The Buckwheat Iminosugar d-Fagomine Attenuates Sucrose-Induced Steatosis and Hypertension in Rats.

This study examines the long-term functional effects of d-fagomine on sucrose-induced factors of metabolic dysfunctions and explores possible molecular mechanisms behind its action. Wistar Kyoto rats are fed a 35% sucrose solution with d-fagomine (or not, for comparison) or mineral water (controls) for 24 weeks. The following are recorded: body weight; energy intake; glucose tolerance; plasma leptin concentration and lipid profile; populations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, bacteroidales, clostridiales, enterobacteriales, and Escherichia coli in feces; blood pressure; urine uric acid and F2t isoprostanes (F2 -IsoPs); perigonadal fat deposition; and hepatic histology and diacylglycerols (DAGs) in liver and adipose tissue. d-Fagomine reduces sucrose-induced hypertension, urine uric acid and F2 -IsoPs (markers of oxidative stress), steatosis, and liver DAGs, without significantly affecting perigonadal fat deposition, and impaired glucose tolerance. It also promotes excretion of enterobacteriales generated by the dietary intervention. d-fagomine counteracts sucrose-induced steatosis and hypertension, presumably by reducing the postprandial levels of fructose in the liver.