Attenuation of fructose-induced hypertension in rats by exercise training

This study was initiated to see if the insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension that follow feeding normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats a fructose-rich diet could be prevented by letting rats run spontaneously in exercise wheel cages. Blood pressure in sedentary rats increased from (mean +/- SEM) 125 +/- 2 to 148 +/- 3 mm Hg in response to 2 weeks of a high fructose diet, and this increment was significantly (p less than 0.001) attenuated in exercising rats (from 121 +/- 1 to 131 +/- 2 mm Hg). In addition, mean (+/- SEM) plasma insulin concentration was lower in fructose-fed rats allowed to run spontaneously (44 +/- 2 vs 62 +/- 5 microU/ml; p less than 0.01). Finally, resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was assessed by determining the steady state plasma glucose response to a continuous glucose and exogenous insulin infusion during a period in which endogenous insulin secretion was suppressed. The results of these studies indicated that the mean (+/- SEM) steady state plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower in the exercise-trained rats (127 +/- 5 vs 168 +/- 6 mg/dl; p less than 0.001), despite the fact that the steady state plasma insulin levels were also lower in rats allowed to run spontaneously (75 +/- 4 vs 90 +/- 5 microU/ml; p less than 0.05). Thus, the ability of exercise-trained rats to stimulate glucose disposal was enhanced as compared with that of sedentary rats fed the same fructose-rich diet. These data demonstrate that the insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertension produced in normotensive rats by feeding them a high fructose diet can be attenuated if rats are allowed to run spontaneously.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg body weight) was injected into spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, and plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations measured 10 days later. Neither mean (+/- SEM) plasma glucose (130 +/- 3 v 136 +/- 3 mg/dL) nor triglyceride (93 +/- 6 v 108 +/- 7 mg/dL) concentrations increased in WKY rats. In contrast, both plasma glucose (141 +/- 3 v 262 +/- 36) and triglyceride (121 +/- 8 v 196 +/- 7 mg/dL) concentrations increased significantly (P less than .01) following administration of STZ in SHR. Furthermore, when SHR previously injected with STZ were fed a diet enriched in fructose, they had a further increase (P less than .01) in both plasma glucose (343 +/- 38 mg/dL) and triglyceride (774 +/- 57 mg/dL) concentrations. Plasma triglyceride concentration also increased significantly (P less than .05) when STZ-injected WKY rats ingested the fructose-enriched diet, but plasma glucose levels still remained within the normal range (152 +/- 5 mg/dL). These results indicate that SHR were more sensitive to the effects of a decrease in pancreatic beta-cell function (STZ) and an increase in insulin resistance (fructose feeding) than WKY rats.     

Attenuation of insulin-mediated pressor effect and nitric oxide release in rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance frequently coexist and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This study aimed to identify the specific effect of hyperinsulinemia on blood pressure and nitric oxide (NO) release in fructose-induced hyperinsulinemic, insulin-resistant rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either standard chow or a 60% fructose-enriched diet for 8 weeks before acute study. After basal period, somatostatin (1.3 microg/kg/min) and a variable glucose infusion (to maintain euglycemia) were given intravenously to all groups of rats. In control rats (C) and fructose-fed rats (F) with insulin infusion, insulin (4 mU/kg/min) was given to create a similar hyperinsulinemic condition. In C and F without insulin infusion, a vehicle instead of insulin was infused to produce a hypoinsulinemic state. In C, somatostatin reduced plasma insulin level but did not alter mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate. Insulin infusion significantly increased MAP and NOx (sum of nitrate and nitrite) levels after 90 min and thereafter the elevated MAP and NOx responses were sustained throughout the study. In the basal period, F exhibited significantly higher MAP and plasma insulin levels than C. The index of insulin sensitivity (M) was significantly lower in F than in C with insulin infusion. Somatostatin significantly reduced plasma insulin level but did not affect MAP and NOx level in F. The stimulatory effects of insulin on MAP and NO levels were significantly smaller in F than in C. In conclusion, acute insulin-induced pressor response and NO release were attenuated in rats with fructose-treated insulin resistance, suggesting that hyperinsulinemia-associated attenuation of NO production contributes, at least partly, to the development of fructose-induced hypertension in rats.     

