Bezaitbrate attenuates the increase in blood pressure in fructose-fed rats

A high fructose diet induces hypertension (HTN). insulin resistance (InsR), and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). The sequence of these metabolic abnormalities associated with this dietary regimen remains to be elucidated. We hypothesize that HTG leads tds to the development of HTN and InsR in the fructose-fed animal model. Thus, we evaluated the effects of the lipid-lowering drug bezafibrate (BZFB) on FRU-induced HTN and InsR. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and placed on the following diets for five weeks; 60% FRU (n=5). FRU+BZFB (30 mg/kg/days (n=5); regular chow (C) (n=6), and regular chow + BZFB (C+BZFB)) (n=6). The results are summarized below. Groups Blood Pressure (mmHg) Triglyceride (mg/dl) FRU (n=5) 144.4 ± 10 * 130.4 ± 18.* 2 FRU+BZFB (n=S) 126 ± 5 102 ± 37# CB (n=6) 125.5 ± 6 76 ± 45 C (n=6) 125.5 ± 8 54 ± 21 (Blood Pressure: * P<0.05 FRU vs. other three groups; Triglyceride: * P<0.05 FRU vs. CB, 2 P<0.01 FRU vs. C; # P<0.05 FRU+BZFB vs. CB.) Bezafibrate treatment was effective in preventing the elevation in blood pressure associated with fructose feeding. We conclude that HTG is a contributing factor in the development of HTN in the FRU-fed animal model.