Effect of DHA Supplementation on The MDA and SOD Levels in Protein Malnourished Rats

Abstract

Protein malnutrition interferes with the synthesis of enzymes served as antioxidants while reducing antioxidants concentration in tissues, leading to oxidative stress. One of the most stable markers of oxidative stress is malondialdehyde (MDA). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has an important role in inhibiting oxidative stress and protecting the tissue from peroxidative damage to lipids and proteins, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the tissue. This study aimed to analyze the effect of DHA on the MDA and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in protein malnourished rats. This study was carried out using the rat model Rattus norvegicus. After delivery, the rats were classified into two groups, namely, the malnutrition group (MG) and the non-malnutrition group (NMG). The MG was given low-protein diet since birth until 50 days old. The MG was further classified into two subgroups, namely the control malnutrition group with normal feed recovery (CMG), and the treated malnutrition group with normal feed recovery and DHA supplementation for 6 weeks (TMG). At the end of treatment, the blood MDA and SOD levels were assessed. The results showed that the MDA levels in the NMG, CMG, and TMG were 812.75 μM, 647.75 μM, and 624.00 μM respectively. The SOD levels were 19.40 μM, 19.20 μM, and 26.80 μM, respectively. The Kruskal Wallis test showed a significant difference in MDA levels between groups (p = 0.001). The posthoc test using the Mann Whitney test showed that the MDA level in TMG was significantly different from that in NMG, but not significantly different from CMG. The Anova test showed a significant difference in SOD levels between groups (p = 0.000). The Tukey posthoc test showed that the SOD level in TMG was significantly different from that in NMG and CMG. DHA has been shown to play an antioxidant role in malnutrition. DHA can increase the levels of SOD enzymes so that oxidative stress that occurs in malnutrition can be reduced. This is proven by the decrease in MDA levels as a lipid peroxidation product. It can be concluded that DHA supplementation can reduce the MDA levels and increase the SOD levels in protein malnourished rats.