Biochemical and pathological studies in rats following dietary supplementation with high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJOL
Abstract
The effects of dietary supplementation with high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and
vitamin E and their interaction on biochemical and pathological parameters in rats were investigated. A
total of 40 rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomized in 4 groups, each containing 10 rats. Group 1
(control) was fed on basal diet. Group 2 was fed on basal diet with added PUFAs to attain a fat level of
24%. Group 3 received basal diet supplemented with 1500 ppm of vitamin E. Group 4 was fed basal diet
supplemented with 24% PUFAs and 1500ppm vitamin E. Zoo-technical parameters on rats, including
clinical picture and body weight changes were observed daily and weekly respectively. The rats were
sacrificed after 20 weeks of feeding. Pathological examinations were done on the liver, kidney and heart.
Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentration (TBArs) in the liver homogenates was determined
for biochemical picture. At baseline Body weight and (TBArs) were homogenous in all the groups.
Following treatments, average body weight in groups 4 and 2 was significantly higher than in group 1
and 3 and mean TBArs levels in the liver was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 2 rats compared to
groups. Furthermore, high dietary supplementation of vitamin E showed no deleterious effects on rats and
no pathological changes in the liver, kidney and heart tissues were observed in the treated and control
groups. The current study reveals that, peroxidative stress attributable to high levels of PUFAs
supplementation in rats maybe counteracted by supplementing PUFA with high level of vitamin E.
Description
Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015; 30 (1): 51-57
Keywords
Antioxidants, Basal diet, PUFAs, Vitamin E