Efeito da suplementação do óleo de coco extra virgem sobre parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais de ratos com obesidade induzida por dieta de cafeteria

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation effects of extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) on lipid parameters, weight, and body fat deposit of male and female rats with obesity induced by cafeteria diet. Were studied 48 rats divided into 3 groups (8 males and 8 females): CONTROL group: fed with commercial ration; OBESE Group: fed with cafeteria diet or palatable hyperlipidic diet (PHD); OBESE+COCO Group: PHD and supplemented with EVCO. The animals were weighed weekly, and in weeks 5 and 12 were assessed measures of body length and girth. After 12 weeks blood was collected for determination of total cholesterol and fractions (HDL and LDL), triglycerides (TG), collection and weighing the retroperitoneal and scrotal fat.It was noted that different effects were observed in obese and supplemented males and females. Females in OBESE group had significant elevation of total cholesterol, effect not attenuated by supplementation with EVCO. In TG, oil supplementation has proved beneficial, causing a reduction in serum levels in males and females. In the OBESE group, marked increase in LDL in females, and slightly increased in males were observed, and the supplementation with EVCO was more effective in lowering LDL in males than in females. In relation to HDL, the OBESE group revealed decrease in males but not in females, while in the OBESE + COCO group increased HDL occurred for both genders. The CONTROL and OBESE+COCO groups showed weight gain starting in the fourth and sixth weeks in males and females, respectively, while the OBESE group had won the starting third week in males and at the sixth week in females. Males had weights higher than females at twelve weeks evaluated. In weighing the retroperitoneal fat was observed lower values in CONTROL group, males showed higher values for females of all groups. The scrotal fat weight in the OBESE+COCO group was superior to CONTROL, and as well as circumference. In conclusion, the EVCO supplementation inobese rats showed lipid-lowering effects, mainly in males. However, the practice was not effective in reducing body weight in both genders, and promotes greater accumulation of abdominal fat in males, a risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, when performing EVCO supplementation should be considered where the desired benefit, gender and the possible effects that this supplement can produce.