Effects of maternal linseed oil supplementation on oxidative stress markers in cafeteria diet induced obese rats

Abstract

We investigated the role of dietary linseed oil in the modulation of biochemical parameters and oxidant/antioxidant markers in cafeteria-induced obese rats and their offspring. Female wistar rats were fed on control or cafeteria diet, supplemented or not with linseed oil (5%) for one month before and during the gestation. At parturition, the mothers and their offspring were killed. Weight gain, food intake, serum biochemical and oxidant/antioxidant markers were determined. Cafeteria diet induced a significant increase in body weight, food intake and adverse alterations in biochemical parameters such as an increase in serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and oxidant markers. Linseed oil supplementation induced a reduction in weight gain, serum lipids and a modulation of oxidative stress, improving metabolic status. In conclusions, linseed oil displayed remarkable health benefits by decreasing plasma and oxidant/antioxidant markers in both obese mothers and their newborns.