Metabolic effects of monomeric insulin analogues of different receptor affinity.

The effects of two monomeric insulin analogues of differing receptor affinities (human insulin = 100%) B9Asp-B27Glu-insulin (18%) and B10Asp-insulin (327%) were each compared with human insulin in two groups of 10 normal men when infused at equimolar low doses (1.0 and 2.0 pmol kg-1 min-1). The metabolic clearance rate under steady state conditions was highest for the analogue with the highest receptor affinity, 26.8 +/- 0.8 (+/- SE) vs 19.8 +/- 0.7 ml kg-1 min-1 for insulin (p less than 0.001), and lowest for the analogue with the lowest receptor affinity, 13.3 +/- 0.8 vs 25.1 +/- 2.0 ml kg-1 min-1 for insulin (p less than 0.001). The apparent plasma half-life was prolonged for the low affinity analogue compared with human insulin (12.6 +/- 0.6 vs 1.9 +/- 0.2 min, p less than 0.001), and significantly shorter for the higher affinity analogue (1.6 +/- 0.1 vs 3.1 +/- 0.4 min, p less than 0.05). The three insulins gave similar falls in blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, glycerol, and total ketone bodies over the infusion period. Thirty minutes after the end of the infusion, the rise in blood glucose for the low affinity analogue was significantly less than for human insulin (0.5 +/- 0.2 vs 0.9 +/- 0.1 mmol l-1, p less than 0.05). Despite different receptor affinities, these analogues have similar in vivo effects in normal men, but the time-course of their actions may differ when they are infused intravenously.     

Troglitazone reduces activity of the Na+/H+ exchanger in fructose-fed borderline hypertensive rats.

Activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) is known to be related to elevated blood pressure in hyperinsulinemia. We previously demonstrated that a fructose-enriched diet induced hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, elevated NHE activity, increased intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), and increased blood pressure in borderline hypertensive rats (BHR). This study examines whether pharmacologically reducing plasma triglyceride or insulin concentrations lowers blood pressure and reduces NHE activity in fructose-fed BHR. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), bezafibrate (BEZ), and troglitazone (TRO) were administered to treat hypertriglyceridemia and/or hyperinsulinemia. Rats were fed a 60% fructose diet or a control diet for 4 weeks, followed by a diet with either vehicle, EPA, BEZ, or TRO for 4 weeks. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured in platelets by fluorescent dye. Platelet NHE activity was evaluated by the recovery of pHi following addition of sodium propionate (Vmax). [Ca2+]i in platelets were measured fluorometrically. In fructose-fed rats, EPA prevented further increase in blood pressure, and reduced triglyceride concentration and [Ca2+]i without affecting Vmax or plasma insulin concentrations. BEZ reduced triglyceride concentrations without affecting blood pressure, Vmax, [Ca2+]i, or insulin concentrations. TRO prevented an increase in blood pressure, and reduced Vmax, [Ca2+]i, and insulin, but not triglycerides. Plasma insulin and Vmax were positively correlated. In conclusion, improvement of hyperinsulinemia can decrease NHE activity and blood pressure in fructose-fed BHR.     

