Background

Metabolic syndrome patients are commonly prone to major health problems as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, cancer and neuropsychological complications including dementia.

Objectives

This research investigates mechanisms linking metabolic syndrome to cognitive impairment and possible impact of vitamin D supplementation.

Methods

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Control, metabolic syndrome (20% fructose solution in drinking water for 12 weeks, vitamin D supplemented (500 IU/kg/day) and metabolic syndrome supplemented with vitamin D. Animals were assessed for spatial memory, hippocampal expression of SNAP 25, VAMP and mGlut2 receptor and hippocampus histological examination. Animals with metabolic syndrome showed prolonged acquisition and retention latencies in morris water maze, decreased hippocampal expression of …