Antidiabetic effect of probiotic dahi containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in high fructose fed rats

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of low-fat (2.5%) dahi containing probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei on progression of high fructose-induced type 2 diabetes in rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male albino Wistar rats by feeding 21% fructose in water. The body weight, food and water intakes, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, oral glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin, liver glycogen content, and blood lipid profile were recorded. The oxidative status in terms of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and reduced glutathione contents in liver and pancreatic tissues were also measured. RESULTS: Values for blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose intolerance, plasma insulin, liver glycogen, plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood free fatty acids were increased significantly after 8 wk of high fructose feeding; however, the dahi-supplemented diet restricted the elevation of these parameters in comparison with the high fructose-fed control group. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased slightly and was retained in the dahi-fed group. The dahi-fed group also exhibited lower values of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and higher values of reduced glutathione in liver and pancreatic tissues compared with the high fructose-fed control group. CONCLUSION: The probiotic dahi-supplemented diet significantly delayed the onset of glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress in high fructose-induced diabetic rats, indicating a lower risk of diabetes and its complications.     

膳食钙对高脂膳食大鼠血糖、血脂及激素的影响

目的　探讨不同剂量膳食钙对高脂膳食大鼠血糖、血脂及激素水平的影响。方法　将雄性Wistar大鼠随机分成 6组 ,每组 9只 ,分别喂以基础饲料A组 (5 %脂肪 ,0 5 %钙 )、高脂低钙饲料B组 (15 %脂肪 ,0 0 8%钙 )、高脂正常钙饲料C组 (15 %脂肪 0 5 %钙 )、高脂高钙饲料D和E组(15 %脂肪 ,1%和 1 5 %钙 )和高脂高钙 (15 %脂肪 ,1 5 %钙 ) +维生素D(6 0 0IU % )饲料F组。 9周后断头取血测血糖、血脂和血清胰岛素、甲状腺激素、生长激素和血浆神经肽Y。结果　与C组相比 ,其它各组大鼠体重和体脂含量均显著降低 (P <0 0 5 ) ,胆固醇和甘油三酯各组与C组相比显著降低 (P <0 0 5 ) ,高密度脂蛋白各组均无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ;C组血糖和胰岛素均增高 ,与C组相比 ,E组胰岛素显著降低 (P <0 0 5 ) ,D、E、F组FT3显著增加 (P <0 0 5 ) ,E、F组神经肽Y(NPY)显著降低 ,其余各组无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ,生长激素各组间无显著性差异 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　高钙膳食可能通过降低血清胆固醇和甘油三酯 ,改善高胰岛素血症 ,降低血浆NPY ,提高血清FT3的水平 ,从而抑制了高脂膳食诱导的肥胖。     

早断乳对高脂膳食大鼠血糖、血脂及激素的影响

目的　探讨早断乳对高脂膳食大鼠血糖、血脂和激素水平的影响。方法　雄性Wistar大鼠出生后17天按体重随机分为2组,一组17天早断乳,另一组2 4天断乳。基础饲料喂养4周后,从2组各随机抽取12只动物处死,以进行动态观察。各组剩余的大鼠再按体重随机分为2组,一组给予高脂饲料,一组继续基础饲料,喂养6周。实验结束后处死动物,计算脂 体比,测定血糖、血脂和激素水平。结果　早断乳大鼠体重、体脂含量增加显著高于正常断乳组(P <0 . 0 5 ) ;血糖、血脂、胰岛素、瘦素水平升高,高密度脂蛋白、游离T3水平降低(P <0 . 0 5 )。结论　早断乳大鼠摄入高脂膳食后发生肥胖的倾向更明显。     

Effect of Chlorella vulgaris on lipid metabolism in Wistar rats fed high fat diet

This study was performed to investigate effects of Chlorella vulgaris on lipid metabolism in rats fed high fat diet. Sixty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups; normal diet group and high fat diet group, then the rats in each group were further divided into three subgroups and fed 0%, 5% and 10% (w/w) chlorella-containing diets, respectively, and raised for 9 weeks. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and total protein and albumin concentration were not different among groups. Serum total lipids and liver TG concentration were significantly lower in 5% and 10% chlorella groups than 0% chlorella group in high fat diet groups (p<0.05). Serum TG, serum total cholesterol, liver total lipid and liver total cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in 10% chlorella groups than 0% chlorella group in high fat diet groups (p<0.05). Fecal total lipid, TG and total cholesterol excretions were significantly higher in 5% and 10% chlorella groups than 0% chlorella groups in normal diet and high fat diet groups, respectively (p<0.05). These results suggest that Chlorella vulgaris is effective for prevention of dyslipidemia which may be due to the modulation of lipid metabolism and increased fecal excretion of lipid.     

