Simvastatin-induced cardiac autonomic control improvement in fructose-fed female rats.

Objective: Because autonomic dysfunction has been found to lead to cardiometabolic disorders and because studies have reported that simvastatin treatment has neuroprotective effects, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of simvastatin treatment on cardiovascular and autonomic changes in fructose-fed female rats.

Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: controls (n = 8), fructose (n = 8), and fructose+ simvastatin (n = 8). Fructose overload was induced by supplementing the drinking water with fructose (100 mg/L, 18 wks).

Effect of food restriction and intense physical training on estrous cyclicity and plasma leptin concentrations in rats.

Intense physical training and dietary energy restriction have been associated with consequences such as nutritional amenorrhea. We investigated the effects of intense physical training, food restriction or the combination of both strategies on estrous cyclicity in female rats, and the relationship between leptin ad these effects. Twenty-seven female Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: SF: sedentary, fed ad libitum; SR: sedentary subjected to 50% food restriction (based on the food intake of their fed counterparts); TF: trained (physical training on a motor treadmill with a gradual increase in speed and time), fed ad libitum; TR: trained with 50% food restriction.

[Leptin: aspects on energetic balance, physical exercise and athletic amenorhea].

The aim of this manuscript was to review the knowledge about leptin, detailing its relationship with energetic intake and physical activity. Leptin is an adipocyte hormone, recognized mainly for its putative role in control of energy expenditure, food intake, body weight and reproductive function. Leptin has still important peripheral actions, including its role on the ovarian tissue.