LAUSR

ABSTRACT Introduction High-fructose diet (HFr) causes metabolic syndrome, and HFr-induced hypertension and renal damage are exaggerated in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats. Exercise training (Ex) has antihypertensive and renal protective effects in rats fed HFr; however, there has been little discussion about the DS rats, which exhibit metabolic disturbances. This study thus examined the effects of Ex on DS rats fed HFr. Methods Male DS rats were divided into three groups. The control group was fed a control diet, and both the HFr group and the HFr–Ex group were fed an HFr (60% fructose). The HFr–Ex group also underwent treadmill running (20 m·min−1, 60 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1). After 12 wk, renal function, histology, and renin–angiotensin system were examined. Results HFr increased blood pressure, urinary albumin, and creatinine clearance, and Ex inhibited these increases. HFr induced glomerular sclerosis, podocyte injury, afferent arteriole thickening, and renal interstitial fibrosis, and Ex ameliorated them. HFr reduced plasma renin activity, and Ex further reduced the activity. HFr also increased the expression of angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II type 1 receptor, and Ex restored the ACE expression to the control levels. HFr decreased the expression of ACE2, angiotensin II type 2 receptor, and Mas receptor, and Ex restored the ACE2 and Mas receptor expressions to the control levels and further decreased the angiotensin II type 2 receptor expression. HFr increased the ACE activity and decreased the ACE2 activity, and Ex restored these activities to the control levels. Conclusions Ex prevents HFr-induced hypertension and renal damages in DS rats. The changes in renal renin–angiotensin system may be involved in the mechanism of the antihypertensive and renal protective effects of Ex.