The effect of seamustard on blood lipid profiles and glucose level of rats fed diet with different energy composition

Recently, Korean people are consuming seaweeds almost 3.5 times more now than three decades ago. It is well known that seaweeds contain lots of soluble dietary fiber in addition to micronutrients such as β-carotene, iodine and some bioactive components. Seaweeds are considered to be effective for preventing chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cancer or constipation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of seamustard intake on body weight gain, blood glucose level and lipid profiles in rats fed diets with different energy nutrient composition. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (average initial weight 103.7 g) were divided into groups for two experiments as follows; Control, M2.5 & M5 groups (Exp. I) and M5, M10, HCM5, HCM10, HFM5 & HFM10 groups (Exp. II). The rats were fed diet and water ad libitum for 4 weeks. In general, there was no significant difference in blood glucose and triglyceride concentration among groups. In Exp. I, serum LDL-cholesterol level of rats fed diet with 5% seamustard powder (M5) was significantly lower than that of control group, while HDL-cholesterol level, TC/LDL ratio and weight of adrenal gland were higher. In Exp. II, food intake, body weight gain and EER of high fat diet with 10% seamustard group (HFM10) were the lowest among groups. Except gastrocnemius muscle, all organ weights of HFM10 group were the lowest. Fecal cholesterol excretion and serum LDL-cholesterol concentration of HFM10 group were the highest, while serum HDL-cholesterol level was the lowest among groups. Interestingly, HDL-cholesterol concentration was the highest in HCM5 group among groups. From these results, it was suggested that seamustard intake might be more effective for body weight control, but not for improving blood lipid profiles in high fat diet than in high carbohydrate diet.     

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) reduces adiposity,lowers serum insulin and normalizes glucose tolerance in rats fed a high fat diet

Bitter melon (BM) is known for its hypoglycemic effect but its effect on rats fed a hyperinsulinemic high fat diet has not been examined. In a dose-response (0.375, 0.75 and 1.5%) study, oral glucose tolerance was improved in rats fed a high fat (HF; 30%) diet supplemented with freeze-dried BM juice at a dose of 0.75% or higher (P < 0.05). At the highest dose, BM-supplemented rats had lower energy efficiency (P < 0.05) and tended (P = 0.10) to have less visceral fat mass. In a subsequent experiment, rats habitually fed a HF diet either continued to consume the diet or were switched to a HF+BM, low fat (LF; 7%) or LF+BM diet for 7 wk. BM was added at 0.75%. Final body weight and visceral fat mass of the two last-mentioned groups were similar to those of rats fed a LF diet for the entire duration. Rats switched to the HF+BM diet gained less weight and had less visceral fat than those fed the HF diet (P < 0.05). The addition of BM did not change apparent fat absorption. BM supplementation to the HF diet improved insulin resistance, lowered serum insulin and leptin but raised serum free fatty acid concentration (P < 0.05). This study reveals for the first time that BM reduces adiposity in rats fed a HF diet. BM appears to have multiple influences on glucose and lipid metabolism that strongly counteract the untoward effects of a high fat diet.     

Muscle lipid metabolism and insulin secretion are altered in insulin-resistant rats fed a high sucrose diet

Feeding rats a sucrose rich diet (SRD) induces hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. The purposes of this study were to determine the time course of changes in lipid and glucose metabolism in the gastrocnemius muscle, both in the basal state and after the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, in rats fed a SRD for 3, 15 or 30 wk, and to analyze the changes in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from perifused isolated islets from SRD-fed rats and their relationships to peripheral insulin insensitivity. A control group of rats was fed a control diet (CD) for the same period of time. After 3 wk of consuming the SRD, long-chain acyl CoA (LCACoA) levels in muscle were greater than in rats fed the CD, an early indication of the disturbance of lipid metabolism. Neither glycogen storage nor glucose oxidation were impaired at this time. Moreover, the biphasic patterns of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion showed a marked increase in the first peak, which helped maintain normoglycemia in SRD-fed rats. After 15 or 30 wk of consuming the SRD, triglyceride and LCACoA levels in muscles were greater than in rats fed the CD. Glucose oxidation as well as insulin-stimulated glycogen synthase activity and glycogen storage were lower than in rats fed the CD. Moreover, the altered pattern of insulin secretion further deteriorated. This was accompanied by peripheral insulin resistance and moderate hyperglycemia. Our results indicate that the dyslipemia present in rats chronically fed a SRD may play an important role in the progressive deterioration of insulin secretion and sensitivity in this animal model.     

