Dyslipidemia in rat fed with high-fat diet is not associated with PCSK9-LDL- receptor pathway but ageing

Background Obesity is associated with unfavorable alternations in plasma lipid profile and a broad spectrum of cardio-metabolic disorders. Proprotein convestase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a novel circulating protein that promotes hypercholesterolemia by decreasing hepatic low lipoprotein density receptor (LDLR) protein. However, the relationship between PCSK9 concentration and lipid profile in an obesity condition has less been investigated. Objective To examine the changes of plasma PCSK9 concentration in a rat model fed with high fat diet (HFD) and its correlation to lipid profile, body weight and ageing. Methods Twenty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into two groups, control group (fed with normal pellet for 4 weeks), and high-fat diet group (fed with 3% cholesterol enrich diet for 4 weeks). Blood samples of rats were obtained before and at days 14, 21, and 28 in both groups. The body weight, plasma metabolic parameters (glucose, lipid profile) and PCSK9 were determined at indicated time points. Results The body weights were significantly increased in rats fed with HFD compared to that in rats with normal pellets at day 28. Additionally, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in rat fed with HFD were also higher than that in rats fed with control diet while decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were found in rats with HFD at day 28. More interesting, there were no differences of plasma PCSK9 concentrations as well as hepatic expression of LDLR between the two groups at day 28. Conclusions Although the body weight and LDL-C were significantly increased in rats fed with HFD at 4 weeks, there were no differences of changes in plasma PCSK9 concentration and LDLR expression of liver tissue in both groups at baseline and day 28, suggesting that dyslipidemia in the rat model with HFD appears not to be associated with PCSK9-LDLR pathway but ageing.     

11β-HSD1在糖皮质激素联合高脂喂养大鼠胰岛素抵抗中的作用

目的 通过糖皮质激素联合高脂喂养建立胰岛素抵抗动物模型,探讨11β-羟类固醇脱氢酶1(11β-HSD1)在该模型中的表达和意义.方法 32只雄性Wistar大鼠,按体重随机区组法分为对照组、地塞米松组、高脂饮食组、高脂+地塞米松组(HFD+ DEX组),每组8只.对照组和地塞米松组喂以普通饲料,高脂饮食组和HFD+ DEX组喂以高脂饲料,8周后地塞米松组和HFD+ DEX组辅以地塞米松刺激,12周后进行胰岛素耐量试验,检测血糖、血脂、血胰岛素及皮质酮水平,计算肝指数、内脏肥胖指数及稳态模型评估-胰岛素抵抗(HOMA-IR)指数,检测11β-HSD1基因及蛋白表达情况.结果 与对照组相比,其余3组均出现胰岛素抵抗,表现为:胰岛素耐量试验不敏感(注射胰岛素30 min后对照组、高脂饮食组、地塞米松组和HFD+ DEX组血糖值分别下降了44.15％,28.14％,32.58％,13.53％)、高血糖、高胰岛素血症、血脂紊乱(总胆固醇、甘油三酯及游离脂肪酸升高,高密度脂蛋白-胆固醇降低)、HOMA-IR指数、肝指数及内脏肥胖指数升高,且HFD+ DEX组各项指标变化幅度最大(F=10.89～213.20,P＜0.05或P＜0.01).另外,与对照组相比,其余3组内脏脂肪组织11β-HSD1基因及蛋白表达水平也明显升高,且HFD+ DEX组明显高于高脂饮食组及地塞米松组(F =32.64～116.00,P均＜0.01).结论 地塞米松联合高脂饮食喂养可成功建立大鼠胰岛素抵抗模型,内脏脂肪组织中11β-HSD1基因及蛋白表达升高,可能与胰岛素抵抗的发生密切相关.     

