Selective versus non Selective Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors in High Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of interrelated abnormalities namely obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Chronic inflammation with release of inflammatory mediators including cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes represents an important pathogenic factor in the development of MS. The present study investigated the effect of selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, versus non selective, diclofenac, in prevention of high fructose-induced MS in rats. Rats were divided into 6 groups: normal control (received normal diet); high fructose fed (HF) (received 20% fructose plus saline to serve as control MS group; celecoxib-treated ( received HF plus either celecoxib 10 or 50 mg/kg/day); diclofenac-treated (received HF plus either diclofenac 6 or 30 mg/kg/day). visceral fat index (visceral fat weight /body weight ratio), insulin resistance , serum levels of triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) were measured. The results showed that celecoxib, but not diclofenac, prevented the development of high fructose-induced MS as indicated by significant attenuation in visceral fat index, insulin resistance, and lipid profile. The protective effect of celecoxib was associated with significant improvement in serum levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, and catalase), and inflammatory markers (uric acid, CRP, and TNF-α). These results indicate that selective COX-2 inhibitors protect against high fructose-induced MS possibly via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects