCS during this vulnerable developmental window. We hypothesized that HFCS exposure during adolescence significantly impairs hepatic metabolic signalling pathways and alters gut microbial composition, contributing to changes in energy metabolism with sex-specific effects. C57bl/6J mice with free access to HFCS during adolescence (3-6 weeks of age) underwent glucose tolerance and body composition testing and hepatic metabolomics, gene expression and triglyceride content analysis at 6 and 30 weeks of age (n = 6-8 per sex). At 6 weeks HFCS-exposed mice had significant increases in fat mass, glucose intolerance, hepatic triglycerides (females) and de novo lipogenesis gene expression (ACC, DGAT, FAS, ChREBP, SCD, SREBP, CPT and PPARα) with sex-specific effects. At 30 weeks, HFCS-exposed mice also had abnormalities in glucose tolerance (males) and fat mass (females). HFCS exposure enriched carbohydrate, amino acid, long chain fatty acid and secondary bile acid metabolism at 6 weeks with changes in secondary bile metabolism at 6 and 30 weeks. Microbiome studies performed immediately before and after HFCS exposure identified profound shifts of microbial species in male mice only. In summary, short-term HFCS exposure during adolescence induces fatty liver, alters important metabolic pathways, some of which continue to be altered in adulthood, and changes the microbiome in a sex-specific manner.

Chronic Effects of a High Sucrose Diet on Murine Gastrointestinal Nutrient Sensor Gene and Protein Expression Levels and Lipid Metabolism

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) plays a key role in regulating nutrient metabolism and appetite responses. This study aimed to identify changes in the GIT that are important in the development of diet related obesity and diabetes. GIT samples were obtained from C57BL/6J male mice chronically fed a control diet or a high sucrose diet (HSD) and analysed for changes in gene, protein and metabolite levels. In HSD mice, GIT expression levels of fat oxidation genes were reduced, and increased de novo lipogenesis was evident in ileum. Gene expression levels of the putative sugar sensor, slc5a4a and slc5a4b, and fat sensor, cd36, were downregulated in the small intestines of HSD mice. In HSD mice, there was also evidence of bacterial overgrowth and a lipopolysaccharide activated inflammatory pathway involving inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In Caco-2 cells, sucrose significantly increased the expression levels of the nos2, iNOS and nitric oxide (NO) gas levels. In conclusion, sucrose fed induced obesity/diabetes is associated with changes in GI macronutrient sensing, appetite regulation and nutrient metabolism and intestinal microflora. These may be important drivers, and thus therapeutic targets, of diet-related metabolic disease.

Living Therapeutics: The Next Frontier of Precision Medicine

Modern medicine has long studied the mechanism and impact of pathogenic microbes on human hosts, but has only recently shifted attention toward the complex and vital roles that commensal and probiotic microbes play in both health and dysbiosis. Fueled by an enhanced appreciation of the human-microbe holobiont, the past decade has yielded countless insights and established many new avenues of investigation in this area. In this review, we discuss advances, limitations, and emerging frontiers for microbes as agents of health maintenance, disease prevention, and cure. We highlight the flexibility of microbial therapeutics across disease states, with special consideration for the rational engineering of microbes toward precision medicine outcomes. As the field advances, we anticipate that tools of synthetic biology will be increasingly employed to engineer functional living therapeutics with the potential to address longstanding limitations of traditional drugs.

Diet-induced rodent models of obesity-related metabolic disorders-A guide to a translational perspective

Diet is a critical element determining human health and diseases, and unbalanced food habits are major risk factors for the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Despite technological and pharmacological advances, as well as intensification of awareness campaigns, the prevalence of metabolic disorders worldwide is still increasing. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches with increased efficacy are urgently required, which often depends on cellular and molecular investigations using robust animal models. In the absence of perfect rodent models, those induced by excessive consumption of fat and sugars better replicate the key aspects that are the root causes of human metabolic diseases. However, the results obtained using these models cannot be directly compared, particularly because of the use of different dietary protocols, and animal species and strains, among other confounding factors. This review article revisits diet-induced models of obesity and related metabolic disorders, namely, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A critical analysis focused on the main pathophysiological features of rodent models, as opposed to the criteria defined for humans, is provided as a practical guide with a translational perspective for the establishment of animal models of obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Effects on weaned male Wistar rats after 104, 197, and 288 days of chronic consumption of nutritive and non-nutritive additives in water

