Comparative Contributory Modulatory Effects of Selected Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Lipids Metabolism: An Experimental Animal Model

Objective: Supplementation of food materials with selected microand macro-nutrients is a form of dietary intervention which is effective in improving well-being in human population by preventing, mitigating or reducing the risk factors of certain ailments. This study evaluated contributory effects of linoleic, oleic, palmitic and isopalmitic acids on selected lipids in serum, liver, kidney and small intestine in male Wistar rats.
Methods: The rats were given the diets for 60 days after which the animals were sacrificed. Blood and organs such as liver, kidney and small intestine were collected from the rats. Serum and tissue concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C and free cholesterol were determined spectrophotometrically while VLDL, LDL-C, atherogenic index and body weight gain were calculated. Results:Oleic acid caused highest increase in the serum concentrations of HDL-C and linoleic acid resulted in an increase in LCAT activity. Isopalmitic acid caused highest increase in serum concentration of total cholesterol (TC) while palmitic acid caused highest increase in serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), LDL-C and VLDL. Estimating atherogenic index by TC: HDL-C ratio showed that oleic acid demonstrated least atherogenicity. In small intestine, the levels of TC and TG were least in rats given oleic acid supplemented feed. In kidney, the levels of TC and TG were least in rats given palmitic acid. In liver, the level of TC was least in rats fed palmitic acid supplemented feed while TG was least in rats fed isopalmitic acid supplemented feed.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that fatty acid supplemented diet may possess modulatory effect on lipid metabolism with atherogenic implications

Author(s): Adeleke Ishmael, Adekunle Adeniran Sanmi, Afolabi Olusegun Kayode, Adedosu Olaniyi Temitope, Adelusi Temitope Isaac and Fatoki John Olabode

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