Aliskiren prevents and ameliorates metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats

INTRODUCTION The renin-angiotensin system plays a major role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, on the metabolic syndrome of fructose-fed rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 for each group). Group Con: rats were fed a standard chow diet for 8 weeks, group Fru: rats were fed a high fructose diet (60% fructose) for 8 weeks, group FruA: rats were fed a high fructose diet and were co-infused with aliskiren (100 mg/kg/day), and group FruB: rats were treated as group Fru, but aliskiren was administered 4 weeks later. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and blood profiles were measured. RESULTS By the end of week 4 and 8 of a high fructose diet, SBP had increased significantly from 111 ±5 to 142 ±4 and 139 ±5 mmHg (p < 0.05), respectively. A high fructose diet significantly increased HOMA-IR from baseline (6.15 ±1.59) to 21.25 ±2.08 and 21.28 ±3.1 (p < 0.05) at week 4 and 8, respectively, and significantly induced metabolic syndrome. Concurrent aliskiren treatment prevented the development of hypertension and metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats. When fructose-induced hypertension was established, subsequent aliskiren treatment for 4 weeks reversed the elevated SBP and ameliorated metabolic syndrome. There were no significant differences in food, water intake, urine flow or body weight gain among groups. CONCLUSIONS Aliskiren not only prevents but also ameliorates metabolic syndrome in fructose-fed rats.