Evaluation of Sucrose‐enriched Diet Consumption in the Development of Risk Factors Associated to Type 2 Diabetes, Atherosclerosis and Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Murine Model

Abstract

IntroductionOverconsumption of sucrose has been associated with negative metabolic effects related to non‐communicable diseases. However, this relationship continues to be a controversial topic and further studies are needed to generate scientific evidence to help clarify existing questions and which can be used in the future for the implementation of prevention and control strategies of this important health problem.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the sucrose‐enriched diet consumption in the development of risk factors associated to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in a murine model.MethodologyTwelve healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups (n=6 each) which received one of two different diets for twenty five weeks. Control group (CG) was fed with a standard laboratory diet and tap water. Sucrose group (SG) received the same laboratory diet and water enriched with 50% w/v of sucrose. Body weight, food, macronutrient and total caloric intake were determined. After intervention period, blood samples, hepatic and aortic tissues were collected. Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were determined in serum. Insulin resistance was calculated and total hepatic cholesterol was measured. Histopathological analysis was made for liver and aortic tissues. Results of parametric tests were expressed as mean values ± standard errors of the mean and for non‐parametric tests, results were expressed as medians and ranks. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsSucrose‐enriched diet‐fed rats showed a decrease in food, lipids and protein intake as well as in serum total cholesterol levels, an increase in carbohydrates intake, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, the development of insulin resistance, a higher percentage of steatosis and a greater degree of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. No significant differences were found in body weight, total caloric intake, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic cholesterol between the experimental groups. In aortic tissue samples, both groups showed a slight wall thickening.ConclusionOur results show that sucrose‐enriched diet consumption during twenty five weeks contribute to the development of risk factors associated to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in male Wistar rats.