Reversal of dietary obesity is influenced by its duration and severity

A model of dietary obesity was developed, in adult male rats, where duration of feeding of a high fat diet (HFD; 60 percent of calories as fat) influenced capacity to reverse the obese state following a reduction in dietary fat. After 17, and again after 30 weeks, groups of HFD fed rats were returned to ad libitum feeding of a low fat, chow diet (C; 14 percent fat). The rats switched from HFD to C after 17 weeks returned to control levels of body weight and body composition, but the rats switched from HFD to C after 30 weeks did not. This latter group remained heavier than controls without ingesting more energy, indicating an increased energy efficiency and a reduction in energy requirements. These results suggest that energy balance during development of dietary obesity may be different from energy balance in long-standing dietary obesity. In addition to demonstrating that duration (and/or severity) of dietary obesity is an important variable in the potential reversal of the obese state, the results provide further evidence that persistent obesity is not maintained solely by an elevated energy intake. A corollary to these findings is that treatment of dietary obesity may be more effective if begun early.     

运动对高脂饮食诱导肥胖大鼠过氧化物酶体增长因子活化受体-δ表达和胰岛素抵抗的影响

研究运动对高脂饮食诱导的肥胖大鼠肌肉和脂肪组织中过氧化物酶体增长因子活化受体-δ（PPAR-δ）表达的影响,并探讨其改善胰岛素抵抗的可能机制.方法 取体质量135～150 g的9周龄雄性Wistar大鼠80只,随机数字表法取其中60只6周时间饲以高脂饲料用于制作肥胖大鼠模型,另20只饲以普通饲料.将54只造模成功肥胖大鼠随机分为高脂饮食组（HFD）、高脂饮食同时运动组（E-HFD）、高脂饮食后运动组（HFD-E）,每组18只,同时从普通饲料饲养大鼠中随机选择16只作为正常饮食组（RD）.按文献标准对各组大鼠进行6周运动训练.检测比较各组游泳运动训练后体质量、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α、瘦素、白细胞介素（IL）-1的水平以及空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素并计算胰岛素敏感指数（ISI）,采用实时定量聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测肌肉和脂肪组织中PPAR-δ、葡萄糖转运蛋白（GLUT）-4、磷酸肌醇3激酶（PI3K）mRNA的表达,并采用Western blot法检测肌肉和脂肪组织中PPAR-δ蛋白的表达水平.组间数据比较采用双侧t检验.结果 HFD组ISI为1.13±0.21,相比HFD组,E-HFD组和HFD-E组的IS1分别提高了 71.1%和45.7%（分别为2.09±0.32和1.80±0.34）,而HFD-E组低于E-HFD组,差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）.HFD组TNF-α水平为（101±24）ng/L,相比HFD组,E-HFD组和HFD-E组则分别下降了20.0%和9.2%[分别为（81±16）和（92±19）ng/L],差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.与HFD组相比,E-HFD组和HFD-E组瘦素和IL-I水平均有显著下降（均P＜0.05）.与HFD组相比,E-HFD组和HFD-E组骨骼肌和脂肪中PPAR-δ、GLUT-4、PI3K mRNA的表达均显著升高,差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）,且在E-HFD组变化尤为显著（均P＜0.01）.与HFD组相比,E-HFD组骨骼肌和脂肪组织中PPAR-δ蛋白表达分别升高了388.4%和203.2%（均P＜0.05）;HFD-E组骨骼肌和脂肪组织中PPAR-δ蛋白的表达则分别升高了272.9%和117.9%（均P＜0.05）.结论 运动降低了高脂饮食诱导的肥胖大鼠的血清脂肪因子瘦素、TNF-α和IL-1水平,改善了胰岛素抵抗,可能是通过上调肌肉和脂肪组织中PPAR-δ的表达发挥作用.     

Green coffee bean extract improves obesity by decreasing body fat in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Objective:To evaluate possible lipid catabolism and body fat regulation effects of 3-caffeoylquinic acid in Green coffee bean extract(GCBE) in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice.Methods:Obesity was induced in mice using a HFD for four weeks.Then,mice were fed only HFD or HFD with GCBE at 50,100,and 200 mg/kg.Fatty acid synthesis mechanism regulation of body fat was investigated through real-time PCR and Western blot assay.Body fat reduction was measured through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results:In HFD-induced obese mice,GCBE treatment significantly decreased body weight gain,liver weight and white adipose tissue weights with regulation of adipose tissue lipolysis hormones,like adiponectin and leptin.GCBE treatment decreased mR NA expression levels of adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism related genes in adipose tissues and the liver,and decreased the corresponding protein expression.Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements were used to compare body fat between mice on high-fat and those treated with GCBE.GCBE treated mice had a lower fat mass compared to HFD alone fed mice and relative body weight and fat mass were markedly decreased.Conclusions:GCBE has a potential anti-obesity effect with lowering body fat accumulation by regulating adipogenesis and lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins in WAT and liver.     

