High-fructose in drinking water initiates activation of inflammatory cytokines and testicular degeneration in rat

AbstractThe increased consumption of high-fructose in diet may contribute to high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the world. The influence of high-fructose diet on male reproductive system has been poorly documented. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary high-fructose on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in association with certain testicular proteins and sex hormones in the testis of rats. Fructose was given to the rats as 20% solution (7.8 mg/kg) in drinking water for 15 weeks. Dietary high-fructose caused testicular degeneration, also decreased testicular concentration of testosterone and right testis absolute weight. This dietary intervention increased iNOS and TNF-α mRNAs as well as iNOS, NF-κB, and p-NF-κβ proteins, but decreased IL-10 and IL-6 mRNAs expressions, in testicular samples of rats. Moreover, testicular TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS and plasma IL-1β levels were significantly increased in rats fed with fructose. A marked increase in the expression level of IGF-1R protei...