Abstract

It has been suggested that the consumption of artificial sweeteners is related to greater body mass gain and diverse metabolic alterations. In this study, the effect of chronic consumption of nutritive sweeteners (fructose 7% and sucrose 10%) and non-nutritive or low-calorie sweeteners (acesulfame 0.015%, aspartame 0.3%, aspartame:acesulfame mixture 0.04%, saccharin 0.3%, and sucralose 0.19%), in drinking water, as well as a control group with no sweeteners, was evaluated. Body mass gain and glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels in blood were the parameters considered. For this purpose, 120 weaned male Wistar rats of the HsdHan:WIST line were used, 15 per group in first stage, then 10 and 5 per group for 2nd and 3rd stages, respectively. Body mass gain, food intake, and beverage consumption were daily quantified. After 104, 197, and 288 days of experimentation the concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and insulin were determined. Only in the first stage there were significant differences in the body mass gain. In the three stages there were significant differences in the patterns of beverage intake and food consumption. The trend was the same in all 3 stages: rats drank more in the groups of drinks sweetened with nutritive sweeteners and ate more in the groups that drank non-nutritive artificial sweeteners. Regarding the biochemical profile, no sweetener either nutritive or non-nutritive caused that the serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were at pathological levels. It is concluded that the sweeteners by themselves can modify certain biochemical parameters but not at a pathological level. Furthermore, by themselves they are not capable of triggering excess of body mass or obesity in the early and medium stages of life when consumed together with a balanced diet.

Graphic abstract

The physio-metabolic effects of time-restricting liquid sugar intake to six-hour windows during the mouse active phase: The effects of active phase liquid sugar consumption

Obesity is a major public health concern and overconsumption of unhealthy fats and sugary beverages are contributing factors. Time-restricted feeding can reduce obesity-associated pathophysiological parameters by limiting the time of food consumption; however, the effects of time-restricted sugary water consumption are unknown. To examine whether liquid calorie restriction impacts metabolic health, we measured metabolic parameters in mice provided liquid sugar at various intervals during the active phase. The control (Con) group received tap water, the adlibitum fructose-glucose (ALFG) group received ad libitumsugar water and the early fructose-glucose (EFG) and late fructose-glucose (LFG) groups received liquid sugar during the first and last six hours of the active period, respectively. Each group was given free access to chow. Zeitgeber time (ZT) notation was used to set all experimental time points to lights on as ZT 0. The ALFG group exhibited elevated body and adipose tissue weights compared to the other groups and increased hepatic steatosis compared to the Con group. The ALFG group consumed more calories than the other groups during ZT 6-11, indicating that this window may be critical in the promotion of weight gain from liquid sugar consumption. The EFG group exhibited higher levels of energy expenditure than the Con and LFG groups during the first half of the active period (ZT 12-17); however, there was no difference among the groups during the second half of the active period (ZT18-23). In contrast, the EFG group exhibited lower respiratory exchange ratio than other groups during the inactive period as well as the second half of the active period, indicating that the EFG group had greater metabolic flexibility and utilized lipids when carbohydrates from liquid sugar were not available. Additionally, the EFG group was more insulin tolerant than the ALFG and Con groups. Our results support the hypothesis that time-restricted liquid calorie restriction aids in reducing the detrimental metabolic effects of sugary drink consumption.

Antidiabetic potential of gallic acid from Emblica officinalis: Improved glucose transporters and insulin sensitivity through PPAR-γ and Akt signaling

BACKGROUND

Nature has gifted a variety of vital phytochemicals having potential therapeutic application against various ailments. Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis), an ancient plant, has long been used as a remedy for diabetes and cardiovascular complications, and presence of abundant amount of gallic acid could be accountable for its medicinal potential.