Nitric oxide does not participate in the metabolic effects of exogenous bradykinin in fructose-fed rats

The study was carried out to demonstrate the effects of bradykinin (BK) on hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia in fructose-fed rats, and to determine whether these actions are mediated through nitric-oxide (NO) formation. Eighteen rats, rendered hypertensive, hyperinsulinemic, and hypertriglyceridemic by a fructose-enriched diet, were studied. BK (0.2 mg/day) was infused intravenously using osmotic pumps attached by a catheter to the jugular vein of 12 rats for 12 days. BK was administered either alone (n = 6) or with concomitant inhibition of NO synthase (n = 6). Six untreated rats served as control. Measurements of systolic blood pressure (indirect method) and levels of insulin and triglyceride in serum were taken every second day. BK infused chronically, induced a marked fall in all parameters as early as the second day of infusion: in blood pressure from 152+/-7 to 126+/-12 mmHg, in insulin from 8.7+/-2.9 to 4.6+/-5.4 pg/mL, and in triglyceride from 308+/-94 to 76+/-19 mg/dL. No such reduction was seen in untreated animals. When BK was administered concurrently with NO synthase inhibitor, blood pressure rose significantly, reaching very high values at the end of treatment. However, the reduction in insulin and triglyceride levels induced by BK was not affected. The capacity of BK to enhance reduction in hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia in the fructose-fed rats is not mediated by NO formation. Whether this action of BK is related to a direct effect of this peptide remains to be determined.     

High-fructose diet decreases catalase mRNA levels in rat tissues

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia have recently been identified as independent determinants of several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may play an important role as a final common mediator by which glucose and insulin resistance might contribute to development of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes on mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes [catalase, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-ZnSOD), MnSOD], blood pressure and metabolic parameters in insulin resistance that follow feeding normotensive Wistar rats a high-fructose-enriched diet. In our investigation 26 normal male Wistar rats were fed a high-fructose diet for 2 weeks (no.=14) or normal chow to serve as a control group (no.=12). In vivo insulin resistance was verified in a subgroup of control and fructose-fed rats by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique at 2 different insulin infusion rates, 29 (submaximal stimulation) and 290 (maximal stimulation) pmol/kg/min respectively. The glucose infusion rate (GIR) was not significantly different in the two groups during the submaximal infusion of insulin (1.4 +/- 0.8 mmol/kg/min in fructose-fed rats vs 1.6 +/- 0.7 mmol/kg/min in control rats, NS) while in fructose-fed rats it was significantly lower (-29.8%) than in control rats during maximal infusion of insulin (2.6 +/- 0.3 mmol/kg/min vs 3.7 +/- 0.3 mmol/kg/min, p<0.05). Fructose feeding markedly reduced the expression of catalase mRNA and Cu-ZnSOD mRNA in the liver, catalase mRNA in the heart (p<0.05). A tendency of fructose feeding to reduce the expression of antioxidant enzymes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue was also observed (NS). Fructose feeding also increased plasma uric acid (119.9 +/- 30.4 vs 42.1 +/- 10 pmol/l, p<0.05) and systemic blood pressure (128 +/- 4 vs 109 +/- 5 mmHg, p<0.05) respect to control animals. No significant changes were observed in plasma levels of glycemia and tryglycerides. Our study suggests that in non-hyperglycemic, fructose-fed insulin-resistant rats the expression of catalase is inhibited in liver and heart. This condition might lead to higher susceptibility to oxidative stress in insulin resistance. However, an adaptive cellular response to maintain the effectiveness of intracellular signaling pathways mediated by insulin-activated hydrogen peroxide generating systems may also be hypothesized.     

Chronic thromboxane synthase inhibition prevents fructose-induced hypertension

To investigate the role of thromboxane A(2) in the development of hypertension in the fructose-fed rat, we treated male fructose-fed rats with dazmegrel (a thromboxane synthase inhibitor) and monitored blood pressure, fasting plasma parameters, and insulin sensitivity for 7 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured each week using tail plethysmography, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of the study to assess insulin sensitivity. Treatment with a 60% fructose diet and dazmegrel (100 mg. kg(-1). d(-1) via oral gavage) was initiated on the same day. Plasma triglyceride levels increased 2-fold in both fructose- and fructose/dazmegrel-treated groups, and plasma insulin levels tended to be higher in these groups, although not significantly. Systolic blood pressure increased significantly throughout the study in the fructose-fed group only (132+/-3 versus 112+/-4 mm Hg in control rats, 118+/-2 mm Hg in control-treated rats, 116+/-2 mm Hg in fructose-treated rats). Both fructose groups demonstrated a higher peak insulin response to oral glucose challenge and had 40% to 60% lower insulin sensitivity index values. The results of this study show that treatment with a thromboxane synthase inhibitor, dazmegrel, can prevent the development of hypertension but does not improve insulin sensitivity or other fructose-induced metabolic impairments. Based on these data, we conclude that the potent vasoconstrictor thromboxane is involved in the link between hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance and hypertension.     

