The Main and Interactive Effects of Fat and Salt Contents of the Diet on Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The current Western diet contains high amounts of salt and fat. High salt and fat diets are known to have negative impacts on food intake (FI), body weight (BW), body composition (BC), glucose metabolism, and blood pressure. These factors have been studied as separate entities, but the main and interactive effects of dietary salt and fat received little study. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of sodium and fat content of the diet on FI, BW, and BC in male Wistar rats. Male Wistar Rats (n = 48) were allocated into 4 groups (n = 12) and received the following diets: 1. Normal sodium normal fat, 2. Normal sodium high fat, 3. High sodium normal fat, and 4. High sodium high-fat diet for 12 weeks. BW and FI were measured weekly. BC and organs’ weight were recorded post-termination. Regardless of sodium content, a greater FI was observed in normal-fat diet groups compared with high-fat diet groups. However, higher BW and fat (%) were observed in high-fat diet groups. Fasting blood glucose was higher in rats fed normal fat diets compared with those fed high-fat diets. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was lower in rats fed either high fat, high salt, or normal fat, normal salt diet. In conclusion, fat but not salt content in the diet is a determining factor in the regulation of FI and body weight. Moreover, glucose metabolism can be influenced by both the fat and salt content of the diet.