THERMOXIDIZED AND PHOTOXIDIZED PALM OIL-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS: EFFECTS ON SOME REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Aribo Ekpe O.*, Amama Ernest A. and Adie Polycarp U.

ABSTRACT

Thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) and photoxidized palm oil (PPO) have been shown to impact negatively on reproductive function in male Wistar rats. The current studies evaluated effects of these oils on some female reproductive parameters and oxidative status considering variations in hormonal and reproductive functions. Fifteen female Wistar rats weighing 80 - 127 g were divided into 3 groups of 5 rats each. Groups 1 (control), 2 and 3 were fed liberally on plain rat’s feeds, TPO and PPO diets respectively for thirteen weeks. Rats being 19-22 weeks old, were anaesthetized and necessary samples collected for estimation of relevant parameters. Results showed significant reduction in utero-ovarian weight in PPO- (P<0.001) and TPO-fed (P<0.001) groups compared with control. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly increased in TPO- (P<0.001) and PPO-fed (P<0.001) groups compared with control and in PPO-fed compared with TPO-fed (P<0.01) groups. Serum catalase (CAT) concentration was significantly reduced in TPO- (P<0.001) and PPO-fed (P<0.001) groups compared with control and in PPO- than TPO-fed (P<0.01) groups. Serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) concentration was significantly lower in TPO- (P<0.001) and PPO-fed (P<0.001) groups compared with control and in PPO- compared with TPO-fed groups (P<0.01). Serum progesterone was significantly reduced in TPO- (P<0.001) and PPO-fed (P<0.001) groups compared with control. Serum estrogen was significantly higher in TPO- (P<0.001) and PPO- fed (P<0.01) rats compared with control but significantly lower in PPO-fed than TPO-fed (P<0.05) groups. We conclude that TPO and PPO induce oxidative stress and alterations in some reproductive parameters in female Wistar rats.

Keywords: Thermoxidized, photoxidized, palm oil, oxidative stress, reproductive, parameters.