DIETARY FLAXSEED OIL SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES THE OXIDANT/ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN OBESE AGED RATS

The role of dietary flaxseed oil was investigated at 2,5% and 5% in the modulation of oxidant/ antioxidant status in obese aged rats. Aging male wistar rats randomly allocated into six groups of 10 rats each: a control diet, control flaxseed oil 2,5% diet , control flaxseed oil 5% diet, cafeteria diet, cafeteria flaxseed oil 2,5% oil diet, cafeteria flaxseed oil 5% diet. Malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes, liver and adipose tissue were measured. Then, vitamin C level and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase and glutathion peroxidase) were evaluated. The results showed that malondialdehyde and carbonyl proteins levels were higher in cafeteria-diet group compared with controls, and lower in flaxseed oil diet groups compared to cafeteria-diet. The decrease in vitamin C concentration and catalase and glutathion peroxidase activities were noted in aged obese rats, while these antioxidant parameters were improved in obese aged rats receiving flaxseed oil diet.