Background: As a result of the increased consumption of sugar-rich and fatty-products, and the increase in the preference for such products, metabolic disorders are becoming more common at a younger age. Hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance [IR] and inflammatory status induced by high fat high fructose diet [HFHFD] increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases [CVDs] which are the leading cause of death worldwide.
Objective: This study is aiming to determine the effects of HFHFD on cardiovascular disease [CVD]-related parameters. Also, the possible protective and curative effects of cinnamon extract on cardiac diseases.
Methodology: Fifty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Group I: [control]. Group II rats were fed a diet with 45 kcal% fat and drink fructose 60% [HFHFD] for 8w. Group III: fed on HFHFD and pioglitazone [PGZ 20 mg/kg/b.wt]. Group IV: fed on HFHFD and cinnamon extract200mg/kg.b.w. Group V: fed on HFHFD and treated with combination of PGZ drug and cinnamon extract.
Results: HFHFD administration resulted signs of cardiomyopathy revealed by significant increase in blood glucose, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of IR [HOMA- IR] index with disturbed lipid profile. Also, significant increase in serum cardiac enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were also noticed. PGZ and cinnamon extract treatment resulted in a significant decrease in glucose, insulin, and HOMA- IR index, amelioration of lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers