ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the comparative effect of polyunsaturated and hydrogenated fats onj lipid profile, platelet count and atherosclerotic plaque development in rats
Methods: 80 Albino rats [Ratis Norvagicus] divided into four groups with 20 rats in each were fed canola oil, sunflower oil and vegetable ghee along with normal chick starter diet. Serum lipid analysis, platelet count and histopathology of aorta for the estimation of atherosclerotic plaques was performed for each group at day one, 60 and 90. The data thus obtained was analyzed statistically by using ANOVA. For lipid analysis enzymatic kits were used while platelet count was determined by hemocytometer. Thin sections of aorta were made and were stained with haematoxylin eosin for histopathology of aorta
Results: The results showed significant increase [p<0.05] in average high density lipoproteins [HDL] cholesterol level in canola oil and sunflower oil fed groups while significant decrease [p< 0.05] in average HDL cholesterol level in vegetable ghee fed group as compared to the control group was observed. A significant decrease [p<0.05] in average value of low density lipoprotein [LDL] level was observed in canola oil and sunflower oil fed groups while a significant increase [p<0.05] in average LDL cholesterol level was observed in group that was fed vegetable ghee. Significant increase [p<0.05] in average serum total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG] and total lipids [TL] was observed in vegetable ghee fed group while the canola oil fed group showed significant decrease [p<0.05] in serum lipids, however some variations were observed in sunflower oil fed group where there was a rise in average values of TG and TL level in serum which were non-significant [p>0.05] while non-significant [p>0.05] decrease in level of TC was observed in this group. Decrease in average platelet count from day one to 90th day of the experiment was observed in control group and vegetable ghee fed group. On the other hand increase in average platelet count was observed in canola oil fed group and sunflower oil fed group though it was non-significant. Development of atherosclerotic plaques was observed in vegetable ghee fed group and none of the other groups
Conclusion: It was inferred from the present results that high intake of hydrogenated fats is associated with a high level of serum cholesterol and may lead to cardiovascular abnormalities as revealed by histopathology of rat's aorta in ghee feed group where clear atherosclerotic plaques were observed