Exenatide improves hepatic steatosis by enhancing lipid use in adipose tissue in nondiabetic rats

AIM:To investigate the metabolic changes in skeletal muscle and/or adipose tissue in glucagon-like peptide-1-induced improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS:Male Wistar rats were fed either a control diet(control group)or a high-fat diet(HFD).After 4wk,the HFD-fed rats were subdivided into two groups;one group was injected with exenatide[HFD-Ex(+)group]and the other with saline[HFD-Ex(-)group]every day for 12 wk.The control group received saline and were fed a control diet.Changes in weight gain,energy intake,and oxygen consumption were analyzed.Glucose tolerance tests were performed after 8 wk of treatment.Histological assessments were performed in liver and adipose tissue.RNA expression levels of lipid metabolism related genes were evaluated in liver,skeletal muscle,and adipose tissue.RESULTS:Exenatide attenuated weight gain[HFDEx(-)vs HFD-Ex(+)]and reduced energy intake,which was accompanied by an increase in oxygen consumption and a decrease in the respiratory exchange ratio[HFD-Ex(-)vs HFD-Ex(+)].However,exenatide did not affect glucose tolerance.Exenatide reduced lipid content in the liver and adipose tissue.Exenatide did not affect the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver or skeletal muscle.In adipose tissue,exenatide significantly upregulated lipolytic genes,including hormone-sensitive lipase,carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1,long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase,and acyl-CoA oxidase 1[HFD-Ex(-)vs HFD-Ex(+)].Exenatide also upregulated catalase and superoxide dismutase 2[HFD-Ex(-)vs HFD-Ex(+)].CONCLUSION:In addition to reducing appetite,enhanced lipid use by exenatide in adipose tissue may reduce hepatic lipid content in NAFLD,most likely by decreasing lipid influx into the liver.     

Platycodon grandiflorum extract represses up-regulated adipocyte fatty acid binding protein triggered by a high fat feeding in obese rats

AIM： To investigate the effect of Platycodon grandiflorum extract （PGE） on lipid metabolism and FABP mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue of high fat diet-induced obese rats.
METHODS： PGE was treated to investigate the inhibitory effect on the pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 differentiation and pancreatic lipase activity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with an average weight of 439.03± 7.61 g were divided into four groups： the control groups that fed an experimental diet alone （C and H group） and PGE treatment groups that administered PGE along with a control diet or HFD at a concentration of 150 mg/kg body weight （C ＋ PGE and H ＋ PGE group, respectively） for 7 wk. Plasma total cholesterol （TC） and triglycerol （TG） concentrations were measured from the tail vein of rats. Adipocyte cell area was measured from subcutaneous adipose tissue and the fatty acid binding protein （FABP） mRNA expression was analyzed by northern blot analysis.
RESULTS： PGE treatment inhibited 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation, and also decreased pancreatic lipase activity. In this experiment, PGE significantly reduced plasma TC and TG concentrations as well as body weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight. PGE also significantly decreased the size of subcutaneous adipocytes. Furthermore, it significantly repressed the up-regulation of FABP mRNA expression induced by a high-fat feeding in subcutaneous adipose tissue.
CONCLUSION： PGE has a plasma lipid lowering-effect and anti-obesity effect in obese rats fed a high fat diet.From these results, we can suggest the possibility that PGE can be used as a food ingredient or drug component to therapeutically control obesity.     

