Objectives: To elucidate the relationship of hCG administration to glycemia, Non Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA), leptin and adiponectin levels on experimental animals previously submitted to a cafeteria diet, and then to a Low Calorie Diet (LCD). Design: Forty-one rats were selected (21 females, 20 males) and divided into seven (0-6) groups. Animals from groups 1 to 6 were fed a "cafeteria diet" with a mean energy content of 10% protein, 30% carbohydrate and 60% fat. Animals from group 0 were fed the standard laboratory diet. After the fattening period, animals from groups 1 to 6 were submitted to a restricted diet consisting of one-third the average daily intake for rats. hCG was administered for five weeks according to a specific protocol. The effects of hCG treatment were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: These assessments were compared: (1) glycemia, adiponectins, leptins and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA); (2) weight; (3) formulation effect; and (4) dose effect. Differences in leptins were observed between the Control group and Injectable A (p=0.026), Intrarectal Suspension A (p=0.20), Intrarectal Suspension B (p<0.001), and Intrarectal Suspension C (p<0001) groups. In all cases, the average values were higher for the control group. Significant differences were found in the groups treated with Injectable B, Intrarectal Suspension B (p=0.025) and Intrarectal Suspension C (p=0.037). Groups receiving Intrarectal Suspension B or C showed significantly lower mean leptin values. Differences in glycemia were detected between the Control group and Intrarectal Suspension A (p=0.021) and Intrarectal Suspension B (p=0.020) groups. Groups treated with Intrarectal Suspension A or B showed lower mean blood glucose values. Conclusions: Results show the activity of hCG (both urinary and recombinant) on glycemia and leptins levels in experimental animals in different formulations.hCG administration significantly decreased blood sugar and leptin levels, whereas adiponectins were only relatively sensitive to hCG
