Can Ayhan KAYA, İbrahim Hanifi ÖZERCAN
Anatolian Current Medical Journal - 2026;8(1):97-102
Aims: This study investigated the effects of long-term high fructose consumption on metabolic parameters and liver histology in female Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: The experimental group received 20% fructose-supplemented water for 90 days, while the control group was fed a standard diet. Results: Results showed that the fructose group had significantly lower feed intake (356.47+/-83.40 g vs. 1078.67+/-79.97 g) and protein intake (81.28+/-19.02 g vs. 245.94+/-18.23 g; p<0.001), but higher water consumption (2612.56+/-474.13 ml vs. 1662.03+/-121.70 ml; p<0.001). No statistical differences were observed in energy intake (2898.43+/-526.65 kcal vs. 3052.63+/-226.32 kcal) or body weight (1541.97+/-287.67 g vs. 1575.97+/-63.24 g; p>0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed grade 1 macrovesicular steatosis (affecting <33% of hepatocytes) in the fructose group, while the control group showed no pathological changes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that fructose triggers hepatic fat accumulation via de novo lipogenesis without disrupting energy balance or body weight. This study demonstrates that high fructose intake induces hepatic steatosis and metabolic adaptations in animal models, highlighting its potential role in diet-related metabolic disorders.
