Early impairments in the retina of rats fed with high fructose/high fat diet are associated with glucose metabolism deregulation but not dyslipidaemia

Abstract Way of life changes such as high consumption of processed foods rich in fat and sugar and sedentary lifestyle are associated with the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) that affects about 35% in the American population. MetS is the main risk factor for diabetes mellitus, which is associated with vascular changes in the retina. However, the early consequences of MetS in the retina are not well described. We therefore aimed at characterizing the early effects of a high fructose and high fat diet (HFHF) on the function and structure of the rat retina, and evaluate the associations with metabolic changes. Brown Norway rats of 6 weeks of age were fed for 8 days, 5 weeks or 13 weeks with HFHF diet, or a standard chow. After only 4 weeks of this diet, rats exhibited a reduction in cone photoreceptor sensitivity to light. Moreover, we observed that MetS significantly exacerbated laser-induced choroidal neovascularization by 72% and 67% 2 weeks and 3 weeks post laser treatment, respectively. These retinal abnormalities were associated with deregulation of glucose metabolism but not lipid metabolism. These data showed retinal modifications in HFHF-induced MetS in the rat, at very early stage of the disease

Effects of BPA and Endocrine Disruptor Mixtures on development and taste preferences in the non-exposed F2 offspring Wistar rats. CIME project

Effects of BPA and Endocrine Disruptor Mixtures on development and taste preferences in the non-exposed F2 offspring Wistar rats. CIME project. Colloque PNR-P

High fat-high fructose diet triggered metabolic syndrome and retinal neovascular complications in the rat

International audienc

A pro-diabetic diet triggers early functional and structural changes in the rat retina

International audiencePurpose : Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in industrial countries before the age of 50 years. The early consequences of diabetes on the retina are nevertheless poorly known. We therefore aimed at characterizing the early effects of a high fructose and high fat diet on the function and structure of the rat retina. Methods : Male Brown Norway rats (6 weeks of age) were fed for 8 days (n=16), 4 weeks (n=16) and 12 weeks (n=8) with 60% fructose+10% lipid rich diet (HFHF), or a standard chow (n=8). At each time point, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (ITT-0.5 U/ml) and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (GTT-2g/kg body weight) were carried out. Blood was collected to measure insulin during GTT. Flicker (8Hz), scotopic and photopic single flash electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded from both eyes. At the time of euthanasia, blood was collected to measure glycemia, plasma circulating cytokine levels. Rats were enucleated and the ocular globes were processed for electron microscopy in Epon resin in 86nm-thick sections after counterstaining with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Results : At the three time points, HFHF diet increased fasting glycemia (+20% for 8 days, +12% for 4 weeks, +6.5% for 12 weeks) as compared to standard chow diet (p<0.01). Moreover, HFHF feeding induced a significant increase in plasma glucose in ITT (p<0.05) and in GTT (p<0.05), with an elevated insulin response at 12 weeks compared to control group. Our data highlighted a partial loss of cone sensitivity to light in rats fed for 4 weeks with HFHF as revealed by 8Hz Flicker ERG (Δ=0.5 log(I)). However, no significant effect of HFHF was reported on scotopic and photopic single flash ERG. Finally, structural changes were observed, such as deposition of amorphous material between Bruch’s membrane and choriocapillaris in rats fed for 12 weeks with HFHF. Conclusions : The consumption of high fructose and high fat diet triggered deregulation of glucose metabolism, loss of cone sensitivity and ultrastructural changes in the retina. These findings are consistent with epidemiological data reporting color vision impairment at early stages of diabetes type 2 in human retina, and lipid deposits in Bruch’s membrane at early stages of DR

An integrative and multidisciplinary PNR-PE project for studying Chronic Impact of ED Mixture Exposures at environmental low doses on reproduction, development and behavior.

National audienc

An integrative and multidisciplinary PNR-PE project for studying Chronic Impact of ED Mixture Exposures at environmental low doses on reproduction, development and behavior.

National audienc

CIME: An integrative and multidisciplinary PNR-PE project on Chronic Impact of ED Mixture Exposure at environmental low doses on Reproduction, Development and Behavior

CIME: An integrative and multidisciplinary PNR-PE project on Chronic Impact of ED Mixture Exposure at environmental low doses on Reproduction, Development and Behavior. Colloque PNR-P