Multiple time-dependent pathophysiological changes in a rabbit model of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia

Area of Science:

• Metabolic Disorders
• Cardiovascular Pathology
• Animal Models

Background:

• High-fat diets (HFD) are linked to various health issues.
• Previous research on HFD effects in animals is limited in scope and duration.
• Understanding time-dependent HFD impacts is crucial for disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the time-dependent pathological, cardiovascular, and morphological changes induced by HFD in rabbits.
• To establish a comprehensive timeline of HFD-related organ damage.
• To provide reference data for HFD risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Rabbits were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks.
• Evaluated time-dependent changes in body weight, blood lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and organ morphology.
• Assessed cardiovascular function (ejection fraction, fractional shortening), renal function (creatinine), and aortic pathology (atherosclerosis).

Main Results:

• HFD increased body weight, waist ratio, and altered lipid metabolism within 3 weeks.
• Significant liver damage (hepatomegaly, steatosis, fibrosis) and renal dysfunction (glomerulosclerosis) were observed by 3-6 weeks.
• Cardiovascular changes, including reduced ejection fraction and aortic atherosclerosis, appeared by 6-9 weeks.
• Pancreatic and adrenal gland lipid accumulation and hypertrophy were noted.

Conclusions:

• HFD induces progressive, multi-organ pathological changes over 9 weeks in rabbits.
• The study provides a detailed temporal map of HFD-induced diseases.
• Findings can guide future research and clinical strategies for managing HFD-related health risks.