Lipid Profile Alterations in Rats Fed Oxidized Palm Oil Diets

This study investigated the effects of oxidized palm oil diets on lipid profile parameters; total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5): control, fresh palm oil diet (FPO), photo-oxidized palm oil diet (PPO), and thermo-oxidized palm oil diet (TPO). After the period of administration, animals were sacrificed under urethane anesthesia, and blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for serum biochemical analysis. The results showed that total cholesterol levels showed no significant differences among groups. However, triglyceride concentrations were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the PPO and TPO groups compared with the control. HDL levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while LDL levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in both PPO- and TPO-fed rats relative to the control. In conclusion, these findings indicate that consumption of oxidized palm oil adversely alters lipid profile, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and contributing to tissue damage.