Effect of High-Fat Diet on Peripheral Neuropathy in C57BL6 Mice

Abstract EN

Objective.

Dyslipidemia may contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy, even in prediabetics; however, few studies have evaluated vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress in patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Methods.

Using high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced prediabetic C57BL/6 mice, we assessed motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) using a BIOPAC System and thermal algesia with a Plantar Test (Hargreaves’ method) Analgesia Meter.

Intraepidermal nerve fiber density and mean dendrite length were tested following standard protocols.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.

Results.

HFD-fed mice showed deficits in motor and sensory NCV, thermal hyperalgesia, reduced mean dendrite length, and VEGF-A expression in the plantar skin and increased 12/15-LOX in the sciatic nerve ( P < 0.05 compared with controls).

Conclusion.

HFD may cause large myelinated nerve and small sensory nerve fiber damage, thus leading to neuropathy.

The mean dendrite length may be a more sensitive marker for early detection of peripheral neuropathy.

Reduced blood supply to the nerves and increased oxidative stress may contribute to the development and severity of peripheral neuropathy.