Neonatal orally administered curcumin: impact on the metabolic response and renal histology of Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fructose diet until adolescence

Abstract

Abstract Background Fructose-rich diets are linked to the epidemic of metabolic syndrome and co-morbidities including nephropathy. Phytochemicals are increasingly being used for medicinal purposes due to their perceived safety compared to conventional drugs. Although previously shown to beneficially programme metabolism, these phytochemicals might have a negative impact on metabolic health when introduced early in life. We investigated whether neonatal administration of curcumin to rats would impact their response in adolescence to a high-fructose diet. Sprague-Dawley pups (n = 128) were administered either 0.5% dimethyl sulphoxide, curcumin (500 mg kg−1), fructose (20%, w/v) or a combination of curcumin and fructose from post-natal day 6 to 21. Each group was then subdivided into two; one had tap water, while the other had fructose (20%, w/v) to drink for 6 weeks. Results There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, plasma insulin and adiponectin concentrations across the groups. The renal corpuscular, glomerular tuft and Bowman capsular areas were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatment groups, in both sexes. Post-weaning fructose alone induced tubular secretions and mesangial proliferation in the kidneys which were prevented by curcumin. Conclusions Despite the observed benefits in adolescence, the impact of curcumin on renal health beyond adolescence needs to be explored.