Effect of exercise and melatonin on fructose-induced hepatic dysfunction in a metabolic syndrome rat model

Abstract

Objectives The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of swimming exercise and/or melatonin administration on liver function as well as certain metabolic aspects in a fructose-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) rat model and to determine whether the combined treatment provides higher protection than each treatment alone. Background MS is a major health challenge that leads to many complications including hepatic dysfunction. This has raised attention to the possible strategies for its prevention. Materials and methods Eighty, adult, male albino rats were equally divided into two main groups: group I received a standard rat chow diet, and group II received a fructose-rich diet for 6 weeks to induce MS. Rats of group I were equally subdivided into four groups: sedentary nontreated control, swimming exercise-trained control, melatonin-administered control, and combined swimming exercise-trained and melatonin-administered control groups. Similarly, rats of group II were equally subdivided into four groups: sedentary nontreated fructose-fed, swimming exercise-trained fructose-fed, melatonin-administered fructose-fed, and combined swimming exercise-trained and melatonin-administered fructose-fed groups. After 6 weeks, body weight change was assessed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Next, arterial blood pressure was measured. Finally, rats were killed, and the liver was excised for biochemical and histopathological examination. Results Feeding a fructose-rich diet for 6 weeks induced MS with fatty liver in rats. Swimming exercise and/or melatonin improved most of the harmful effects in fructose-fed rats. Conclusion Both swimming exercise training and melatonin administration may provide a new strategy for MS prevention.