Abstract

The effect of hydrogenated palm oil on lipid profiles and on activities of selected glutathione-dependent enzymes in rats was investigated. Male albino wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups, fed on fresh palm oil (control) and hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) supplemented (5% by weight) diets respectively for 10 weeks. Serum cholesterol, liver lipid peroxidation and daily excretion of triacyl glycerol (TAG) and cholesterol in faeces as well as hepatic activities of glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSSG-Rx), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) (also in serum) were monitored both at pre- and post-diet periods. Serum cholesterol, liver lipid peroxidation and daily excretion of TAG and cholesterol in faeces and γ-GT (serum and liver) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the HPO than in the control group. TAG values in the serum and liver and liver activities of GST, GSSG-Rx and GSH-Px were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the HPO than in the control group. The data presented in this study show that consumption of dietary HPO may be associated with cardiovascular disease.

Key words: Trans fats, lipid excretion, triacylglycerol, lipid peroxidation, cardiovascular disease.