Increased intraabdominal adipose tissue mass in fructose fed rats: correction by metformin.

Summary. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of metformin on insulin sensitivity, adipose tissue mass and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in fructose fed rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for six weeks either on a standard diet (C group) or on a high-fructose diet (F group, 10% in drinking water). In each group, half of the animals received metformin in drinking water for the last 4 weeks (500 mg/kg x day, C+M and F+M). Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (6 mU insulin/kg.min) were performed on awake unrestrained rats to test insulin resistance. Six-week fructose diet induced a reproducible insulin resistance (31.1 +/- 1.9 C vs 22.5 +/- 3.2 mg glucose/kg.min F, p<0.05). Metformin treatment prevented insulin resistance (31.1 +/- 1.9 C vs 30,2 +/- 1.8 mg glucose/kg x min F+M, ns). To measure SNS activity, rats received, ten minutes before sacrifice, an i.p. injection of NSD (m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine, inhibitor of DOPA decarboxylase, 100 mg/kg). DOPA accumulation was used as an index of SNS activity and measured in superior cervical, coeliac ganglias, retroperitoneal and epidydimal adipose tissues. SNS activity was increased in F group only in coeliac ganglia (16.8 +/- 1.1 C vs 22.6 +/- 2.2 ng DOPA/ganglia, F group, p<0.05) and not in superior cervical ganglia (8.4 +/- 0.7 C vs 8.6 +/- 0.7 ng DOPA/ganglia, F group, ns). Metformin had no effect on SNS activity in coeliac ganglia of control animals (15.9 +/- 1.7 C+M vs 16.8 +/- 1.1 ng DOPA/coeliac ganglia C, ns) but prevented the increase in SNS activity in fructose fed animals (22.6 +/- 2.2 F vs 16.3 +/- 2.8 ng DOPA/coeliac ganglia F + M). In fructose fed rats, metformin significantly increased sympathetic activity in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RPWAT) resulting in a marked decrease in depot mass but had no effect on epidydimal WAT. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that fructose diet caused a selective increase of SNS activity in coeliac ganglia. Metformin increased SNS activity in RPWAT resulting in a significant reduction in RPWAT mass, lowered SNS activity in coeliac ganglia to control values and restore whole body insulin sensitivity.     

Distinct role of adiposity and insulin resistance in glucose intolerance: studies in ventromedial hypothalamic-lesioned obese rats

It remains unclear whether adiposity plays an important role in glucose intolerance independently of insulin resistance. We investigated whether adiposity and insulin resistance had distinct roles in glucose intolerance in rats. We examined glucose tolerance and insulin resistance using ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH)-lesioned rats in the dynamic and the static phases of obesity (2 and 14 weeks after lesioning, respectively). Rats were fed either normal chow or a fructose-enriched diet (60% of total calories). The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed by bolus injection of glucose solution (1 g/kg) and blood sampling after 0, 5 10, 30, and 60 minutes. Insulin resistance was evaluated from the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) value during continuous infusion of glucose, insulin, and somatostatin. SSPG was not increased in VMH-lesioned rats in the dynamic phase of obesity, but increased markedly in the static phase. The area under the glucose curve (glucose AUC) during IVGTT was increased in VMH-lesioned rats in the static phase, but not in the dynamic phase, when compared with their sham-operated counterparts. A fructose-enriched diet for 2 or 14 weeks increased SSPG values to a similar extent in both sham-operated and VMH-lesioned rats without inducing excess adiposity, but glucose intolerance was only developed in the obese rats. The plasma leptin level, an excellent indicator of adiposity, was significantly related to the glucose AUC independently of the insulin level. Insulin resistance or increased adiposity alone is not sufficient to impair glucose tolerance, but increased adiposity plays an important role in the development of glucose intolerance in an insulin-resistant state.     

