Our results suggest that a high sucrose liquid-diet from early life alters the morphology of adrenocortical zones, leading to MetS indicators. No changes in corticosterone serum level were observed in either group. In the sugar-fed group, sucrose consumption produced a major change in adrenal gland asymmetry. In control rats, a histomorphometric asymmetry between the right and left adrenal glands was found. Also, a rise in the concentration of triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, insulin and leptin was observed. After 12 weeks, high sucrose consumption promoted an increase in visceral fat accumulation, adipose cell number, and insulin resistance.

Male Wistar rats were separated at weaning (21 days old) into two groups: free access to tap water (control group, C) or 30 % sucrose diluted in water (sugar-fed group). We hypothesized that high sucrose consumption from infancy promotes histological disruption of the adrenal glands associated with the appearance of metabolic syndrome indicators. In fact, the experimental generation of hyperglycemia has been associated with morphological and microvascular changes in the adrenal glands of rats. View chapter Purchase book Genetic Disorders of the Adrenal Gland Karen Lin-Su.

The zona reticularis develops throughout childhood and then involutes with aging. One factor related to the appearance of MetS components is the dysfunction of the adrenal gland. The adrenal cortex functions primarily to respond to environmental and physiologic stress, to restore homeostasis. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages promotes the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans.

Function of adrenal cortex