ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of isoflavone on serum lipids and antioxidant enzymes activities in growing rats fed high lard diet. Twenty four female Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 50–60 g) were divided into three groups, control, high fat (HF, lard 200 g/kg diet) and high fat + isoflavone (HFI, lard 200 g/kg diet + isoflavone 310.9 mg/kg diet) for 4 weeks. The results of study indicated that body weight gain was not different by isoflavone diet. Mean intake was significantly lower in HF group and HFI group than control group. Food efficiency ratio was significantly higher in HF group and HFI group than control group. The level of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly lower in HFI group than control group and HF group. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, was significantly higher in control group than HF group and HFI group. The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was not significantly different by experimental diets, but atherogenic index (AI) was significantly lower in control group and HFI group than HF group. Contents of total cholesterol and triglyceride in liver tissues were found to be insignificant. The concentration of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde was significantly lower in control groups and HFI group than HF group. And antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue were not significantly different by lard and isoflavone supplemented diets. In conclusion, it seems possible that isoflavone supplemented high fat diet may produce positive results on level of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, AI and concentration of malondialdyhyde.