Decreased density of vascular receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

We have previously found that vascular receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the rat are down-regulated by volume expansion. For this reason vascular ANP receptor density and affinity were examined in a model of volume-expanded hypertension, the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rat. The density of mesenteric vascular ANP binding sites was decreased in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats from a control value in uninephrectomized rats of 203 +/- 25 fmol/mg protein to 60 +/- 13 fmol/mg protein (p less than 0.01). The sensitivity of norepinephrine-precontracted aorta to ANP was significantly reduced in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats (p less than 0.001). DOCA-salt hypertensive rats infused intravenously for 4 days with ANP, 100 to 300 ng/hr, did not experience a lowering of blood pressure, in contrast to the significant reduction in blood pressure seen in two-kidney, one clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats similarly infused. In the latter there was no natriuretic response to ANP, while in the DOCA-salt hypertensive rats natriuresis occurred without lowering of blood pressure. In the DOCA-salt hypertensive rats plasma ANP concentration was increased to 68 +/- 8 fmol/ml from 10 +/- 1 fmol/ml in uninephrectomized rats. In conclusion, raised ANP concentration in plasma of volume-expanded hypertensive rats (DOCA-salt hypertension) may result in decreased density of ANP vascular receptors. These results suggest that a decrement in the number of ANP receptors may be a cause of decreased sensitivity of vascular responses to ANP in vitro and resistance to the blood pressure-lowering action of ANP in vivo.     

High plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations and blood pressure in offspring of people with impaired glucose tolerance

The plasma glucose and insulin response to an oral glucose challenge, fasting plasma lipid concentration, and blood pressure were compared in 13 offspring of parents previously diagnosed as having impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 13 offspring of parents previously shown to have normal glucose tolerance. The parents with IGT had higher plasma glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentration, and blood pressure than parents with normal glucose tolerance. The two groups of offspring were young and non-obese, and similar in terms of age, gender distribution, and body mass index. However, the total integrated plasma insulin response during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was significantly higher (p less than 0.05, Student's t-test) in offspring of parents with IGT (718 +/- 71 pmol l-1 h) than in the subjects whose parents had normal glucose tolerance (524 +/- 47 pmol l-1 h). In addition, serum triglyceride concentration was somewhat higher in offspring of parents with IGT (1.17 +/- 0.11 vs 0.92 +/- 0.08 mmol l-1, 0.10 greater than p greater than 0.05), as were both systolic (132 +/- 5 vs 118 +/- 3 mmHg, p less than 0.05) and diastolic (79 +/- 3 vs 70 +/- 2 mmHg, p less than 0.05) blood pressure. Demonstration of similar abnormalities in plasma insulin response to glucose and blood pressure regulation in patients with IGT and in their offspring is consistent with the view that these changes have a genetic component.     

Impaired response to insulin associated with protein kinase C in chronic fructose-induced hypertension

