This could be tentatively attributed to the numerically higher EWAT and RWAT weights observed in STD-GSPE animals in comparison with STD-veh rats, which could negatively impact on insulin sensitivity, since different studies carried out in rodents have shown that the specific surgical removal of visceral fat (EWAT, RWAT and/or perinephric fat) ameliorated insulin resistance or diabetes mellitus44–46. This evidence concerns the gene INS and Insulin resistance.