Effects of High Levels of White and Brown Sugar Consumption on Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Insulin Resistance, and Blood Biochemical Factors in Albino Rats

Introduction: In recent decades, consumption of simple sugars has dramatically increased,which This factor contributes to the development of insulin resistance and obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high levels of white and brown sugar on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin resistance, and blood biochemical factors in Albino rats.Materials & Methods: In this study, 24 Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, group treated with 15% white sugar and group treated with 15% brown sugar. Rats were given white and brown sugar by gavage (daily) for 49 days. At the end of the intervention period, Fasting blood sugar (FBS), body weight, Insulin resistance, liver enzymes, serum levels of BDNF and Lipid profile were measured.Results: Our results showed that Body weight, FBS and insulin resistance, was significantly increased in both white and brown sugar groups compared to the control group (P <0.05). In the white sugar-treated rats, serum BDNF levels decreased and serum triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly increased compared to brown sugar-treated and control groups (P <0.05).Also, no significant difference was observed in serum levels of HDL, ALT and AST in all three groups (P <0.05).Conclusion: Due to the adverse effects of consuming high levels of white and brown sugar on body weight, FBS and insulin resistance, high intakes of these two sweeteners are not recommended.