Influence of food restriction coupled with weight cycling on carcass energy restoration during ad-libitum refeeding

Mature (450 g) rats were subjected to food restriction (60 percent of usual intake) with or without weight cycling (produced by cycles of 3 days of fasting followed by 7 days of refeeding). Weight cycling did not affect body weight, body composition, or food efficiency during the restriction period. However, the group subjected to weight cycling (WC) had an elevated level of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in the epididymal adipose tissue as compared to the group receiving a constant amount of food each day (CO). After 40 days (four 10-day cycles) of food restriction, rats were allowed ad-libitum access to a stock diet for 18 days. WC rats restored carcass energy more rapidly, with a greater food efficiency than CO rats. Carcass energy was not totally restored at the end of the 18-day period, but WC rats had regained significantly more total carcass energy and total fat-free dry weight (FFDW) than CO rats. Food intake during refeeding did not differ significantly between WC and CO rats. These results suggest that weight cycling in a food-restricted program has the potential to increase food efficiency during a subsequent refeeding period.     

Effects of feeding a diet containing Gymnema sylvestre extract: attenuating progression of obesity in C57BL/6J mice

Objective: To investigate the effect of Gymnema sylvestre extract(GS) on initial anti-obesity, liver injury, and glucose homeostasis induced by a high-fat diet(HFD). Methods: The dry powder of GS was extracted with methanol, and gymnemic acid was identified by high performance liquid chromatography as deacyl gymnemic acid. Male C57BL/6J mice that fed on either a normal diet, normal diet containing 1 g/kg GS(CON+GS) HFD, or HFD containing 1.0 g/kg GS(HFD+GS) for 4 weeks were used to test the initial anti-obesity effect of GS. Body weight gain and food intake, and serum levels about lipid and liver injury markers were measured. Histopathology of adipose tissue and liver stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE) and oil-red O were analyzed. After 4 weeks of GS extract feeding, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT) was performed. Results: The methanol extracts of GS exerted significant anti-obesity effects in HFD+GS group. They decreased body weight gain, a lower food and energy efficiency ratio, and showed lower serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein(LDL)-cholesterol, very-low density lipoprotein(VLDL)-cholesterol and leptin compared with the HFD group. The decreases of abdominal as well as epididymal fat weight and adipocyte hypertrophy, lipid droplets in liver, and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine transaminase(ALT) were also observed. The CON+GS group showed an effect of glucose homeostasis compared to the CON group. Conclusions: This study shows that GS provide the possibility as a key role in an initial anti-obesity effects feeding with a HFD.     

Effect of Carnitine and herbal mixture extract on obesity induced by high fat diet in rats

Background

Obesity-associated type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing throughout the world. It is generally recognized that natural products with a long history of safety can modulate obesity.

Aim

To investigate the development of obesity in response to a high fat diet (HFD) and to estimate the effect of L-carnitine and an Egyptian Herbal mixture formulation (HMF) (consisting of T. chebula, Senae, rhubarb, black cumin, aniseed, fennel and licorice) on bodyweight, food intake, lipid profiles, renal, hepatic, cardiac function markers, lipid Peroxidation, and the glucose and insulin levels in blood and liver tissue in rats.

Method

White male albino rats weighing 80-90 gm, 60 days old. 10 rats were fed a normal basal diet (Cr), 30 rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks during the entire study. Rats of the HFD group were equally divided into 3 subgroups each one include 10 rats. The first group received HFD with no supplement (HFD), the 2^nd group HFD+L-carnitine and the third group received HFD+HMF. Carnitine and HMF were administered at 10^th week (start time for treatments) for 4 weeks. Body weight, lipid profile & renal function (urea, uric acid creatinine) ALT & AST activities, cardiac markers, (LDH, C.K-NAC and MB) the oxidative stress marker reduced glutathione (GSH), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) catalase activity, in addition to glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance in serum & tissues were analyzed.

