Cranberry improves metabolic syndrome-related organ dysfunction in rats by modulating AMPK/SREBP1, ROCK1 and TGF-β1

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Pathology

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) presents a significant global health challenge, increasing healthcare costs and reducing quality of life.
• Effective prevention and management strategies for MetS are urgently needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and metformin in a rat model of MetS.
• To evaluate the impact of cranberry and metformin on metabolic parameters, organ pathology, and molecular pathways associated with MetS.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of MetS was established using a high-fat and high-fructose diet followed by streptozotocin injection.
• Rats were treated with varying doses of cranberry extract or metformin for four weeks.
• Evaluations included metabolic profiling, organ histopathology, and analysis of gene expression (Rock1, Srebf1) and protein markers (iNOS, TGF-β1).

Main Results:

• MetS induction led to increased body weight, BMI, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, elevated creatinine, and hypertension.
• Hepatic and renal structural abnormalities were observed, along with increased collagen and iNOS/TGF-β1 expression.
• Cranberry extract dose-dependently improved metabolic parameters, upregulated AMPK, downregulated Rock1 and Srebf1, ameliorated organ damage, and reduced iNOS/TGF-β1 expression, with results comparable to metformin.

Conclusions:

• Cranberry extract demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for managing MetS.
• It offers broad-spectrum benefits, including organ protection and modulation of key molecular pathways.
• Cranberry extract represents a promising, safe, natural alternative for MetS management.