Effects of Liraglutide and Vitamin E in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing worldwide health problem. However, there is yet no effective therapy for MetS. The present work investigated the effect of liraglutide, a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 and vitamin E on fructose-induced MetS in rats. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Liraglutide (0.3 mg/kg/day) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day) were administered either alone or in combination with high fructose-fed male rats for 6 weeks. Fructose-fed rats developed metabolic disorders assessed by visceral fat index, serum glucose, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and serum lipids profile and hepatic disorders assessed by liver index, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and steatohepatitis in histopathology. This study showed that liraglutide, vitamin E and their combination significantly ameliorated the fructose-induced metabolic and hepatic disorders. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> These results indicate a potential therapeutic benefit of liraglutide and vitamin E combination in prevention of MetS. Their protective effects might rely on their antioxidant effects as well as on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α.