Results

Data showed that feeding HFD diet significantly increased final body weight, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, & LDL concentration compared with controls, while significantly decreasing HDL; meanwhile treatment with L-carnitine, or HMF significantly normalized the lipid profile. Serum ALT, urea, uric acid, creatinine, LDH, CK-NAC, CK-MB were significantly higher in the high fat group compared with normal controls; and administration of L-carnitine or herbal extract significantly lessened the effect of the HFD. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and high insulin resistance (IR) significantly increased in HFD in comparison with the control group. The treatment with L-carnitine or HMF improved the condition. HFD elevated hepatic MDA and lipid peroxidation associated with reduction in hepatic GSH and catalase activity; whereas administration of L-carnitine or herbal extract significantly ameliorated these hepatic alterations.

Conclusion

HFD induced obesity associated with a disturbed lipid profile, defective antioxidant stability, and high values of IR parameters; this may have implications for the progress of obesity related problems. Treatment with L-carnitine, or HMF extract improved obesity and its associated metabolic problems in different degrees. Also HMF has antioxidant, hypolipidaemic insulin sensitizing effects. Moreover HMF might be a safe combination on the organs whose functions were examined, as a way to surmount the obesity state; and it has a distinct anti-obesity effect.     

Helianthus tuberosus(Jerusalem artichoke) tubers improve glucose tolerance and hepatic lipid profile in rats fed a high-fat diet

Objective:To analyze the effects of feeding Helianthus tuberosus(HT) tubers on glucose tolerance and lipid profile in rats fed a high-fat diet(HFD). Methods:A normal HFD or HFD including 10 w/w% HT tubers(HFD + HT) was fed to F334/Jcl rats. After 10 weeks,organ weights,glucose tolerance,and lipid profile were analyzed. Results:The body weight,liver weight,and epidermal fat content in the HFD group were higher than those of the normal group,and similar to those of the HFD + HT group. The oral glucose tolerance test at 10 weeks revealed that the blood glucose level 30 minutes after beginning the test in the HFD + HT group was significantly lower than that in the HFD group. Liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the HFD + HT group were significantly lower than those in the HFD group. Fecal triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the HFD + HT group were higher than those in the HFD group. Histological analyses revealed that fat and glycogen accumulation increased in the HFD group,but decreased in the HFD + HT group. Conclusions:These results indicate that HT tubers have anti-fatty liver effects based on improvements in glucose tolerance and the hepatic lipid profile.     

Effect of macronutrient composition of the diet on the regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue at rest and during exercise: microdialysis study

The aim of the present study was to elucidate, using a microdialysis technique, whether modifications in the proportion of fat in the diet influence lipid mobilization from adipose tissue in situ. Nine healthy volunteers (age, 23.4 +/- 0.2 years; body mas index [BMI], 23.5 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2)) were fed, in random order, with a high-fat diet (HFD) (65% of energy content fat, 15% protein, 20% carbohydrate) or a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) (70% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 15% fat) for 5 days, with a washout period of 10 days between the diets. Subjects were studied in the fasting state on the morning following days 4 and 5 of each diet. We measured the concentration of extracellular glycerol (EGC) in adipose tissue in response to (1) pharmacologic stimulation with isoprenaline (1 and 10 micromol/L) in situ, (2) stimulation with intravenous infusion of epinephrine (0.0375 microg/min/kg body weight), and (3) submaximal aerobic exercise (50% V*O2max, 60-minute duration). No effect of the diet composition was found in the increases of EGC in response to isoprenaline (area under the curve [AUC]: HFD, 1,534 +/- 370 micromol/90 min; HCD, 1,108 +/- 465 micromol/90 min; not significant [NS]) or epinephrine stimulations (AUC: HFD, 190 +/- 92 micromol/30 min; HCD, 251 +/- 298 micromol/30 min; NS). The exercise-induced increase in EGC was higher during the HFD (AUC: HFD, 1,641 +/- 181 micromol/60 min; HCD, 963 +/- 156 micromol/60 min; P <.05) and was associated with a higher exercise-induced response of norepinephrine (P <.05) and epinephrine (P =.056) and lower insulinemia during exercise. The results suggest that macronutrient composition of diet does not affect the beta-adrenergic responsiveness of adipose tissue to catecholamine action at rest. During exercise, the HFD promotes higher lipolysis in adipose tissue and this is associated with a higher catecholamine response and lower insulinemia.     

