Effect of dietary oils from various sources on carbohydrate and fat metabolism in mice

Effect of Formulated Edible Oils From Groundnut and African Walnut Oils on Some Hematological, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Markers in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Wistar Rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of groundnut oil, African walnut oil, and their blends on some biochemical parameters in obese Wistar rats. Obesity was induced with a high-fat diet for 60 days and managed with oils and orlistat for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed on the 29th day, and the serum and blood were collected. The serum was used to evaluate oxidative stress and cytokine markers, while the blood was used for hematology studies. Results showed that oil quality indices were within standard ranges as recommended by the norm. Hematological assessments showed no significant differences in most parameters across groups, except for platelet counts, which were lower in the group taking 100% of groundnut oil. Catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) levels were evaluated in various organs. The normal group exhibited the highest catalase activity in the brain and liver compared with the rats that received the high-fat diet. Notably, GSH activity was higher in the brains of rats receiving the 60:40 blend. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values indicated lower oxidative stress in the normal and 100% walnut oil groups. Nitric oxide concentrations were significantly higher in the normal and walnut oil groups compared with the negative control, suggesting a protective effect against oxidative stress. Cytokine analysis revealed elevated inflammatory markers in the negative control group, highlighting the potential anti-inflammatory properties of the oils. These findings suggest that groundnut oil, African walnut oil, and their blends might have anti-inflammatory activities, might preserve hematological markers, and protect against oxidative stress.

Deciphering the Role of CD36 in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Linking Fatty Acid Metabolism and Inflammation in Disease Pathogenesis

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications which exerts detrimental effects on mothers and children. Emerging evidence has pointed to the important role of the fatty acid transporter protein CD36 in the pathogenesis of GDM. As a heavily glycosylated transmembrane protein, CD36 is widely expressed in diverse cell types, including placental trophoblasts, monocytes/macrophages, adipocytes, and pancreatic cells et al. CD36 plays a key role in lipid metabolism and signal transduction in the pathophysiological mechanism of GDM. The modified expression and functionality of CD36 may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in maternal tissues, interfere with insulin signaling, and subsequently influence maternal insulin sensitivity and fetal growth, increasing the risk for GDM. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the expression and function of CD36 in various tissues throughout pregnancy and explores how CD36 dysregulation can activate inflammatory pathways, worsen insulin resistance, and disrupt lipid metabolism, thereby complicating the necessary metabolic adjustments during pregnancy. Furthermore, the review delves into emerging therapeutic approaches targeting CD36 signaling to alleviate the impacts of GDM. Understanding the involvement of CD36 in GDM could yield crucial insights into its mechanisms and potential interventions for enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Differential Effect of Four-Week Feeding of Different Dietary Fats on the Accumulation of Fat and the Cholesterol and Triglyceride Contents in the Different Fat Depots

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of feeding of a high-fat diet containing different types of lipids for four weeks on the cholesterol and triglyceride contents of different fat depots and on body temperature in rats. Four groups of adult rats were fed 10% fat, containing either beef tallow, safflower oil, or fish oil, respectively, as well as a normal rodent diet with 4% fat, for four weeks. The rats on normal rodent diet consumed significantly more food and water than the rats in the other three groups. Rectal temperature increased only after four-week feeding with safflower oil fat. Increased fat deposition and adipocyte size were observed in rats fed safflower oil and beef tallow. In all fat pads of safflower oil-fed rats, cholesterol content was significantly higher than the other three groups. Feeding of beef tallow increased triglyceride depot without increasing cholesterol content. The rats fed fish oil had significantly less triglyceride and cholesterol deposition in adipose tissues than the rats fed safflower oil or beef tallow. These results clearly demonstrated the differences in fat deposition, adipocyte size and number, triglyceride and cholesterol accumulation in fat cells are dependent on the dietary lipid composition.