Dietary Fish and Sesame Oil Effects on Serum Lipid Profile of Rats Fed on Coconut Oil Based High Fat Diet

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of dietary fish and sesame oils as protective agents or for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: There were two experiments addressing protective and treatment effects respectively. First experiment had five groups of ten male albino rats. All groups were fed on respective diets for 12 weeks; Group I (control); standard diet, Group II; standard diet with 20% coconut oil, Group III; group II diet with 10% fish oil, Group IV; group II diet with 10% sesame oil, Group V; group II supplemented with fish/sesame oil (5:1 ratio). The second experiment included 40 rats fed on high fat diet for 12 weeks then divided into four groups to be fed for another 12 weeks. Control group was on standard diet. Second, third and fourth were standard diet supplemented with 10% fish, 10% sesame and fish/sesame oil (5: 1) respectively. Fasting lipid profile and atherogenic index were determined. Results: Rats fed on coconut oil showed significant elevation in the levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL-c, atherogenic factor while HDL-c level was significantly decreased. Histological examination revealed large lipid depositions in livers of rats fed high fat diet. Supplementation of diet with fish oil or a mixture of fish/ sesame oil lowered blood cholesterol and prevented atherogenesis hence predisposition for coronary heart diseases. We concluded that, w-3 and/or w-6 prevent atherosclerosis and reduces coronary heart disease.