Effects of calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate diet on glucose and lipid metabolism in Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty rats

AIM: We investigated the effects of a calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate diet on glucose and lipid metabolism, and body fat distribution, especially on the secretion of leptin and lipoprotein lipase from adipose tissue in Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. METHODS: Forty-three week-old male OLETF rats were randomized into three groups (n=6 per group): the HC group (HC) was fed a diet with 60% carbohydrate; the LC group (LC) with 30% carbohydrate; and the P-HC group (P-HC) with 60% carbohydrate and pioglitazone (0.1%). The total calorie intake was restricted to 70% of the average intake from each diet (60 kcal/day). The diets were continued for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Similar decreases in body weight and serum glucose were observed in the three groups. Serum insulin concentration was significantly decreased in LC and P-HC compared to HC. Serum total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly (p<0.05) in LC and P-HC compared to HC. The decrease of visceral fat area measured by computed tomography was greatest in LC among the three groups. At the end of the diet, leptin secretion from visceral adipose tissue and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue were significantly higher in LC and P-HC compared to HC (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that under calorie-restricted conditions, low carbohydrates are much more effective than high carbohydrates in improving insulin sensitivity.     

Dietary supplementation of tetradecylthioacetic acid increases feed intake but reduces body weight gain and adipose depot sizes in rats fed on high-fat diets

Aim: The pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligand and fatty acid analogue tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) may reduce plasma lipids and enhance hepatic lipid metabolism, as well as reduce adipose tissue sizes in rats fed on high-fat diets. This study further explores the effects of TTA on weight gain, feed intake and adipose tissue functions in rats that are fed a high-fat diet for 7 weeks.
Methods: The effects on feed intake and body weight during 7 weeks' dietary supplement with TTA (∼200 mg/kg bw) were studied in male Wistar rats fed on a lard-based diet containing ∼40% energy from fat. Adipose tissue mass, body composition and expression of relevant genes in fat depots and liver were measured at the end of the feeding.
Results: Despite higher feed intake during the final 2 weeks of the study, rats fed on TTA gained less body weight than lard-fed rats and had markedly decreased subcutaneous, epididymal, perirenal and mesenteric adipose depots. The effects of TTA feeding with reduced body weight gain and energy efficiency (weight gain/feed intake) started between day 10 and 13. Body contents of fat, protein and water were reduced after feeding lard plus TTA, with a stronger decrease in fat relative to protein. Plasma lipids, including Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA), were significantly reduced, whereas fatty acid β-oxidation in liver and heart was enhanced in lard plus TTA-fed rats. Hepatic UCP3 was expressed ectopically both at protein and mRNA level (>1900-fold), whereas Ucp1 mRNA was increased ∼30-fold in epididymal and ∼90-fold in mesenteric fat after lard plus TTA feeding.
Conclusion: Our data support the hypothesis that TTA feeding may increase hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation, and thereby reduce the size of adipose tissues. The functional importance of ectopic hepatic UCP3 is unknown, but might be associated with enhanced energy expenditure and thus the reduced feed efficiency.     

Factors involved in rosuvastatin induction of insulin sensitization in rats fed a high fat diet

Background and AimTo investigate whether rosuvastatin can improve insulin sensitivity in overweight rats having a high fat diet (HFD). The potential mechanisms involved in this action were evaluated, including SIRT-1, other factors involved in glucose metabolism and stress signaling pathways.Methods and ResultsMale Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into three groups: (i) rats fed a standard diet (3.5% fat); (ii) rats fed a HFD (33.5% fat); and (iii) rats fed a HFD and treated with rosuvastatin (15 mg/kg/day). Evolution: 7 weeks. HFD rats showed increased body, epididymal and lumbar adipose tissue weights. Plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, glucose and insulin and leptin/adiponectin ratio were higher in HFD rats, and rosuvastatin treatment reduced them. SIRT-1, p53, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ and GLUT-4 protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were lower, and JNK was higher in HFD rats compared to controls. Rosuvastatin treatment normalized expression of these mediators. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was reduced in mesenteric rings from HFD rats compared to controls and rosuvastatin enhanced it in HFD rats.ConclusionRosuvastatin treatment reduced insulin resistance without affecting body weight or WAT loss in HFD rats. Reduction of leptin and JNK, and enhancement of SIRT-1, p53, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ and GLUT-4 expression in WAT could contribute to insulin sensitization. Normalization of SIRT-1 expression in WAT could be considered a key novel mechanism that aids in explaining the beneficial effects of rosuvastatin on the amelioration of glucose metabolism and the arrangement of multiple signaling pathways participating in insulin resistance in overweight HFD rats.     

