Impact of Porpoise Oil on Selective Biomarkers Associated with Oxidative Stress in Obesity-Induced in Rats

Background: Porpoise oil is yellow fatty oil obtained from porpoises. It causes a
relative improvement of antioxidative defense via antioxidant enzymatic and non
enzymatic mechanisms. The antioxidant role of porpoise oil is relevant to its
constitution of lipid lowering effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) (PUFAs).
Obesity has become a leading global health problem owing to its strong association
with a high incidence of diseases. Oxidative stress may play a critical role in the
pathogenesis and development of obesity-related diseases. Aim of the work: The aim
of the present study was to evaluate the possible mechanisms of obesity-induced
oxidative stress and to determine the efficacy of porpoise oil on counteracting
oxidative stress induced by obesity in rats. Materials and methods: The study was
carried out on 75 female albino rats which were divided into 5 groups each comprise
15 rats: group I (control non obese), group II (control obese), group III (non obese
with porpoise oil administration), group IV (porpoise oil administration with
induction of obesity) and group V (porpoise oil administration after induction of
obesity). All groups were subjected to estimation of plasma lipid profile, plasma
xanthine oxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hydrogen peroxide level
(H2O2), and malondialdehyde level (MDA). Liver specimens were taken for
histopathological examination. Results: The present study confirmed a state of
dyslipidemia in obese rats manifested by significantly higher plasma levels of total
triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and low levels of HDL-cholesterol as
compared to the control rats. There was significant increase in MDA as well as, H2O2
levels, and xanthine oxidase activity, with significant decrease in total antioxidant
capacity in control obese group as compared to the other groups. Porpoise oil treated
group showed significant decrease in plasma levels of MDA, H2O2, xanthine oxidase
activity, with significant increase in TAC. Also, an improvement in lipid profile and
lobular architecture of the liver occurred with porpoise oil administration.
Conclusion: From these results it could be concluded that obesity is a state of
chronic oxidative stress and may be an inductive factor of several biochemical,
metabolic alterations and also hepatic histopathological changes. Porpoise oil
significantly improves the biochemical, metabolic and histopathological
abnormalities induced by obesity due to its powerful lipid lowering and antiinflammatory
effects and unique antioxidant properties.