Pumpkin seed proteins (Cucurbita pepo L.) protect against diet-induced metabolic syndrome by improving insulin resistance and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in rats

Abstract Pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo L. ) seeds are enriched in bioactive compounds having functional properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the pumpkin seed proteins (PSP) effects on insulin resistance, oxidative stress damage and inflammation rats with high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. Twenty four male Wistar rats, fed isoenergetic diets supplemented with: (1) 20% casein (C); (2) 1 g/kg/day PSP (P); (3) 64% D-fructose (C-HF); (4) casein, (P-HF). After 8 weeks treatment, fructose supply impaired white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, deteriorated glucose tolerance tAUC, plasma glucose, insulin, insulinogenic index, HOMA-IR HOMA-β, antioxidant status, lipid protein oxidation, TNF-α IL-6 as compared control diets. Interestingly, assigned PSPs diet or without displayed lower fructose, improved HOMA-β increased index C consumption lowered thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides carbonyls WAT muscle. Superoxide dismutase glutathione peroxidase were significantly diminished P-HF but P C-HF C. Rats had low catalase muscle than those C-HF. Moreover, activity decreased group group. In conclusion, exhibit favorable disorders syndrome, suggesting a key role disease therapy.