Effects of <em>Chaenomeles japonica </em>Fruit Juice on Energy Balance, Biochemical and Histological Parameters in a Model of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with an increased cardi-ovascular risk. The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of Chaenomeles japonica fruit juice (CJFJ) on energy balance, biochemical and histological parameters in rats with di-et-induced MS. Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were allocated into 5 groups. For ten weeks, the Control group received a standard laboratory diet and tap water, while the other groups were given a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Control and MS groups were treated with distilled water, while the other three groups – with CJFJ at increasing doses. Results: Rats on HFHF diet consumed less food, more liquids and had a higher caloric intake than group Control. Among the CJFJ-treated animals, increased food consumption, as well as increased total caloric intake, and no difference in body weight gain were observed in comparison with group MS. CJFJ did not affect glucose tolerance, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. CJFJ prevented HFHF-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and caused a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in serum. The medium CJFJ dose prevented HFHF-induced increase in adipose tissue indices. Liver and adipose tissue histology revealed a protective effect of CJFJ. Conclusions: CJFJ exhibited appe-tite-stimulating, antioxidant, antiobesogenic and liver-protective properties in rats with diet-induced MS.