锌对高糖高脂饲料喂养大鼠胰岛素敏感性影响

目的 探讨不同剂量锌对高糖高脂饮食大鼠胰岛素敏感性的影响。方法 健康雄性SD大鼠68只,随机分为正常饲料组(n=29)和高糖高脂组(n=39);喂养17周后正常饲料组和高糖高脂组再分别随机分成5组,分别给予蒸馏水、5、10、15、30 mg/kg锌灌胃,持续7周;测定大鼠血糖、空腹胰岛素(FINS)和糖化血红蛋白水平(HbA₁c),计算稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)和胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)。结果 正常饲料组和高糖高脂组大鼠在灌胃前后血糖差异均无统计学意义;与灌胃前比较,锌灌胃后高糖高脂组FINS、HOMA-IR均有不同程度升高(P<0.05),高糖高脂+10、15 mg/kg锌组灌胃后FINS分别为(13.574±2.297)、(11.050±1.654)μIU/mL,均低于其他各组(P<0.05);与灌胃前比较,锌灌胃后高糖高脂组ISI水平有不同程度降低,高糖高脂+15 mg/kg锌组灌胃后ISI水平为(-1.733±0.075),均低于其他各组(P<0.05)。结论 锌可在一定程度上提高高糖高脂饲料喂养大鼠胰岛素敏感性,但不同剂量锌效果存在差异。     

高脂饮食诱导的肥胖和肥胖抵抗大鼠胰岛素敏感性和血脂谱改变

目的:探讨高脂饮食诱导下大鼠各肥胖评定指标、胰岛素敏感性及血脂谱的变化,为指导人们调整不合理饮食结构提供依据.方法:20只6周龄雌性SD大鼠分为2组,正常对照组(NS)7只,高脂饮食诱导组(HS) 13只,分别给予基础饲料和高脂饲料17周.根据高脂组中大鼠体重差异分为肥胖组和肥胖抵抗组.比较各组大鼠肥胖评定指标、胰岛素敏感性及血脂谱的差异.结果:高脂饮食组大鼠与正常对照组大鼠的体重、体长及Lee指数(肥胖评定指标)比较,均无统计学差异(P＞0.05);与正常对照组相比,高脂饮食组大鼠空腹胰岛素显著升高(P＜0.05),空腹血糖及IR指数也显著升高(P＜0.01).在血脂谱方面,高脂饮食组与正常对照组的TG、HDL无统计学差异;但是,与正常对照组相比,高脂饮食组的TC显著上升(P＜0.05),LDL也显著上升(P＜0.01).肥胖组与肥胖抵抗组只有体重存在统计学差异(P＜0.05),其他指标(体长、Lee指数、空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、IR指数及血脂)均无统计学差异(P＞0.05).但是,与正常对照组相比,肥胖抵抗组的空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、IR指数和LDL也显著升高(P＜0.05).结论:长期高脂饮食虽然有可能不使体重产生明显增加,表现出肥胖抵抗,但仍会发生明显的胰岛素抵抗和血脂代谢的紊乱.     

Effects of capsaicin on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat diet

Effects of capsaicin, a pungent principle of hot red pepper, were studied in experiments using male rats fed a diet containing 30% lard. Capsaicin was supplemented at 0.014% of the diet. The level of serum triglyceride was lower when capsaicin was present in the diet than when it was not. Levels of serum cholesterol and pre-beta-lipoprotein were not affected by the supplementation of capsaicin. The perirenal adipose tissue weight was lower when capsaicin was present in the diet than when it was not. Hepatic enzyme activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and adipose lipoprotein lipase were lower in rats fed the 30% lard diet than in those fed a nonpurified diet. Activities of these two enzymes were higher when capsaicin was added to the diet than when it was not. Hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase, beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and adipose hormone-sensitive lipase activities were not affected by capsaicin feeding. Lipid absorption was not affected by the supplementation of capsaicin. The perirenal adipose tissue weight and serum triglyceride were decreased as the level of capsaicin in the diet increased up to 0.021%. These results suggest that capsaicin stimulates lipid mobilization from adipose tissue and lowers the perirenal adipose tissue weight and serum triglyceride concentration in lard-fed rats.     

