Abstract
BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence links a high-fructose diet (HFrD) to metabolic disturbances, including inflammation, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and also endothelial dysfunction, yet its role in allergic asthma remains underexplored. Considering that obesity and hypercholesterolemia exacerbate asthma by promoting systemic inflammation, investigating interventions with dual metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the potential modulatory effects of rosuvastatin in ameliorating the effects of HFrD-induced metabolic and vascular dysfunction in the context of allergic asthma. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to eight groups, receiving either a standard or HFrD for 12 weeks. Allergic asthma was induced using an ovalbumin sensitization and challenge protocol, while controls were administered saline. Selected groups were treated with rosuvastatin throughout the entire duration of the experiment. Body weight, abdominal circumference and serum biomarkers were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. Endothelial function was assessed by evaluating vascular reactivity in an isolated organ bath. Additionally, histopathological analyses of aortic and pulmonary tissues were conducted to investigate inflammatory responses and morphological changes. RESULTS: Rats on HFrDs exhibited significant increases in body weight, abdominal circumference, lipid profiles and blood glucose, which were further aggravated by allergic asthma. Rosuvastatin treatment notably reduced lipid levels, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E, while also enhancing vascular reactivity and attenuating aortic and bronchial wall thickening. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that rosuvastatin may serve as an effective therapeutic agent for addressing vascular and inflammatory complications associated with a high fructose intake and allergic asthma.