Fructose- and Iron-Mediated Model of Steatohepatitis in Rats

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a fructose- and iron-mediated model of steatohepatitis, which is similar to the human phenotype.

Methods: We randomly divided ninety 1.5 months old female Wistar-Albino rats into three groups. All three groups contained 30 rats in each group and 5 subgroups per group. While the control group was fed ad libitum, the fructose group’s feed consisted of 60% fructose in drinking water and that of the fructose-iron group consisted of 60% fructose in drinking water along with intraperitoneal administration of iron every 2 weeks. We performed laparotomies at 2-week intervals (at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks) in all subgroups.

Results: None of the groups had hepatosteatosis or fibrosis at the end of the 10th week. Hepatocellular ballooning scores were significantly higher in the fructose-fed groups than in the control group (p<0.001). At 10th week serum ferritin levels in the fructose-iron group were significantly higher than those in the control and fructose groups (p<0.001). Iron accumulation in the rat liver was observed in the fructose-iron group histopathologically by the 4th week.

Conclusion: Chemically and histopathologically, a model of steatohepatitis can not be developed in young and female rats with 60% concentrated fructose feeding and administration of iron for 10 weeks. To develop a model of steatohepatitis resembling the human phenotype, it is more advisable and feasible to use adult male rats fed meals combined with fructose in order to maintain adequate hydration and nutrition for at least 16 weeks.