Histopathological and biochemical changes in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by high sucrose diet at different times

The high intake of sweetened-drinks is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. These pathologies are directly related to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), considered a condition of metabolic syndrome (MS). Due to their increasing worldwide prevalence, experimental animal models have been developed to gain a better understanding of its physiopathology; notwithstanding few studies have evaluated its progression in association with MS and ingestion of sweetened-drinks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the pathophysiologic characteristics of NAFLD related to sucrose concentration and time of ingestion in rats. Wistar rats were divided into two groups with free access to either tap water or 30% sucrose, and euthanized at 12, 16 or 20 weeks; and other two groups with free access to 40% or 50% sucrose and were euthanized at 20 weeks. Biochemical parameters, serum cytokines and histology were performed. Ingestion of 30% sucrose induced liver steatosis until 16 weeks (grade 2), and 20 weeks (grade 3). While during 20 weeks, 40% sucrose induced grade 5 of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), finally 50% sucrose induced grade 6 of NASH and fibrosis. Demonstrating that the more time of induction and concentration of sucrose ingestion, the higher grade of NAFLD.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author