Crab derived dietary chitosan mollifies hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress and histopathological derangements in male albino rats

Abstract

BackgroundInduction of oxidative stress remains a critical link between hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Chitosan (CTS) might play important roles in the management of hyperlipidemia (HLP). Hence, we evaluated the efficacy of CTS on the antioxidant status and histo-architecture of the liver and kidney of hyperlipidemic rats. Design30 male rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n = 5) as follows: normal control (fed with normal diet), Normal diet + 5% CTS (fed normal diet + 5% CTS), High Fat Diet (HFD) (received HFD only). Other groups received HFD but treated with 1, 3, and 5% CTS respectively. After 7 weeks of feeding, the rats were sacrificed. We excised the liver and kidneys for biochemical and histology evaluations. MethodsActivities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), were estimated. ResultsCompared with the normal control, the HFD group had significantly (p < 0.05) reduced activities of plasma, hepatic and renal CAT, GPx, and hepatic GSH level. Furthermore, MDA levels increased significantly in the plasma, liver, and kidneys. In addition, SOD activity increased in the kidney but reduced in the liver. Chitosan (especially 5% inclusion) normalized the altered biochemical indices in the treated groups. Histological evidence suggests that CTS (at 5% inclusion) ameliorated tissue damages to the liver and kidneys. ConclusionThis study concludes that CTS possesses in vivo antioxidative property against HLP- induced oxidative stress in rats. Therefore, chitosan may be a non-toxic and viable regimen in the management of obesity-related complications.