Abstract

Objectives: To elucidate whether vanadyl sulfate ameliorates the decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in hyper-insulinemic rats, we evaluated plasma DHEAS, insulin and triglyceride (TG) levels in fructose-induced, insulin-resistant rats. Design and methods: Animals were divided into three groups: control (C), fructose fed (F-F), and vanadyl-treated fructose fed (F-T). Control animals were fed with standard chow; F-F and F-T groups fed with 66 fructose diet. F-F and C groups received tap water; F-T group received water supplemented with 0.2 mg/ml vanadyl sulfate. Results: Fasting plasma glucose levels of three groups were comparable. Vanadyl treatment prevented the increase in plasma insulin and TG in the F-T group (P < 0.001) compared with the F-F group. Fructose feeding led to a decrease in plasma DHEAS in the F-F group (P < 0.001) compared with the C group. Vanadyl treatment prevented the decrease in plasma DHEAS in the F-T group (P < 0.001) compared with the F-F group. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the hyperinsulinemia in fructose-fed, insulin-resistant rats is associated with low levels of DHEAS. Vanadyl sulfate probably restores plasma DHEAS, due to the improved insulin action. (C) 2004 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.