Inhibition of lipid accumulation and enhancement of energy expenditure by the addition of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone to a rat diet

To assess the effects of oral intake of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone on body composition and metabolism, rats were divided into two groups and pair-fed one of the following isocaloric diets for 112 days. The control diet was a liquid diet with the following caloric composition: 14% protein, 28% fat, and 58% carbohydrate. The experimental diet was the same as the control diet except for the partial substitution of carbohydrate content with pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone. Rats receiving the experimental diet gained less weight than rats receiving the control diet. This reduction in body weight appeared to be largely the result of inhibition of lipid accumulation. The experimental diet reduced body fat content by 32% without any significant effect on either protein or water content. Rats receiving the experimental diet did not have increased loss of calories in the stool, but had greater rates of heat production and energy expenditure, which was accompanied by an elevated plasma level of thyroxine. Furthermore, rats receiving the experimental diet had a smaller rate of lipid synthesis in their adipose tissue, and a reduced plasma insulin level. The data suggest that inhibition of gain in weight with the addition of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone to the diet is the result of an increased loss of calories as heat at the expense of storage as lipid.     

Effects of low-calorie diet on steatohepatitis in rats with obesity and hyperlipidemia

AIM: To evaluate the effects of low calorie diet (LCD) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats with obesity and hyperlipidemia.METHODS: 29 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups. The animals in control (n=9) and NASH group (n=10) were fed on standard rat diet and high fat diet respectively for 12 weeks, ten rats in LCD group were fed on high fat diet for 10 weeks and then low calorie diet for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weight, abdominal adipose content, liver function, and hepatopathological changes were examined to evaluate the effect of different feeding protocols on the experimental animals.RESULTS: There was no death of animal in the experimental period. All rats in the NASH group developed steatohepatitis according to liver histological findings. Compared with the control group, body weight (423.5±65.2 vs 351.1±43.0 g,P＜0.05), abdominal adipose content (14.25±1.86 vs9.54±1.43,P＜0.05), liver index (3.784-±0.533 vs2.957±±0.301%, P＜0.01),total serum cholesterol (1.60±0.41 vs 1.27±0.17 mmol/L, P＜0.05)and free fatty acids (728.2±178.5 vs 429.2±96.7 mmol/L,P＜0.01), serum alanine aminotransferase (1 257.51±671.34vs671.34±118.57 nkat/L, P＜0.05) and aspartic aminotransferse (2 760.51±998.66 vs 1 648.29±414.16 nkat/L, P＜0.01) were significantly increased in the NASH group. Whereas, when rats were fed on LCD protocol, their body weight (329.5±38.4 g,P＜0.01), abdominal adipose content (310.21±1.52 g, P＜0.05),liver index (3.199±0.552 %, P＜0.05), and serum alanine aminotransferase (683.03±245.49 nkat/L, P＜0.05) were significantly decreased, and the degree of hepatic steatosis (P＜0.05) was markedly improved compared with those in the NASH group. However, no significant difference was found in serum lipid variables and hepatic inflammatory changes between the two groups.CONCLUSION: LCD might play a role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and hepatic steatosis in SD rats,but it exerts no significant effects on both serum lipid disorders and hepatic inflammatory changes.     

