Anti-diabetic effects of pomegranate extracts in long-term high fructose-fat fed rats

Abstract

A high-sugar or/and high-fat diets is a major risk factors for obesity. However, increased fruit and vegetable intake has been recently linked to obesity prevention. The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive effects of pomegranate leaves (PL), juice (PJ) and peel (PP) extracts, on insulin resistance and oxidative stress in high fat and high fructose diet-induced obese rats. Obesity in rats was induced by consumption of diet high in saturated fat and fructose (HFD) for a long period (12 weeks). Compared to the control group (CG) fed chow died, the high fat and high fructose diet (HFD) group showed a significant increase in the fasted plasma levels of glucose (29.8%), insulin (45%), amylase (70%) and lipase (54%). Moreover, HFD feeding has increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation and decreased antioxidant enzymes levels. However, PL, PJ and PP treatment markedly prevents glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and oxidative stress and decrease amylase and lipase levels. These findings highlight that a long-term intake of pomegranate extracts might be a potential alternative strategy for the prevention of a HFD induced insulin resistance and oxidative stress.