Potential mechanisms of improvement in body weight, metabolic profile, and liver metabolism by honey in rats on a high fat diet

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate some potential mechanisms of effects of natural honey on locomotor activity, energy intake, changes in body weight, and hepatic expression of three genes of fat metabolism: fatty acid binding protein 1 (Fabp1), hepatic lipase (Lipc), and apolipoprotein A1 (Apoa1). MethodsMale Wistar rats were fed high fat diet (HFD) (n = 18) or normal diet (ND) (n = 18) for 4 weeks, then treated daily with saline (Group1,n = 6), honey 1 g/kg (Group2,n = 6), & honey 2 g/kg (Group3,n = 6)), for another 4 weeks, continuing on HFD or ND. Food intake, changes in body weight and locomotor activity were monitored weekly. Levels of circulating lipids, glucose, and liver enzymes were determined at sacrifice. The expression of Fabp1, Lipc, and Apoa1 genes were determined through real time-qPCR. ResultsTreatment with high and low doses of honey significantly reduced body weight-gain in HFD as well as ND treated rats compared to saline treated controls. The honey treatment lowered TAG, TC, LDL, VLDL levels (P < 0.05), and enhanced HDL level (P < 0.05) in HFD to a greater degree than in ND treated rats. The expression of Fabp1 was upregulated and Lipc and Apoa1 were downregulated in HFD saline treated rats (P < 0.05) compared to ND saline treated rats. The expression of Fabp1 was significantly downregulated and that of Lipc and Apoa1 were significantly upregulated in HFD honey treated rats (P < 0.05). Histological examination showed improvement in cellular architecture of liver tissue in HFD honey treated rats. ConclusionAdverse effects of HFD on body weight-gain, serum lipids profile, serum glucose, and liver steatosis are reversed by honey treatment in rats. Studies of honey treatment for metabolic syndrome in humans are indicated.