Quercetin Role in Mitigating Insulin Resistance Mediated Anxiety in a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet Animal Model

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy dietary patterns, particularly high-fat high-fructose diets, are closely linked to metabolic conditions (resistance to insulin) that may lead to anxiety-related behaviors and neuro inflammation. A dietary bioflavonoid, Quercetin possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may provide protective action against such complications.Objectives: To discover the potential of quercetin in reducing metabolic changes in an HFHFrD animal model in turn ameliorating HFHFrD mediated anxiety.Materials and Methods: Rats were fed with HFHFrD for the induction of insulin resistance. 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of quercetin and metformine respectively were evaluated in relation to insulin resistance mediated behavioral changes (anxiety). Behavioral parameters, serum lipid profile, antioxidant status and inflammatory cytokines were determined.Results: Rats administered with HFHFrD showed signs of oxidative stress, insulin resistance, lipid imbalance, neuroinflammation, and anxiety-related behavior. Treatment with quercetin and metformin significantly postponed the symptoms of anxiety by showing evident changes in neurobehavior and biochemical parameters.Conclusion: Quercetin can be used a preventive therapy in anxiety like disorders by reducing neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, behavioural alterations and insulin related biochemical changes.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Anxiety; Insulin resistance; Metformin; Neuroinflammation; Quercetine