Sex differences in cardio-metabolic and cognitive parameters in rats with high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Excessive dietary fat intake plays important roles in the process of metabolic dysfunction and increases susceptibilities to chronic diseases such as hypertension. Few previous studies, however, have accurately reflected real-world medical conditions. In addition, studies performed to date have not examined detailed sex-differences in cardio-metabolic and cognitive parameters, precluding the development of sex-tailored interventions for patients with metabolic dysfunction who are susceptible to hypertension and cognitive impairment. In this study, using rats with HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction that made them susceptible to hypertension and cognitive impairment, we demonstrate that male rats show greater impairment of acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation of the carotid artery and systolic blood pressure compared to female rats. These findings may provide a basis for the early detection of carotid artery dysfunction and systolic blood pressure increase, especially in males.