Beet (Beta vulgaris) Improve Blood Glucose and AKT2 Gene Expression in High Fat and Fructose-induced Rats

Background: Diet components significant effects on glucose homeostasis. A diet contains high saturated fat and fructose induces insulin resistance and enhanced blood glucose. In contrast, food containing flavonoids such as beet can improve glucose homeostasis via modulation of gene expression, e.g., AKT2, involving glucose metabolism. Aims: This study were to evaluate the benefit of beet on AKT2 gene expression and fasting glucose. Methods: Twenty wistar male was divided into five groups: Normal were fed a normal diet, group HFFD was given a diet containing high fat and fructose, and three groups (HFB1, HFB2, HFB3) were given a diet containing high fat and fructose for eight weeks and continuous fed beet-contained normal diet for six weeks. The percentage of beet in the diet for each 6%, 9%, and 12%, respectively. Results: The fasting glucose was measured before and after the intervention, whereas the gene expression of AKT2 at skeletal muscle tissue was determined after the intervention. A diet high in fat and fructose increased fasting glucose levels, and a beet-contained diet decreased it. Conclusions: The beet 9% substituted diet can improve glucose homeostasis from the effects of a high fat and fructose diet, and the expression of the AKT2 gene may have a role in the process. Keywords: AKT2, Antioxidant, Beet, Fat, Fructose.