Evaluation of the Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Serum Glucose, Lipid Profile, and Body weight In rats With Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Overconsumption of fructose may cause metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS pathogenesis is caused by oxidative stress, cellular malfunction, and systemic inflammation caused by hereditary and environmental factors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has become associated with the phrase "antioxidant." Most researchers use and test NAC with the goal of preventing or reducing oxidative stress. Aim: To determine the positive effects of NAC on blood glucose, lipid profile, and body weight in fructoseinduced metabolic syndrome in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male albino rats, 10-12 weeks old, were haphazardly divided into five groups of identical size. Group I (negative control) received tap water for 12 weeks. Group II (positive control) received a 60% w/w fructose solution (60% FS) instead of tap water for 12 weeks. Group III (NAC) received tap water and an intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of NAC (150 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Group IV (protection) co-administered 60% FS orally and NAC IP injection (150 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Group V (treatment) received 60% FS for 8 weeks followed by 4 weeks of drinking tap water with NAC IP injection (150 mg/kg/day). Blood samples were taken at weeks 0, 8, and 12 and were tested for serum glucose and lipid profile. All animals of each group were weighted at weeks 0, 8 and 12 of the study. Results: Concerning serum glucose, group II showed increased glycaemia at week 8 and further elevation during week 12. Group III displayed normal glycaemia at weeks 8 and 12. In group IV, glycaemia showed elevation at week 8 followed by almost complete restoration at week 12. In group V, there was an increased glycaemia at week 8 followed by a partial restoration at week 12. Regarding lipid profile parameters, group II demonstrated a deterioration during week 8 and more worsening during week 12. There were no significant changes in group III's parameters during weeks 8 and 12. Group IV displayed a worsening in lipid profile during week 8 followed by a nearly complete improvement during week 12. During week 8, group V deteriorated, followed by a partial recovery during week 12. Concerning body weight, group II showed a weight gain at week 8 and further elevation during week 12. Group III displayed normal glycaemia at weeks 8 and 12. In group IV, glycaemia showed elevation at week 8 followed by almost complete restoration at week 12. Yahya et al: N-acetylcysteine's effects on serum glucose, lipid profile, and body weight in rats 195In group V, there was an increased glycaemia at week 8 followed by a partial restoration at week 12. At week 8, there was a significant elevation in body weights in groups II and V compared to group I. Moreover, a significant reduction in body weight was recorded in group IV compared to group II during week 8. At week 12, a significant elevation in body weight was noticed in groups II and V compared to group I. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in body weight in group III compared to group I. On the other hand, there was a significant fall in body weigh...

The Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on the Pathologic Mechanisms of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease Development

“…NAC can also improve dyslipidemia by increasing HDL and decreasing TG. By stimulating insulin production, NAC has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels [ 97 , 106 ].…”