Feeding pattern, biochemical, anthropometric and histological effects of prolonged ad libitum access to sucrose, honey and glucose-fructose solutions in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background/objectives: The exposure to sucrose in rats has mimic abnormalities attributed to metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effects of honey bee and "free" glucose and fructose, have not been explored in this context. The aim was to expose Wistar rodents to sucrose solution (SS), honey solution (HS) and fructose/glucose solution (GFS) at 30% to assess their effects.

Subjects/methods: HS (n = 10), SS (n = 10) and GFS (n = 10) groups were formed. Solutions were ad libitum along 14-weeks.

Results: Between solutions consumptions, honey was significantly 42% higher (P = 0.000), while similar consumption was observed among GFS and SS. The feeding pattern of HS consumption was irregular along experiment; while the food intake pattern showed the similar trend among groups along time. Non statistical differences were obtained in any biochemical and anthropometric measure, however, a higher concentration of leptin (721 ± 507 pg/mL), lower concentration of total cholesterol (TC; 48.87 ± 2.41 mg/100 mL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL; 16.47 ± 6.55 mg/100 mL) and triglycerides (82.37 ± 32.77 mg/100 mL) was obtained in SS group. For anthropometric values, HS showed less total adipose tissue (AT; average 26 vs. 31-33 g) and adiposity index (average 6.11 vs. 7.6). Due to sugar-sweetened beverages consumption increases the risk for the development of chronic diseases; correlations between fluid intake and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. A moderate correlation was obtained in groups with the weight of total AT and solution intake; for the weight gain in GFS group and for triglycerides in HS and GFS. The highest hepatic tissue damage was observed in SS group with multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles, atypia changes, moderate pleomorphism and hepatocellular necrosis.

Conclusions: In spite of the significantly higher consumption of HS, biochemical, anthropometrical and histological effects were not remarkably different in comparision to other sweeteners.

Keywords: Honey; feeding patterns; histology; rats; sucrose.

Fig. 1. Behavioral patterns of (A) fluid, (B) food and (C) total caloric intake during 14 weeks.

HS, honey solution; SS, sucrose solution; GFS, glucose/fructose solution.

Fig. 2. Changes in (A) body weight and (B) body mass index along 14 weeks.

HS, honey solution; SS, sucrose solution; GFS, glucose/fructose solution.

Fig. 3. Histology of liver tissue (hematoxylin and eosin stain, magnification at × 40). Blue arrow: microvacuoles with multivacuolated hepatocytes; green arrow: microvacuoles with univacuolated hepatocytes; orange arrow: macrovacuoles with univacuolated hepatocytes; pink arrow: hepatocellular necrosis; gray circle: portal triad; yellow circle: nuclear atypia.

HS, honey solution; SS, sucrose solution; GFS, glucose/fructose solution.