Citrullus lanatus Juice Improves Metabolic Functions in Offspring of Fructose-fed Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of Citrullus lanatus juice (CLJ) on fructose-induced morphometric and metabolic derangements in offspring of Wistar rats. Study Design: On Post-Natal Day (PND) 1, morphometric indices were measured. Offspring were weaned on PND 21 and sacrificed on PND 90 under thiopentone anesthesia. Blood glucose level, serum leptin, lipid profile, oxidative status and tissue histology were assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between February 2016 and July 2016. Methodology: Twenty pregnant rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n=5) and had their drinking water modified from Gestation Day (GD) 1-21 as follows; Control (water), Fructose (10%w/v), CLJ ( 50%v/v) and Fructose + CLJ (FCLJ). Results: Blood glucose levels increased in both offspring from Fructose (53.3±0.2; 69.5±0.2) compared with Control (46±0.3; 52.3±0.0) and decreased in FCLJ (43.3±0.4; 46±0.1) compared with Fructose. Pup’s weight increased in male offspring from Fructose (5.3±0.0) compared with Control (5.1±0.0) and decreased in FCLJ (5.1±0.0) compared with Fructose. Malondialdehyde increased in male offspring from Fructose (0.01±0.0) compared with Control (0.009±0.0). Leptin concentration of male offspring from Fructose increased (4.8±0.02) compared with Control (3.7±0.01). Total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in male offspring from Fructose (153.0±2.3; 225.0±1.6; 63±0.4) compared with Control (92.2±1.2; 135.1±1.6; 36.2±0.1). High density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in male offspring from Fructose (26.1±0.1) compared with Control (40.0±0.1) and increased in both offsprings from FCLJ groups (31.7±0.1; 32.0±0.2) compared with Fructose. Liver histology showed moderate congestion of the central venules and portal tract in male offspring from fructose group, while it appeared normal and not congested in offspring of FCLJ. Conclusion: CLJ ameliorated the adverse effects of maternal fructose intake on blood glucose, lipid metabolism, morphometric indices and antioxidant status in offspring.