Comparative Studies on the Effect of High Fish and Corn Oil Diet on Lipid Profiles, PPAR-α and FAS mRNA in Swiss Mice

Abstract

Ismail Tamer Ahmed, Mohamed M.A. Hussein, Mohamed M. Soliman, Alhumiany A. Abdelrahman

Background: The hypolipidemic actions of oils reflect their quality and safety for human health. PUFA include omega 3 and omega 6, considered to be essential fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20: 5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6 n-3) are two important long-chain unsaturated FA in essential omega 3 family and are found mainly in fish oil, while arachidonic acid (20 : 4 n-6) is a member of omega 6 family found mainly in plant oils. Objective: The current study was conducted to test the lipidemic effects of two oil supplements and genes expression related to lipid metabolism. Methodology: Experimental mice were fed on normal diet and foods enriched in corn oil or fish oil for one month. Lipid profiles were measured and gene expression of PPAR-α and fatty acid synthase were semi-quantitated using RT-PCR analysis. Results: The current study revealed a significant increase in lipid profiles in corn oil fed group. LDL-C and blood glucose were decreased while HDL-C was significantly increased (p <0.005) in the group of mice fed with fish oil compared to the mice fed with normal diet. FAS mRNA expression was higher in corn oil fed group while PPAR-α was high in fish oil fed group. Conclusion: dietary supplementation of fish oil alters lipid profiles and expression of lipid metabolizing enzymes and is better for health than corn oil.