PURPOSE

The study was aimed to determine the in-vivo and in-vitro anti-diabetic potential of gallic acid and fruit juice of E. officinalis. Molecular mechanism of gallic acid as well as fruit juice of E. officinalis for anti-diabetic potential has also been revealed.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY DESIGN

Anti-diabetic potential of E. officinalis and gallic acid was evaluated in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and various animal models like db/db mice and fructose administered rats. PPAR-γ expression and glucose translocation were observed using western blot and PCR techniques.

RESULTS

Treatment of E. officinalis fruit juice and gallic acid facilitated their glucose homeostasis; improved insulin sensitivity; reduced obesity; abridged elevated blood pressure and declined cholesterol level, and also induced adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mechanistically, treatment increased expression of PPAR-γ through activation of C/EBPs and simultaneously increased Glut4 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Moreover, gallic acid treatment increased insulin sensitivity through activation of Akt rather than AMPK signaling pathway while fruit juice of E. officinalis showed dual activation, Akt and AMPK as well.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal the role of gallic acid in E. officinalis mediated antidiabetic potential, and delineate the upregulation of pAkt, PPAR-γ and Glut4 in gallic acid mediated antidiabetic activity, thus providing potential therapy for diabetes and related disorders.

Research on the effects of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone on endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in high-fructose corn syrup-fed rats

Purpose

The debate on the metabolic effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) continues. The deterioration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is called ER stress. Glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78) and X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1) are key markers of ER stress and the therapeutic targets of diseases. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is the most important transcription factor that regulates the expression of enzymes for fatty acid synthesis. The purpose of this paper is to research the effects of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone on ER stress and oxidative stress parameters, and to explore the therapeutic potential of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone molecules.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty male wistar albino rats randomly selected were divided into five groups. All groups are fed with standard chow (ad libitum). While Group I was fed with drinking water, Group II, III, IV and V were fed with water containing 15% HFCS. L-carnitine was given to Group IV and trans-chalcone to Group V, and both were dissolved with DMSO and given intraperitoneally. Group III was not given anything additional.

Findings

While the amount of water consumption of HFCS-fed rats has increased, the amount of feed consumption has decreased. The weights of rats in Group II and Group III have increased significantly compared to Group I (p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively). In Group III, GRP78, XBP-1; malondialdehyde level (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.041); total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL levels (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, p = 0.001, respectively) have increased significantly.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first report to show that excessive HFCS consumption causes oxidative stress and ER stress. The antioxidant and antiobesity properties of trans chalcone have been demonstrated. Extensive experimental and clinical studies should be conducted.

Impact of dietary propionate on fructose-induced changes in lipid metabolism, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in mice

Propionate has antimicrobial activity and is suggested to influence lipid metabolism. Here, we investigated the effect of propionate on lipid metabolism and the gut microbiome in fructose-fed mice as a model of diet-induced steatosis and gut dysbiosis. Therefore, 48 male wild-type mice were fed isoenergetic diets with either 0% fructose (F-) or 40% fructose (F+) that contained 0% propionate (P-) or 1% propionate (P+) for 7 weeks. Mice that received the F+ diets developed fatty livers, had fewer small intestinal proteobacteria and colonic actinobacteria and were characterised by changes in bacterial genera (e.g., Allobaculum, Lachnospiraceae, and Escherichia). Interestingly, mice fed the F+ diets had higher levels of propionate and butyrate in the circulation than mice fed the F- diets (p < 0.05). Treatment with propionate influenced neither hepatic or plasma lipids nor levels of circulating SCFAs. With the exception of Verrucomicrobia, other bacterial phyla were not affected by propionate.

