High Fat Diet and Liver Disease in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Elena Bravo, Simonetta Palleschi, Patricia Aspichueta, Xabier Buqué, Barbara Rossi, Ainara Cano, Mariarosaria Napolitano, Begoña Ochoa, Kathleen M. Botham
Primary Institution: Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
Hypothesis
High fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats modifies hepatic homocysteine metabolism via modulation of the transsulphuration pathway.
Conclusion
High fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats is associated with increased plasma homocysteine levels due to reduced activity of key liver enzymes.
Supporting Evidence
- Rats on a high fat diet had 2.6 times more fat in their liver compared to those on a low fat diet.
- Plasma insulin levels were about 6 times higher in high fat diet-fed rats.
- Plasma homocysteine levels increased by 31% in high fat diet-fed rats.
Takeaway
Feeding rats a high fat diet makes them sick by raising harmful substances in their blood, which can hurt their liver and heart.
Methodology
Rats were fed either a low fat or high fat diet for 18 weeks, and various biochemical analyses were performed on their blood and liver samples.
Limitations
The study was conducted on a small number of rats and may not fully represent human conditions.
Participant Demographics
Male Wistar rats, 200 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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