Effects of sesamin on blood fat,blood glucose and vascular remodeling in rats fed with high-fat and refined-sugar diet

AIM: To explore the effect of sesamin on blood fat, blood glucose and vascular remodeling in rats fed with high-fat, refined-sugar diet. METHODS: A high-fat, refined-sugar diet was given to rats for 24 weeks. Sesamin (120, 60, 30 mg·kg-1·d-1) was given by intragastric administration to the rats at 9th week, which lasted for 16 weeks. After 24 weeks, blood glucose, blood fat, blood pressure, activity of total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC) and concentration of hydrogen peroxide in serum and aorta were determined. Changes of histology and collagen fibers were observed in aorta by HE and Masson staining, respectively. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine iNOS protein expression in aorta. In mesenteric arteries, media thickness (M), luminal radius (L) and ratio of media to lumen (M/L) were measured. RESULTS: Compared to model group, sesamin (120, 60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) obviously decreased the levels of blood glucose, blood fat, blood pressure and concentration of hydrogen peroxide in serum and aorta. Sesamin also markedly enhanced the activity of T-AOC in serum and aorta and reduced collagen deposition and iNOS protein expression in the vascular wall. In addition, proliferation of intima and vascular smooth muscle cells were improved. In mesenteric arteries, sesamin lessened M and M/L and increased L of mesenteric arteries. CONCLUSION: Sesamin ameliorates disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism and inhibits vascular remodeling in rats caused by chronic high-fat, refined-sugar diet.