Physiological and Histological Effects of Flaxseed Oil on the Liver and Heart Muscle

Abstract

Abstract Background: Flaxseeds are the focus of medical nutrition due to their potential benefits for human health. Flaxseed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and has many biological effects. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of flaxseed oil on lipid profile, liver, and heart. Materials and Methods: One hundred mice were randomly divided into 10 groups: 10 mice for each group (either male or female). Ten males and 10 females served as control groups, group 1 received flaxseed oil orally (60 mg/kg body weight/day). Twenty of them (10 of each gender) were treated for 1 week and another 20 mice (10 of each gender) were treated for 2 weeks. In the same way, group 2 was divided and treated with 120 mg/kg/day. Measurements of serum lipid profile, serum lactate dehydrogenase, serum total protein, and albumin were performed along with histological examination of the liver and heart. Results: The comparative data showed that there were statistically significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), serum albumin, and total protein levels. There were also statistically significant increases in levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Histological examination revealed striking histological changes in the liver and heart. Conclusion: Consumption of flaxseed oil reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels and increased the levels of VLDL, triglycerides, HDL, and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme. Flaxseed oil in high doses causes damage to the liver and heart muscle.