Biochemical and pathological studies in rats following dietary supplementation with high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E

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.

Key words: Antioxidants, basal diet, PUFAs, vitamin E