A fructose-enriched diet induces an increase in blood pressure associated with metabolic alterations in rats. Our hypothesis was that an increase in protein kinase C (PKC) activation, reported in the acute period of fructose overload, and an impaired vessel's response to vasoactive substances contribute to maintain elevated blood pressure levels in the chronic period. The aims of this study were to investigate in this animal model of hypertension: (1) if the increase in PKC activation was also found in the chronic stage; (2) the involvement of nitric oxide and insulin in the vessel's response; and plasma atrial natriuretic factor and nitrites/nitrates (nitric oxide metabolites) behavior. We evaluated the effects of: PKCstimulator 12,13-phorbol dibutyrate, phenylephrine, insulin, nitric oxide synthase-inhibitor N G -nitro- L arginine methyl esther (L-NAME) and PKC-inhibitor Calphostin C on aortic rings responses of Sprague- Dawley rats: fructose-fed and control. The fructose-fed group showed higher contractility to 12,13- phorbol dibutyrate than the control group in aortic rings pre-incubated with insulin, and this difference disappeared with L-NAME. The response to phenylephrine in rings pre-incubated with Calphostin C was decreased in the fructose-fed group and increased with Calphostin C plus L-NAME. Fructose-fed rats showed higher levels of plasma atrial natriuretic factor and nitrites/nitrates than controls. In conclusion, chronic fructose feeding seems to develop an impaired response to insulin, dependent on nitric oxide, suggesting a PKC alteration. Vasorelaxant agents, such as atrial natriuretic factor and nitric oxide, would behave as compensatory mechanisms in response to high blood pressure.     

Blood pressure response to hyperinsulinemia in salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats.

We investigated the role of insulin in salt-sensitive hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats. The rats were kept in metabolic cages, and sodium intake and urinary sodium excretion were measured. In salt-sensitive rats receiving a 0.3% NaCl diet, sodium retention was significantly greater at weeks 1 and 2 in rats that received an insulin infusion than in those receiving a saline infusion. Mean arterial blood pressure and plasma norepinephrine levels were significantly higher at week 3 in insulin-treated rats than in saline-treated rats (mean arterial pressure, 137 +/- 3 mm Hg versus 119 +/- 3 mm Hg, p < 0.05; plasma norepinephrine, 0.40 +/- 0.02 ng/ml versus 0.27 +/- 0.01 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Insulin did not influence sodium retention, mean arterial pressure, or plasma norepinephrine in salt-resistant rats. Coadministration of an alpha-blocker (bunazosin, 10 mg/kg per day for 3 weeks) in salt-sensitive rats abolished the insulin-induced elevations in mean arterial pressure and sodium retention. When salt-sensitive rats were fed a low salt diet (0.03% NaCl), insulin did not raise mean arterial pressure. Thus, insulin elevated blood pressure only in the salt-sensitive model. The sympathetic nervous system and sodium retention in the early phase of insulin overload may contribute to elevation of mean arterial pressure in this model.     

Insulin increases forearm vascular resistance in obese,insulin-resistant hypertensives

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether acutely lowering insulin levels with somatostatin in obese, insulin-resistant hypertensive individuals reduces arterial pressure and forearm vascular resistance; and whether these changes are reversed by restoring insulin levels during continuing somatostatin infusion. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 11 obese (body mass index 36 +/- 4 kg/m2) insulin-resistant, hypertensive men (systolic/diastolic blood pressures 153 +/- 6/94 +/- 2 mmHg, aged 51 +/- 7 years, fasting insulin level 17 +/- 8 mU/l). METHODS: Arterial pressure, forearm blood flow and vascular resistance were measured during 2 h of somatostatin infusion and during 2h of somatostatin plus insulin infusion (hyperinsulinemic or euglycemic clamp). RESULTS: Somatostatin infusion decreased plasma insulin levels from 17 +/- 2 to <3 mU/l. Insulin infusion raised plasma insulin levels to 86 +/- 7 mU/l. The forearm vascular resistance decreased significantly during somatostatin infusion and increased significantly during infusion of somatostatin plus insulin. Somatostatin also caused small but significant reductions in arterial pressure whereas insulin infusion during somatostatin infusion increased arterial pressure. Control experiments in six obese hypertensives indicated that the changes in forearm vascular resistance (but not in arterial pressure) were caused neither by time nor by vehicle. Control studies in six young normotensives indicated that somatostatin does not block the vasodilator response to insulin previously demonstrated in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that insulin causes forearm vasoconstriction in obese, insulin-resistant hypertensive humans.     