硫辛酸对高脂饲料小鼠氧化应激与糖、脂代谢基因表达的影响

目的探讨硫辛酸(LA)对高脂饲料小鼠血糖、血脂代谢和抗氧化能力的影响。方法24只C57BL/6雄性小鼠,随机分为3组:即对照组(正常饲料),高脂组(高脂饲料),LA组(高脂饲料+0.1%LA),6周后测定空腹血糖(FPG)、胰岛素(FINS)、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)等糖脂代谢指标以及丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和总抗氧化能力(TAC)等抗氧化指标,同时用Affymetrix MOE430A基因芯片分析肝脏抗氧化、糖脂代谢相关功能基因的表达。结果与高脂组相比,LA组MDA含量显著降低,TAC明显升高(P<0.05)。LA显著降低血浆TG、TC、LDL-C和FPG、FINS的水平(P<0.05),MDA含量与HDL-C/TC(r=-0.47,P<0.05)和胰岛素抵抗指数(r=0.74,P<0.05)显著相关。硫辛酸改变高脂组自由基/氧化应激、糖脂代谢相关通路大部分响应基因的表达水平。结论高脂引发氧化-抗氧化系统失衡,硫辛酸通过直接清除自由基以及恢复自由基/氧化应激通路相关基因的表达水平解除氧化应激而有助于防治高脂引发的糖脂代谢紊乱。     

Stimulation of postprandial in vivo glycogenesis and lipogenesis of rats fed high fructose diet with varied phosphate content

It has been reported that increased fructose intake is associated with the development of the metabolic syndrome. The phosphate (P) sequestering capacity of fructose is likely to affect the phosphorylation capacity of different metabolites, and this, in turn, may be the basis for several metabolic derangements, especially in the P requiring reactions, for example, glycogenesis and lipogenesis. We hypothesized that P enrichment of the diet can balance P status and, consequently, affect glycogenesis and lipogenesis. An animal experiment was executed in which adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained for 4 days on high-fructose diets with different P content (0.15%, 0.165%, 0.30%, and 1.65%). At the end of the feeding period, overnight fasted rats were tube fed a test meal, injected with ³H₂O and euthanized 1 hour later. Final plasma glucose, insulin, uric acid, and triacylglycerol concentrations, as well as in vivo rates of glycogen and lipid synthesis and hepatic glycogen content, were measured. Results showed that increased P content of the diet was associated with an increase in postprandial epididymal fat pad (P = .007) and hepatic lipogenesis (P = .029), as well as glycogenesis (P = .024). In conclusion, P content of the diet was found to stimulate both glycogenesis and lipogenesis. These alterations in carbohydrate and fat metabolism point to the potential of P in influencing nutritional status.     

Modification of triacylglycerides and apolipoprotein B in rats fed diets containing whole milk, skim milk and milk proteins.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diets containing milk and milk protein fractions on plasma and hepatic lipids, apolipoprotein B mRNA abundance, and plasma apolipoprotein concentrations and lipoprotein composition. Male rats were fed for 6 wk diets that contained (wt/wt) 76% whole milk (WM diet), 55% skim milk (SMFF diet), 22% casein (CAS diet), 22% whey protein isolate (WHY diet) or 55% skim milk-low fat (SMLF diet). The fat concentration in the SMLF diet was 7%. Butter oil (20%) and corn oil (2%) were added to the SMFF, CAS and WHY diets. Plasma and VLDL triacylglycerides in the WM-fed rats were about half of the level in the groups fed the SMFF and SMLF diets, but not significantly different from those of the WHY-fed group. Hepatic triacylglycerides generally were lower in the WM-fed group than in the other groups. Plasma cholesterol concentration did not differ among groups. Plasma apolipoprotein B was significantly lower in the WM-fed group than in rats fed the SMLF, SMFF or WHY diets. However, apolipoprotein B mRNA abundance in the liver and small intestinal mucosa did not differ due to dietary treatment. Thus the lipemic response due to whole milk is not associated with milk protein fractions and may be due to the presence of fat globule membrane in the diet containing whole milk.     

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) extract on blood glucose, blood lipid and hemorheological properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds have previously been shown to have hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and experimental diabetic animals. The Trigonella foenum-graecum extract has now been investigated for its effects on general properties, blood glucose and blood lipid, and hemorheological parameters in experimental diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were administrated by oral intragastric intubation separately with low dose (0.44 g/kg.d), middle dose (0.87 g/kg.d), high dose (1.74 g/kg.d) of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, and Metformin HCl (0.175 g/kg.d) for 6 weeks. Compared with diabetic group, rats treated with Trigonella foenum-graecum extract had an increase in body weight and a decrease in kidney /body weight ratio (p<0.05). Compared with diabetic group, rats treated Trigonella foenum-graecum extract had lower blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholestrol and higher higher-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). The plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity of high shear rate (200 s-1) and low shear rate (40 s-1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whole blood reduction viscosity and platelet conglutination were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with high and middle doses of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, but not in those treated with low dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract. It may be concluded that Trigonella foenum-graecum extract can lower kidney /body weight ratio, blood glucose, blood lipid levels and improve hemorheological properties in experimental diabetic rats following repeated treatment for 6 weeks.     

