The effect of high fructose diet on the structure of liver of albino rat and the possible protective role of cinnamon. Light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract

Background: Fructose consumption has largely increased over the past few decades. Recent studies suggested that overconsumption of fructose might increase the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of high fructose diet (HFD) on the liver structure and the possible protective role of cinnamon. Material &methods: Twenty adult male albino rats were used and equally divided into four groups. Group I; control rats were fed control diet, groupII; rats were fed control diet in concomitant with oral administration of cinnamon extract (80mg/kg/day), group III; rats were fed HFD and group IV; rats were fed HFD in concomitant with oral administration of cinnamon extract (80mg/kg/day). All rats were sacrificed after 60 days and the liver was processed for light and electron microscopic examination. Results: The liver of rats of group III (HFD group) showed cytoplasmic vacuolation of the hepatocytes around the central vein with a significant increase in the area percentage of the collagen fibers in between the hepatocytes as compared to that of the control group. Electron microscopy examination of the liver of rats of group III (HFD group) revealed numerous swollen mitochondria with loss of their cristae. Collagen fibrils in close proximity to hepatic stellate cell (HSC) and macrophage were frequently seen in between the hepatocytes. The liver of rats of group IV (HFD and cinnamon) revealed structural profile comparable to that of the control group. Conclusion: the present work revealed that HFD produced a remarkable injurious effect on the liver structure which was markedly ameliorated by concomitant cinnamon extract administration. Reduction of the daily consumption of HFD and increase of cinnamon intake is highly recommended