Tissue-dependent activation of protein kinase C in fructose-induced insulin resistance

Rats fed a fructose-enriched diet develop increases in blood pressure and resistance to insulin-mediated glucose disposal, but the underlying biochemical alterations have not been clearly defined. Since protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, as well as blood pressure (BP) regulation, the present study was initiated to see whether changes in PKC signaling are present in rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance and hypertension. Consequently, liver, muscle, and adipose tissues were collected from fructose (n = 13) and chow (n = 12) fed Sprague-Dawley rats. PKC enzyme activity, and expression of classical PKC isozymes, were measured in cytosol and membrane fractions, and 1, 2-diacylglycerol (DAG), an endogenous stimulator of PKC, was measured by radio-enzymatic assay. Fructose feeding was associated with significant increases in fasting plasma insulin (140%) and triglyceride (400%) levels, and increased BP (20 mmHg). PKC activity was increased in the membrane fraction of adipose tissue (234 ± 38 (SE)vs 85 ± 30 pmol/min/mg protein,P< 0.007), without evidence of increased translocation or activation by DAG. Thus, fructose-induced insulin resistance has no effect on conventional PKC activity and subcellular distribution in liver and muscle, but the 3-fold increase in membraneassociated kinase activity in fat may be relevant to the mechanism of hypertriglyceridemia associated with fructose feeding.     

Fructose feeding increases insulin resistance but not blood pressure in Sprague-Dawley rats

Fructose feeding has been widely reported to cause hypertension in rats, as assessed indirectly by tail cuff plethysmography. Because there are potentially significant drawbacks associated with plethysmography, we determined whether blood pressure changes could be detected by long-term monitoring with telemetry in age-matched male Sprague-Dawley rats fed either a normal or high-fructose diet for 8 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose (171+/-10 versus 120+/-10 mg/dL), plasma insulin (1.8+/-0.5 versus 0.7+/-0.1 microg/L), and plasma triglycerides (39+/-2 versus 30+/-2 mg/dL) were modestly but significantly elevated in fructose-fed animals. Using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique, the rate of glucose infusion necessary to maintain equivalent plasma glucose was significantly reduced in fructose-fed compared with control animals (22.9+/-3.6 versus 41.5+/-2.9 mg/kg per minute; P<0.05). However, mean arterial pressure (24-hour) did not change in the fructose-fed animals over the 8-week period (111+/-1 versus 114+/-2 mm Hg; week 0 versus 8), nor was it different from that in control animals (109+/-2 mm Hg). Conversely, systolic blood pressure measured by tail cuff plethysmography at the end of the 8-week period was significantly greater in fructose-fed versus control animals (162+/-5 versus 139+/-1 mm Hg; P<0.001). Together, these data demonstrate that long-term fructose feeding induces mild insulin resistance but does not elevate blood pressure. We propose that previous reports of fructose-induced hypertension reflect a heightened stress response by fructose-fed rats associated with restraint and tail cuff inflation.     

Effect of telmisartan, angiotensin II receptor antagonist, on metabolic profile in fructose-induced hypertensive, hyperinsulinemic, hyperlipidemic rats.

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. Recently, telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that has an antihypertensive effect, has been reported to be a partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonist. The anti-diabetic hormone adiponectin has been recognized as a marker of in vivo PPARgamma activation. Therefore, we studied telmisartan's effect on the metabolic profile and adiponectin levels in a fructose-induced hypertensive, hyperinsulinemic, hyperlipidemic rat model. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (eight in each). One group of control rats was fed standard chow for 5 weeks while a second was fed a fructose-enriched diet. A third group was fed a fructose-enriched diet for 5 weeks and treated with telmisartan 5 mg/kg/day during the last 2 weeks. Fructose feeding increased systolic blood pressure (mean+/-SEM), from 130+/-1 to 148+/-2 mmHg, insulin from 0.26+/-0.03 to 0.68+/-0.08 ng/mL, and triglycerides from 102+/-6 to 285+/-23 mg/dL (p<0.05 for all variables). Telmisartan treatment reversed these effects and reduced blood pressure to 125+/-2 mmHg, insulin levels to 0.41+/-0.07 ng/mL, and triglycerides to 146+/-18 mg/dL (p<0.05 for all variables), while attenuating the increase in body weight during weeks 3 to 5. In contrast, telmisartan did not affect plasma adiponectin levels. In conclusion, although telmisartan is considered a partial PPARgamma agonist, its beneficial effect in the fructose-induced hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperinsulinemia rat model is apparently not mediated by adiponectin elevation but rather by direct inhibition of AT1 receptor.     

