Abstract: ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the Gene expression of hepatic 5α-reductase type 1 (5α-R1)and its effects for adrenal cortex in juvenile rat with metabolic syndrome. Methods: 50 grams of male, female SD rats (3 weeks, just weaned) were randomly divided into 3 groups, 12-14 animals in each group, were given routine diet (NC) and high fat diet(FC) and high fat-salt diet (FSC). Then the body weight,, body length, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, visceral fat weight, plasma lipids, plasma cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone were measured 4 weeks later, at the same time oral glucose tolerance test and insulin release test were performed. Hepatic 5α-R1 mRNA were assessed . Results: In the FSC group, body weight, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, visceral fat, plasma glucose and insulin lever significantly increased than the NC group, plasma lipid disorders increased and significant insulin resistance occurred, hepatic 5α-R1 mRNA were significantly increased , serum cortisol,corticotropin-releasing hormone level and adrenal weight had the significant relationship with the5α-R1 mRNA expression . Conclusions: We successfully induced metabolic syndrome in juvenile rat by giving high fat-salt diet .High liver 5α-R1 expression may increase GC metabolic disorder and be related to the occurrence and development of children metabolic syndrome. Targeted regulation prompted 5α-R1 expression and activity may be a early intervention for children metabolic syndrome.

Key words: high fat-salt diet, metabolic syndrome, juvenile rat, 5α-reductase type 1, adrenal cortex function