Role of Nitric Oxide in the Early Renal Changes Induced by High Fructose Diet in Rats

Abstract

Background: Early glomerular hypertrophy and late glomerulosclerosis have been observed in rats fed high fructose diet (HFD), comparable with those of diabetic rats. Several studies suggest a role for nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of renal damage in diabetes. This study investigated the possible role of NO in the pathogenesis of HFD-induced glomerular changes. Methods: Three study protocols were adopted. In the first, 20 rats were divided into two groups to evaluate the effect of HFD on glomerular size and on the urinary excretion of NO. In the second, the glomerular size was evaluated in 40 rats divided into four groups receiving: (1) standard diet (SD); (2) HFD; (3) HFD + L-NAME, and (4) SD + L-NAME for 1 month. In the third, the renal expression of inducible enzyme (iNOS) was compared in 10 rats on HFD and in 10 controls after a 1-month diet. Results: The results showed: (1) increased urinary excretion of NO and glomerular size, both induced by HFD; (2) prevention by L-NAME of the HFD-increased glomerular size, and (3) increased iNOS expression in the kidneys of rats fed HFD. Conclusion: These results suggest a role for NO in the pathogenesis of the early renal changes induced by HFD.