Effect of High Fructose Corn Sirup on Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Induced by Dimethyl Benzantracene (DMBA) in Rats

Increased risk of pancreatic cancer may be associated with consumption of sugar containing foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peach nectar containing high fructose corn sirup (HFCS) consumption in a pancreatic carcinogenesis rat model induced by 7,12-Dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA). Fifty-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats were fed with peach nectar containing HFCS + chow, peach nectar containing sucrose + chow and only chow. After 8 mo, feeding period, each group was divided into two subgroups, in which the rats were implanted with DMBA and no DMBA (sham). Histologic specimens were evaluated according to the routine tissue processing protocol. The animals with ad libitum access to pn-HFCS, pn-sucrose and chow (only) showed significant differences in chow consumption and glucose level. Necropsy and histopathologic findings showed tumor formation in the entire group treated with DMBA. Excluding one rat in chow group, which was classified as poorly differentiated type, the others were classified as moderately differentiated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study demonstrated that daily intake of HFCS did not increase body weight and there was no effect of peach nectar consumption on the development of PDAC induced by DMBA in rats.

The long-term protective effects of neonatal administration of curcumin against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high-fructose-fed adolescent rats

There is an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in adolescents. The suckling period is developmentally plastic, affecting later health outcomes. We investigated whether neonatal administration of curcumin would provide protection against the development of NASH later in adolescence in rats fed a high-fructose diet. From postnatal day (PN) 6 to PN 21, the pups (N = 128) were allocated to four groups and orally gavaged daily with either 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide solution (vehicle control), curcumin (500 mg·kg^-1 ), fructose (20%, w/v) or curcumin and fructose combined. All the pups were weaned and half the rats in each group had tap water, whereas the other received fructose (20%) as their drinking fluid ad libitum for 6 weeks. The rats' liver NASH scores, lipid content, and RNA gene expression ratios of AMPKα and TNFα were determined. Hepatic lipid content was similar across the treatment groups in the males (P > 0.05, ANOVA). In the females, the hepatic lipid content in the treatment groups ranged from 2.7 to 4.3%. The livers of male and female rats that had fructose either as neonates and/or postweaning had significantly marked inflammation (P = 0.0112, Kruskal-Wallis) and fibrosis (P < 0.0001, ANOVA) which were attenuated by curcumin. The hepatic gene expression ratios for AMPKα in both sexes were significantly downregulated (P < 0.0001, ANOVA), whereas the expression ratios of TNFα were significantly upregulated (P < 0.0001) in rats fed a high-fructose diet pre and/or postweaning compared to the other groups. Neonatal curcumin administration is a potential natural pharmacological candidate for the prevention of NASH.

Pharmacological screening of fenofibrate-loaded solid dispersion in fructose-induced diabetic rat

OBJECTIVES

Hyperlipidaemia is a common phenomenon in diabetes mellitus. Fenofibrate (FF) is a good candidate for the treatment of lipid abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes. But the bioavailability as well as therapeutic efficacy of this drug is limited to its dissolution behaviour. Here, the authors assess the therapeutic efficacy of a newly formulated solid dispersion of fenofibrate (SDF) having enhanced dissolution profiles in contrast to pure FF using fructose-induced diabetic rat model.

METHODS

Fructose-induced diabetic rat model was developed to assess the pharmacological efficacy of the formulated SDF, and the results were compared with the effects of conventional FF therapy.

KEY FINDINGS

The 14 days treatment showed better improvement in lipid-lowering potency of SDF than pure FF. SDF containing one-third dose of pure FF showed similar effect in terms of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein lowering efficacy, whereas increased high-density lipoprotein at same extent. The similar dose of SDF produced more prominent effect than FF. Histological studies also demonstrated the enhanced lipid clearance from liver by SDF than FF that was concordant with the biochemical results.

CONCLUSIONS

This newly formulated SDF would be a promising alternative for conventional fenofibrate in treating hyperlipidaemia.

Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Anti-Cellulite Herbal Product(s) Encapsulated in 3D-Fabricated Polymeric Microneedles

Skin health is vital for a healthy body. Herbal remedies have long been used for skin care, and their global use has tremendously increased over the past three decades. Although cellulite is seen as a normal condition by the medical community, it is considered a serious cosmetic concern for most affected women. Many topical anti-cellulite creams are available on the market, but unfortunately, their efficacy has not been proven scientifically. Microneedles (MNs) represent a new approach to enhance the permeation of loaded medication through the skin. In this study, the anti-cellulite effects of Vitex agnus-castus and Tamarindus indica extracts were compared using safe and effective polymeric MNs. This delivery system offers a painless alternative to the combined treatment strategy of microneedling devices and anti-cellulite products. The selected standardized extracts were evaluated for their mineral, phenolic and flavonoid contents, which are correlated to a promising antioxidant effect, as demonstrated by an in vitro radical scavenging activity assay. 3D-printing techniques were chosen for fabrication of a micromold, which is inexpensive for mass production. To ensure that MNs were sufficiently strong to perforate the skin without breaking, axial failure force was measured using a micro-mechanical test machine. The anticellulite effects of MNs were assessed using an in vivo diet-induced obesity guinea pig model. Skin properties, histopathology and inflammatory markers were examined. MNs loaded with plant extracts were statistically comparable in normalizing the oxidative state and reducing inflammation, while myeloperoxidase levels were more significantly reduced by T. indica than by V. agnus-castus. This novel delivery system opens the door for new transdermal strategies for cellulite management.

U.S. obesity as delayed effect of excess sugar

In the last century, U.S. diets were transformed, including the addition of sugars to industrially-processed foods. While excess sugar has often been implicated in the dramatic increase in U.S. adult obesity over the past 30 years, an unexplained question is why the increase in obesity took place many years after the increases in U.S. sugar consumption. To address this, here we explain adult obesity increase as the cumulative effect of increased sugar calories consumed over time. In our model, which uses annual data on U.S. sugar consumption as the input variable, each age cohort inherits the obesity rate in the previous year plus a simple function of the mean excess sugar consumed in the current year. This simple model replicates three aspects of the data: (a) the delayed timing and magnitude of the increase in average U.S. adult obesity (from about 15% in 1970 to almost 40% by 2015); (b) the increase of obesity rates by age group (reaching 47% obesity by age 50) for the year 2015 in a well-documented U.S. state; and (c) the pre-adult increase of obesity rates by several percent from 1988 to the mid-2000s, and subsequent modest decline in obesity rates among younger children since the mid-2000s. Under this model, the sharp rise in adult obesity after 1990 reflects the delayed effects of added sugar calories consumed among children of the 1970s and 1980s.

Sex modifies the consequences of extended fructose consumption on liver health, motor function, and physiological damage in rats

Sex differences are evident in the presentation of metabolic symptoms. A shift of sex hormones that signal the onset of puberty combined with a poor diet consumed in adolescence is likely to have sex-specific, long-term impacts on adult physiology. Here, we expanded on existing literature to elucidate the sex-specific mechanisms driving physiological deficits following high fructose consumption. Male and female Wistar rats were fed a high-fructose (55%) diet beginning immediately postweaning for 10 wk. Female rats fed the high-fructose diet displayed elevated weight gain and extensive liver pathology consistent with markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male rats fed the high-fructose diet exhibited increased circulating glucose along with moderate hepatic steatosis. Levels of cytokines and gene expression of inflammatory targets were not altered by fructose consumption in either sex. However, circulating levels of markers for liver health, including alanine transaminase and uric acid, and markers for epithelial cell death were altered by fructose consumption. From the alterations in these markers for liver health, along with elevated circulating triglycerides, it was evident that liver health had deteriorated significantly and that a number of factors were at play. Both adult fructose-fed male and female rats displayed motor deficits that correlated with aberrant structural changes at the neuromuscular junction; however, these deficits were exacerbated in males. These data indicate that consumption of a high-fructose diet beginning in adolescence leads to adult pathology that is modified by sex. Identification of these sex-specific changes has implications for treatment of clinical presentation of metabolic syndrome and related disorders.