Ventricular remodelling in rabbits with sustained high-fat diet
M Zarzoso1, S Mironov, G Guerrero-Serna
1Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Physiotherapy, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England)
|December 6, 2013
Summary
High-fat diets in rabbits cause obesity, diabetes, and heart changes, increasing arrhythmia risk, especially with high potassium levels. This research explores diet-induced cardiac remodeling and potential heart rhythm problems.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Obesity and excess weight gain are significant health concerns in Western societies.
- These conditions increase the risk of heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ventricular remodeling in rabbits fed a high-fat diet (HFD).
- To explore potential arrhythmogenic mechanisms associated with HFD-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- 15 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into control and HFD groups for 18 weeks.
- In vivo measurements included blood glucose, ECG, and echocardiography.
- Optical mapping was performed on isolated, Langendorff-perfused hearts.
Main Results:
- HFD rabbits exhibited higher body weight and blood glucose levels.
- Increased QT interval and dispersion were observed in HFD rabbits, indicating repolarization abnormalities.
- Echocardiography revealed left ventricle hypertrophy; isolated hearts showed increased arrhythmia susceptibility during hyperkalemia.
Conclusions:
- Eighteen weeks of HFD induced a type II diabetes phenotype and left ventricle hypertrophy in rabbits.
- Repolarization abnormalities and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias during hyperkalemia were observed.
- Extrinsic factors may contribute to ECG modifications seen in HFD rabbits.