Melatonin improves metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake in rats

Abstract: In this study, we examined whether melatonin improves metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake in male Wistar rats. Feeding of a diet containing 60% fructose (HFD) for 4 or 6 wk caused increased serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, uric acid, leptin, and lipid peroxide concentrations as well as hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, and relative intra‐abdominal fat and liver weights. The 4‐ or 6‐wk HFD feeding reduced serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations. The 6‐wk HFD feeding increased serum tumor necrosis factor‐α concentration and hepatic lipid peroxide concentration and lowered hepatic reduced glutathione concentration. Daily intraperitoneal administration of melatonin (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight), starting at 4‐wk HFD feeding, attenuated these changes at 6‐wk HFD feeding more effectively at its higher dose than at its lower dose. In an oral glucose tolerance test, rats with 4‐ or 6‐wk HFD feeding showed higher serum insulin response curve and normal serum glucose response curve when compared with the corresponding animals that received the control diet. The 4‐ or 6‐wk HFD feeding caused insulin resistance, judging from the scores of HOMR‐IR and QUICKI, which are indices of insulin resistance. The daily administered melatonin (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) ameliorated the higher serum insulin response curve in the oral glucose tolerance test and insulin resistance at 6‐wk HFD feeding more effectively at its higher dose than at its lower dose. These results indicate that melatonin improves metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake in rats.     

Ghrelin对高脂喂养大鼠肝脏氧化应激及Akt/GSK3β信号通路的影响

目的探讨Ghrelin对高脂喂养的大鼠肝脏氧化应激水平及Akt/GSK3β信号通路的影响。方法成年雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组(NC组)、高脂饮食组(HFD组)和Ghrelin组,每组10只小鼠。NC组给予正常饲料喂养,HFD组及Ghrelin组给予高脂饮食,喂养6周后,进行药物干预4周:Ghrelin组给予Ghrelin(60μg/kg)每日两次腹腔注射,相应NC组及HFD组给予0.9%氯化钠溶液进行对照;结束后处死大鼠,检测血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、三酰甘油(TG)及总胆固醇(TC);测定肝组织匀浆超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及丙二醛(MDA);实时PCR检测肝脏组织Akt、GSK3βmRNA表达的改变。结果 Ghrelin组大鼠肝脏湿重、血TC及TG均低于HFD组(P0.05);Ghrelin组与HFD组比较,SOD明显增高(P0.05),MDA有所降低(P0.05);Ghrelin组与HFD组相比,肝脏组织Akt基因mRNA表达升高1.03倍(P0.05),GSK3β基因mRNA表达升高3.23倍,(P0.05)。结论 Ghrelin能改善高脂喂养大鼠血脂水平,减轻氧化应激损伤,其作用机制可能与Akt/GSK3β信号通路相关。     

Effect of chromium on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated rat

Chromium supplements are widely used as an alternative remedy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In vitro study findings show that chromium picolinate (CrPic) may improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing intracellular insulin receptor. In this study, we evaluated the metabolic effects of CrPic in a rat model of T2DM. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 45, 8 weeks old) were divided into 3 groups. The controls (group I) received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg; HFD/STZ) on day 14; group III rats were given group II diets with the addition of 80 microg CrPic per kilogram body weight per day. The addition of CrPic in the group III treatment lowered glucose by an average of 63% (P < .001), total cholesterol by 9.7% (P < .001), and triglycerides by 6.6% (P < .001) compared with group II treatment. Compared with group II, CrPic treatment also lowered free fatty acid levels by 24% (P < .001), blood urea by 33% (P < .05), and creatinine level by 25% (P < .01), and reduced the severity of glomerular sclerosis (P < .0001). Histopathologic findings suggest that the CrPic-treated group had normal renal tubular appearance compared with the HFD/STZ-treated group. Normal appearance of hepatocytes was observed in the CrPic-treated group. These results showed that CrPic has marked beneficial effects against microvascular complications. In conclusion, HFD/STZ rats provide a novel animal model for T2DM. Further treatment with CrPic for 10 weeks significantly ameliorated changes in metabolic risk factors including favorable changes in histopathology of the liver, kidney, and pancreas, suggesting its potential role in the management of diabetes.