Effect of antioxidant capacity on blood lipid metabolism and lipoprotein lipase activity of rats fed a high-fat diet

OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the effect of antioxidant capacity on blood lipid metabolism and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity of rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Furthermore, the relation of the atherosclerotic index (AI) and LPL activity to total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was studied. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 8). The control group consumed an ordinary diet (5.1% fat, w/w). The other three experimental groups were fed with an HFD (14.1% fat, w/w), an HFD plus 0.1% lipoic acid (LA), or an HFD plus 0.1% N-acetylcysteine (NAC). After 4 wk, serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and LPL activity were examined. To evaluate rats' antioxidant status, TAC and superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde level were measured. RESULTS: The HFD induced abnormal increases in lipid peroxidation, serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Decreased activity of LPL, accompanied by a depressed antioxidant defense system, was observed in HFD-fed rats. These changes were partially restored in the NAC- and LA-treated groups. There was a negative correlation between AI and TAC (r = -0.969, P < 0.05). In addition, a significant positive correlation between LPL activity and TAC was found (r = 0.979, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oxidative injury and lipid abnormalities were induced by an HFD. Administration of LA and NAC can improve the antioxidant capacity and activity of LPL and reduce blood lipid significantly. Antioxidant capacity is correlated with AI and LPL activity.     

The effects of black garlic (Allium satvium) extracts on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat diet

BACKGROUD/OBEJECTIVESThe mechanism of how black garlic effects lipid metabolism remains unsolved. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of black garlic on lipid profiles and the expression of related genes in rats fed a high fat diet.MATERIALS/METHODSThirty-two male Sqrague-Dawley rats aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8) and fed the following diets for 5 weeks: normal food diet, (NF); a high-fat diet (HF); and a high-fat diet + 0.5% or 1.5% black garlic extract (HFBG0.5 or HFBG1.5). Body weights and blood biochemical parameters, including lipid profiles, and expressions of genes related to lipid metabolism were determined.RESULTSSignificant differences were observed in the final weights between the HFBG1.5 and HF groups. All blood biochemical parameters measured in the HFBG1.5 group showed significantly lower values than those in the HF group. Significant improvements of the plasama lipid profiles as well as fecal excretions of total lipids and triglyceride (TG) were also observed in the HFBG1.5 group, when compared to the HF diet group. There were significant differences in the levels of mRNA of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in the HFBG1.5 group compared to the HF group. In addition, the hepatic expression of (HMG-CoA) reductase and Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) mRNA was also significantly lower than the HF group.CONCLUSIONSConsumption of black garlic extract lowers SREBP-1C mRNA expression, which causes downregulation of lipid and cholestrol metahbolism. As a result, the blood levels of total lipids, TG, and cholesterol were decreased.     

Alteration of pancreatic enzyme activities in small intestine of rats fed a high fructose, low copper diet

This study describes the progressive effects on pancreatic enzyme activities from washings of the small intestine of rats fed diets containing either 62% starch (S) or fructose (F), with 0.6 mg copper/kg diet (-Cu) or 6.0 mg copper/kg diet (+Cu) from 21 to 61 d of age. Hepatic copper concentration of the copper-deficient groups was 50% of that of the copper-supplemented groups. Body and relative pancreatic weights were lower in the F-Cu dietary group than in any other group. Relative liver weight was significantly higher in the fructose dietary groups than in the starch dietary groups. There were significant carbohydrate (CHO) X week and Cu X week interactions for luminal amylase activities and the CHO X Cu X week interaction was significant for luminal lipase and trypsin activities. The lowest enzyme activities were observed in the F-Cu-fed rats. The CHO X week interaction was significant for chymotrypsin with the lowest enzyme activities in the fructose-fed rats. It appears that high dietary fructose and low dietary copper interact to produce greatly reduced pancreatic enzyme activities in small intestinal washings. We speculate that subsequent digestive and absorptive abnormalities during a period of rapid growth may account for the severe morbidity and mortality in copper-deficient, fructose-fed rats.