The buckwheat iminosugar d-fagomine attenuates sucrose-induced steatosis and hypertension in rats

Abstract

Scope: This study examines the long-term functional effects of D-fagomine on sucrose4 induced factors of metabolic dysfunctions and explores possible molecular mechanisms behind its action. Methods & results: Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were fed a 35% sucrose solution with D- fagomine (or not, for comparison) or mineral water (controls) for 24 weeks. We recorded: body weight; energy intake; glucose tolerance; plasma leptin concentration and lipid profile; populations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, bacteroidales, clostridiales, enterobacteriales, and Escherichia coli in feces; blood pressure; urine uric acid and F2t isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs); perigonadal fat deposition; and hepatic histology and diacylglycerols (DAGs) in liver and adipose tissue. D-Fagomine reduced sucrose-induced hypertension, urine uric acid and F2-IsoPs (markers of oxidative stress; OS), steatosis and liver DAGs, without significantly affecting perigonadal fat deposition and impaired glucose tolerance. It also promoted excretion of enterobacteriales generated by the dietary intervention. Conclusion: D-fagomine counteracts sucrose-induced steatosis and hypertension, presumably by reducing the postprandial levels of fructose in the liver.