Comparison of the effects of high-sucrose, -glucose, and -fructose diets on the thoracic aorta of rats

Structural degeneration of blood vessels causes vascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The diet affects the development of vascular diseases. We have previously reported that a high-sucrose diet induces structural degeneration of the thoracic aorta in rats. To clarify the mechanisms underlying the undesirable effects of excess sucrose intake, we compared the effects of three different diets (sucrose and its constituent sugars, glucose and fructose) on the thoracic aorta and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). Among the three diets, the high-fructose diet had the most adverse effects on the thoracic aorta, thoracic PVAT, and serum parameters. Our study suggests that the biological effects on blood vessels differ depending on the carbohydrate component of the diet, even under conditions of equivalent caloric intake. The management of fructose intake may affect the development of vascular diseases.