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High-fat diets and stress responsivity
K Kamara1, R Eskay, T Castonguay
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland College Park, 20742, USA.
Physiology & Behavior
|July 14, 1998
Summary
High-fat diets initially increase stress hormone responses in rats. However, prolonged consumption impairs the body's ability to return to normal corticosterone levels after stress.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Endocrinology
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Dietary fat composition significantly influences metabolic and endocrine functions.
- Understanding the impact of different dietary fats on stress response is crucial for metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various high-fat diets on stress responsivity and glucose metabolism in adult male rats.
- To determine how prolonged high-fat intake affects corticosterone levels and glucose homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were fed one of five diets (chow, soybean oil, corn oil, menhaden oil, or olive oil) for 10 weeks.
- Restraint stress tests were conducted, and plasma corticosterone levels were measured.
- Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to assess glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- High-fat diets significantly increased stimulated corticosterone levels during stress tests.
- Corn and soybean oil diets led to elevated blood glucose levels post-glucose challenge.
- Prolonged high-fat feeding resulted in impaired corticosterone restoration after stress.
Conclusions:
- Initial exposure to high-fat diets can enhance stress responsiveness.
- Sustained consumption of high-fat diets leads to dysregulation of the stress hormone system and impaired glucose tolerance.