Objective To investigate the changes in endothelium function and its relevant to
oxygen free radicals in high fructose-fed
rats (HFR) as well as the effects of
rosiglitazone. Methods After high fructose (HF) diet for 4 weeks, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to its relevant to high fructose or high fructose plus rosiglitazone 5 mg/(kg·d) dissolved in water for 4 weeks. At the end of 8 th week, all rats were sacrificed. Serum nitric oxide(NO), plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) , malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD)and aortic nitric oxide synthase (NOS ) activity were measured. Results①Compared with control group, plasma ET-1 and MDA were significantly increased, while NO, SOD and NOS activity levels were significantly lowered in the HF group. Rosiglitazone treatment remarkably reduced ET-1 and MDA, while NO, SOD and NOS activity levels were significantly increased. ② Plasma ET content was negatively related to serum SOD(r=-0.35,P<0.05) and positively related to MDA(r=0.67, P<0.001). Serum NO content was positively correlated to SOD (r=0.513,P<0.002) and negatively related to MDA(r=-0.446, P<0.01). ConclusionRosiglitazone enhance aortic NOS activity and the ability of anti-
oxygen free radicals resulting in protection of endothelial cells in HFR.