Effect of Diacylglycerol High Fat Diet on Fat Metabolism in Rat Skeletal Muscle

Abstract

PURPOSE: Although “fat loading” increases oxidative enzymes in skeletal muscle and improves endurance capacity, it is well-known that a long term high fat diet induces obesity. Diacylglycerol oil has been reported to prevent the accumulation of body fat. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of diacylglycerol high fat diet on fat metabolism in rat skeletal muscle. METHODS: Male Wistar rats, 5 weeks old, were assigned to a low fat (LF; n=10) diet (12% calories as fat), triacylglycerol high fat (HTG; n=10) diet (60% calories as fat) or diacyglycerol high fat (HDG; n=10) diet (60% calories as fat) groups. They ate their diets ad libitum for 5 weeks. RESULTS: Epidydimal fat pad weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the HTG diet group than in LF and HDG diet groups. Serum triglyceride level was lower in HDG diet group than in LF diet group. Triglyceride content in triceps muscles was significantly (P<0.05) higher in HTG group than LF and HDG diet groups. CS activity in the red portion of Gastrocnemius muscles is higher in HTG and HDG than LF group (∼75%, P<0.01 and ∼33%, ns, respectively). 3-HAD activity in red Gastrocnemius muscles was higher in HTG diet group than LF (∼33%, ns). CPT-I activity in red Gastrocnemius muscles were significantly higher in HTG and HDG diet groups than LF diet group(∼58%, P<0.05 and ∼93%, P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a long term high diacylglycerol diet may increase fat metabolism in skeletal muscle without fat accumulation and hyperlipemia. Supported by Kao Research Council for the Study of Healthcare Science Grant