Aerobic Capacity of Rats Fed With Fructose Rich Diet

Introduction: Evidence points that exacerbated ingestion of fructose may trigger disturbs characteristic of the metabolic syndrome. Objectives: To analyze the effects of a fructose rich diet on metabolic aspects of Wistar lineage rats. Additionally, to verify the aerobic capacity, through the identification of the maximal lactate steady state (MSSL). Procedures: Sixteen rats were separated in two groups of eight animals: a) Control, fed a balanced diet, and b) fructose, fed a fructose-rich diet. The glucose tolerance, (area under serum glucose during a glucose tolerance test), insulin sensibility (glucose disappearance rate after exogenous insulin administration), serum lipid profile and blood lactate concentration [lac]b during exercise at MSSL intensity, have been analyzed. Results: Non-paired t test (p < 0.05) revealed difference between groups in the area under the curve of glucose and serum triglycerides, no difference in insulin sensibility or in [lac]b was detected, though. One-way ANOVA with Newman Keuls post hoc revealed difference in the glucose kinetics during tolerance test, but not in the lactate kinetics during the MSSL. Conclusion: The physiological alterations promoted by fructose-rich diet and intrinsic to the metabolic syndrome do not harm the aerobic capacity of rats.