A metabolomics-based analysis of the metabolic pathways associated with the regulation of branched-chain amino acids in rats fed a high-fructose diet.

Abstract

Previous studies, have shown that elevated levels of circulating BCAAs are associated with the development of insulin resistance and its complications, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. However, animal models that can mimic the metabolic state of chronically elevated BCAAs in humans are rare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the above animal model and analyze the metabolic changes associated with high BCAA levels. Sixteen 8-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into two groups and given either a high fructose diet or a normal diet. BCAA levels as well as blood glucose and lipid levels were measured at different time points of feeding. The mRNA expression levels of two key enzymes of BCAA catabolism, ACAD (acyl-CoA dehydrogenase) and BCKDH (branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase), were measured by qPCR, and the protein expression levels of these two enzymes were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, the metabolite expression differences between the two groups were analyzed by Q300 metabolomics technology. Our study confirms that defects in the catabolic pathways of BCAAs lead to increased levels of circulating BCAAs, resulting in disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism characterized by insulin resistance by affecting metabolic pathways associated with amino acids and bile acids.