The effects of allicin and enalapril in fructose-induced hyperinsulinemic hyperlipidemic hypertensive rats

The effects of a synthetic preparation of an active constituent of garlic, allicin, were studied on blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, and insulin levels in Sprague-Dawley rats in which high fructose feeding elicited hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia. Results were compared with those of the antihypertensive drug enalapril. Three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a fructose-enriched diet for 5 weeks. During the last 2 weeks 10 animals received only fructose, 10 received allicin, and 10 received enalapril. Blood pressure, insulin level, and triglyceride levels were measured at the beginning of the experiment and after 3 and 5 weeks on the fructose diet, fructose/allicin diet, or fructose/enalapril diet. Allicin lowered BP from the maximal level (after 3 weeks of fructose) of 153.4 ± 8 mm Hg to 139.7 ± 12 mm Hg after 2 weeks on allicin; insulin from 11.7 ± 3.7 ng/mL on fructose diet to 6.92 ± 3.3 ng/mL on allicin; and triglycerides from 132.8 ± 18 mg/dL on fructose to 59.6 ± 27 mg/dL on allicin. The similar effect of allicin and enalapril on BP, insulin, and triglycerides reinforces the trend toward combining the nonpharmacologic approach with drug therapy.     

The effects of allicin on weight in fructose-induced hyperinsulinemic, hyperlipidemic, hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND: Commercially available garlic preparations in the form of garlic oil, garlic powder and pills are widely used for certain therapeutic purposes, including lowering blood pressure and improving lipid profile. Despite the impressive effects of garlic most studies are limited by lack of controlled methods and suitable double-blinding, and by the use of preparations with unknown amounts and chemical identification of the active ingredient. Allicin, a synthetic preparation of an active constituent of garlic, was found to lower blood pressure, insulin, and triglycerides levels in fructose-fed rats. Thus, it was considered important to assess its effect on the weight of the animals. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240 to 250 g were fed a fructose-enriched diet consisting of 21% protein, 5% fat, 60% carbohydrate, 0.49% sodium and 0.49% potassium for 5 weeks, which produced hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia. Group I (controls) rats were fed a diet enriched by fructose only; group II was given allicin the last 2 weeks, and group III was given allicin the first 3 weeks. The three groups consumed the same amount of food. Weight was measured at the beginning of the experiment and after 3 and 5 weeks on the diet. RESULTS: Weight in the control group rose from 249.4 +/- 10.04 g to 274.5 +/- 15.5 g after 3 weeks and to 306.9 +/- 22.2 g after 5 weeks. Weight in group II rose from baseline 259.1 +/- 12.1 g to 306.9 +/- 22.2 g after 3 weeks on fructose alone, and declined slightly to 282.4 +/- 17.4 g after 2 weeks of allicin (P <.02). In group III, in which the protocol was reversed, the baseline weight of 260.4 +/- 13.25 g rose only to 269.8 +/-15.3 g (P <.431) after 3 weeks on fructose and allicin. CONCLUSIONS: The control group that was fed a diet enriched by fructose alone continued to gain weight, whereas the groups fed allicin did not. The difficulty of preventing weight gain after reaching the nadir of weight loss underscores the practical value of allicin for weight control.