Blood lipid levels and aryl esterase activity of alloxan-induced diabetic rats: effects of 2 weeks omega-3 fatty acid supplementation

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with chronic hyperglycaemia and hyperglucosuria arising from insulin deficiency. It is accompanied by dyslipidemia, a major risk factor contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the effects of omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) supplement on plasma, erythrocyte and lipoproteins lipid profiles as well as aryl esterase activities in plasma and the lipoproteins of alloxan-induced (150 mg/kg body weight (b.wt), intraperitoneally) diabetic male rats were investigated. O3FA (0.4 g/kg b.wt/day) was administered as pre- and post- treatment for 2 weeks. The blood parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. The lipid levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the various compartments of the diabetic rats. The increase was from 30% - 107% for cholesterol, 20% - 52% for phospholipid and 38% - 111% for triacylglycerol. Lipid peroxidation was also increased from 67% in extracellular fluid to 164% in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) compartment. O3FA administration significantly reduced (p<0.05) the levels of cholesterol, phospholipid and triacylglycerol by varying extents in the various compartments while increasing cholesterol and phospholipid levels in HDL. Lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced (p<0.05) by O3FA suggesting that it has protective effect against oxidative damage. Aryl esterase activities in the lipoproteins were also activated by supplementation with O3FA (except in HDL pre-treatment). This study indicates that O3FA supplement attenuates dyslipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus and should be included in diets for prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Author(s): Regina N. Ugbaja, Fisayo D. Owoeye, Beno O. Onunkwor, Oluwatosin A. Dosumu, Adio J. Akamo, Moses A. Aborisade, Akinlabi E. Famoyegun, Afeez A. Oshun and Victor O. Oluwagbemi

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