Pathological involvement of apoptotic and inflammatory molecules in cardiovascular remodeling in rats on high fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome

Fructose consumption has been linked to manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS); an emerging epidemic. The current study attempts to demonstrate fructose overconsumption-mediated cardiovascular disease (CVD) remodeling in Wistar rats. Rats were randomly segregated into control (CON) and high fructose diet (FFR) groups and received customized diets for 20 weeks. Levels of diabetic, lipid, antioxidant, markers, mRNA levels of inflammatory, apoptotic markers, and histopathological changes were assessed in excised hearts of both groups. Significant increase in uric acid, pro-oxidants diabetic, lipid, inflammatory markers, cytosolic cytochrome C, nuclear NF-kB-p65, and decrease in antioxidants was observed in FFR group. Abnormal myocardial architecture was observed in the FFR group along with elevated mRNA levels of inflammatory, apoptotic markers, and MMP-9, -2. The outcomes of the study are suggestive of role of aforementioned molecules in high fructose intake-mediated pathological deterioration of heart and development of MS-associated CVD progression. Practical applications Excessive fructose consumption in the form of high fructose corn syrup, sugary drinks, and commonly available fast foods has been shown to be linked with many diseases such as liver malfunction, metabolic syndrome diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. However, delineated pathways and clear mechanisms and their role in cardiovascular remodeling due to excessive fructose consumption are yet to be established. The present study establishes the deleterious effects of foods with high sugar content on progression toward metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular remodeling. It further investigates the role of different pathways involved in the development of high fructose-induced diet-induced metabolic syndrome, and thereby leading to harmful effects on the hearts of rats consuming high fructose diet leading to cardiovascular in Wistar rats. The study suggests the role of immunomodulation and oxidative stress in the remodeling of cardiac muscles and in turn progression toward metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular remodeling. The study, therefore, throws light on the deleterious effects of consumption of foods and easily available fast foods on progression toward numerous non-communicable diseases.